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Travel plans to NE Iowa? Forecasters warn intense snow squalls are possible tonight

News, Weather

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Some 20 counties in north-central and northeast Iowa will be under a Winter Weather Advisory today (Friday), from 2-until 10-p.m., when there is the potential for snow squalls. Meteorologist Brad Small, at the National Weather Service in Johnston, says it’ll be quite windy statewide this afternoon with unseasonable highs in the upper 30s, 40s and even low 50s, but a cold front will arrive late this afternoon and into tonight. “That will bring even stronger northwest winds with gusts of 35, maybe even 50 miles per hour across the north half of Iowa as that front moves through,” Small says. “The front may also bring a period of snow showers, some of those may be intense, with some brief snow squalls as well.”

The weather roller coaster will likely continue over the next several days.  “The weekend looks dry and we have some temperature flip-flops,” Small says. “Cool on Saturday but quite warm Sunday with highs in the 40s and 50s, but then we cool down again. Winter’s not over. We have chances for wintry precipitation, possibly some snow accumulations and multiple precipitation types for a system Monday and Tuesday.” The forecast high temps for Tuesday are only in the teens.

Winter Weather Advisory for those counties in purple; Wind Advisory for counties in light brown. (updated 11:36-a.m.)

Keep up with the forecast at weather.gov.

ISU researcher studies link between music and Parkinson’s disease improvement

News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – An Iowa State researcher is studying how singing can help those who have Parkinson’s disease. Elizabeth Stegemoller says Parkinson’s disease affects an area of the brain that controls movement and she’s trying to find out how music impacts its symptoms. “We haven’t looked at whether or not it is going to hold off the progression of symptoms — but we do see that their singing can help improve some of the symptoms,” she says.

Stegemoller is an associate professor of kinesiology, and a music therapist with a doctorate in neuroscience, She says the first music study found patients were helped with their breathing and the muscles used for swallowing. “This is important because aspiration pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in people with Parkinson’s disease — because of swallowing issues,” Stegemoller explains. “And so the breathing part is even important because you want that forceful cough to get rid of any particular foreign material if it does get into the lungs.”

Stegemoller says one study found other benefits as well. “They reported that they felt less stress, that they felt a better camaraderie and bonding between participants. And one lady even mentioned — well several mentioned that they moved better,” she says. One of the symptoms of Parkinson’s that is most noticeable are the tremors that cause movement and says another study found similar movement results. “Their walking and tremors and posture improved after singing,” Stegemoller says.

Stegemoller says the symptoms can vary greatly among patients, so she is not trying to come up with one singing plan for everyone. “My goal is to really understand the why behind it. You know, why is this working? Because I think music in itself is so individualized that it would be challenging to standardize just one treatment that works for everyone that involves music,” Stegemoller says. She says Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease behind Alzheimer’s.  “Iowa in particular it is actually more prevalent than one would think. We have one of the highest populations of people with Parkinson’s disease because of kind of our environment in particular. Our herbicides and pesticides have been linked to Parkinson’s disease,” Stegemoller says.

Stegemoller received a three-year grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to determine the underlying mechanisms by which singing helps improve symptoms of those with Parkinson’s disease.

Sunday program in Atlantic: Cass County in the Wild West

News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – If you’ve ever wondered what Cass County was like about 140-years or so ago, you will probably want to attend a special program – Cass County [in] the Wild West taking place 2-p.m. this Sunday, Feb. 20th, at the American Legion Memorial Building (The Armory), in Atlantic. Dana Kunze, who served as Superintendent for the Griswold Community Schools from 2007-2016, will present a report stemming from his research, on the lawlessness that was a part of the early history of Cass County in the late 1800s.

The American Legion Memorial Bldg./ “Armory,” in Atlantic. (Photo by ARISE)

His research shows robberies, hangings and murders were committed here just as they were everywhere as folks moved west. One such example is of a body found in 1876 floating in the Turkey River on the Lewis and Atlantic Road. He was not a local resident. There’s more to the story. Kunze has researched these stories through newspapers, and. Cass County history books.

Kunze began his love of research very early in life. He grew up on a farm near Lewis and the Mormon Pioneer Trail. His parents fueled his interest in local, state and national historical sites. He was involved from the beginning with restoration of Hitchcock House. Kunze continues his work to clarify the history of the Underground Railroad and Southwest Iowa.

The presentation is sponsored by Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE) and supported by Atlantic Community Promotion Commission. It is free and open to the public. The American Legion Memorial Building (the Armory) is handicapped accessible. It is located at 201 Poplar Street in Atlantic.

Council Bluffs man arrested on drug charges Monday evening

News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Council Blufs, Iowa) – The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a Council Bluffs man was arrested Monday evening on drug charges, following a traffic stop on Interstate 29 northbound at mile marker 60. Authorities say 35-year-old Kyle Steven Johnson was taken into custody for: Driving While Barred/Habitual Offender; Conspiracy with intent to Manufacture/Deliver more than 5 grams but under 5 kilograms, of methamphetamine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Affix a drug tax stamp. Johnson’s bond for the offenses was set at $32,300 altogether.

Monday afternoon, 37-year-old Sheena Marie Griffen, of Omaha, was transported from the Mills County Jail in Glenwood to the Pottawattamie County Jail in Council Bluffs. Griffen was wanted on a warrant for Violation of Probation. On Thursday, 20-year-old Elijah Matthew Jones* was arrested at a residence east of the State Patrol Headquarters in rural Council Bluffs. Jones was wanted on a Council Bluffs Police Department warrant for OWI/1st offense.

Early this (Friday) morning, 28-year-old Allyson MacKenzie Landen, of Underwood, was arrested for OWI/1st offense, after Pott. County Dispatch advised law enforcement that a semi tractor-trailer had been hit by a pickup truck on westbound Interstate 80 at mile marker 11, in Council Bluffs. Landen was transported to the Pott. County Jail and held on a $1,000 bond.

The Pott. County Sheriff’s Office reports also, two people being held at the Douglas County, Nebraska, Jail, were transported to Pottawattamie County under separate warrants. 37-year-old Krystle Marie Schulte, of Omaha, was wanted for Robbery in the 1st Degree – Inflict or attempt serious injury or armed w/a dangerous weapon. Her bond was set at $25,000. And, 37-year-old Michael Christian Sexton, of Omaha, was wanted for Theft in the 3rd Degree. His bond was set at $2,000.

*The report did not indicate or confirm his address of residence.

Fliers of colorful kites from across the US headed for icy Clear Lake fest

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – What’s billed as the Midwest’s largest and most colorful winter kite festival is scheduled for Saturday in north-central Iowa. Libby Hohn, tourism director for the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, says the Color The Wind Kite Festival is an exhibition of hundreds of traditional and inflatable kites, and even stunt kites doing aerial choreography to music. “We’re expecting great crowds and beautiful kites,” Hohn says. “We have dozens of kiters from all over the United States and even a kiter coming over from England to show off their kites.”

The 36-hundred acre lake is an ideal venue for kiting, she says, as there are no obstacles like trees or power lines. Ten-thousand spectators are expected for the one-day festival which will go on whatever the weather — as long as there’s wind. “Several years ago, there was very low wind and they would just attach kites to some ATVs and drive them around to try and pick up some wind,” Hohn says. “The way our topography is here in Clear Lake, there’s typically a nice breeze or wind so that’s also what makes us a great sailing lake in the summertime.”

Color the Wind Kite Festival (File photo, Clearlakeiowa.com)

At last check, the ice was 19-inches thick, so it’ll be safe to walk right onto the frozen lake to take in the spectacle in the skies. “We really recommend to dress for the weather. If you want to wear ice cleats on your boots, if you’re going to venture out on the ice, that helps with stability,” Hohn says. “If you’re bringing children, we recommend bringing a wagon or even a sled to pull them around on the ice.”

She notes, only kiters can park on the ice, though there’s free parking at Clear Lake High School and free shuttles. The event runs Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Atlantic Area Chamber Ambassadors Celebrate with Skip’s Home Décor & More

News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors, Thursday, visited with Leah Mundorf, owner of Skip’s Home Décor & More on East 7th Street, to celebrate the Grand Opening of her Home Décor/ Gift Shop in Atlantic. After closing The Gym, Leah and her husband Mitch were left with an opportunity to try something new. That something new came in the form of a Home Décor Store named after Leah’s late mother’s nickname. Leah is passionate about decorating and helping people create gifts for others and you can sense that when you arrive in the newly remodeled building.

Skip’s Home Décor & More has a little bit of everything from decorative signs, pillows, flowers and candles alongside cards, gift bags, and even some clothing. Leah has no desire to expand into clothing, but she “couldn’t help herself” with some of the pieces on display. Skip’s Home Décor & More has regular business hours of Monday and Thursday, 10AM to 6PM, Tuesday and Friday, 10AM to 3PM, and Saturday, 10AM-2PM.

Skip’s Home Décor & More is located at 1000 E. 7th Street in Atlantic. To learn more about Skip’s Home Decor, visit their Facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/879933082670149/

Deere reports 1st quarter net income dropped more than $321-million

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s largest manufacturing employer is reporting a drop in income but a rise in sales. John Deere is reporting first quarter net income of 903-million dollars. That’s down more than 321-million from the first quarter a year ago. Worldwide net sales and revenues for Quad Cities-based Deere rose five-percent in the quarter to more than nine-and-a half billion, up from about eight-billion last year.

Deere chairman and C-E-O John May calls the performance “impressive” given last fall’s U-A-W strike as well as “persistent challenges posed by the supply chain and pandemic.”

2022 Healthiest State Annual Award winners announced

News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 18, 2021) — Officials with the Healthiest State Initiative have announced the winners of the 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards. The winners were recognized for their efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of their students, employees and fellow Iowans. Among the winners in western Iowa, was the City of Manning.  Each winner was awarded a monetary prize to continue their work focused on improving the health and wellness at their site.

The winners in the 10 categories are:

Healthy Hometown (Powered by Wellmark) Community Award:

  • Dallas Center
  • Iowa Great Lakes Region
  • Manning

    Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh holds a ceremonial check for the 2021 Healthy Hometown award as part of the Healthiest State awards for that year. (2021 File photo)

Early Care award:

Small – Neverland Child Care (Sioux City)
Large – Theodore’s Academy Preschool & Childcare (Sioux City)

K-12 School award: Clay Elementary (Southeast Polk Community School District)

Out-of-School Program award: Girls on the Run of Central Iowa

Workplace award:

Small – Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (Grinnell)
Medium – Merchants Bonding Company (West Des Moines)
Large – Optimae LifeServices (Des Moines)

Health Care award: UnityPoint Clinic Pediatrics – Walnut Creek (West Des Moines)

Individual award: Daira Driftmier (Hy-Vee KidsFit)

The winners were announced during an online award ceremony Thursday on Facebook and YouTube. Viewers also heard from keynote speaker Jessica Heims, a two-time Paralympian Iowa who spoke about her inspirational athletic journey that led her to represent Team USA at the 2016 and 2020 Games. To watch a replay of the award ceremony, visit IowaHealthiestState.com/Awards.

Jami Haberl, Healthiest State Initiative executive director, said “The work being done by our finalists and winners to create healthier environments for their students, colleagues and fellow community members is critical to the wellbeing of our state. We are continually inspired by their efforts and were honored to recognize them at the 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards.” The 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards are sponsored by Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield®, HealthPartners UnityPoint Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Medical Society and Malvern Bank.

Final QPR (Suicide Prevention) Program set for Feb. 21st in Griswold

News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Griswold, Iowa) – Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh reminds you that there is one more FREE, QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer) suicide prevention training coming up, in Cass County. The session will be held on Monday, Feb. 21st in the Griswold Public Library, beginning at 5:30-p.m. Hoegh says ” We’ve held this training twice this week, once in Atlantic, and once in Anita, and it has been getting excellent feedback from participants. I love hearing people say they wish more people could take it!”

The program brought to you in part by USDA, Healthy Cass County, and Cass County Extension. Cass County Extension is providing free pizza. Registration appreciated but not required. Call 712-243-1132 or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/ to pre-register

******

Details:

Event: Griswold | Question. Persuade. Refer. Suicide Prevention Program

Date: Monday, February 21; Time: 5:30-7:00 PM; Location: Griswold Public Library (505 Main St., Griswold, IA 51535)

Say “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, family member, or neighbor. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR can recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and learn to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

Infrastructure Project Administered by SWIPCO to Improve Flood Resiliency in Missouri Valley

News

February 18th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Missouri Valley, Iowa – Officials with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), in Atlantic, report following the spring flood of 2019, SWIPCO helped the city of Missouri Valley obtain a $583,000 CDBG Disaster Recovery grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to restore damaged drainageways and ditches, as well as replace street surfacing destroyed by flood waters. The project is now in its final stages of completion.

2019 Spring Flood affects Missouri Valley (SWIPCO photo)

Missouri Valley City Administrator Jodie Flaherty said “The drainage system we had in place before was just not functional, and that led to some serious delays in the floodwater receding in 2019. This project is going to prevent a lot of damage to property and make Missouri Valley a safer place to live going forward.” In addition, Flaherty said the $1.9 million project, whose funding came from a combination of FEMA funds following the 2019 flood events and the CDBG administered by SWIPCO, will boost the economic and physical well-being of the city.

City officials including Flaherty, Mayor Shawn Kelly, Streets Public Works foreman Robert Riesland, and City Engineer Jim Olmsted were all involved in the project’s development and implementation, in coordination with SWIPCO community development staff. Following the spring 2019 floods, the city made temporary repairs, like placing granular surfacing on damaged streets, but FEMA officials agreed the reconstruction of the drainage infrastructure and replacement of the street sub-base and surfacing was needed to prevent further challenges down the line.

The construction of the new drainage infrastructure, as well as the resurfacing of the roads, will result in increased property values and provide additional vitality to the Willow Park subdivision of the city of Missouri Valley. Officials note that with improved infrastructure, Missouri Valley may be more attractive to developers and builders who are looking to build on empty lots.

SWIPCO routinely provides grant writing and administration services to its member communities in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Pottawattamie, and Shelby Counties and brought over $53 million in grants to the region in the last two years alone.