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COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to climb in Iowa

News

December 1st, 2021 by Ric Hanson

Des Moines, Iowa (KCCI) — The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Iowa continues to climb. The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Wednesday) reported 721 patients hospitalized with the virus, up from 665 at last report on Monday. Of those hospitalized with the virus, 75.7% are unvaccinated, while 77.9% of those listed in intensive care with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

IDPH also reported 91 additional COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 7,445 since the start of the pandemic. The additional deaths were reported between Sept. 17 and Nov. 24. There were 8,221 positive tests reported in the last seven days, up from 7,952 reported on Monday. The state’s 14-day positivity rate climbed from 10.8% to 11.2% since Monday.

The number of long-term care facilities reporting outbreaks dropped from 20 to 19.

Posted in News |

Iowa State and Big 12 announce 2022 football schedule

Sports

December 1st, 2021 by admin

IRVING, Texas – The Big 12 Conference announced its 2022 league football schedule today.

The Big 12 shared that several conference games could have date changes pending network television decisions.

Iowa State will have seven home games and will begin the season playing host to Southeast Missouri (Sept. 3). Iowa State will travel to Iowa the following week (Sept. 10) in the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series.

The Cyclones will face Ohio on Sept. 17 in their final non-conference game before beginning the Big 12 Conference season hosting Baylor on Sept. 24.

Iowa State’s lone “off week” is on Oct. 22 and is slated to play host to Oklahoma on a Thursday night (Oct. 27).

Kickoff times and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

Iowa State set its season attendance record in 2021 by averaging 60,704 fans per game. For more information regarding purchasing season tickets for 2022, click here.

To view the online schedule, click here.

2022 Iowa State Football Schedule
Sept. 3 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Sept. 10 %at Iowa
Sept. 17 OHIO
Sept. 24 *BAYLOR
Oct. 1 *at Kansas
Oct. 8 *KANSAS STATE
Oct. 15 *at Texas
Oct. 27 *OKLAHOMA
Nov. 5 *WEST VIRGINIA
Nov. 12 *at Oklahoma State
Nov. 19 *TEXAS TECH
Nov. 26 *at TCU
Dec. 3 &Big 12 Championship Game

Home games in CAPS/BOLD
%Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series
*Big 12 Conference game
&AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Posted in Sports |

KATHRYN ANN BOLTON, 67, of Griswold (Private Graveside Svcs.)

Obituaries

December 1st, 2021 by Ric Hanson

KATHRYN ANN BOLTON, 67, of Griswold, died Tuesday, Nov. 30th, at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak. A private graveside service for KATHRYN BOLTON will be held at Noble Center Cemetery, south of Lyman. Rieken Funeral Home is assisting the family.

KATHRYN ANN BOLTON is survived by:

Her husband – Jerry, of Griswold.

Her son – Josh (Stacy) Bolton, of Clarinda.

Her daughter – Ann Bolton, of Cleveland, TN.

Her mother – Georgia Frank, of Griswold.

Her brother – Randy Frank, of Griswold.

2 grandsons; other relatives and friends.

Posted in Obituaries |

For second year, EPA misses deadline on ethanol blending requirements

Ag/Outdoor

December 1st, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has missed this week’s deadline to set new annual amounts of ethanol that small oil refineries must blend into gasoline. The E-P-A hasn’t set new volume levels since 2020. Monte Shaw is executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. He says, “While this is not uncharted territory for us, it’s about what is that opportunity cost? What is not happening? You know, E-10’s being sold, you kind of get stuck in the status quo of blending.”

The E-P-A has proposed extending the ethanol blending deadlines for oil refineries. The agency has scheduled a virtual public hearing on the issue this Friday, December 3rd.

(Reporting by Iowa Public Radio’s Katie Peikes)

Posted in Ag/Outdoor |

LeMars boy dies when his bicycle is hit by a car

News

December 1st, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A ten year old Le Mars boy died at the hospital after being hit by a car while riding his bike. The accident happened at about 5:12 Tuesday afternoon on Business Highway 75. The accident report says the ten year old, identified as Elijah Peters, was going westbound crossing the street riding his bicycle when he was struck by a Toyota Corolla going northbound and driven by 21-year-old Diego Gomez also of Le Mars. Grief counselors have been assigned to the Le Mars elementary schools.

Posted in News |

Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard announces he was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer

Sports

December 1st, 2021 by admin

Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard revealed in a letter to fans and supporters on Wednesday that he was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. Pollard said he started to experience discomfort and discovered a lump. He ended up having surgery to remove that testicle and so far his bloodwork and further testing has come back without signs of spread. Read the full letter Pollard sent out below.

Dear Cyclone Fans,

As a public leader, it is extremely challenging to draw the appropriate boundaries around one’s personal and professional lives. Unless you have served in such a capacity, it is probably hard to understand that dynamic. Thus, I have attempted to be very transparent during my tenure as your Director of Athletics.

I was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. I debated sharing this information widely to avoid my diagnosis being a distraction to our athletics program. However, the reality of hiding the news has also been stressful. Last week, I was scheduled to speak to more than 500 individuals in Benton Auditorium, a commitment made months ago. Regrettably, I had to miss my appearance on very short notice (due to surgery) and it was disheartening to be unable to share the real reason for my cancellation.

I also have a wonderful opportunity to use my platform as Director of Athletics to help others, who may be dealing with similar challenges. When I had open-heart surgery in 2015, it allowed me to encourage others battling similar heart issues. By sharing some details of my cancer diagnosis and treatment plan, I can emphasize the critical importance of early detection as it relates to cancer survival rates.

About four weeks ago, I started to feel pain in my groin after a running workout. After several days of irritation, I identified a lump on my right testicle. After seeing a doctor for an ultrasound, it was determined that surgery was necessary. I had that testicle removed last Tuesday afternoon and, unfortunately, learned a day later it was cancerous. That was sobering news to hear the day before Thanksgiving.

This past Monday I had a CT scan and additional blood work. My wife, Ellen, and I met with the urologist (who performed my surgery) in the afternoon and learned the cancer had not spread from the original site. Furthermore, my bloodwork (i.e., tumor markers) was still testing normal. Both of those results were welcome news!

We also discussed next options, which include doing nothing other than monitoring my blood work and performing CT scans every 3-6 months, undergoing chemotherapy, or beginning radiation treatments. We visit an oncologist this Friday to learn more about my treatment options.

I hope that I have limited the extent of my cancer through early detection and treatment. I am grateful for the doctors and medical providers here in Ames, who have been incredibly accessible and responsive to my case. Furthermore, my loving, and faithful family and a few co-workers and friends who knew of my condition have been incredibly supportive and encouraging the past several days.

It is important to me to publicly thank my wife, Ellen. Although it is one thing for me to deal with the professional / personal boundaries, Ellen has had to deal with those same boundaries countless times, both as a mother and wife. It takes a really strong and special person to navigate that landscape.

In closing, I feel blessed to know the cancer has not spread and am ready to follow what my medical team feels is the best course of treatment. As Coach Campbell likes to say, “Trust the Process.” That’s exactly what I’m going to do.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Pollard Signature

Jamie Pollard
Director of Athletics

Posted in Sports |

Adair County Board of Supervisors meeting – recap

News

December 1st, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors met in a regular session this (Wednesday) morning. During their session, the Board acknowledged receipt of a Manure Management Plan Update from Martin Pork Production out of Afton, to spread manure in the southeast portion of Adair County. They also accepted “with regret,” the resignation of the current Harrison Township Clerk, and they appointed Molly Dolch to take over the position.

In other business, the Adair County Supervisors heard from Bryan Belden and Ashraf “Ash” Ashour – Administrator, with the City of Stuart, with regard to a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Extension. Belden explained the “geography” and the “boundaries” stay the same, it’s just a renewal (of the LOST/TIF).

The current agreement is in effect until June 30, 2023. Any improvements have to stay within the TIF area. Supervisor John Twombly and Board Chair Steve Shelley said while they have no issue with extending the agreement, both would like to have the County Attorney look it over, to make sure “the wording is satisfactory,” according the Shelley. The rest of the Board agreed.

And, County Engineer Nick Kauffman reported on Secondary Roads Department activities. He mentioned Gus Construction is working on the Lake Road project.

Posted in News |

Moss, Jones earn B1G Honors; 11 Hawkeyes Named All-Big Ten

Sports

December 1st, 2021 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior defensive back Riley Moss has been named the Big Ten Conference Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year and senior wide receiver Charlie Jones has been named the Big Ten Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year. The announcement was made Tuesday by the Big Ten Conference.

Big Ten Conference offensive honors will be announced Wednesday.

Moss becomes the fifth Hawkeye to win Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, and the first since Amani Hooker in 2019.

The Ankeny, Iowa, native ranks 11th in the country and third in the Big Ten with four interceptions. Moss had two interceptions returns for touchdowns in Iowa’s opening win over Indiana.

Jones becomes the second Hawkeye to win Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year. Ihmir Smith-Marsette won the award in 2018.

Jones leads the conference and ranks second in the NCAA in total kick return yards (605). Jones also returned a kickoff for a touchdown in Iowa’s win over Illinois on Nov. 20.

Eleven Hawkeyes earned defensive and special teams All-Big Ten honors.

Moss, Jones and junior defensive back Dane Belton garnered first-team All-Big Ten recognition by the coaches and media.

Senior defensive lineman Zach VanValkenburg, senior defensive back Matt Hankins were second-team all-conference selections. Senior kicker Caleb Shudak was a first team honoree by the media and a second team selection by the coaches.

Senior linebacker Jack Campbell earned first-team All-Big Ten laurels by the media and third-team all-league by the coaches.

Four Hawkeyes received honorable mention selections. They include senior defensive back Jack Koerner, junior defensive lineman Noah Shannon, sophomore punter Tory Taylor, and junior linebacker Seth Benson.

Iowa’s seven All-Big Ten defensive honorees helped lead a defense that ranked third in the conference in total defense (315.8) and rushing defense (105.8), fourth in scoring defense (17.3), and sixth in passing defense (210.0). Iowa is tops in the nation in interceptions (22).

Belton ties for the national lead in interceptions (5), including two in Iowa’s win over Northwestern on Nov. 6. He has 41 tackles this season, including four tackles for loss.

VanValkenburg has started all 12 games at defensive end. He has totaled 24 solo tackles and 24 assists, with 14 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

Hankins has three interceptions, two coming in Iowa’s win against Minnesota on Nov. 13. He has totaled 44 tackles and five pass break-ups.

Campbell leads Iowa and ranks second in the Big Ten with 124 tackles, including 74 solo tackles and 84 assists. He also has six pass break-ups, two recovered fumbles, one caused fumble and five tackles for loss. He returned an interception for a touchdown in Iowa’s win over the Fighting Illini.

Koerner has two interceptions and two pass breakups for the Hawkeyes. He has notched 76 tackles, including three solo tackles for loss.

Shannon has 39 tackles, three quarterback hurries, and a sack for the Hawkeyes. Shannon had a career-high six tackles versus Purdue.

Benson ranks second on the team in both tackles (89) and quarterback hurries (6). He had his first career interception against ninth-ranked Iowa State on Sept. 11.

The Hawkeyes earned All-Big Ten honors in all three phases of special teams.

Shudak has gone 22-of-25 on field goal attempts this season, with a long of 51 yards. He is 4-of-6 on attempts of 50-plus.

Taylor has punted 69 times, with a long of 69 yards, and ranks 16th in the NCAA in average (45.8).

No. 15 Iowa faces No. 2 Michigan on Saturday at the Big Ten Conference Football Championship Game in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:17 p.m. (CT). The game is televised on FOX.

Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year: Riley Moss
Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year: Charlie Jones 

All-Big Ten – Coaches 

  • DB Dane Belton – First Team
  • DB Riley Moss – First Team
  • RS Charlie Jones – First Team
  • DL Zach VanValkenburg – Second Team
  • DB Matt Hankins – Second Team
  • PK Caleb Shudak – Second Team
  • LB Jack Campbell – Third Team
  • LB Seth Benson – Honorable Mention
  • DL Noah Shannon – Honorable Mention
  • DB Jack Koerner – Honorable Mention
  • P Tory Taylor – Honorable Mention

All-Big Ten – Media 

  • DB Dane Belton – First Team
  • DB Riley Moss – First Team
  • LB Jack Campbell – First Team
  • PK Caleb Shudak – First Team
  • RS Charlie Jones – First Team
  • DL Zach VanValkenburg – Second Team
  • DB Matt Hankins – Second Team
  • LB Seth Benson – Honorable Mention
  • DL Noah Shannon – Honorable Mention
  • DB Jack Koerner – Honorable Mention
  • P Tory Taylor – Honorable Mention

2021 Big Ten Football Honors – Part 1

Posted in Sports |

Creighton beats North Dakota State

Sports

December 1st, 2021 by admin

Creighton picked up an 80-55 win over North Dakota State on Tuesday night in Omaha. Ryan Kalkenbrenner led the Jays with 17 points and 4 rebounds. Arther Kaluma added 11 points and Ryan Nembhard scored 10 points.

Ryan Hawkins scored 3 points and had 3 rebounds.

Creighton will next up host Iowa State in Omaha on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

Posted in Sports |

New Alzheimer’s treatment is out — and costs $56,000 per year

News

December 1st, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The first new drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease in two decades was approved by the F-D-A in June and it’s finally starting to reach patients, though most Iowans won’t be able to afford it — at least not yet. Lauren Livingston, spokeswoman for the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says it’s encouraging that the drug is now in production. “It actually is starting to roll out in hospitals and clinics right now,” Livingston says, “as doctors are getting the equipment to be able to give the infusion treatment.”

Approval of the drug, Aduhelm, offers the promise of some relief for the 66-thousand Iowans who are now living with the most common cause of dementia.  “The barrier right now is the cost of the drug,” Livingston says. “It’s still astronomically high and that’s something the Alzheimer’s Association and other organizations are trying to call the drug company, Biogen, to lower that price so it is more accessible to everyone.”

Reports say a year-long course of the drug now costs 56-thousand dollars per patient. As six-million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, Aduhelm has the potential to be a multi-billion-dollar expense for Medicare.  “We are expecting in the springtime in 2022 for Medicare/Medicaid Services to decide if they will provide coverage for the drug,” Livingston says. “If they, hopefully, do provide coverage, then it will be much more widely available. People will be able to get it and price won’t be a barrier.”

While there’s the possibility the drug could slow progression of the disease, there’s an important distinction: it’s a treatment for Alzheimer’s, not a cure. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative and fatal brain disease. While 66,000 Iowans are now diagnosed with it, by 2025, that number is expected to grow to 74,000.

On the web at: www.alz.org/iowa

Posted in News |