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DENNIS M. PREISTER, 69, of Marne (Celebration of Life at a later date)

Obituaries

December 3rd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

DENNIS M. PREISTER, 69, of Marne (the owner of the Roadhouse Bar & Grill, in Marne), died Sunday, Nov. 29th, at home. Per his wishes, cremation will take place, and a Celebration of Life for DENNIS PREISTER will be held at a later date. Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic has the arrangements

Online condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com.

DENNIS PREISTER is survived by:

His wife – Tracey Preister, of Marne.

Iowa jobless claims fall for last full week in November

News

December 3rd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The latest report from Iowa Workforce Development shows another drop in jobless claims. The number of initial unemployment claims filed last week dropped to around 5,600, down more than 3,300 from the previous week. Workforce Development says the number of continuing weekly unemployment claims was over 34,000, also down about 2,600 from the week before. More than half of the claimants indicated their claims were not COVID-19 related.

Industries with the most claims included, construction, manufacturing, the self-employed, accommodation & food services, and health care & social assistance.

Federal farm payments doubled in 2020, net farm income jumps 43%

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 3rd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The U-S-D-A is forecasting net farm income for 2020 will jump 43 percent over last year, reaching a seven-year high of nearly 120 BILLION dollars. Ag economist David Widmar is with the consulting firm Agricultural Economic Insights.  “I would summarize this as an update of a pretty dramatic upswing in the farm economy,” he says. The previous U-S-D-A forecast was released in early September. “It was about seven or eight weeks in August and September that the farm economy got to sort of the edge of looking really, really bleak,” he says, “and then all of a sudden things started turning favorably.”

Widmar uses the word “dramatic” to describe the jump in commodity prices since September. There have also been record direct government payments to farmers in 2020, more than double the amount in 2019, as the Trump Administration made extra farm payments for trade disruptions and the pandemic. Government payments will account for 39 percent of net farm income in 2020 according to the U-S-D-A.”$40-plus billion in direct payments,” he says, “a historically high level of direct payments.”

Adjusting for inflation, 2011 and 2013 were the only other years when net farm income has been higher. Widmar cautions, though, that not ever farmer is making a profit, especially when considering livestock and dairy prices.

Free flu shots available through CCHS

News

December 3rd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Health officials in Cass County are trying to get the word out about a recent shipment of flu vaccine they received from the state. Amy Anstey, a Cass County Public Health Nurse, says the vaccinations are available at no charge for everyone, including persons from outside the county.

Anstey says there are a variety of reasons why people may not be taking advantage of the free vaccine, including the possibility they may have already received it. Their focus now is to get it those who have not received the shot, and, she says it’s not too late to do so. She suggests you call ahead to schedule your vaccination.

Anstey says people shouldn’t confuse the flu vaccine with a vaccine against the Coronavirus.

She says it’s important for people to understand also, that by getting a flu shot, you are not being given the flu, and it will not cause the flu.

She says the shot causes your body to generate immunity to the flu. Antey says also, if you currently have COVID symptoms, take the Test Iowa Assessment. Providers will soon be running both a flu swab and a COVID swab, to determine whether you have a cold or a positive case of the Coronavirus.

The flu shots are available seven days a week, weekends by appointment only. To schedule your appointment or for any questions, call 712-250-8008.

Atlantic-CAM wrestling ready to enjoy the chance to compete

Sports

December 3rd, 2020 by admin

Trojan LogoThe Atlantic-CAM wrestling team is set to start their 2020-21 season tonight with a home dual against Underwood. The Trojans have had to adjust the schedule a number of times leading up to the season and more changes are likely to come, adjusting to the pandemic. Atlantic-CAM Head Coach Tim Duff said the team is just thankful and excited that they get to compete.

The Trojans will have a mix of experience and youth once again. Coach Duff said the senior class that includes 4 very experienced wrestlers will lead the way.

Joe Weaver comes into the season ranked 8th at 132lbs and junior Kadin Stutzman is ranked 9th at 160lbs in Class 2A. The Trojans have had a very successful dual run in the conference recently and Coach Duff said the goals will remain the same.

Atlantic-CAM will start with a strong test against Underwood. The Eagles are ranked 8th in Class 1A as a team and feature three top-ten ranked individuals. Gable Porter is top ranked in 1A at 113, Stevie Barnes is third at 126, and Chris Gardner is 10th at 220. That dual starts at 6:00 p.m. tonight at Atlantic High School.

UI student charged in sexual extortion case

News

December 3rd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A University of Iowa student is accused in sexual blackmail case. The UI Department of Public Safety says a 20-year-old student threatened to report she was sexually assaulted unless the would-be victim paid her a thousand dollars. The student, Vy Nhat Dihn, is charged with extortion. The incident allegedly happened at Catlett Residence Hall in April. Dinh was released and is ordered to have no contact with the victim. If convicted, she could be sentenced to five years in prison.

Creston teen faces OWI charge after chain-reaction accident

News

December 3rd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

The Creston Police Department reports a teenager faces a charge of OWI/1st offense, following a chain-reaction accident Monday night. Authorities say 14-year old Sarabeth Shakshak, of Creston, was driving a 2012 Ford Fusion, traveling north in an alley south of Irving street at around 8:35-p.m., when the vehicle left the road and struck a guide wire off of a pole. The vehicle then traveled across the alleyway and hit a 2004 Ford F-250 pickup, which was pushed into a 1995 Ford F-250 pickup. The car then traveled across the alley again before coming to rest and catching fire. The vehicle was a total loss.

Shakshak fled the scene but was later located and after speaking with police, was processed on the OWI charge. Damage to the pickups, which were registered to Tadd Carr and Virginia Wilson, both of Creston, amounted to $5,000.

(Podcast) KJAN 8-a.m. News, 12/3/20

News, Podcasts

December 3rd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

Play

Creamy Cabbage and Sausage (12-3-2020)

Mom's Tips

December 3rd, 2020 by Jim Field

  • 1 1/3 lbs. bulk pork sausage
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 10 cups coarsely chopped cabbage
  • 1 1/2 cups dairy sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded American cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a dutch oven cook sausage and onion over medium-high heat until sausage is brown.  Drain off fat.  Stir in cabbage.  Cook, covered, over medium heat about 10 minutes or until cabbage is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.  Drain off any excess liquid.

Stir in sour cream, cheese, salt and pepper.  Transfer mixture to a 3 quart rectangular baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter or margarine; sprinkle over sausage mixture.  Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until bread crumbs are golden.

Makes 8-10 main dish servings.

Walnut City Council meeting tonight (12/3)

News

December 3rd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

The Walnut City Council will meet in a regularly scheduled session, 5-p.m. today at the Walnut Community Center (or, online via GoToMeeting). On their agenda is discussion with regard to:

  • The Sesquicentennial Celebration
  • The Walnut Community Facilities
  • Property Maintenance
  • The City Budget
  • Fire Department
  • and, the annual evaluation of City Employees along with salary discussion.

The Walnut City Council will also receive an update on Ramsey’s Market, and a Housing Rehabilitation Grant. They’re expected as well, to set the date for a Public Hearing on the proposed FY City Property Tax Levy, among other matters.