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Iowa’s forecast: 60s, then snow, repeat

News, Weather

November 11th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – We still have six more weeks of fall but Ole’ Man Winter is giving us a preview of what’s to come. A Winter Weather Advisory is posted for 15 counties across northwest and north-central Iowa late tonight (Thursday) through Friday afternoon. National Weather Service meteorologist Roger Vachalek says driving could soon become more of a challenge. “We’re going to be looking at stronger winds and also some snow falling over northern Iowa,” Vachalek says. “The combination of those two things will cause some poor travel conditions, especially late tonight, overnight, through tomorrow morning and the commute.”

It’s been a while since most of us have gotten behind the wheel in these conditions, so Vachalek reminds motorists to take it slow and leave for destinations early. “Although we’re not expecting a lot of snow, maybe one to two inches closer to the Iowa-Minnesota border, there will be the possibility of some slick or icy roads and strong winds gusting to 30 or 40 miles per hour,” Vachalek says, “as well as during the rest of the day, we may have snow showers which reduce visibility from time to time.” Most of Iowa is expecting at least a dusting of snow and there’s a chance for -more- snow late this weekend.

“We have another system coming in on Sunday which will probably bring some snow to far northeastern Iowa. We’re keeping an eye on that one,” Vachalek says. “Thankfully though, by next week, Tuesday, we may actually be back in the lower 60s. There’s going to be a sharp turnaround back to warmer weather, at least for a day next week, before we start to cool down again.” How does he describe the upcoming weather pattern? In a word, “wild.”

Sen. Ernst’s Veteran’s Day message

News

November 11th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

RED OAK, Iowa—On Veterans Day, Thursday, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and a combat veteran who served in the armed forces for over 23 years, recognized the selfless sacrifice of the Iowans and Americans who have fought for the United States in uniform. In a video dedicated to veterans, Ernst underscored her pledge to never forget the service members who fought in Afghanistan for the last 20 years, highlighting her bipartisan effort to create a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in honor of all those who served in America’s longest war.

Still frame image of Ernst’s Veteran’s Day video message.

Senator Ernst’s full remarks are below:

“For generations, the fabric of America and the freedoms we cherish in this great country have been protected valiantly by selfless heroes who’ve fought for our nation in uniform. “Veterans Day is just one of 365 opportunities we have every year to wake up and honor those who’ve answered the call to serve this nation.

“It’s also a chance for us to say thank you to the families and loved ones of the men and women who’ve sacrificed life and limb in the name of their country. They too are our nation’s heroes. “This year, Veterans Day takes on a new meaning following the end of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.

“We must never turn the page on the valiant Americans who’ve served our nation in Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism. “For 20 years, these servicemembers sacrificed the comfort of civilian life to protect our homeland and safeguard the freedoms and liberties we continue to enjoy today. These brave men and women are heroes—every single one of them.

“That’s why I’m leading a bipartisan effort to build a memorial on our National Mall in honor of all those who fought and died in the Global War on Terrorism—our nation’s longest war. “As a combat veteran who served over 23 years in our nation’s uniform, I am forever grateful for all those who’ve fought to keep America the greatest country on the face of the planet.

“Today and every day, let’s continue to honor our troops for all they’ve given to this country. The selfless sacrifice of so many Americans, and their families, have kept us safe and made us better. “May God bless the men and women who served—and continue to serve—the United States of America.”

How to invite family to Thanksgiving dinner without feuding over vaccinations

News

November 11th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – It’s long been said you should never discuss religion or politics in polite company, but a third topic is being added to the list this holiday season: vaccinations. Many Iowans are planning their first big family meals in a few years, and University of Iowa professor and psychologist Michele Williams says if you’re concerned some family members may endanger others, you’ll need to speak up. “That dividing line that happens a lot in families is usually resolved by deciding we’re only going to talk about football or the kids or other things that we have in common and we’re not going to talk about politics,” Williams says, “but with the issue of vaccinations, health becomes involved and people have very strong opinions.”

While some family members may want to be cautious for children or the elderly at Thanksgiving, for others, not getting vaccinated is part of their identity and it’s an expression of personal freedom.  “Most of us approach conversations like this as a debate. We want to win the conversation. We want to win over the other side to our point of view and we want to point out the flaws in the other side’s logic,” Williams says. “That’s often not the way to come to a win-win situation.”

Williams says the routine phone call to a cousin or nephew may get uncomfortable, quickly, if you go about it the wrong way. Then again, in some families, there may not be a “right” way. Still, if you’re hosting an event and want to ensure everyone who attends is vaccinated, try to make it a dialogue and not a debate. “I think it’s starting off with those ‘I’ statements,” Williams says. “‘I’m really concerned about Aunt Betty, or Mom or Grandma. I don’t want us to have a family gathering that results in them getting sick, getting hospitalized. Let’s talk about what we can do,’ and get the other person’s perspective.”

Some Iowans have quit their jobs to avoid mandatory vaccinations at their employer, she says, so it’s clearly an issue about which they feel strongly. If someone is not welcome at the table due to their vaccination status, perhaps they’d still be able to enjoy everyone’s company with a compromise: “Why don’t we have dessert outside where everyone will be safe and we’ll have hot cocoa and cider and pie in the backyard by the fire pit,” Williams says. “Everyone will have that time together but we won’t be inside in an enclosed area for long periods of time.”

Williams is a U-I professor of management & entrepreneurship in the Tippie College and she’s a psychologist who specializes in management communications and relationships.

(Podcast) KJAN News, 11/11/21

News, Podcasts

November 11th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

More area news from Ric Hanson.

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(Podcast) KJAN News, 11/11/2021

News, Podcasts

November 11th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

Local news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Atlantic Schools Superintendent discusses MS repairs & possible mandatory staff vaccinations

News

November 11th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – During a regular meeting Wednesday evening of the Atlantic School Board, Superintendent Steve Barber addressed a number of matters. The first pertained to the status of repairs underway at the Middle School. The facility was damaged by a fire that began while crews were on a lunch break from laying down new roofing this past July. The cause was never found, but it was deemed accidental. Barber said crews were wrapping-up repairs to the new roof on Wednesday.

Demolition work on the Central Office at Washington is done. It is currently an open space. Mr. Barber said also the cost of LED lighting in the entire building will be costlier than expected. The original plan after the fire, was to convert the building from the current conventional lighting to LED, which would have been more energy-efficient over the years, last longer and don’t flicker when they wear out. But they do tend be more costly than the fluorescent bulbs.

The consensus of the Atlantic School Board was to not include LED lighting in the reconstruction process, and stick with the type they had. In other business, the district is seeking specifications in order to solicit bids for a 77 passenger bus for 2023 delivery.

Barber also discussed the federal vaccine mandate that was temporarily put on hold by a Federal Judge, and that was supposed to go into effect on January 4, 2022, for all businesses with 100 or more employees.

The District’s legal counsel is studying the matter since the temporary STAY was enacted last week.

Red Oak woman arrested for Simple Assault

News

November 11th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

Red Oak Police, Wednesday night, arrested a woman for Simple Assault. 27-year-old Emily Kay Louise Rohner, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 9:45-p.m. in the 1660 block of E. Summit Street. She was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 bond.

La Nina phase in Pacific Ocean makes snow predictions for Iowa ‘a coin flip’

News, Weather

November 11th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State Climatologist Justin Glisan says it’s difficult to forecast whether this winter will be snowier than usual.  “It’s a coin flip right now,” he says. That’s because the Pacific Ocean is currently in what’s called a “La Nina” phase, when thunderstorms are pushed further west. “And that impacts the jet stream over the United States,” Glisan says. “…We have a bullseye for above average precipitation in the Ohio Valley into the Great Lakes and in the Pacific Northwest. Southern states are dry. Iowa happens to be right in the middle of that interface.”

Glisan says the Pacific was in its colder, La Nina phase last winter, too. “We had the 12th snowiest winter in record with nine inches above average, so it’ll depend on the strength of that La Nina phase. Right now, it’s looking weak,” Glisan says. “When we look at precipitation behavior for La Nina in the wintertime, it’s all over the board.”

Glisan made his comments during a recent appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S. The National Weather Service forecast indicates there are chances for light snow in parts of Iowa tonight (Thursday) into Friday morning.

Atlantic School Board approves contracts, resignations and other matters

News

November 10th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

[UPDATED] (Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board met Wednesday evening during a regular session at the Schuler Elementary School Media Center. During their session, the Board acted on several personnel matters, including the resignations of Washington Elementary Teachers Cathy Williams and Jodie Allen. Their resignations are effect at the end of the current school year. Superintendent Steve Barber thanked both women for their years of service to the Washington Building and the Atlantic School Community as a whole.

The Atlantic School Board also approved 10 contracts as recommended by Superintendent Steve Barber including Mallory Robinson, Communications Specialist

And, Taylor Jones contract as Washington Paraeducator was approved, Wednesday. The Board approved contracts as well, for Middle School Principal Josh Rasmussen as Interim JV Boys Basketball Coach, and Ed Den Beste as Interim 9th Grade Boys Basketball Coach.

He said this a one-year deal for both men. Sarah Rose and Katie Hedegaard were approved as Winter Cheerleading Co-Sponsors

The Board approved Matt Best and Bryce Smith, Assistant Boys Track Coaches, and Cole Renken as 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach. They also approved the following as Volunteer Coaches:

  • Jacey Hoegh and Zach Christensen, Boys Basketball
  • Todd Killion, Peter Smith, Mike Greving, Chase Roller, Caleb Smith and Ryan South: Wrestling.
  • and Kelbe Flathers, Dance Coach.

Along that same line, the School Board approved recommendations from Activities Director Andy Mitchell, for 2022 Summer Sport Coaches:

  • Athletic Enhancement Coordinator: Derek Hall
  • Head Softball: Terry Hinzmann
  • JV Softball: Molly O’Hara
  • 9th Grade Softball: Derek Handel
  • Head Baseball: Joseph Brummer
  • 9th Grade Baseball: Oran Perkins.

Mills County man arrested on Montgomery County harassment warrant

News

November 10th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

A man from Mills County was arrested Wednesday afternoon on a warrant out of Montgomery County. Sheriff’s Officials say 19-year-old Obadiah D. Waddell, of rural Henderson was arrested at around 2:10-p.m. on the warrant charging him with Harassment 1st Degree. Waddell was located at his residence and taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $2,000 bond.