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Iowa Greyhound Park bets rise again, but future still dicey

News

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Betting on races at Iowa Greyhound Park in Dubuque rose by 14% this year, but the park’s future and that of greyhound racing still look dicey. Wagering at the park and other facilities on the Dubuque races is up for the fourth year in a row, according to figures for this year’s season, which ended Sunday after 104 days of racing. “We’re moving in the right direction, but we’re only going by baby steps, where we need to be going by leaps and bounds,” park general manager Brian Carpenter said. “Our plan is to open again next year in May, and, hopefully, we have another successful year.”

Carpenter told the Telegraph Herald the park remains far from being financially viable on its own. It continues to reap the benefits of a 2014 agreement with state gambling regulators that allowed Dubuque’s Mystique Casino & Resort — now Q Casino and Hotel — and the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs to sever ties with the greyhound industry. The betting at the dog tracks affiliated with the casinos plummeted after the casinos were established, officials have said.

Key parts of the settlement included the $4.6 million Horseshoe Casino’s owners pay yearly to Iowa Greyhound Park through 2022 and the $500,000 that Q Casino’s owner pay yearly through 2021. And the future problems are not just financial. “The question is whether we’ll have enough greyhounds to keep going,” Carpenter said. Florida voters last year approved a measure that will eliminate greyhound racing at the end of Florida’s 2020 season. Also, racing officials in Arkansas recently agreed to phase out greyhound racing at that state’s lone track by the end of 2022.

Only six states still have active greyhound tracks, and the loss of Arkansas and Florida tracks could deter breeders and lead to a shortage of greyhounds, Carpenter said. Jean Hallahan, assistant general manager at Iowa Greyhound Park, said she thinks bettors in Arkansas and Florida could raise their wagers on races taking place in Dubuque. She said she’s already fielded calls from Florida residents who shared their hopes for continued racing in Dubuque.

Leader of food security nonprofits to head World Food Prize

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The foundation that awards the World Food Prize to individuals who work to improve food security in hopes of ending world hunger announced Tuesday that its new president will be a woman who has led nonprofit organizations focused on global food security, food safety and the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity. Barbara Stinson will succeed Kenneth Quinn, the former U.S. ambassador to Cambodia whose 20-year presidency of the World Food Prize Foundation established an international presence for the organization. The foundation attracts 1,200 world leaders from 65 countries to the annual award ceremony and symposium to address issues related to global food security and nutrition.

Stinson said her goal is to focus on the platform already established over the foundation’s three-decade history and expand on its work with the goal of further alleviating hunger in the most vulnerable parts of the world. Quinn, who became the organization’s first president in 1999, announced his retirement in March. Plant scientist Norman Borlaug, the 1970 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, created the World Food Prize in 1986 to recognize scientists and others who have improved the quality and availability of food. The award carries a $250,000 prize.

The recipient is announced in the spring, usually at the U.S. State Department, and the award is delivered at an annual ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa, where the foundation is based. The organization was initially funded by John Ruan, an Iowa entrepreneur who founded a diverse business enterprise that included transportation, commercial banking, financial services, international trading and real estate development. His son John Ruan III continues to serve as chairman of the foundation, which currently is funded by about 80 corporate, private and government donors including agriculture chemical companies Corteva Agriscience and Bayer CropScience.

The corporate sponsorship has brought criticism from some including the Iowa-based Occupy World Food Prize organization, which has accused corporate sponsors of being biotech, seed-and-chemical monopolists that promote the opposite of sustainability. The group protests at the ceremony held at the Iowa Capitol each year, events which have led to protester arrests.
Stinson, who now lives in Denver, will relocate to Des Moines as she assumes the leadership at the World Food Prize headquarters beginning Jan. 4.

Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s report (11/12)

News

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports numerous arrests took place over the past five days. 46-year old Salomon Martinez, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the sheriff’s office a little before 2-a.m. today (Tuesday), on warrants for Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree/1st offense, and Violation of Probation. His bond was set at $10,000. 27-year old Alan Mauricio Colin-Zarate, was arrested Monday night, following a traffic stop. He was charged with Driving While License Suspended or Revoked. Early Monday morning, 52-year old Warren Ward Karlen was arrested for OWI/1st offense.

Sunday night, 58-year old Michele Marie Callahan was arrested for Absence from custody, following a traffic stop. 23-year old Kasi Juliana Thomas was arrested Sunday night for OWI/1st offense. 21-year old Dakota Scott Eccles was arrested Sunday night in Pott. County, for Driving While Barred/Habitual Offender. Early Sunday morning, 20-year old Cody Andrew Kidwell was arrested in Council Bluffs for OWI/1st offense.

Early Saturday morning, 25-year old Jeremy James Taylor was arrested for Operating Under the Influence/3rd or Subsequent Offense. Friday morning, 55-year old Odies Jerome Scott, of Council Bluffs, was arrested in Oakland, for Domestic Abuse Assault/strangulation, and on a hold for another agency.

Atlantic Named Shop Local Neighborhood Champion

News

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that Atlantic has been recognized as a Neighborhood Champion for the sixth year in a row by American Express. Atlantic will participate in the 10th Annual Small Business Saturday to support small businesses. Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith said “We’re excited to partner with all of the Atlantic Area businesses to create shopping incentives and activities to celebrate Small Business Saturday.”

Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday® is a day to celebrate the small businesses that help support our community. American Express created the Neighborhood Champion Program to help rally communities around Small Business Saturday and is working alongside numerous business organizations to support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country. Participating organizations include: the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), the International Downtown Association, the Latino Coalition, the National Main Street Center, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

American Express recognizes communities that have strong participation. The on-going Shop Local Initiative, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, and overall community support has helped Atlantic achieve this national recognition. Smith says “It’s a great opportunity for Atlantic to receive positive, national exposure. Atlantic has everything you need and this day is just an added reminder for the community how important their support and participation in shopping local is to keeping Atlantic a vibrant place to live.”

November 30th marks the 10th annual Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small business owners can learn more about taking part in Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials on www.shopsmall.com. Consumers can visit www.atlanticiowa.com to find merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday.

(Podcast) KJAN 8-a.m. News, 11/12/19

News, Podcasts

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Oklahoma man arrested on drug charges Tue. morning

News

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

A man from Oklahoma was arrested this (Tuesday) morning, on drug charges. Creston Police say 22-year old Dale Hammer, of Westville, OK., was arrested at around 5:04-a.m., with assistance from the Creston P-D K9 “Jax,” on charges of Possession of Paraphernalia and two counts Possession of a Controlled Substance/1st offense. He was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2,300 bond. Also arrested at the same time and place, was 24-year old Dalton Wallis, of Stilwell, OK. Wallis was charged with Public Intoxication and was being held on a $300 bond, as well as on a hold for a warrant from Adair County, OK, for Failure to Appear.

Creston Police said also, a man residing in the 200 block of S. Pine Street, reported Monday night his wallet had been stolen from his vehicle parked outside his home. The wallet contained miscellaneous ID cards, permits, credit cards and cash. The loss was estimated at $225.

Monument marking Fort Madison battlefield installed

News

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

FORT MADISON, Iowa (AP) — A monument marking a battlefield where 23 soldiers died has been installed in Fort Madison. The granite monument put in place last week includes a history of the military post on one side and the soldiers’ names on another side. Andy Andrews of the North Lee County Historical Society and Friends of the Old Fort says the $14,000 cost was underwritten by donations through Friends of Old Fort Madison. A flagpole will be installed nearby.

The Fort Madison Daily Democrat reports that Fort Madison originally was known as Fort Bellevue, was built by the U.S. Army in 1808 and abandoned in 1813. It was the location of the only War of 1812 battle west of the Mississippi.

(Podcast) KJAN Morning News & Funeral report, 11/12/19

News, Podcasts

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:05-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Police ID man who fell at Iowa State stadium onto fans below

News, Sports

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a man who was injured in a fall from the upper level of Iowa State’s Jack Trice Stadium onto fans below. A university police report says 31-year-old Eric Ely hit three women on the lower level during the Oct. 26 game against Oklahoma State. None of them suffered serious injuries, and Ely reported that he briefly lost consciousness and suffered a concussion. He was taken to an Ames hospital before being flown to a Des Moines hospital.

The report says Ely “jumped up during a big play and just went over the rail in one movement; like the momentum carried him over.” Witnesses told investigators that Ely didn’t appear to be intoxicated. Ely has declined to comment publicly. Police say no charges have been filed.

Cass County Supervisors to canvass the results of Nov. 5th election

News

November 12th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Board of Supervisors will meet 9-a.m. today (Tuesday), in their Boardroom at the Courthouse. On their agenda, is the appointment of a member to the Cass County Local Foods Policy Council (If an appointee is available), and regular reports (as available) from the Cass County Attorney and Engineer. The Board will also canvass the results of the Nov. 5th City/School Elections.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13th, the Board will meet at 8-a.m. to perform a post-election audit of ballots tallied at the Cumberland/Union Township precinct, and votes cast for Mayor/City of Cumberland on Nov. 5th. Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman says this is not a recount, but a hand-count audit of ballots tallied by optical scan equipment, to verify that the election vote tabulation equipment functioned as designed and programmed. It will include a hand-count of the votes cast for a designated position on the first ballot style of the selected precinct.