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KJAN News can be heard at five minutes after every hour right after Fox News 24 hours a day!
Keep up-to-date with Fox News Radio, Radio Iowa, Brownfield & the Iowa Agribusiness Networks!
(Radio Iowa) – Former Iowa Congressman Neal Smith of Des Moines has died at the age of 101. Smith, a Democrat, was first elected to the U.S. House in 1958. During an appearance on Iowa P-B-S in 2013, Smith said during his 36-year career in the House, he never personally asked for a campaign contribution. “In my first election, I was elected on $10, 300,” he said. Smith, an attorney and a farmer, was a key architect of several federal Farm Bills and he secured funding for two of Iowa’s federal flood control reservoirs — Saylorville and Red Rock. “When I was there, we put coalitions together on every bill. We just expected to,” Smith says. “I mean we had southern Democrats, northern Democrats, Republicans.”
Smith was born on a Keokuk County farm in 1920 and he served in the Air Force during World War Two. His plane was shot down and he received the Purple Heart. “I don’t ever talk about it,” Smith said six years ago. “I was in the Pacific. I came back and many of my friends did not come back.” During an appearance on Iowa Public Radio when he was 95, Smith said he may have been the first candidate in Iowa to buy T-V advertising. He spent 75 dollars buying time on three television stations during his first campaign in 1958.
“I wasn’t expected to win, of course,” Smith said. “There had only been one Democrat who had ever represented Polk County before and he only lasted one term back in the ’30s.” Smith is among a core group credited with helping Iowa Democrats gain traction in state that had been dominated by Republicans for decades. The National Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City in Jasper County is named for Smith, who worked to secure its creation. The federal buidling in Des Moines is also named in his honor.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman, Wednesday, confirmed that “Election night results for the City of Atlantic clearly show that no candidate for mayor received more than 50 percent of the votes:
Therefore, a runoff election will be held on November 30, to determine who will become the mayor of Atlantic. Persons on the ballot will be Grace N. Garret and Tim Teig.” Sunderman says Absentee ballots may be requested now. Ballots will be mailed on or after November 9 as soon as ballots are available. Deadline to request an Absentee Ballot to be mailed for City Runoff is
Monday, November 15. Absentee voting in the auditor’s office begins on or after November 9 as soon as ballots are available. Last day to vote in the auditor’s office is Monday, November 29.
City Runoff Election Voter Pre-registration Deadline is Monday, November 15. Voting sites for this election will both be at the Cass County Community Center at 805 W 10th St. Atlantic 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wards will use the main entrance; and Atlantic 4th and 5th Wards will use the south entrance. Polls will open at 7:00 A.M. and close at 8:00 P.M.
(UPDATE: 4:30-p.m., 11/3: Jury released for the evening. Will return 8-a.m. Thursday to resume deliberations)
(Atlantic, Iowa) – The fate of a Cass County woman charged with Murder in the 1st Degree and Child Endangerment – Resulting in Death, is in the hands of the jury. The case was turned over to the 12 members at around 1-p.m, Wednesday, after the Prosecution and Defense attorneys made closing statements, followed by a rebuttal to the defense closing argument.
Alison Dorsey, of Anita, has pleaded not guilty to both charges associated with the death of 11-week-old Luka Hodges, whom she cared for at a home in Massena, where as many as 11 children stayed at some points in time, including the day Luka suddenly stopped breathing. Prosecutor, Iowa Attorney General 3 Monty Platz, presented his closing statement Wednesday, saying that Luka “Should have had a fighting chance…he should be here alive.” He characterized Dorsey as being less than truthful or at least accurate, in her account of what happened Oct. 7, 2019.
Platz also tried to debunk testimony/theories by some experts last week (who are not pediatric doctors), that Luka’s death was not caused by Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), when five other experts suggested the injuries the child suffered could not have occurred any other way. The jury he said, needed to reconcile those differences. He said “Shaken baby is real.” Platz said Luka’s death was “No tragic accident.”
Defense Attorney DeShawne Bird-sell said the real story, as stated by Defense witness Dr. Dragovic, is that “There is no evidence of a purposeful act.” Dr. Kelly Kruse, who performed the autopsy on Luka, concluded the matter of death was undetermined. Bird-sell said said one of the bigger issues, was the rush to judgement on how Luka’s injuries occurred, leading up to his death, instead of waiting on the full autopsy results.
The jury was sent home at 4:30-p.m. Wednesday, and are set resume deliberations at 8-a.m. Thursday. It’s not clear how long the deliberations may take. The jury has several, lesser degrees of charges that could consider under both Murder in the 1st and Child Endangerment resulting in death charges, including 2nd Degree Murder, Malice aforethought, and of course, acquittal.
KJAN News will be there when the verdict is handed down in Cass County District Court.
The surging price of fertilizer is putting pressure on farmers as they look to the next planting season and what crops might they may grow come spring. Prices are two-to-three times higher than normal because of global supply chain problems. Plus, demand is up as farmers who are finishing up harvest prepare to fertilize their fields for next year. Iowa State University ag economist Chad Hart says the spike in prices will affect the choices farmers make for next year’s crop.
Dave Holm, with the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, says co-ops are the middlemen between farmers and fertilizer manufacturers. They buy fertilizer several months in advance so farmers can have it by the time they need it in the fall. Shipping problems are reducing co-ops’ confidence that they’re able to get enough fertilizer meet demand.
Hart, meanwhile, says fertilizer prices haven’t been this high since 2009 and 2010. He expects the prices to remain high until after planting season in the spring.
(Radio Iowa) More than 10-thousand John Deere workers remain on strike. Fifty-five percent of U-A-W members have rejected a second contract offer from Deere and Company. Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson reports.
This is the first strike at John Deere in 35 years and comes as the world’s leading farm equipment maker ends its fiscal year with record profits. In a written statement, Deere’s chief administrative officer said the offer would have significantly enhanced wages and benefits. The U-A-W issued a short statement, saying the strike will continue as union representatives discuss next steps with the company.
ATLANTIC, IA (November 3, 2021) – Bring local to your table this holiday season. Harvest Market 2021 will be held at the Cass County Community Center on Monday, November 22 from 3-7 pm. This late fall farmers market is held the Monday before Thanksgiving, so shoppers can pick up premium local produce, local meats, delicious baked goods, and other local foods to enjoy at holiday celebrations. The market also offers locally-made craft products including seasonal candles, goat milk soaps, holiday decorations, and gifts.
Harvest Market 2021 vendors confirmed as of November 3 include: Bridgewater Farm, Brun Ko Farm, Sue’s Country Garden, Erickson Foods, Miss NiNi’s Fine Desserts, The Kringle Man, The Pet Bistro, Hilltop Creations, Smudge, Hygge Cottage, The Chalking Teacher, DezaRae Farm Soaps, Ter-Bear Honey, Piper’s Brae Farm, TJ’s Kitchen, Kingwood Farm, Harrisdale Farmstead, The Chalking Teacher, JD Crafters, and DeLaine’s Designs. A-Town SmokeShack will be at the market selling barbeque sandwiches and sides, so if shoppers spend the whole evening at the market they won’t have to go home without dinner.
Harvest Market 2021 will offer both in-person shopping as well as pre-ordering. Pre-order will be available through www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com from Nov. 12-19. Pre-ordering is an excellent option for customers who want to plan on a particular food item—such as a favorite pie, as well as customers who are short on time to shop at the market, and those who want to stay distanced this holiday season. Some vendors, such as Miss NiNi’s Fine Desserts, will only be offering pre-ordered
products. Don’t miss a reminder to pre-order. Sign up for the Produce in the Park newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com. Produce in the Park thanks customers for masking and distancing at indoor markets.
Produce in the Park continues to accept vendor applications to Harvest Market and other holiday farmers markets (Christmas Market Dec. 23, Sweetheart Market Feb. 12, and Spring Celebration Market April 16). For more information visit produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com or contact Market Manager Brigham Hoegh at produceintheparkatlanticiowa@gmail.com or 712-249-5870.
For the latest information on Harvest Market, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/) or sign up for the Produce in the Park newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Nov. 3, 2021 – To begin the next phase of interstate reconstruction in Council Bluffs, northbound Interstate 29 between 9th Avenue and Avenue G is expected to be closed to traffic on Monday, Nov. 15, weather permitting. Beginning on Nov. 8, weather permitting, the new Northbound Frontage Road will be opened to traffic ahead of the interstate closure. Several closures and detours will be in place to prepare for this traffic shift.
Expected Daytime Changes – Monday, Nov. 8:
Expected Nighttime Closures – Monday, Nov. 8:
Expected Daytime Changes/Closures – Tuesday, Nov. 9:
Expected nighttime closures – Tuesday, Nov. 9:
Beginning Sunday night, Nov. 14, construction crews will begin work to close northbound I-29 between 9th Avenue and Avenue G. This closure will be in place for approximately 21 months (Summer 2023). Traffic not destined for Council Bluffs should use detour routes. Local traffic will be detoured at 9th Avenue to the Northbound Frontage Road.
Iowa DOT encourages motorists to follow signs and use caution while becoming accustomed to new traffic patterns. A short video is available at www.CouncilBluffsInterstate.IowaDOT.gov to further demonstrate upcoming changes and impacts to travelers and local businesses in the area.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports an armed robbery occurred at the Corning Hy-Vee store on Saturday, October 31st. Deputies responded to the call at 8:53 p.m. on Halloween night. It was reported that one suspect was able to take an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing the scene prior to Deputies’ arrival. No injuries were reported and the incident remains under investigation.
The Adair County Board of Supervisors is set to meet on Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the boardroom at the Adair County Courthouse.
On the agenda is discussion on a 28E agreement for county electronic services system with the Recorder’s Association. They will also discuss a manure management plan update, wellness program update, IMWCA site visit, and jail inspection. The board will also discuss any COVID-19 updates and discuss any related issues.
The Atlantic Area Chamber’s Annual Scrooge Contest is underway during the month of November. Eleanor Hoover, who passed away in 2019, organized the contest beginning in 2002 just one year after the inaugural Lighted Parade.
“Eleanor had such a passion for helping others and the food pantry, so we’re thrilled volunteers have stepping up to keep her tradition alive,” Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce stated.
The Scrooge contestants raise money and collect non-perishable food items for the Atlantic Food Pantry. The 2021 candidates include: Ray Paulin, Atlantic Bottling; Tom Cappel, Deter Motor Company & Atlantic Fire Department; and Kelli Anstey, Fareway.
According to Smith, contestants are responsible for collecting and submitting their points to the Chamber by November 23rd at noon. The contestant with the most points will be named Scrooge and all proceeds will benefit the Atlantic Food Pantry. Winner of the Scrooge Contest serves as the Grand Marshal in the Lighted Parade on December 4th at 6 PM in Downtown Atlantic. Cash donations are worth 5 points on the dollar and one non-perishable item earns the contestants one point.
This year, the Atlantic Food Pantry is asking for a specific list of food items, with a focus on monetary donations due to limited storage space. The money will help them purchase food items as needed, including meat and refrigerated items. The list of needed food items includes:
“Our food pantry continues to see an increase of individuals and families in need of food assistance since the pandemic began last year. We have such a great group of candidates this year. They’re all very determined people who already do a lot for our community. I have no doubt this will be a successful outcome for the food pantry,” mentioned Smith.
Past Scrooge titles have been awarded to: Mary Ann Moorman 2007, Dana Halder 2008, Tammy Wise & Janet Huey 2009, Ritchie Anderson 2010, Janet Cappel 2011, Melanie Petty 2012, David Miller 2013, Mark McNees 2014, Ted Robinson 2015, Jon Johnson 2016, Rob Stamp 2017, Rob & Sonya Clausen 2018 and Billie Hoover, Jackie Sampson & Lori Christianson 2019 and Brain Ruge 2020.
The contest will run now through November 23rd. Donations to a contestant can be made by delivering food or funds to their drop off locations. For more information please call the Chamber at 712.243.3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com.
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