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Study: Farmer suicide rates worse now than in the ’80s

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 29th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

A study finds suicide rates among farmers are the highest of any occupational group and the numbers have steadily risen since the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. Brandi Janssen, director of Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, says a federal study shows the suicide rates among farmers exceed rates in other high-risk populations, including veterans.

“They compared workers in the agricultural, forestry and fishing industries with all other occupations and they found suicides among agricultural populations were higher than any other occupational group,” Janssen says. “This was a big surprise to many people.” Janssen says most people think the 1980s had the highest rates of farmer suicide. However, using the numbers from the Centers for Disease Control, she found a 50-percent higher rate of suicides today than those tracked by the National Farm Medicine Center several decades ago.

“Rates were about 58 suicides for every 100,000 male farmers, that was in the 1980s,” Janssen says. “The rates that the CDC reported just this year among men in farming were 90 per 100,000. So they’re significantly higher than they were even at the time that we associate with the most economic stress and challenge in agriculture.” Janssen says there is no single cause for suicide, but it most typically occurs when there are stressors like economic challenges. There are things to watch for in your loved ones.

“Certainly, a change in behavior is sometimes a sign something is going on,” Janssen says. “People may become more emotional, maybe they are quicker or more irritable or they seem to look traditionally depressed, they seem down and sad or stop doing activities they like. There are often warning signs.” Janssen says there is more help available now than in the ’80s, and people should not be reluctant to seek it. One place is the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985.

(Radio Iowa)

Study: Risks of a heart attack rise between now & January 7th

News

December 29th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The song lyric says this is “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the stress of the holiday season can also put you at greater risk for a life-threatening medical episode. A heart doctor in Omaha-Council Bluffs says it’s well-documented that cases of cardiac arrest rise between December 25th and January 7th. “Unfortunately, the incidence of heart attacks during the Christmas season goes up, significantly,” Dr. Pompili says. “Studies over the last ten years have shown that the chance of having a cardiac event goes up by five percent.”

Dr. Vincent Pompili, chief of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, says risk factors for heart attacks include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history and smoking. “A number of factors are exacerbated during the holiday season, including emotional stress,” Pompili says. “Also, just the high-fat diet that we partake in during this time of year adds to that.”

He says the biggest mistake people make is that they don’t seek help when they notice a potential problem.  Pompili says, “Many times people, because family members are in town, avoid going and seeking medical care during the holiday time when they have chest pain and avoid making it to the emergency room when they have symptoms of a heart attack, which makes things worse.”

The number-one day of the year for heart attacks is December 25th followed by December 26th and January 1st. If you think you might be having heart trouble, call 9-1-1. Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital unless there’s no other option, as ambulance personnel can start treatment right away. Plus, they’re trained to revive you if your heart stops.

(Radio Iowa)

NE man arrested in Thursday morning Fremont County burglary case

News

December 29th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports a Nebraska man was arrested early this (Thursday) morning on burglary and other charges, following a chase that began with an incident at the Hamburg Lumber Company. Deputies were called to the business in the 1200 block of Main Street at around 1-a.m. for a reported Burglary in Progress.

When they arrived, they located a vehicle near the scene. The vehicle took off, but Deputies caught up with it in the 2900 block of Bluff Road, north of Hamburg. During the chase, speeds of the suspect vehicle approached 90-miles per hour.

When the chase concluded, 44-year old Chad Jones, of Nebraska City, NE., was arrested for Reckless Driving, Burglary in the 3rd Degree, and Felony Drug Possession. He was being held at the Fremont County Law Enforcement Center, on $10,300 bond.

Chad Jones

Iowa early News Headlines: Thursday, Dec. 29th 2016

News

December 29th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CST

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Officials estimate it could cost $2.1 million to repair the exterior of the nearly century-old Woodbury County courthouse. County supervisor Mark Monson tells the Sioux City Journal that the damaged exterior condition of the historic building is so dire that entire bricks can be pulled out of the foundation in some places. County supervisors say they want the building renovated for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2018.

BELLEVUE, Iowa (AP) — Police are asking the public for help investigating the homicide of a 59-year-old man in northeastern Iowa. The Division of Criminal Investigation said Wednesday that the death of James Remakel has been ruled a homicide. An autopsy found that the Bellevue man’s death was caused by “multiple sharp edged entries” into his body.

TITONKA, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a man has died following a house fire in northern Iowa. The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office says 59-year-old Daniel William Planz died after the Tuesday night fire in Titonka. The fire is under investigation.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A judge has convicted a Sioux City man in the stabbing death of a woman. Judge Steven Andreasen announced Wednesday that Isack Abdinur was guilty of first-degree murder. Prosecutors say Abdinur stabbed Cornelia Stead 23 times in her Sioux City apartment on June 23, 2015. Police say the two were romantic partners.

Fender bender in Red Oak Wednesday morning

News

December 28th, 2016 by admin

The Red Oak Police Department reports a two vehicle property damage accident occurred on Wednesday morning in Red Oak. The accident involved a teen driver that was practicing to receive his license striking a legally parked car and no one was injured.

At 10:50am a 1999 Mercury Marauder driven by 19-year-old Colton Jon Goldsmith of Red Oak left the courthouse and drove about a half block on East Reed Street and then turned right on North 1st Street. A pickup was coming into the intersection as Goldsmith made the turn and he panicked to get over and swerved towards the curb and struck a legally parked car. The collision occurred with a 2006 Ford Five Hundred mirror first and then the vehicle sliding down the driver’s side and eventually ripping off the front bumper. Both vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.

The Mercury sustained $2,000 estimated damage while the Ford sustained approximately $3,500 damage.

Man convicted of murder in Sioux City woman’s slaying

News

December 28th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A judge has convicted a Sioux City man in the stabbing death of a 43-year-old woman. Judge Steven Andreasen announced Wednesday that Isack Abdinur was guilty of first-degree murder. The judge had presided over a three-day nonjury trial that ended Nov. 21.

Prosecutors say Abdinur stabbed Cornelia Stead 23 times in her Sioux City apartment on June 23, 2015. Police say the two were romantic partners. Two psychologists testified that Abdinur is a violent schizophrenic. The defense expert said Abdinur didn’t know what he was doing when he attacked Stead. The prosecution expert said Abdinur knew he’d done something wrong and understood his actions.

Abdinur’s sentencing date hasn’t been set yet.

Overloaded electrical cord suspected in last week’s house fire in Walnut

News

December 28th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

An overloaded electrical cord is believed to have been the cause of a house fire last Thursday morning, in Walnut. Walnut Fire Chief Justen Tooley told KJAN News the call about a fire at 408 Pearl Street came in a little after 5-a.m. Thursday (Dec. 22nd).

Tooley said when they got on scene, they found flames coming out of the windows of the home. Two people who were renting the home had escaped safely.  The flames had spread to the corner of another house that was only about 5 feet away, according to Tooley. He said also that the fire was knocked down quickly, but the house was a total loss.

Red Oak Police warn local businesses about fake $100 bills

News

December 28th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Red Oak Police Department are warning local businesses about fake currency being passed at some businesses. Officials say there have been a few reports of $100 bills that were used in purchasing items today (Wednesday).  The bills have Japanese or Chinese lettering in pink on the front & back of them and they are unable to be marked upon.

Authorities say the fake bills could be purchased online and in any denomination, so it is possible that there are other fake bills in circulation.

If you have anyone trying to pass these types of bills for US Currency, have any information concerning the fake bills, or have any questions, contact the Red Oak Police Department at their non-emergency number : 623-6500. 

18-year-old accused of battering infant in northern Iowa

News

December 28th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) – An 18-year-old has been accused of battering a 2-month-old baby in northern Iowa. Court records say Nathan Jacobson, of Boone, is charged with felony child endangerment causing serious injury. He remained in custody Wednesday. Jacobson’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 3.

The records say he was arrested earlier this month following an investigation of an Oct. 17 incident in Charles City. Authorities say Jacobson was taking care of the infant when the infant suffered face and head injuries. The authorities say the injuries likely were caused by the baby being dropped, shaken and slapped.

State of Iowa reaches birthday milestone, turns 170

News

December 28th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The state of Iowa has reached a birthday milestone. Today (Wednesday) marks 170 years since Iowa achieved statehood. It became the 29th state to be admitted to the Union on Dec. 28, 1846.

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, which oversees the state historical museum near the state Capitol, opened two exhibits this month focused on Iowa history. The department is also hosting an event Wednesday at the museum to mark the state’s birthday.