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Beware of scams when trying to get a COVID vaccine

News

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Scammers are targeting some Iowans who are trying to get COVID-19 vaccinations. Larry Jones, a public health expert, says criminals are pretending to be from a local health department or another organization in order to get your personal information. “Health departments, etcetera, are not going to be asking people for their credit card numbers or personal information of that nature,” says Jones. “They’re going to be wanting to know your name, probably a telephone or an email to be able to get back with you, but they’re not going to be asking you for financial information.”

Jones says some of the scammers have built sophisticated websites with authentic-looking vaccine sign-up forms. “They look very legitimate like they are a local health department and they’re not,” says Jones. “When you go onto their site, they start asking for their credit card and their Medicare or Medicaid numbers and things of that nature.”

If you get a call, email or letter from your local, county or state health department that looks suspicious, call that agency directly before responding.

Posted in News |

Atlantic School Board to discuss proposals w/Non-Certified Staff Collective Bargaining unit, Wed. afternoon

News

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Community School District Board of Directors and representatives with the Non-Certified Staff Collective Bargaining Unit (CBU) are set to begin contract negotiations on Wednesday, February 2. The meeting starts at 4:00 p.m. at the High School Media Center, and will be available for viewing live on YouTube. The meeting is open to the Public. The NCS CBU will present its proposal first, followed by the Atlantic Board of Education’s proposal.

In the last school year (2020-2021), the non-certified staff CBU negotiated a 2.31% increase, at an estimated cost of $68,357.64. In 2020-2021, the certified staff CBU negotiated a 2.28% increase for the 2020-21 school years, with an estimated cost of $157,503.82.

Posted in News |

MARTHA D. STEPHENSON, 94, of Atlantic & formerly of Anita (Funeral svcs. 2/5/21)

Obituaries

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

MARTHA D. STEPHENSON, 94, of Atlantic (& formerly of Anita), died Monday, Feb. 1st, at the Allen Place in Atlantic. Funeral services for MARTHA STEPHENSON will be held 11-a.m. Friday, Feb. 5th, at the Anita Congregational United Church of Christ. Hockenberry Funeral Home, in ANITA has the arrangements.

Visitation with family will be from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., Friday, at the Anita Congregational United Church of Christ.

Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, w/a luncheon to follow, at the Anita Congregational United Church of Christ.

Memorials will be directed to the family.

MARTHA STEPHENSON is survived by:

Her daughter – Norma (Mitch) Okada, of Wheaton, IL.

Her son – Lynn (Becky) Stephenson, of Anita.

4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and her sisters-in-law.

Posted in Obituaries |

Midwest Sports Headlines: 2/2/21

Sports

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Tremell Murphy scored 30 points and No. 25 Drake rolled past Illinois State 95-60 on Monday night in the Bulldogs’ first game as a ranked team in nearly 13 years. ShanQuan Hemphill had 18 points for the unbeaten Bulldogs, who improved to 37-4 in the Knapp Center under coach Darian DeVries. Antonio Reeves led Illinois State with 20 points. The Bulldogs had little trouble with the Redbirds after struggling to a 78-76 overtime win in Sunday’s series opener. Reeves had 27 points in the first meeting.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have placed a pair of backups, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and center Daniel Kilgore, on the COVID-19 list as close contacts as they begin their final preparations for the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay. Chiefs coach Andy said Monday he was told of the situation Sunday but could provide no other information. Neither of the players actually tested positive for COVID-19, which means Robinson — a regular contributor — and Kilgore could still play in the Super Bowl. Both would need to return negative tests throughout the week to get off the list.

UNDATED (AP) — Rob Gronkowski was the prototype as a big, physical, pass-catching tight end who could take over games with Tom Brady throwing to him in New England. The two are together again with the Buccaneers and relying on each other in another Super Bowl. Travis Kelce has been exactly that for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs as a record-shattering game changer at the position. Both Gronkowski and Kelce are fun-loving guys who take over any room their in with their larger-than-life personalities. They also have a mutual respect for each other and all of their respective career accomplishments.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have completed their blockbuster trade to acquire All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies. St. Louis dealt left-hander Austin Gomber and four minor leaguers to the Rockies: infielder Elehuris Montero, right-hander Tony Locey, infielder Mateo Gil and right-handed pitcher Jake Sommers. As part of the trade, Colorado will send cash to St. Louis to offset part of the money Arenado is due in his contract.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — When the Kansas City Chiefs fell short in an overtime loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC title game two years ago, what was missing wasn’t so much an impact pass rusher or shut-down corner. No, what was missing most was someone orchestrating the entire defense. That’s when Steve Spagnuolo entered the picture. His scheme helped the Chiefs return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years last season, and now they are back looking for a repeat.

UNDATED (AP) — The Super Bowl is always defined by numbers, this one perhaps more than others because there’s one number _ positive tests for COVID-19 this week _ that no one wants to see. That was on the minds of players and coaches who gathered Monday _ virtually, of course _ for the kickoff to Super Bowl week. Even so, their attention was focused mainly on the week of preparations for the game, a week that will be very different for Tom Brady and other players who have Super Bowl experience.

UNDATED (AP) — Tom Brady keeps raising the bar about how long he could keep playing quarterback in the NFL. As the 43-year-old Brady prepares for his record 10th Super Bowl and first since joining Tampa Bay this past offseason he says he’s definitely considering surpassing his previous goal and playing beyond age 45. It’s a matter of having the commitment and staying healthy but Brady has shown he can still thrive at an age most of his peers have retired.

Posted in Sports |

Legislators working on bills to address child care shortage

News

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) A House committee has voted to create two new state tax incentives for expanding child care in Iowa, but backers admit both bills are not in final form. Representative Phil Thompson of Jefferson says the first would establish a new state tax credit for property developers.

The other bill would offer state tax breaks to business owners that promise to expand on-site day care centers for their employees or build new ones. State economic development officials have asked for more guidelines for how businesses would qualify. Representative Lindsay James of Dubuque says these two bills are a start.

Other bills on the topic are pending. One that’s eligible for House debate would increase the number of Iowa parents who are eligible to claim a state income tax credit for child care expenses.

Posted in News |

Requiring Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the school day

News

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Students in Iowa’s K-through-12 schools would be led in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each school day under legislation that’s cleared initial review in the Iowa House. Representative Joe Mitchell, a Republican from Wayland, says Iowa is one of four states that doesn’t have this requirement.

If the bill becomes law, students would not be forced to stand and say the pledge if they or their parents object. Parochial schools would be exempted if the pledge conflicts with the school’s religion. The Iowa State Education Association — that’s the state teachers’ union — is registered in support of the bill, while other groups representing school boards and school administrators are registered as undecided.

Posted in News |

Iowa early News Headlines: Tue., Feb 2nd, 2021

News

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:30 a.m. CST

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa public health officials say coronavirus testing has identified three cases in Iowa of the virus variant strain found in the United Kingdom. Two of the cases were found in Johnson County in eastern Iowa and one in Bremer County in northeast Iowa. Based on scientific study of the variant strain called B.1.1.7. researchers believe it can spread more easily than the original strain of COVID-19 and it is believed to be deadlier. Current vaccines are believed to be effective against the strain. However, Iowa vaccine rollout has been slow. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report Iowa has delivered 190,689 first vaccine doses to individuals, or 6,044 per 100,000 people, the third lowest rate among states.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — The second of three suspects accused of firing shots into a Sioux City home during a New Year’s party has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges. Eighteen-year-old Carlos Morales, of Sioux City, entered his plea Monday. Police allege he and two others fired at least 27 shots into a house where 20 to 25 people were partying. Eighteen-year-old Mita Kritis was killed and three others were injured. Morales’ brother, 19-year-old Christopher Morales, pleaded not guilty earlier to the same charges. A third suspect, 18-year-old Anthony Bauer, has not entered a plea.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Police say a man shot in an apparent domestic disturbance at a Davenport home over the weekend has died. The Quad-City Times reports that the shooting happened just before noon on Saturday. Officers called to the scene on Fillmore Street found 33-year-old Nicholas Brown, of Davenport, suffering from a gunshot wound. Brown was rushed to a Davenport hospital with critical injuries. Police say he died at the hospital on Monday. Police have not released other details of the shooting, including whether police have a suspect or have made any arrests in the case.

Posted in News |

No. 25 Drake routs Illinois State 95-60 after return to poll

Sports

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Tremell Murphy scored 30 points and No. 25 Drake rolled past Illinois State 95-60 on Monday night in the Bulldogs’ first game as a ranked team in nearly 13 years. ShanQuan Hemphill had 18 points for the unbeaten Bulldogs, who improved to 37-4 in the Knapp Center under coach Darian DeVries. Antonio Reeves led Illinois State with 20 points.

Drake forward ShanQuan Hemphill, center, drives to the basket between Illinois State guard DJ Horne, left, and forward Abdou Ndiaye, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, in Des Moines, Iowa. Drake won 95-60. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

The Bulldogs had little trouble with the Redbirds after struggling to a 78-76 overtime win in Sunday’s series opener. Reeves had 27 points in the first meeting.

 

Posted in Sports |

Area high school basketball scores from Monday, 2/1/21

Sports

February 2nd, 2021 by Ric Hanson

BOYS BASKETBALL

CAM, Anita 55, Glidden-Ralston 35

Diagonal 44, Orient-Macksburg 27

Earlham 58, Pleasantville 47

Fremont Mills, Tabor 38, Bedford 25

Harlan 91, Greene County 38

Lenox 70, East Union, Afton 69, OT

Logan-Magnolia 56, Missouri Valley 34

Madrid 69, West Central Valley, Stuart 49

Mount Ayr 74, Central Decatur, Leon 59

Nodaway Valley 50, AC/GC 41

Stanton 67, Griswold 33

Treynor 68, A-H-S-T-W, Avoca 64

West Harrison, Mondamin 54, East Mills 38

West Valley Conference Tournament

Consolation

Lawton-Bronson 66, Woodbury Central, Moville 48

River Valley, Correctionville 52, MVAO-CO-U 29

Westwood, Sloan 69, West Monona 46

Semifinal

OA-BCIG 76, Siouxland Christian 62

Ridge View 52, Kingsley-Pierson 33

POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS

Bedford vs. Clarinda Academy, ccd.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Bishop Heelan Catholic, Sioux City 38, LeMars 36

CAM, Anita 61, Glidden-Ralston 25

Central Decatur, Leon 32, Mount Ayr 29

Coon Rapids-Bayard 48, Grand View Christian 40

Council Bluffs, Abraham Lincoln 66, Sioux City, West 35

Diagonal 54, Orient-Macksburg 45

East Mills 74, West Harrison, Mondamin 41

Harlan 58, Greene County 16

Lenox 71, East Union, Afton 53

Logan-Magnolia 58, Missouri Valley 15

Madrid 40, West Central Valley, Stuart 33

Nodaway Valley 66, AC/GC 37

Shenandoah 41, Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson 35

Stanton 56, Griswold 31

Posted in Sports |

Iowa A-P Boys High School Basketball Poll, the week of 2/1/21

Sports

February 1st, 2021 by Ric Hanson

The Top Ten teams in the Associated Press Iowa high school basketball poll with first-place votes in parentheses and won-loss record, total points and position last week at right:

Class 4A
Record Pts Prv
1. Cedar Falls (6) 10-0 87 1
2. Waukee (3) 8-1 82 2
3. Johnston 6-1 67 3
4. Ankeny Centennial 10-1 64 4
5. Dubuque, Hempstead 9-2 44 6
6. Council Bluffs, Abraham Lincoln 12-3 35 8
7. Valley, West Des Moines 8-3 33 7
8. Iowa City Liberty 5-1 28 5
(tie) Southeast Polk 9-2 28 9
10. Ames 9-3 8 NR

Others receiving votes: Davenport, North 7. Sioux City, East 4. Pleasant Valley 3. North Scott, Eldridge 3. Norwalk 1. Ottumwa 1.

Class 3A
Record Pts Prv
1. Ballard (6) 13-1 86 1
2. Pella (1) 13-1 78 2
3. Monticello (2) 14-0 74 3
4. Solon 14-1 52 T6
5. Carroll 12-2 43 5
6. Epworth, Western Dubuque 11-2 38 8
7. Dallas Center-Grimes 11-2 37 4
8. Glenwood 13-2 26 9
9. Assumption, Davenport 10-4 19 T6
10. Clear Lake 14-1 17 10

Others receiving votes: Clear Creek-Amana 11. Le Mars 8. Mount Vernon 5. Decorah 1.

Class 2A
Record Pts Prv
1. Boyden-Hull (9) 16-0 90 1
2. A-H-S-TW, Avoca 16-1 65 2
3. Western Christian, Hull 14-3 62 4
4. OA-BCIG 15-1 52 7
5. West Branch 12-0 44 6
6. Des Moines Christian 13-2 39 3
7. Dike-New Hartford 13-2 34 5
8. Pekin 16-1 25 9
9. Aplington-Parkersburg 13-2 20 NR
10. Denver 13-3 18 8

Others receiving votes: Spirit Lake 8. Roland-Story, Story City 6. Rock Valley 6. North Fayette, Valley 5. East Sac County 4. Treynor 4. Unity Christian, Orange City 4. Beckman Catholic, Dyersville 3. Camanche 2. Van Meter 2. Panorama, Panora 1. West Lyon, Inwood 1.

Class 1A
Record Pts Prv
1. North Linn, Troy Mills (9) 16-0 90 1
2. Lake Mills 15-0 75 2
3. Martensdale-St. Marys 15-0 69 3
4. Easton Valley 16-0 52 4
5. Gehlen Catholic, Le Mars 16-1 47 5
6. Grand View Christian 13-1 46 8
7. Springville 16-1 42 6
8. Montezuma 15-2 38 7
9. St. Mary’s, Remsen 13-2 10 9
10. Wapsie Valley, Fairbank 11-3 7 10

Others receiving votes: Tri-Center, Neola 6, Keota 4. Notre Dame, Burlington 4. . Gladbrook-Reinbeck 2. Edgewood-Colesburg 2. New London 1.

 

Posted in Sports |