(JOHNSTON) Iowa Corn is proud to announce 10 scholarships to be awarded through the Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture Scholarship program to high school seniors and college students for the 2012-13 school year.  

The Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture Scholarship program awards five $500 first-year scholarships and five $500 upperclassman scholarships to individuals who are pursuing that will equip them to contribute to the agriculture industry in Iowa. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.

 
Applications were judged by a selection committee and applicants were evaluated on their essays, applications, letters of reference, and their current grades and activities. Applicants are also members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association or a dependent of a member.

The following students will be awarded $500 scholarships and will be recognized at the Iowa Corn Annual Meeting in August.

 
High School Senior Scholarship Winners;  
Adam Striegel, What Cheer
Nathan Ohms, Harlan
Kendra Wuthrich, Bloomfield
Dustin Lange, Alburnett
Alex Cohrs, Logan

College Scholarship Winners;
Bethany Olson, Jewell
Rob Mensing, Greenfield
Brent Sexton, Rockwell City
Marcie Stevenson, Wheatland
Katherine Mittman, Nevada

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a membership organization lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its 6,700 farmer members. Both organizations work on the joint mission to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.

Press Release

02/29/2012

(ATLANTIC) An Atlantic woman was arrested Tuesday for Prescription Fraud or Deceit and Prescription Fraud by Impersonation. The Atlantic Police Department says 29-year-old Bridget Barnholdt was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked in.

The Atlantic Police Department also reports that 28-year-old Megan Rieck, of Atlantic, was cited and released on Tuesday for Simple Assault.

Mandy Billings

02/29/2012

(Council Bluffs) Council Bluffs Police are investigating an assault that left a female seriously hurt late last night.

A 911 call came in at around 11:19 p.m. in reference to a female assault victim in the 200 block of South 9^th Street. The Council Bluffs Fire Department transported the female to Mercy Hospital for medical treatment then to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for further treatment.

The female victim has severe injuries to her face and trauma to the body. She was unable to provide information on the suspect at the time of this press release.

The victim is a white female in her 40’s. Her name will not be released until family members can be contacted. The investigation is on going.

Tom Robinson

February 29, 2012

6:23 a.m.

(Des Moines) The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Wind Advisory from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. today for several southwest and west central Iowa counties. Those counties include; Adair, Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Carroll, Guthrie, Adams, Union, Taylor, and Ringgold counties.

Forecasters say strong winds will develop by 6:00 a.m. west of Highway 71 by sunrise and increase to near Interstate 35 by 9:00 a.m. and remain strong for the remainder of the day. A corridor between Highway 30 and Highway 34 is expected to experience the highest winds with gusts over 50 miles per hour at times.

Winds will reach 30-35 miles per hour for much of the day with gusts between 45 and 55 miles per hour by late morning through mid-afternoon.

Loose objects will be blown around resulting in minor property damage. High profile vehicles will have difficulty driving especially on north-south roads and interstates.

Tom Robinson

February 28, 2012

(AUDUBON) A Hamlin woman has been charged with two counts of Assault on a Peace Officer and two counts of Interference with Official Acts. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office says 32-year-old Brooke Marie Hines was arrested on Sunday following an investigation into an incident that occurred in the 1500 block of 200^th Street. Hines was held in the Audubon County Jail. She was released following her initial appearance before the magistrate.

Mandy Billings

02/28/2012

(ATLANTIC) A Washington man was busted for drugs on Interstate 80 in Cass County Monday afternoon.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Wayne Brosam said at around 4:40 p.m. he stopped a white 4-door Honda Accord near the 51-mile marker on westbound I-80 for speeding. Brosam said during his conversations with the driver he noticed several indicators of criminal activity.

“At that time I went ahead and asked for consent to search his vehicle, which I was denied, so I called Cass County Deputy Kyle Quist to bring his K9 to run a sniff on the vehicle,” said Brosam. “Quist’s dog did indicate a positive odor of narcotics in the vehicle and then during a search of the vehicle we found some personal use of marijuana and some drug paraphernalia and we also located $4,000 in U.S. currency that was located in one of the side pockets of the driver’s suitcase.”

Brosam said 42-year-old Lloyd Dual, of Eatonville, Washington, was arrested and transported to the Cass County Jail.

Mandy Billings

02/28/2012

(Harlan) Iowa’s Education Department director Jason Glass is requesting a waiver, allowing it to ignore the federal no child left behind rules. He has argued that the federal law is too rigid and relies too heavily on standardized test scores to rate the performance of schools.

Harlan Community Schools Superintendent Justin Wagner says, “The important thing I would say to teachers in Iowa is that sometimes when you are seeing these things passed out or waivers being mentioned in lots of conversations are that some folks believe that a lot of teachers in Iowa aren’t working hard enough and I guess I would just argue against that vehemently. I believe we have really good people across the state that really wants to be good, and pour their hearts and souls into it.”

Wagner admits there are always exceptions in every business or institution.

“Your always going to have in a small percentage, in any institution or any business that makes the headlines for the wrong reasons, but I would tell you that a vast majority of teachers in Iowa I think as I get into different circles not only in the Harlan Community School district but in others is that they are trying hard. It makes me a little sad that sometimes a perception might be when some of these were formed that these folks weren’t giving it their all, but I would have to say it is quite the opposite. I think that the teachers are giving it their all, and I think it’s an opportunity to get better,” said Wagner.

The Iowa Department of Education wants to replace the federal rules with a system that has rigorous standards both for student performance and teacher qualifications. Glass says the state’s plan will be part of larger proposed changes to Iowa’s K through 12 education system that are designed to ensure students make real progress each year.

Tom Robinson

February 28, 2012

(DES MOINES) The opportunity to spend the summer in an Iowa state park is available for individuals who serve as campground hosts.

Campground hosts receive free camping at a designated site while they help state parks staff by assisting campers, explaining park rules, and helping with registration, and serving as an impromptu local tour guide. Hosts will help park staff to keep the park clean and with light maintenance.

Hosts are needed for the season at Pine Lake, Pilot Knob, Walnut Woods, Lake Keomah, Lake Manawa, Lewis and Clark, Bellevue, Backbone, Beeds Lake, Clear Lake, Ledges, Nine Eagles, Pikes Peak, Viking Lake, Yellow River and Elk Rock.

If an entire season is too much, three state parks have host needs of shorter durations. Hosts are needed from April through June at Lacey-Keosauqua, from the end of June through October at Prairie Rose, and for July and August at Volga River.

Applications are available online at volunteer.iowadnr.gov then click on the campground hosts link toward the middle of the page.  Or, call 515-242-5074 to have an application mailed.

Iowa DNR

02/28/2012

(Sidney) The Fremont County Sheriff’s office is asking the public’s help in identifying individuals responsible for the recent thefts of tractor weights.

Authorities say farmers have reported six separate incidents of front weights being stolen off of their tractors. The losses are adding up to several thousand dollars. Currently, the thieves have targeted only John Deere brand tractors.

Anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction is urged to call the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-432-9240 or 712-374-2424. The caller will remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.00.

Tom Robinson

February 28, 2012

1:00 p.m.

(ADEL) An Adel man accused of fatally shooting another man says he was just trying to scare the man, not kill him.

Brandon Madren is charged with first-degree murder and reckless use of a firearm causing injury. The Des Moines Register says court document show the gunshot that killed Nathan Greene, of Adel, was fired from a third-story apartment window on February 18^th.

Madren told police that Greene tried to kick down his apartment door, then left the building and was standing on Madren’s car in the parking lot. Madren says Greene was threatening him when Madren fired a rifle, hitting Greene in the chest.

Madren remains in the Dallas County Jail on $500,000 bond.

02/28/2012

(Atlantic) Cass County Memorial Hospital generates 431 jobs that add $24,760,000 to the area economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association.  In addition, CCMH employees by themselves spend $5,839,659 on retail sales and contribute $350,380 in state sales tax revenue. 

“People are often surprised to learn how many people we employ and the size of our business,” noted Pat Markham, CCMH Administrator.  “It takes a lot of patient care professionals to enable us to care for our community twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and even more staff behind the scenes.”     

“The quality jobs provided by the Cass County Memorial Hospital provide a direct impact to our community,” Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Megan Roberts said. “The local employee base stimulates the housing, retail and service business economies and those who commute into Atlantic give a boost to local gas stations, restaurants and retailers also. The community involvement we see from CCMH and the staff also contributes to a high quality of life in the Atlantic area.”

The IHA study examined the jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals and the rest of the state’s health care sector.  The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data on the American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey of Hospitals and with software that other industries have used to determine their economic impact.

The study found that Iowa hospitals directly employ 70,363 people and create another 65,783 jobs outside the hospital sector.  As an income source, hospitals provide $3.9 billion in salaries and benefits and generate another $2.3 billion through other jobs that depend on hospitals.

In all, Iowa’s health care sector, which includes employed clinicians, long-term care services and assisted living centers, pharmacies and other medical and health services, directly and indirectly provide 333,554 Iowa jobs, or more than one-fifth of the state’s total employment.

“People are often unaware of the contributions that hospitals make to their local economies, including the number of people they employ, the significance of hospital purchases with local businesses and the impact of their employees’ spending for the entire region,” said Kirk Norris, IHA president/CEO.  “Just as no one provides the services and community benefits found at our hospitals, there is also no substitute for the jobs and business hospitals provide and create.”

(Atlantic) Cass County Memorial Hospital generates 431 jobs that add $24,760,000 to the area economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association.  In addition, CCMH employees by themselves spend $5,839,659 on retail sales and contribute $350,380 in state sales tax revenue. 

“People are often surprised to learn how many people we employ and the size of our business,” noted Pat Markham, CCMH Administrator.  “It takes a lot of patient care professionals to enable us to care for our community twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and even more staff behind the scenes.”     

“The quality jobs provided by the Cass County Memorial Hospital provide a direct impact to our community,” Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Megan Roberts said. “The local employee base stimulates the housing, retail and service business economies and those who commute into Atlantic give a boost to local gas stations, restaurants and retailers also. The community involvement we see from CCMH and the staff also contributes to a high quality of life in the Atlantic area.”

The IHA study examined the jobs, income, retail sales and sales tax produced by hospitals and the rest of the state’s health care sector.  The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data on the American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey of Hospitals and with software that other industries have used to determine their economic impact.

The study found that Iowa hospitals directly employ 70,363 people and create another 65,783 jobs outside the hospital sector.  As an income source, hospitals provide $3.9 billion in salaries and benefits and generate another $2.3 billion through other jobs that depend on hospitals.

In all, Iowa’s health care sector, which includes employed clinicians, long-term care services and assisted living centers, pharmacies and other medical and health services, directly and indirectly provide 333,554 Iowa jobs, or more than one-fifth of the state’s total employment.

“People are often unaware of the contributions that hospitals make to their local economies, including the number of people they employ, the significance of hospital purchases with local businesses and the impact of their employees’ spending for the entire region,” said Kirk Norris, IHA president/CEO.  “Just as no one provides the services and community benefits found at our hospitals, there is also no substitute for the jobs and business hospitals provide and create.”

Press Release

2/28/2012

(Elk Horn) The Little Mermaid Trail Project is one of 12-finalist for a $1,000 IMT-Insurance project grant. Jill Madsen, chairman of the project is encouraging people to go to the IMT Group on Face book and click like on the Little Mermaid Trail Project to help increase their chances for a $1,000 donation.

Madsen says the bicycle and walking trail project would connect  Elk Horn and Kimballton and provide healthy activities for people in the community especially for those that enjoy bike riding.

“We have children that live in Kimballton that do a lot of events in Elk Horn with the school, and swimming pool,” stated Madsen. “The ball fields are heavily used in Kimballton and it would be nice for Elk Horn students and families to access those facilities via the trail  also.”

Madsen says future plans along the route include; fitness stands, Frisbee golf, and art for people that enjoy that.

The Little Mermaid Trail Project includes several phases, and is expected to take several years to complete and donations are still being taken for the $1-million project.

Tom Robinson

February 27, 2012

Noon, news

(Audubon) The Audubon City Council is expected to set a date for a public hearing for the 2012-2013 budget at tonight's meeting.

The proposed budget carry's a tax levy of $19.29, per thousand dollars of valuation compared to the current levy of $18.88. According to the Audubon City Clerk's Office, the incoming tax dollars are lower this fiscal year to do the devaluation of property. The Audubon City Clerk's Office is projected to receive $787,934.00 in fiscal year 2012-2013, compared to $813,651.00, in fiscal year 2011-2-12.

The Council is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on March 12, at 7:00 p.m. The date for the public hearing will be set by the Audubon City Council tonight at their meeting that starts at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall,

Tom Robinson

February 27, 2012

10:00 a.m.

(Atlantic) Cass County Fair Officials have released the schedule for the 2012 County Fair, and it is different than in the past.

Cass County Fair Officials are adjusting the schedule to make it easier for community members to attend.

The fair starts on Wednesday, July 25 with preparation day starting at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 26 is check-in day for swine, rabbits, horses, poultry, dairy and beef. That same day static exhibits will be judged and the food sale will be held. The evening activities include the King and Queen Contest, and senior recognition.

Friday, July 27, will be the beginning of the livestock shows including; the rabbit and horse show at 9:00 a.m. and the feeder calf show at 5:00 p.m. Bull Riding will be the evening activity.

Saturday, July 28, is the sheep and pet show, along with Educational Presentations, Extemporaneous Speaking and working exhibits. The evening activity includes the ATV races.

Sunday, July 29, is the Swine, Dog, Poultry Shows, and Decorator Showcase. The tractor pulls and Horse Fun show will be held in the evening.

Monday, July 30, includes the Beef, Dairy and Dairy Goat shows. The Style Show and Building Awards will also be presented. The Grand Champion Beef Selection will be held Monday evening. The finals of the skid loader rodeo will be held following the Grand Champion Beef Selection Show.

Tuesday, July 31 is the livestock sale, and Wednesday is cleanup day, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Tom Robinson

Feb. 27, 2012

8:00 a.m. news

(Greenfield) The charges against two former Nodaway Valley wrestlers have been amended.

According to a Des Moines Register report, 18-year-old Michael Feick and 18-year-old Jacob Schliessman both of Greenfield now face felonious assault charges. Following what was first reported as a hazing incident, the two individuals had been charged last month with second degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony. Those charges have been changed to fellonious assault which is a Class C felony.

The Definition of a felonious assault is a criminal assault that is classified as a felony and involves the infliction of serious bodily injury by the use of a dangerous weapon

Bennett Blake

2/26/12

9:00 a.m.

Bennett Blake

2/26/12

9:00 a.m.

(Farragut) When students from Hamburg and Farragut began playing baseball together as Nishnabotna in the summer of 2010 things went so well that they ended up at the state baseball tournament and finished the season with a 19-6 record. When students from Hamburg and Farragut began going to school together in the fall of 2011 things did not go so smoothly according to an Omaha World Herald article. The piece states that Hamburg students have complained about feeling unwelcome at the school which is located in Farragut. There are also accusations of teachers playing favorites depending on your hometown. The Hamburg school board is said to have vowed to work with the Farragut school board to help kids from each town get along better. 

Bennett Blake

2/25/12

(ATLANTIC) Spring is right around the corner and to prove it the Trevor Frederickson Memorial Fund recently donated $100 to the Atlantic Nursing and Rehab for the annual Easter Egg Hunt that is going to be held on Saturday, April 7th.

02/24/2012

(ATLANTIC) Cass County has chosen to do a county-wide mailing of voter registration cards this year as they have had Election Precinct changes based on the 2010 census and have also had several voting center changes since the 2000 census.

The Cass County Auditor requests that you do not return the card if all the information is correct and you would be checking the top box (the one to the left of the statement “I am the registered voter named on this card, and I still live at the address listed.”) It is not required that you return the card.  The cost to return each card to the County Auditor is over one dollar (about $1.08).

Iowa Code Section 48A.28(3) states that certain information must be placed upon the second half of the postcard used to send the new voter registration form.  The Code states: “The card shall contain boxes for the recipient to check to indicate one of the following:

1. That the recipient is the registered voter named on the card, and is still a resident at the address listed.

2. That the recipient is the registered voter named on the card, but is no longer a resident of the address listed.

      3.  That the recipient is not the registered voter named on the card, and the registered voter named on the card is not a resident of the address listed.

The Cass County Auditor notes that if the recipient needs to mark the box before the statement for number (2) or number (3), the recipient should return the card to the Cass County Auditor.

However, if box number (1) applies, then the recipient does not need to return the card.   They may take the voter registration card, trim it if they wish, and place the new registration card wherever they choose to keep identification cards and discard the second half of the postcard.

Press Release

02/24/2012

(Atlantic) Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones wants to hear the public’s opinion on the proposed speed limit change on 22^nd Street from Highway 71 to Olive Street and Chestnut to Highway 6.

The Community Protection Committee is meeting Friday afternoon, February 24, at 4:00 p.m. in the city council chambers at City Hall, to discuss whether or not the City Council should lower the speed limit on those two stretches of 22^nd Street from 45-to-35 miles per hour.

"Everyone is welcome," stated Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones. "In reality, it only takes 15-seconds longer at 35-miles per hour than the current 45-mph.The issue is safety, so let's look ahead alittle bit."

In addition the Community Protection Committee is scheduled to discuss deer hunting during the committee meeting on Friday afternoon as well.

Tom Robinson

February 23, 2012

7:00 a.m. newscast

(Atlantic) The Atlantic Police Department reports the arrest of an Atlantic woman. 23-year-old Kayla Ashburn was placed under arrest and transported to the Cass County Jail. Ashburn wass arrested for Driving While Revoked and also faces a charge of Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs.

Bennett Blake

2/23/12

12:15 p.m.

(Marne) Marne Fire Fighters battled a semi-trailer fire this morning on Interstate 80 near the 52 mile marker.

The fire was confined to the trailer and the cause is unknown. The Semi was successfully unhooked from the trailer and did not receive any damage.

Tom Robinson

February 23, 2012

a.m. newscast

(GLENWOOD) A Plattsmouth, Nebraska man was arrested in Mills County on a warrant for Violation of Probation, Burglary 3^rd and Theft 2^nd. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office says 35-year-old Billy Ray Hunter was arrested on Friday at the Cass County, Nebraska Jail. His bond was set at $11,000.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office also reports the arrest of 29-year-old Jeff Dale Hankins, of Tabor. Hankins was arrested on Friday on a warrant for Assault and Harassment. His bond was set at $5,000.

And, 39-year-old Brian Joseph Bullington, of Red Oak, was arrested on Sunday for Harassment. His bond was set at $1,000.

Mandy Billings

02/22/2012

(COUNCIL BLUFFS) A Council Bluffs man was sentenced Tuesday in United States District Court in Council Bluffs on drug and gun charges.

Forty-one year old Gary Eldred Kremer was sentenced upon his conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for possessing a sawed-off shotgun in furtherance of drug trafficking. Kremer faces 120 months imprisonment on the methamphetamine conspiracy and 120 months imprisonment on the firearm charge. The charges are to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 240 months imprisonment. Judge Jarvey also sentenced Kremer to 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment, plus a $200.00 special assessment for the Crime Victims Fund. The Defendant was ordered to remain in the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal Bureau of Prison facility at which he will serve his federal sentence.

Kremer pled guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy and the sawed-off shotgun charge on September 8, 2011.

The case arose out of a search warrant executed at Kremer’s residence in Council Bluffs, on January 18, 2011, by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. At the time of the search, co-defendant Shannon Hardisty was also living at Kremer’s residence. During the search, officers found indicia of drug trafficking and, in Kremer’s bedroom, a loaded sawed-off shotgun. Much of the conspiracy’s drug dealing occurred in Kremer’s room at the residence. Further investigation by SWIN TF determined that the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine was carried out in Council Bluffs from approximately the summer of 2010, to January 18, 2011, and involved an estimated 1.4 kilogram of mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

Shannon Hardisty was previously sentenced to 170 months in prison for Hardisty’s participation in the methamphetamine conspiracy. This case was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Press Release

02/22/2012

(COUNCIL BLUFFS) A citizen of Mexico was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment for illegal entry after deportation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa says Luis Conde-Alcala was sentenced on Tuesday for being an illegal alien found in the United States after deportation without proper consent. United States District Judge, John Jarvey, also ordered Conde-Alcala to serve a three year term of supervised release following incarceration.

Conde- Alcala entered a guilty plea being in the United States illegally on May 5, 2011. On September 8, 2010, Conde-Alcala was found by immigration officials in Pottawattamie County jail awaiting disposition on a state criminal charge. A check of immigration records showed that Conde-Alcala had been deported from the United States on several occasions prior to being found in Pottawattamie County jail; the last time being September 4, 2008. The records also revealed that Conde-Alcala had not applied for readmission from the Department of Homeland Security as required.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Press Release

02/22/2012

(Atlantic) The Cass County Democratic Executive Committee elected committee members during their regular meeting Tuesday night.

Sherry Toelle, was re-elected chair, Kathy Kerns, Vice-chair, and Cheryl Wessels, Secretary. Dale Whitaker was elected Treasurer, filling the retirement of former treasurer Helen Pigg. Officers will serve a two-year term, 2012-2013.

Tom Robinson

February 23, 2012

10:00 a.m., February 22

(Avoca) 34-year-old Aaron Hocken of Avoca has been arrested by the Pottawattie County Sheriff's on a porbation violation. The arrest came after after a five and a half hour standoff that ended peacefully at his parent's home near Avoca. Sheriff Jeff Danker explains that the warrant for Hocken's arrested stated that Hocken may be considered armed and dangerous.

"The deputies arived there and made contact with an individual male and he denied being Aaron. The deputies kept pressing him, trying to figure out who he was, and he ran into the house and would not come back out again."

At that point, the deputies contacted the emergency response team.

"The E-R-T team arrived and Council Bluffs Police negotiators came out to assist also. They continued to try to make contact with the individual and it started about 4:00 p.m. We actually were able to put a throw-phone inside the house and continually tried to contact him and he did not respond."

Danker says at about 9:15 the nogotiators did make contact with Hocken who peacefully surrendered and was placed under arrest for the probation violation. Hocken was taken to the Shelby County Jail.

Bennett Blake

2/22/12

(Harlan) A Shelby County woman was injured in a single vehicle accident in Audubon County this (Tuesday) morning.

The Iowa State Patrol says 46-year-old Patty Hildreth, was injured in the crash that occurred at around 7:53 a.m. on Highway 44 west of 240^th Street. Elk Horn Rescue transported Hildreth to the Audubon County Memorial Hospital.

The Iowa State Patrol says Patty Hildreth was traveling east on Highway 44 near 240^th Street. Due to the 100% ice covered roadway, the vehicle slid off the roadway, entered the south ditch and rolled coming to rest on its top.

Tom Robinson

February 21, 2012

3:00 p.m.

(Anita) Fans will be seated in new bleachers at the CAM football field this fall. The CAM School Board approved the bid for the project at Monday night’s meeting. CAM’S Schools Superintendent Steve Pelzer says the board opened bids for the bleacher replacement project for their football and track project and there was one bid submitted from Seating and Athletic Enterprises in the amount of $171,326.00.

“The board passed a resolution to offer the form of contract and we are hoping work will start shortly after school is out this spring and be completed by the middle of July,” stated Pelzer, adding that the new bleachers will be much safer and meet all of the ADA requirements.

Pelzer says the project also includes new bleachers in the bank on the visitor’s side.

Tom Robinson

February 21, 2012

11:00 a.m. news

(Atlantic) The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 18 year old Christopher Joe McVey of Atlantic. McVey was arrested Sunday on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance. McVey was taken to the Cass County Jail and later released on his own recognizance.

Bennett Blake
2/21/12
Noon
 

(Atlantic) A Cass County woman suffered minor injuries after her car slid off the road this morning. Rescue crews responded to the scene at 7:55 a.m.

Cass County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jon Westering says, 59-year-old Debra Sietz, of Atlantic was northbound on Olive Street approaching Echo Road when her vehicle slid out of control while attempting a left hand turn.

“As she attempted to turn left do to the icy conditions we were experiencing all over the county this morning, the car slid into the ditch and rolled onto its top.”

Chief Deputy Westering says Sietz was transported by Medivac Ambulance to the Cass County Memorial Hospital with minor injuries and later released.

Tom Robinson

February 21, 2012

11:00 a.m.

(ATLANTIC) The Cass County Memorial Hospital construction and renovation project is proceeding on schedule, with occupancy of the new two-story addition expected late this summer.  Officials hosted a tour for members of the media recently to provide an update to the community.

One phase of the 30-month project has already been completed – the expansion and remodeling of the Atlantic Medical Center.  A 1,240 square foot addition housing exam rooms and office space for Dr. James Brown’s obstetric and gynecology clinic opened in October 2011.  Internal remodeling to create four additional family medicine exam rooms, nurses station, clinical offices and a new blood draw station were completed the first week of February 2012.

“We are very pleased with the progress of construction and quality of work being done,” said Pat Markham, CEO.  “Our contractors have been diligent about staying on schedule, and the mild winter has certainly helped them accomplish that goal.” 

Construction on the 41,690 sq. ft. addition to the east side of the hospital began in March 2011.  The first floor of the addition will house a new Emergency Department, surgical suites and same day surgery area.  Crews are currently installing millwork and finishing the wallpaper and paint in these areas.  Gridwork for the acoustical ceiling tiles is being hung, and three elevators are being installed.

The second floor of the addition will house the medical/surgical, obstetric, and intensive care inpatient units.  Progress on the second floor is about three weeks behind the first, as crews work their way through the project.  The east half of the second floor is currently being dry walled and some wall finishes have begun.  Wall units in the patient rooms are being installed, which anchor furnishings and house medical equipment connections including oxygen supplies and patient monitors.  The west half of the second floor is being sheet rocked, and crews are finishing up the mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins.

The addition is expected to open for patient care late this summer.  As departments relocate to the new area, remodeling will begin on the vacated space in the existing hospital building.  “When remodeling begins, we are going to see a lot more construction activity in public areas,” Pat noted.  “We will work to keep our community informed as changes occur.  We certainly appreciate everyone’s patience as we make the necessary changes to ensure our ability to continue to provide outstanding patient care in an efficient, state-of-the-art facility.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A QUICK VIDEO TOUR

Press Release

02/20/2012

(Guthrie Center) Iowa Lottery Officials say somebody who spent $2 on a Power ball ticket at a Casey’s convenience store in Guthrie Center has won a $1 million prize.

According to a press release, the player matched the first five numbers in Saturday’s Power Ball drawing but missed the power ball. Nobody won the $50 million jackpot.

A clerk at the Casey’s at 100 North fifth Street told lottery headquarters that nobody had heard from the lottery winner.

In January, the cost to buy a Power Ball ticket went from $1.00 to $2.00 and the prize for matching the first five numbers also went up to $1 million, from $200,000.

Saturday’s winning numbers were 23, 28, 50, 56, 59 and Power ball 5.

Tom Robinson

February 20, 2012

11:00 a.m.

(Adel) An Iowa man is a suspect in the shooting death of a Dallas County man.

Adel Police say 26-year-old Nathan Greene, of Adel, was shot Saturday night outside an apartment complex. He died later at a hospital.

Investigators say 24-year-old Brandon Madren is suspected of shooting Greene. Madren was being held in the Dallas County Jail on suspicion of First degree murder and a weapons charge.

Tom Robinson

Feb. 20, 2012

7:00 a.m. news

(Clarinda) A Page County man died in a plane crash south of Clarinda Sunday afternoon.

Authorities say 53-year-old Jac Crain, Clarinda was flying a BD-4 single engine experimental aircraft owned by Crain Construction Company of Clarinda. A witness says the plane appeared to be turning back toward the Clarinda airport when the crash occurred killing Crain.

Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer says Crain was the only one in the plane when it went down. The Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call shortly after 1:30 p.m.

Sheriff Palmer said Sunday that the FAA was still investigating the crash.

Tom Robinson

February 20, 2012

6:00 a.m. news

(DES MOINES) Does the mild winter mean a bounty of bugs this spring and summer? ISU Extension Entomologist Donald Lewis says that’s a question that’s really tough to answer.

“There are so many insects that work in so many different places and hibernate in so many different ways that no one explanation is going to cover them all,” said Lewis.

He says it’s possible the praying mantis and the bag worm might benefit, but the white grubs who prefer a blanket of snow cover might suffer. Lewis notes, even if the mosquito suffers in the winter, a few survivors can quickly bring the population back to normal. But, a lot will depend on rainfall in the spring.

Iowa Radio Network

02/18/2012

(DES MOINES) As gas prices rise, so do the prices consumers have to pay for food that’s trucked to their favorite stores. ISU Extension Nutritionist Jody Gatewood says, get ready.

“On the consumer price index; the dairy and your meat, poultry and fish, you’re going to see the biggest prices in those types of items,” said Gatewood. “Fruit will go up, but it didn’t look like it was going to rise quite as much.”

So, if you’re not already doing so, she says check the ads, including online specials and coupons, and try substituting a meat dish one night with a bean dish; an economical source of protein.

Iowa Radio Network

02/18/2012

(GLENWOOD) Two people were arrested on Theft and Burglary charges in Mills County Tuesday.

The Sheriff’s Office says 20-year-old Cody Jacob Blezek, of Pacific Junction, was arrested for Accessory to Theft 4^th, Accessory to Criminal Mischief 4^th and Accessory to Burglary 2^nd. 18-year-old Dustin Wayne Griffin, of Pacific Junction, was arrested for Theft 4^th, Criminal Mischief 4^th and Burglary 2^nd.

Blezek and Griffin were held on $12,000 bond each.

Mandy Billings

02/18/2012

(HARLAN) A Harlan man was charged with Assault following an altercation on February 9^th. The Harlan Police Department says police were notified of an altercation that took place at 707 Durant Street. Garth Brammann, custodian of the apartment complex, told police that 53-year-old Michael Garrison had assaulted him and caused damage to the property. Complaints charging Garrison with Assault and 5^th Degree Criminal Mischief were filed with the Shelby County Clerk of Court.

Mandy Billings

02/17/2012

(HARLAN) A Harlan woman has been charged with supplying alcohol to persons under legal age. The Harlan Police Department says 43-year-old Kimberly Musich was charged after police received an anonymous tip that there was underage drinking at a home in the 1000^th block of Tarkington Street. 20-year-old Jesse Seyler and 16-year-old Shantel Ayers, both of Harlan, were charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol. All three subjects were cited and released.

Mandy Billings

02/17/2012

(Harlan) Agencies who rely heavily on the global positioning system are breathing a sigh of relief today. Tuesday, the FCC turned down telecommunications company LightSquared and its majority owner Harbinger Capital Partners venturecp to provide wireless service in rural America. The FCC ruled that potential interference with GPS units was too much to overcome to make the network feasible in rural areas.

Dan Lucas, Precision Ag Specialist with HTS Precision Ag Solutions in Harlan says the FCC found out that the wireless signal would be competing directly with all of the GPS receivers.

"It didn't matter if it was from the military, from aviation or from agriculture, the we're most worried about," stated Lucas. "But, the band width of LightSquared and what they were going to do was put up about 700-towers in the United States and broadcast a very high powered signal that would have blown the GPS signal out of the water because it is coming from satellites that are 100-150 miles up in the air."

Though rural areas are in need of wireless service, agriculture groups and farm equipment companies have opposed the project based on concerns that the Lightsquared signal could interfere with GPS Precision-agriculture systems.

Lucas said, "The FCC stepped in and said.....HOLD ON...we have a problem here. And that is when those big GPS players like Trimble, Garmin, John Deere and all the people that we work with said this is going to affect us drastically, and they were right."

The FCC approved Lightsquared to build its ground network in 2005. In 2010, the FCC amended the plan to require the company to build a national broadband network that reached 260 million Americans. However, tests conducted last year show interference on 69 of 92 personal/general navigation GPS receivers as proposed by LightSquared.

Tom Robinson

February 16, 2012

4:00 p.m.

(GREENFILED) Charlie’s Tires Plus, an auto repair business in Greenfield, was destroyed by a fire this morning. Firefighters were called to the fire at around 4 a.m. and when they arrived on scene the building was fully engulfed. The business, located just off of the city square, was a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Mandy Billings

02/16/2012

(Atlantic) The speed limit on West 22^nd Street from Highway 71 to Highway 6, may not be reduced from 45-mph to 35-mph after all. The Atlantic City Council tabled the second reading of the new ordinance Wednesday night.

Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones says some constituents want to keep it at 45 miles per hour at least for part of the route. “Some people want the speed limit to be 45-miles per hour from Palm Street to Highway 6. Chief says of you reduce the speed limit by 10-miles per hour on that same stretch of road and someone gets a ticket the first thought is “Speed Trap.”

Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green believes that the hilly terrain tends to hide driveways along this section of road making a 45-mph speed unsafe. Green conducted a 48 hour survey of 22^nd street both east of Olive and west of Chestnut Street and found that the average speed of vehicles was 37mph. The safety standard used by traffic engineers set speed limits at the 85^th percentile of those vehicles traveling on that section of road.

Chief Green’s said that his recommendation takes onto consideration that people often exceed the posted speed limit.

Tom Robinson

February 16, 2012

Noon

(GLENWOOD) A former part-time Glenwood Community Schools audio-visual support technician facing charges of sexually abusing a female student pleaded not guilty late last week and has waived a speedy trial.

According to court records, 19-year-old Andrew Schoening has been charged with 3^rd Degree Sexual Abuse. The charge was filed after a 15-year-old girl told Police that Schoening forced her to have sex in a closet at the high school. Schoening admitted to Police that he did have sex with the minor and that he knew she was underage.

Schoening is currently free on bond.

Mandy Billings

02/16/2012

(ATLANTIC) The Atlantic Jaycees’ Annual Comedy Night will be held this Saturday at the Cass County Community Center.

“This year we’re proud to present hypnotist and comedian Doug MacCraw,” said Peerbolte. “He’s been around the community a couple times, he puts on a really good show, and it’s a clean show so you don’t have to worry about getting up on stage and doing anything that might be embarrassing.”

Brad Peerbolte, Jaycees Vice President, says this is a 21 and older show. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and can be purchased at Rex Pharmacy and the Chamber. Tickets will cost $15 at the door. Peerbolte says the money raised goes toward the Jaycees fundraising efforts.

“Really our big fundraising all year goes towards our fireworks that we have on the 4^th of July every year,” said Peerbolte.

Peerbolte says they will also hold a raffle and there will be plenty of door prizes. Peerbolte gives a special thanks to their sponsors, First Whitney Bank and Hy-Vee.

Mandy Billings

02/15/2012

(ATLANTIC) An Atlantic man was arrested on a Cass County Warrant for Harassment, 3^rd Degree. The Atlantic Police Department arrested 26-year-old Albert Johnson on Tuesday and transported him to the Cass County Jail.

Mandy Billings

02/15/2012

(ATLANTIC) Atlantic Park and Recreation Director Roger Herring appeared before the Atlantic School Board Tuesday night to discuss the aging tennis courts at Sunnyside Park.

Herring gave an in-depth presentation on the history of tennis in Atlantic and then showed pictures of the damage on the tennis courts.

“In the aerial views you can see the discoloration of the courts from the top, you can see where there is missing surfacing and the areas that are worn, cracked, worn over and weathered,” explained Herring. “You can see the cracking that is taking place in the surface and the actual surface is being worn off.”

Herring made a request to the Board that the district share 50% of the cost of the reconstruction of the tennis courts. The estimated total cost of the project, after the help of a couple possible grants, would be at $177,015, which means the Atlantic School’s share would be $88,507.

“The facts support the dire need for the reconstruction of the courts at Sunnyside Park,” said Herring. “By reconstructing the courts at Sunnyside it will reestablish Atlantic as a top outdoor facility in Southwest Iowa. Everybody used to want to come to Atlantic to play tennis because number one; we had great facilities, and number two; we are centrally located. It would also put Atlantic back in contention, this is a real key issue, for hosting or getting back on what I term, the tournament trail.”

Herring stated his reason for asking the School Board to share the cost is because there has been a long history of partnerships between the City, Parks and Rec. and the School System, including the summer Rec. programs and when the tennis courts were built at Washington Elementary.

“In 1976 and 1977, the Washington courts were built by the School District with the project cost of around $50,000. The courts were completed and the City of Atlantic, through the request of the Parks Board, paid the school district in August of 1977 $27,879.30 for the use of the courts by the City,” explained Herring.

Herring said the last time that he could find evidence that the courts were refinished was in 1978 and Stuart Dusenberry, President of the Park and Rec. Board and former Tennis Coach, says he thinks they may have been repainted in the late 1980’s. Herring said if the school opts out of sharing the cost the Park and Rec. Department would have to look for other sources to fund the reconstruction and that would significantly delay the project.

Mandy Billings

02/15/2012

(ATLANTIC) Four people were arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Cass County Saturday.

The Atlantic Police Department arrested 29-year-old Justin Taylor, 26-year-old Aaron Rayborn, 28-year-old Cortney McIntire, all of Lewis, and 35-year-old Thomas Williamson of Griswold.

All four individuals were transported to the Cass County Jail and booked in.

Mandy Billings

02/14/2012

(Atlantic) The Nishna Valley Family YMCA in Atlantic has released its’ official financial loss from the December Cyber Theft that infiltrated the institutions financial system and stole ten’s of thousands of dollars from their bank account.

In December 2011, the Y’s computer system was infected by a computer virus that targeted their financial transactions systems and initially drained $54,000 from the Y’s account.

Atlantic “Y” Executive Director Dan Haynes says $18,500 has been returned and a small insurance reimbursement leaves them with a loss of about $30,000.

Haynes says this is the first time the Nishna Valley Family YMCA has experienced something like this, and they have been working with technology experts and local bank officials to make sure it never happens again.

“We are actually changing the way we do our bank drafts,” stated Haynes. “Right now we are going directly to the bank to do our transfers and that will change as soon as we get our new membership software up and running. Haynes says that was already planned before the theft occurred.”

Haynes says the FBI has not reported back to the Nishna Valley Family YMCA in regards to their investigation.

Tom Robinson

February 14, 2012

6:00 a.m. newscast

(ATLANTIC) Cass County Health System and Cass County Home Care announce the availability of free women’s health screenings.

Karla Akers, Care for Yourself Coordinator at Cass County Home Care, says the screenings include mammograms, clinical breast exams, and pelvic exams with or without pap smears.

“Jenny Edmundson wrote a Komen grant for mammography screenings, so between Jenny Edmundson and Cass County Memorial Hospital and the Care for Yourself program, we linked together to combine our services for women ages 40 to 64,” said Akers. “There are no necessary income guidelines or insurance requirements for those mammograms, so we just want any woman that needs to have a mammogram to call us. We do have other services provided through the Care for Yourself program and there are some income guidelines for those, but there are also some additional screenings that could go hand-in-hand with the mammograms.”

Enrollment numbers are limited and services must be completed by the end of March. Women interested in accessing the women’s health screenings should contact Karla Akers at 712-243-7443.

Mandy Billings

02/13/2012

(ATLANTIC) A Cambridge, Iowa man was arrested on drunken driving charges following an accident in Cass County February 8^th. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the single-vehicle accident occurred at 645^th and Jasper Road. 26-year-old Kyle Christopher Goudeau was arrested for OWI 1^st Offense and Driving under Suspension. He was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was released on his own recognizance later that day.

Mandy Billings

02/13/2012

(WIOTA) Fireman with the Wiota and Anita fire departments battled a machine shed fire at 58282 690^th Street east of Wiota this morning.

Randy McElfish, Assistant Fire Chief for the Wiota Fire Department, said the call came in at around 8:12 this morning and when firefighters arrived on scene the machine shed was fully engulfed.

“The whole building is going to be a complete loss,” said McElfish. “We had some slight minor explosions inside, nothing real major. The main concern was he [the owner] had some Lp tanks inside and acetylene tanks, which never did go off for us, fortunately. We got everything under control. There was a little damage to the house, some siding melting from the heat, but mainly it was all confined to the main structure.”

McElfish said the owner stated that he had started a corn stove in the machine shed earlier in the morning and went inside the house. The owner heard an explosion and went outside to see the machine shed on fire.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES

Mandy Billings

02/13/2012

(Wiota) The Anita and Wiota Fire Departments have been dispatched to a shop fire at 58282 690^th Street at this hour. According to scanner traffic the structure is fully engulfed in flames. The Cumberland Fire Department has been called in to assist.

No other details are available at this time.

Tom Robinson

February 13, 2012

8:30 a.m. newscast

(Omaha) A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 6:00 p.m. this evening for the counties of Monona, Harrison, Shelby, Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, Fremont, and Page Counties.

Forecasters say snow will continue across the area today. In addition, freezing drizzle will be possible mainly along and south of Interstate 80 by mid-morning.

The Weather Service says much of eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa will see an inch or two of snow with around 3 inches expected across northeast Nebraska. The heaviest snow will likely be falling during the morning commute.

The combination of 1-3 inches of snow along areas of freezing drizzle will make for difficult travel conditions especially during the morning drive to work. Slick roads and sidewalks along with reduced visibilities can be expected. Motorists should allow plenty of extra time to reach morning destinations.

Tom Robinson

February 13, 2012

6:00 a.m. news

(Omaha) Eight southwest and west Central Iowa Counties are on the northeast edge of a Winter Weather Advisory that goes into effect at midnight tonight.

The National Weather Service says Page, Fremont, Montgomery, Mills, Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby and Monona Counties will be under a Winter Weather Advisory from midnight tonight until 6:00 p.m. Monday evening.

Forecasters say snow is expected to develop before daybreak Monday and continue throughout the day before coming to an end late Monday afternoon. A total of 1-to-3 inches of snow is expected to accumulate with the heaviest amount occurring during the morning commute.

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

Tom Robinson

February 12, 2012

A.M news

(CLARINDA) A Clarinda man wanted in Fremont County in connection with a chase on February 2^nd has been arrested.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office says at around 8 p.m. on Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Page County Sheriff’s Office that a male matching the description of 44-year-old Alan Craig Gardner, was in the Clarinda Hospital. The Clarinda Police Department went to the hospital and identified him and placed him under arrest. He was then picked up by Fremont County and is being held on $50,000 bond.

Gardner faces charges of Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Possession of Precursor; anhydrous ammonia, Unauthorized transport of anhydrous ammonia, Possession of a Controlled Substance; methamphetamine, and 2^nd Degree Theft.

Mandy Billings

02/10/2012

(Ames)  The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) will hold a public information meeting Tuesday, Feb. 21, to discuss the proposed bridge replacement on Highway 92,  1 mile west of Highway 148 in Cass County.

The public is invited to attend the meeting anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Massena City Hall, 100 Main St.

This public information meeting will be conducted utilizing an open forum format. Iowa DOT staff will be present to informally discuss the proposed improvement. No formal presentation will be made.

Traffic on Iowa 92 would be detoured during construction using Cass County roads N-28 and G-43, and Iowa 148.

For general information regarding the proposed improvements or public meeting, contact Don Stevens, assistant district engineer, Iowa DOT District 4 Office, 2210 E. Seventh St., Atlantic, Iowa  50022, telephone 712-243-3355 or 800-289-4368, e-mail donald.stevens@dot.iowa.gov.

Tom Robinson

February 10, 2012

10:00 a.m. news

(HARLAN) An Omaha man was arrested on drug charges in Shelby County. The Harlan Police Department says 20-year-old Brian Sheehan was arrested following a traffic stop on February 7^th. He was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, and Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp.

Mandy Billings

02/09/2012

(HARLAN) A Harlan woman was charged with theft following an incident at the Elm Crest Retirement Home. The Harlan Police Department says on January 28^th, officers were notified that a clutch purse, containing $60 cash and a gift card, were missing from a resident’s room and the retirement home. As a result of the investigation, a complaint was filed with the clerk of court charging 31-year-old Erica Lacey with 5^th Degree Theft.

Mandy Billings

02/09/2012

(ANITA) A new business opened its door in Anita on January 30^th. Anita Supply Company is a retail hardware and lumber center located at 309 Truman Road.

“Anita hasn’t had anything like this for quite a few years, so we’re really excited and hopefully the community is excited also,” said Kim Wendt, co-owner of Anita Supply Company.

Wendt said opening the new business has been in the works for a long time.

“We outgrew our store, Adair Lumber Company in Adair; that was an old building that we started with, and we basically outgrew it so we decided to open up this store in Anita,” explained Wendt. “It’s been a little bit of an adventure, there’s just been a lot of things we had to do to prepare for the building itself, but it was well worth the wait.”

Anita Supply Company is currently open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Kim Wendt says when the weather changes, the hours may change as well.

Mandy Billings

02/09/2012

(MISSOURI VALLEY) Two people were transported to the hospital following a single vehicle accident in Pottawattamie County Tuesday.

The Iowa State Patrol says 49-year-old Jose Vargas-Monroy, of Omaha, was driving a 2000 Plymouth Breeze southbound on Interstate 29 when he lost control on the icy road. The vehicle went straight into the median and the back end rotated causing the vehicle to come to rest facing northwest in the median.

Twenty-nine year old Flor Martinez, a front seat passenger, was non-responsive and transported to the Missouri Valley Hospital. 26-year-old Berta Martinez, a rear seat passenger, was also transported to Missouri Valley Hospital for possible injuries. The Iowa State Patrol says neither of the female passengers or the driver was wearing seatbelts. An infant and four-year old were also in the vehicle and were uninjured.
 

Vargas-Monroy was cited for Failure to Maintain Control, Violation of Financial Liability-Accident, and Failure to Wear/Maintain Safety Belts.

Mandy Billings

02/09/2012

(Corning) A Corning woman was jailed after striking two vehicles parked in front of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday night.

According to the press release, 41-year-old Jodie Hastings was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and having no valid driver’s license.

According to the Adams County Sheriff's Office, Hastings was traveling on Davis Avenue in Corning when her car struck the Adams County Magistrates’ vehicle and a vehicle owned by the Adams County Dispatcher.

Hastings was jailed following the incident that occurred just after 11:00 p.m.

Tom Robinson

February 9, 2012

6:00 a.m. news

(COUNCIL BLUFFS) The man who was killed after falling from an escalator in Council Bluffs Friday has been identified at 62-year-old Robert McIntyre, of Omaha, Nebraska. Authorities say McIntyre was going from the second floor of Ameristar Casino up to the third floor when he stumbled and fell over the escalator railing. McIntyre fell nearly 25 feet to the first floor. He was transported to an Omaha hospital where he later died.

Mandy Billings

02/08/2012

(WALNUT) The science program at the Walnut Community School has been awarded a Walnut Communications Growing Communities Grant totally $1,000. This grant was given to Mr. Brian Nichols and his science students in grades K – 12. The money will assist in purchasing several items needed for the science lab to assist in learning and also help to support student science projects for the Iowa Science Fair. Mr. Nichols has a broader goal to expose students the sciences and possibly develop career intentions in science related fields. Letters of support for this ‘project’ were received from members of the city council, school board and school staff.

The Walnut Communications Growing Communities Grant program was started several years ago to give back to the communities Walnut Communications serves (including McClelland, Underwood, Neola, Persia, Minden, Shelby, Avoca and Walnut). Each year the grant program can award up to $10,000 total across the communities.

Press Release

02/08/2012

(Oakland) Riverside school district voters say no for the second time in a year to a $13.3 million dollar bond issue.

According to the Pottawattamie County Auditor’s Office the referendum to build a new $21.6 million dollar K-12 facility just south Oakland received 54.96 percent of the vote. This is just shy of the 60-percent supermajority needed to pass the school bond issue. The unofficial results show 925-voted yes, and 758 voted no. The new facility would have replaced the existing high school and elementary schools in Oakland, and the middle school students in Carson

In Macedonia, 126 voted yes, and 111 said no. Carson school district voters had 218 “yes” votes, and 169, “no” ballots. In Oakland, 416 said yes, and 169 voted no.

In April 2011, the referendum received 53-percent of the vote.

Tom Robinson

February 8, 2012

A.M. news

(Harlan) The Shelby County Board of Supervisor’s passed the counties fiscal year 2013 budget at their meeting this (Tuesday) morning. There was no opposition during a public hearing on the new budget that carries with it a 10-percent tax increase.

“Yes we did have a 10-percent increase this year. But overall if we average out the last 10-years is it less than a 1-perent increase per year,” stated Marsha Carter, Shelby County Auditor. “The reason for that are the cuts and organizational changes that the board of supervisor’s has made over the years.”

Carter says for example, the county has contracted services that replaced  full-time employees. She says by making those changes, the county has saved about $100,000 annually.

 The county plans to bring in approximately $554,877 more tax money next year to offset increases in expenses including; wage increases, large increases in workman’s compensation insurance premiums, and secondary road expenses.

County officials say this year a tax increase is necessary to provide the same services to the county residents.

Under the proposed budget, residential property owners will see a two percent decrease in their taxes while commercial property owners would experience a three percent increase. Farmland owners will notice a 15-percent increase on ag land only, and a seven percent increase on ag property with dwellings.

Last year, farmland was increased seven percent, residential and ag property was up six percent. Commercial property saw a two percent increase.

Tom Robinson

February 7, 2012

2:00 p.m. news

(COUNCIL BLUFFS) Thirteen pounds of marijuana and some baked marijuana goods were discovered during a traffic stop in Pottawattamie County Monday.

Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker said at around noon, Deputy Miller was working on Interstate 80 near the 7 mile marker when he noticed an eastbound 2012 Ford Mustang exceeding the speed limit. Deputy Miller stopped the vehicle and after speaking with the driver and passenger, Deputy Miller suspected the two were possibly involved in transporting drugs. Danker said at that point he had his service dog Francisco do a free-air sniff around the vehicle.

“Francisco alerted on the vehicle that there was a smell of a presence of drugs coming from the vehicle and Deputy Miller then searched the vehicle and located 13 pounds of marijuana, that were packaged pounds of marijuana, and he also located some baked marijuana goods that were in the vehicle,” said Danker.

Danker said 20-year-old Ryan Vardeman, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and 26-year-old Charles Thompson, of Huntington Park, California, were arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Tax Stamp Violation, and Prohibited Acts. Both were booked into the Pottawattamie County Jail.

Mandy Billings

02/07/2012

(RED OAK) A Red Oak man was arrested on a Red Oak Police Warrant for Assault. The Red Oak Police Department says 27-year-old Scott Jacob Cisar was arrested on Monday and transported to the Montgomery County Jail where he was held on $300 bond.

Mandy Billings

02/07/2012

(Council Bluffs) The President of Iowa Western Community College isn’t too happy with Governor Terry Branstad’s community college funding proposal.

The Governor has recommended an increase of $4-million in general state aid but also has proposed trimming $10.1 million from the programs that train people for industry.

Iowa Western Community College President Dr. Dan Kinney says the good news is the $4 million increase in state aide.

“I am pleased that the Governor understands that the general state aide is used to help pay for the operation of the community colleges and hold tuition costs down for our students.”

However, Dr. Kinney doesn’t agree with the Governors’ proposal to trim $10.1 million dollars from programs that train people for industry.

“It is kind of disappointing that he would do that,” stated Dr. Kinney. “My response to it is that I find it difficult as to how the state is going to achieve the Governor’s goal of creating 200,000 highly skilled jobs in the state of Iowa, if we don’t educate people to fill those jobs.”

Dr. Kinney says if the funds for business and industry are eliminated, the training programs will be eliminated too.

“A very good example is right there in Atlantic with the new design technology program,” stated Dr. Kinney. “We are using some of the infrastructure money to help us purchase the equipment and that sort of thing to start that new program of study. So we wouldn’t be able to do those kinds of things in the future either.”

Dr. Kinney admits this is just a proposal in the Governor’s budget recommendation before it becomes law. Dr. Kinney is hopeful that legislators will change the Governor’s budget recommendation in the final budget that will be sent for him to sign.

Tom Robinson

February 12, 2012

a.m. news

(AUDUBON) A Walnut man has been charged with Child Endangerment.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Phillip Bradley Pool this (Monday) morning on an outstanding Audubon County warrant. The charge stems from an incident at the Exira School on January 15^th. The charge was filed after an investigation into the incident by the Exira Police Department.

Pool was released following an appearance before the magistrate. A preliminary hearing has been set for February 23^rd.

Mandy Billings

02/06/2012

(ATLANTIC) An Atlantic man was arrested on a Military Desertion Warrant. The Atlantic Police Department arrested 24-year-old James Erickson on Saturday and transported him to the Cass County Jail.

Mandy Billings

02/06/2012

(ATLANTIC) A Wiota man was charged with OWI, 1^st Offense, following an accident in Cass County Friday.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says 63-year-old Christopher Ray French was driving a 2004 Chevy Avalanche westbound on Hamburg Road when he lost control of the vehicle, struck a bridge railing, and rolled off the side of the bridge. French was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and transported to the Cass County Jail where he was released the following day on $1,000 bond.

French was not injured in the accident. The damage to his vehicle was estimated at $14,000.

Mandy Billings

02/06/2012

(Council Bluffs) An Omaha man who fell from an escalator died from his injuries over the weekend.

News Sources say a 62-year-old man, whose name was not released, apparently stumbled on the escalator at around 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs. He lost his balance and fell over 20-to-25 feet to the floor.

The man died of head injuries that evening at the Nebraska Medical Center. Officials do not believe alcohol was a factor.

Tom Robinson

February 6, 2012

a.m. news