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COUNCIL BLUFFS MAN SENTENCED ON FIREARMS CHARGE

News

June 6th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

The U-S Attorney’s Office for the southern district of Iowa says a Council Bluffs man was sentenced today (Monday), to almost six-years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Judge James E. Gritzner imposed the sentence on 37-year old Jack Gregory Milledge.

Gritzner ordered the sentence of imprisonment to run consecutively, or, in addition to, a sentence of 6-9 years imprisonment which Milldege is currently serving on a State of Nebraska burglary and theft charge. The judge also sentenced Milledge to three years of supervised release following his imprisonment, and imposed a $100.00 special assessment for the Crime Victim Fund.

In sentencing the man, Gritzner noted Milledge’s extensive criminal history, and the seriousness of someone with his criminal history, being in possession of a firearm. He remains detained in the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation of the Bureau of Prisons facility at which he will serve his term of imprisonment.

On March 3rd, Milledge pled guilty in Council Bluffs federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge arises from a November 11th, 2009, search of Milledge ‘s residence in Council Bluffs. During the search, officers found a loaded .22 caliber handgun, which was later determined to be stolen.

Prior to November 11th, 2009, Milledge had been convicted of a number of felony and other offenses in Iowa and Nebraska, including, among others, burglaries, theft and stolen property offenses, and trespass offenses.

The case against him was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, and was investigated by the SouthWest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Neb. nuke plant declares emergency due to flooding

News

June 6th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska nuclear power plant on the west bank of the Missouri River has declared an emergency because of the rising river.

The Omaha Public Power District, which operates the Fort Calhoun plant, says Monday that the river has reached a lever where the company is declaring a “notification of unusual event,” which is the lowest of four emergency levels that are standard in the U.S. nuclear industry.

The utility says it has notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and emergency management agencies in Nebraska and Iowa.

The Fort Calhoun plant, which is about 20 miles north of Omaha, has been shut down since early April for refueling. The OPPD says in a statement no release of radioactive material requiring offsite response or monitoring has occurred or is expected.

DNR REMINDS PUBLIC OF BOATING SUSPENSION ON MISSOURI RIVER; RAMPS CLOSED AT SOME WESTERN IOWA LAKES

News, Weather

June 6th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES - The suspension of recreational boating by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers on the Missouri River between Sioux City and mile marker 550 where Iowa,
Missouri and Nebraska meet includes backwaters of the river.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has also closed boat ramps at Blue Lake,
Browns Lake and Snyder's Bend because of the flooding occurring on the Missouri
River.

"This is an extremely dangerous situation, not only for recreational boaters, but
for rescuers if a problem should occur on the water," said Robert Garrison, chief of
the law enforcement bureau for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR closed all state run boat ramps on the Missouri River on June 2nd.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, violation of the order establishing
the suspension of recreational boating in the designated area can result in a
maximum civil penalty of $40,000 for each violation.

A "willful and knowing" violation of the no-boating order can also result in a
felony charge punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a prison sentence from
five to 10 years.

Monday, June 6th

Trading Post

June 6th, 2011 by admin

FOR SALE: SEVERAL BOYD BEAR FIGURINES IN ORIGINAL BOXES AND SEVERAL BOYD AMERICAN CHILD IN ORIGINAL BOXES. 712-268-2609

FOR SALE: BLACK MINI FRIDGE, TOP SHELF, SMALL SHELF, ONE SMALL SHELF ON TH DOOR $50; WICKER STAND CURVED TOP, 4 SHELVES RED RIGHT NOW $25; 2 OCTOGAN END TABLES $20 EACH. 249-9065

FOR SALE: 1 K. DIAMOND RING SIZE 10 $350; 1/2 K. DIAMOND RING SIZE 9 $250. 769-2377

FOR SALE: BEAUREGARD SWEET POTATO PLANTS. UNDER 25 PLANTS .75 CENTS EACH IN BUNDLES OF 25 PLANTS .50 CENTS EACH PLANT. 712-549-2410 (BRAYTON)

FOR SALE: A/C IN GOOD CONDITION WITH NEWTON MOTOR $75; LANDSCAPING STONES $80-100. 304-2587

WANTED: YOUR JUNK METAL APPLIANCES AND MORE BIKES, CARS, TRACTORS, MOWERS, ETC. WILL PAY $100 FOR EVERY APROX. 3,000 POUNDS. CALL TRENT AT 249-7660

FOR SALE: GOOD CONDITION, BLACK FIBERGLASS TOPPER, FITS A LONG BOX CHEVY PICKUP, CLAMPS INCLUDED, MAKE AN OFFER. 243-4350

FOR SALE: DOUBLE UTILITY SINK $25; CHILD’S STROLLER $15; SONLY HANDYCAM CAMCORDER NOT DIGITAL $35. 268-7260  (EXIRA)

WANTED: RHUBARB TO PURCHASE. 243-3290

WANTED: INFORMATION ON DOUGLAS #9 (MT. ZION) COUNTRY SCHOOL WICH WAS LOCATED 5 MILES NORTH OF KIMBALLTON. PHOTOGRAPHS, RECORDS, STORIES ANY INFORMATION WHICH HELPS TELL THE STORY OF MT. ZION FROM 1889-1961. CONTACT KENNETH SAND AT 608-326-4985 OR EMAIL SAND@MHTC.NET
 

Minor accident in Atlantic

News

June 6th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

No injuries were reported following a two-vehicle collision Friday afternoon, in Atlantic. Officials with the Atlantic Police Department say a vehicle driven by Scott Nixon, of Afton, hit a car driven by Joan Yarger, of Atlantic, after Nixon’s foot slipped-off of brake peddle.

The accident happened at the intersection of 7th Street, at the entrance to Wal-Mart. Nixon’s vehicle was begind Yarger, who was waiting for the stop light to turn green, when the mishap occurred at around 2-p.m., Friday.

Damage from the collision amounted to $2,750. No citations were issued.

EUGENE A. (GENE) KADING (6-8-2011)

Obituaries

June 6th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

EUGENE A. (GENE) KADING, 89,  of Stuart, died Sun., June 5th, at the Stuart Community Care Center. Funeral services for Gene Kading will be held on Wed. (June 8th), at 10-a.m., in the Stuart Congregational Church (224 N. Division St.), in Stuart. Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart has the arrangements.

Visitation at the funeral home will be held from 5-7pm Tue., June 7th.

Burial will be in the South Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Jefferson Center Community Chapel.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com

Smoke from AZ fire spreads to Midwest

News

June 6th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

DENVER (AP) – Smoke from the Arizona wildfire has spread as far away as 1,000 miles from the blaze.

Kyle Fredin, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Denver, said Monday that a ridge of high pressure was carrying the smoke as far away as central Iowa. He said the smoke was also hitting eastern Colorado – where it obscured the view of the mountains from downtown Denver – as well as New Mexico, Nebraska and Kansas.

Fredin said the smoke won’t be as noticeable in the Midwest, where humidity already makes conditions hazy, but it would likely cause striking orange-pink sunrises and sunsets, as it has in Denver.

The high pressure system is also bringing hot, dry weather along with the smoke. Cooler temperatures are expected by Wednesday, bringing cleaner air with it.

Atlantic Girls Track Team Earns Academic Honors

Sports

June 6th, 2011 by Jim Field

The 25 members of the Atlantic girls track team are being honored by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.  Coach Bruce Henderson reports that the teams average grade point average for the second semester was 3.34.  This was bolstered by nine students who had perfect 4.0 GPA’s. They include Jessica Arneson, Kari Sandage, Taylor Barry, Marissa Berns, Paige Kennon, Sam McConnell, Mackenzie Holmes, Shelby Worth and Kristin Johnk.  They will receive certificates from the IGHSAU at a later date.

In addition, seniors Kari Sandage and Jessica Arneson received Hawkeye 10 All-Conference Academic awards.

Kari Sandage also earned the prestigious “Academic All-State” award presented by the Iowa Association of Track Coaches. Recipients must have a cumulative GPA of 3.8, a 28 ACT score and they must have participated in the 2011 state track meet.

Coach Shawn Petersen on Liz Metheny’s Tennis Season

Sports

June 6th, 2011 by Jim Field

Liz Metheny of Atlantic placed 7th overall in Singles at the 2011 Class 1A State Tennis Torunament held in Waterloo on June 2, 3.

Only 16 girls qualify for the State Tournament in Singles in Iowa in each class; girls must choose between competing in Singles or in Doubles.  This year, most of the top players entered in Singles, largely due to the fact that the defending Doubles champions, Emily and Rachel Pierson of Red Oak were entering the Doubles field.  This made for a very deep and talented field in the Singles draw.

Liz came in as an unseeded player (only four girls are seeded) and drew Amanda Stefanik of Oskaloosa in Round 1.  Amanda came in with a 17-2 overall record, so it figured to be a tough match.  Both players played well in the opening set, with a lot of deuce games.  Liz broke Amanda in Game 3 and held onto her serve throughout to capture a 6-3, 6-1 win.

Unfortunately, Liz then had to play the top seed, 2-time defending champion Sarah Dalton of Wahlert Catholic.  Dalton is probably the best player in the state regardless of class, and she took care of Liz in straight sets.  Dalton went on to win the tournament for the third consecutive year.

That dropped Liz into the consolation bracket, where she had to win to stay alive.  She was matched against Erin Olson of Estherville-Lincoln Central, who had previously beaten Catie Faust of St. Albert to stay alive herself.  Liz fought through some heat issues, and got through it 6-4, 7-5.  Liz had been sick for most of the week, and definitely was not 100% physically, so it was good to see her pull through and live to play another day.

In the consolation semifinals, she took on #3 seed Ena Alcan of Fairfield; Ena is a foreign exchange student from Serbia, who entered the tournament undefeated.  She was upset in the first round, but battled back with two nice wins, including knocking out the #4 seed, to face Liz.  Liz was up a break in the first and second sets, but couldn’t quite seal the deal, losing 7-5, 7-5.  Both girls played very good tennis.

Finally, Liz had a match for seventh place — against Stefanik, who herself won her way back after losing to Liz in the opener.  Amanda was a little more prepared for Liz this time around, and won the first set pretty handily 6-3; Liz did her thing, though — fighting back to take a 4-1 lead in the second set, before holding on to win 6-4, forcing a 3rd Set match tie-break.  In that, Liz was down 5-3, before rattling off 7 straight points to take the tiebreak and the match, 10-5, and finish in seventh place.

It was a great tournament for Liz — going 3-2 against some of the best in the state, and only losing to the champion and the previously unbeaten Alcan.  Liz and Derek Tjepkes will compete in State Co-ed Tennis on Tuesday June 7 in Johnston, Iowa.

Missouri River Flood outlook

News

June 6th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

HYDROLOGIC OUTLOOK

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OMAHA/VALLEY NE

1121 AM CDT MON JUN 6 2011 

…SIGNIFICANT AND PROLONGED FLOODING LIKELY ALONG THE MISSOURI RIVER…

 IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS…THE UPPER MISSOURI BASIN HAS RECEIVED NEARLY A YEAR’S WORTH OF RAINFALL. IN ADDITION…SNOW PACK RUNOFF YET TO FULLY ENTER THE UPPER PORTION OF THE RIVER SYSTEM IS 140 PERCENT OF NORMAL. THESE CONDITIONS ARE RESULTING IN MISSOURI BASIN RESERVOIRS ACROSS EASTERN MONTANA AND THE DAKOTAS NEARING THEIR MAXIMUM LEVELS.

RECORD RELEASES HAVE BEGUN AT GAVINS POINT DAM LOCATED TO THE WEST OF YANKTON SOUTH DAKOTA. CURRENT RELEASES ARE AROUND 100,000 CFS (CUBIC FEET PER SECOND)…AND WILL BE INCREMENTALLY INCREASED TO 150,000 CFS BY MID-JUNE. THE PREVIOUS HIGH RELEASE AT GAVINS POINT WAS 70,000 CFS IN 1997.

 THESE EXTREMELY HIGH FLOWS…COMBINED WITH NORMAL RAINFALL…MAY RESULT IN NEAR-RECORD FLOODING ALONG PORTIONS OF THE MISSOURI RIVER. IN ADDITION…MANY LOCATIONS ON THE MISSOURI RIVER WILL REMAIN FLOODED THROUGH JULY.

 THE FOLLOWING TABLE IS THE LONG-RANGE MISSOURI RIVER FORECAST…

ASSUMING NORMAL SUMMER PRECIPITATION ALONG WITH THE EXPECTED PEAK RELEASES OF 150,000 CFS FROM GAVINS POINT DAM. RECORD AND 2010 FLOOD CRESTS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED FOR REFERENCE. THIS PRODUCT WILL BE UPDATED FREQUENTLY AS THE LONG-RANGE FORECAST WILL LIKELY BE MODIFIED AS A RESULT OF RAINFALL EVENTS AND POTENTIAL ADJUSTMENTS TO RELEASES AT GAVINS POINT.

 LOCATION FS LONG-RNG FORECAST(FT) RECORD(FT) 2010 CREST(FT)

——– — ——————— ———- ————–

SIOUX CITY 30 35 TO 37 44.28-1952 25.49

DECATUR 35 40 TO 42 32.31-1996 31.42

BLAIR 26.5 30 TO 32 33.50-1952 26.93

OMAHA 29 34 TO 36 40.20-1952 28.74

NEB. CITY 18 27 TO ABOVE 28* 27.66-1952 25.21

BROWNVILLE 33 43 TO ABOVE 44* 44.30-1993 42.89

RULO 17 25.5 TO ABOVE 27* 26.63-2010 26.63

——– — ——————— ———- ————–