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$5 fee for vehicles entering Lake Manawa and Waubonsie State Parks to continue

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 16th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Out of state visitors at two western Iowa parks will have to keep paying an entrance fee for at least two and a half more years. Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs had three million visitors last year and Representative Brent Siegrist, of Council Bluffs, says the fee may be a way to thin the crowds.

“Lake Manawa is the most heavily used park in the state park system, particularly because it’s next to Omaha and there are tons of Nebraskans that come over,” Siegrist says. “…Waubonsie State Park also is down near the Missouri border in Fremont County and they have a lot of traffic and visitors there.” In 2019, the legislature authorized an entrance fee of five dollars per out-of-state vehicle at both parks. It was a pilot project, to see if visitor traffic would change.

“The COVID years dramatically affected those parks at that time,” Siegrist says, “so they didn’t have a particularly good read about whether this is something they wanted to extend into the future.” This week Governor Reynolds approved the bill that keeps the fee in place until the end of 2025. Senator Dan Dawson of Council Bluffs says the fee can be a tool for keeping the peace in the park that’s just 10 miles from Omaha.

“When they have a crowd coming over to our parks to use it for purposes that you and I or anyone else here might not enjoy to take our families there and just enjoy the day — whether they want to drink or tear up the park or go off-road or so something like that, this is one more tool to try to maybe redirect some of our non-residents back to their state,” Dawson says.

There’s a daily fee for every vehicle entering a NEBRASKA state park. It’s six dollars for Nebraskans and eight dollars for everyone else. The State of Iowa began charging a 10-dollar yearly park user fee in 1987, but it was repealed two years later. During debate of the continued entrance fees for Lake Manawa and Waubonsie State Parks, legislators said they were not interested in imposing entrance fees at the other 81 state parks and recreation areas in Iowa.

Governor signs bill to create new penalties for elder abuse, exploitation

News

June 16th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Elder abuse will be defined as a crime in Iowa when a new law takes effect July 1st. Governor Reynolds has approved a bill that creates new criminal  penalties for emotional abuse and neglect of Iowans who are 60 or older.  “The safety and well being of older Iowans is so very important,” Reynolds said, “and this bill ensures that there will be consequences for those who target and harm them.” The bill establishes a new criminal charge of financial exploitation of an older individual.

“Abuse doesn’t always mean physical. It can also mean financial crimes,” Reynolds said, “and this bill also establishes criminal penalties for those that target individuals for that purpose.” The governor held a bill signing ceremony at a senior living center in Williamsburg.

These changes have been a top priority for A-A-R-P for several years and the bill passed the House and Senate this year unanimously. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, as many as two million Americans above the age of 65 have been abused and about 60 percent of elder abuse is committed by a relative of the victim.

(UPDATED) Atlantic CC approves subdivision final plat, and wastewater agreement with Anita

News

June 15th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic met Wednesday evening. The session began with action on a Resolution approving the Final Plat for the Redwood Subdivision in the City of Atlantic, and the swearing-in/Promotion of Atlantic Police Officer Jimmy James to Sergeant. As we’ve mentioned, James has 16-years of law enforcement experience.

Mayor Grace Garrett congratulates Sgt. Jimmy James

The Council also recognized Mike Henningsen and Dr. Carol Trewet, for their 20-years of service on the Atlantic Airport Commission. Lori Reid, who, along with her husband Barry, manage the airport, thanked them for all they have done for the airport, the local pilots, and the

Lori Reid and Mike Henngingsen

Lori Reid and Dr. Carol Trewett

“transient pilots,” who have made brief stays in the community.  Henningsen said “When the FAA gives you 80-to 90-percent [the cost] of a project that’s been approved, you’re crazy not to go through with it, and you’ve all done that without any backlash over the years, so thank you.” He was referring the the runway and apron expansion, hanger and other essential functions at the airport the Council has backed over the years.

The Atlantic City Council approved a day long street closure for 4th Street, between Walnut and Chestnut, for SHIFT ATL’s Summer Soiree Summer fundraising event/dinner, set to take place July 16th. And, the approved a Wastewater Management Services Agreement with the City of Anita. Atlantic already has similar agreements in-place with Massena and Fontanelle.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council officially set the dates and hours for Fireworks, which are unchanged from last year. Fireworks are permitted in Atlantic on July 2nd, 3rd and 4th, from Noon until 11-p.m. each day. The law bans the discharge of fireworks within 300 feet of a hospital or long-term care facility. The ordinance also states no person under the age of 18 shall discharge DOT 1.4 class fireworks without adult supervision. Consumers must follow the directions on the package, and sky lanterns without a tether rope are strictly prohibited.

And Mayor Garrett put the community on-notice that a big event next week in Atlantic, will draw a large number of people from out of town to the area, beginning this weekend, and some slow moving equipment.

The tractors will depart the Cass County Fairgrounds in Atlantic early Monday-Tues-and Wednesday mornings, June 20-22, and have stops the first day at: the Cumberland Fire Department; Griswold High School; Muller Livestock, and then back to the Fairgrounds, that evening, for a total of 73.77 miles.
Tuesday’s schedule takes the tractors and their riders to: the Exira-EHK High School; Van Wall Implement in Avoca; and Dave’s Country Repair in Walnut before heading back to the Fairgrounds. Total mileage for day-two, is 69.5.
And, on the third and final day of the tractor ride, participants will depart the Fairgrounds in Atlantic and head to the CAM High School in Anita.

Damage Surveys Begin in Pottawattamie County

News, Weather

June 15th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

[COUNCIL BLUFFS] – Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Coordinator Doug Reed said Wednesday, “Emergency Management personnel began local preliminary damage assessments today, focusing on the areas with initial publicly reported damages from the overnight severe storm system. Currently there are no significant public infrastructure damages reported and only limited reports of residential & business damages. The heaviest damages observed today were in south central Pottawattamie County which resulted in a total loss of a business.

Additional damages were observed in eastern Pottawattamie County, including Carson, Macedonia, and rural areas eastward toward Cass County. Those damages primarily consisted of residential properties that were affected by falling limbs, trees, or high winds. Currently, (63) structures have been impacted by the severe weather event along with a few parks & recreation areas receiving some form of tree damage, debris, or other related minor damages.”

“The important numbers right now,” Reed said, “are that there have been zero injuries or fatalities related to this storm event and nearly all utility outages have been restored. This nighttime tornado scenario is one of the ones that scares me the most; nearly everyone is home, and nearly everyone is asleep.” Reed reminds everyone that you need to have multiple ways to receive warning alerts. “Have a weather radio, sign up for our free emergency and weather alerts, and leave those device’s volumes turned on during the night – there’s simply no other solution.”

Damage reports from the public will be accepted over the next couple of days as officials continue to assess the overall impact and potential need for assistance. To report your damages and receive updates related to this severe weather event go to the Emergency Management Agency website at https://pcema-ia.org. Your reports and pictures will be essential in assessing the overall impact to the  county.

DCI Investigates West Burlington Shooting

News

June 15th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa -Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Wednesday (today), said that on June 14, 2022, at approximately 4:44 p.m., the West Burlington Police Department received reports of shots being fired at the West Burlington Municipal Pool, located at 602 West Burlington Avenue.  Upon arrival, law officers found Devontae Richardson, 28, bleeding from a single gunshot wound to the face.  Richardson was transported to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.  Eventually, Richardson was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where he currently remains in stable condition. No other injuries were reported related to the shooting.

Witnesses observed a vehicle flee the scene, which has been located by law enforcement and subsequently seized. Interviews continue to be conducted by the West Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Law enforcement believes this is an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the general public. No additional information will be released until further notice.

Funeral escort for Fremont County Deputy Austin “Melvin” Richardson

News

June 15th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic Fire, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies, Atlantic Police, Cass County EMS personnel stand in honor under Old Glory above I-80 westbound at Exit 57, north of Atlantic, while a procession of law enforcement escorts Fremont County Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Richardson from the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny, to a funeral home in Hamburg. The Deputy died Tuesday, June 14th, in a collision between the SUV he was driving, and a combine. The accident took place on a narrow two-lane highway in Fremont County.

Regents propose tuition increase of more than four percent for state schools

News

June 15th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Board of Regents will meet Monday and consider an increase in tuition and fees at the three state universities. The Regents will hold the first reading of a proposal to raise tuition by four-point-two-five percent for in-state undergraduates. That translates to an increase of 355 dollars at the University of Iowa, 354 at Iowa State University, and 331 dollars at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Board says the increase is needed after they requested an additional 15 million dollars from the Iowa Legislature and lawmakers gave them a five-and-half million dollar increase for the next year. I-S-U is asking for the largest increase in mandatory fees at 145 dollars, the U-I requests 56 dollars, and U-N-I 27 dollars.

The proposed tuition increases come after the Board of Regents approved 50-thousand dollar salary increases for the presidents of the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The Board of Regents also approved deferred compensation packages for I-S-U president Wendy Winterstein, U-I president Barbara Wilson and for U-N-I president Mark Nook, and Regents executive director Mark Braun.

Crypto company to pay State of Iowa $943,396

News

June 15th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s insurance commissioner says a cryptocurrency company will pay a 943-thousand dollar fine to the State of Iowa for selling unregistered securities and misrepresenting the level of risk associated with its product. BlockFi Lending has offered interest-bearing accounts to customers with cryptocurrency, promising to make variable interest payments each month. Two and a half years ago, BlockFi and its affiliates held about 267-thousand dollars worth of crypto from Iowans. By the end of 2021, that had ballooned to 14-point-six million. The company was accused of selling securities in Iowa without being registered as a broker-dealer or agent.

The Iowa Insurance Commissioner’s announcement is part of a joint investigation by a federal agency and state regulators. BlockFi has agreed to pay 50 million dollars to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Iowa’s insurance commission says the company is paying another 50 million dollars to 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

BlockFi agreed to the 100 million dollar settlement without admitting or denying the S-E-C’s allegations.

Escort for fallen Fremont County Deputy set for this afternoon

News

June 15th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Sidney, Iowa) – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Department reports an entourage of law enforcement personnel will be escorting the body of Deputy Austin “Melvin” Richardson from the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny, beginning at approximately 2-p.m. The escort will follow Interstate 80 to Interstate 29 south, to the Rash-Gude Funeral Home, in Hamburg. They will be entering Hamburg from the interstate and turn north on Main Street to the funeral home.
Authorities are asking the public to please not join the escort, but they are free to line the route and overpasses. A vehicle display is located at Fremont County Sheriff’s Office where the public can pay their respects. Any cards or mementos left will be given to the family. There is not, at this time, a verified Go Fund Me or other donation locations.
Deputy Richardson died Tuesday afternoon, when the SUV he was driving collided with a combine traveling on a narrow Highway 275, near 260th Street. His vehicle rolled multiple times before coming to rest on its left side. The driver of the combine was not injured.

Cass County, Iowa Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Offense

News

June 15th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa reports a man from Cass County (IA) was sentenced Tuesday, to serve seven-years in prison for the Receipt of Child Pornography. 34-year-old Aaron William Butcher must also serve a seven-year term of supervised release after the prison term and register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system. Butcher was also ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution.

In February of 2021, a cybertip was sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding child pornography being uploaded to a Dropbox account. The email address was traced to Butcher and law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for his Dropbox account and his residence in Atlantic, Iowa. Butcher’s electronic devices were forensically analyzed and contained images and videos of child pornography. Forensic examination also located numerous conversations between Butcher and individuals he believed to be teenagers. Butcher asked for images and videos of child pornography in exchange for money.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit investigated the case, which was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa.