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Police identify victims of shooting at private club in Iowa

News

September 30th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Police have identified the man and woman who were killed after gunfire broke out this weekend inside a private club in Waterloo, Iowa. The Waterloo Police Department said in a news release Wednesday that they are 22-year-old Da’Curious (Dacarious) T. Burkett of Waterloo and 28-year-old Takeya M. Hogan-Camp of West Des Moines, Iowa.

Police say at least two individuals began shooting at each other at about 3:15 a.m. Saturday. Six other people were also were treated for gunshot wounds and four were hurt by broken glass or other debris while fleeing.

 

Federal pandemic relief covers holes in state budget

News

September 30th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Federal pandemic relief money has helped keep the state budget in the black. By early September, the State of Iowa had used two-point-eight BILLION dollars in federal money to cover expenses related to the pandemic. About 40 percent of it was spent on unemployment benefits. The official state budgeting year ended June 30th, but there’s a two-month accrual period to settle accounts. That period was even more critical this year as due to the pandemic, Governor Reynolds gave Iowans until July to pay income taxes originally due in April.

According to a news release from the governor’s office, the state has 770 MILLION in cash reserves and 305-and-a-half MILLION dollars was left unspent from the state’s overall budget plan for the last fiscal year.

As Election Day nears, political phone scams multiply

News

September 30th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – With 34 days until the election and last (Tuesday) night’s presidential debate fresh on our minds, Iowans are being warned to be on the lookout for scammers pretending to be pollsters, campaign volunteers, fundraisers — and even candidates. Bao Vang, at the Better Business Bureau, says the crooks can be convincing.

“If you have been a victim, it’s so unfortunate,” Vang says, “Please let us know if you suspect this is happening in your community, head to our website, it’s bbb.org/scamtracker.” The site allows users to zoom in on the state of Iowa and various towns, showing where scams are being reported and what types. Nationwide, there are reports of 215-thousand scams, with dozens of them in Iowa.

“With all of our eyes and ears tuned into the 2020 presidential election, there is no doubt scammers are, too,” she says. “They’re opportunists and they follow the headlines so they’re using fake political fundraising calls to trick us into donating to a favorite candidate.” Vang says common political fraud involves polling calls with fake prize offers, fraudulent fundraising calls and people impersonating candidates asking for contributions.

She recommends donating directly to a campaign’s office — and never give your credit card or personal information out over the phone.

COVID-19 Associated Deaths Confirmed in Guthrie County

News

September 30th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

The Guthrie County Department of Public Health today (Wednesday), confirmed another three deaths have been associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guthrie County. One individual was 52 and two individuals were older than 80. All individuals had underlying medical conditions. The total number of deaths associated with COVID-19 as of today is ten.

Guthrie County Public Health Director, Jotham Arber said “We want to extend our deepest condolences to the individual’s family. We are all in this fight together. Guthrie County Public Health and all of our partners continue to work to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19 in our communities.”

Arber reminds residents they should:

■Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures and other hygiene practices are difficult to maintain.

■Stay at least 6 feet away from others to minimize exposure.

■Anyone who is high risk for more severe COVID-19 illness should continue to stay home.

■Stay home when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldn’t prevent you from your everyday activities)

■Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.

■Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the county webpage at www.adairguthriecountycovid.org

Denison versus Lewis Central football cancelled

Sports

September 30th, 2020 by admin

The Denison-Monarchs were set to travel to face the Lewis Central Titans on Friday night but that game has now been cancelled. Denison Activities Director Derek Fink said “We are working through the details of some positive cases & contact tracing & don’t want to potentially expose any students/players from our district or another district.

The cancellation brings the number of games called off in Western Iowa to 5.

Chiefs potentially down 2 more defensive starters vs. Pats

Sports

September 30th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have shown an uncanny ability through their first three games to absorb injuries and suspensions and keep on winning. But that resilience could be put to the test in another marquee matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Rookie defensive back L’Jarius Sneed already has been ruled out after surgery for the collarbone he broke last weekend against Baltimore, and defensive tackle Chris Jones is dealing with a nagging groin injury.

The Chiefs also are without cornerback Bashaud Breeland, who is finishing his four-game suspension.

 

Large Field Fire in eastern Pott. County

News

September 30th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Numerous area fire departments are battling flames in a field in eastern Pottawattamie County. Griswold Fire was dispatched to the scene at 49968 Highway 6, at around 2:19-p.m.  Other departments responding include Walnut, Oakland and Hancock Fire.

The flames were being fanned by northwesterly winds at 25-to 35 miles per hour. Additional information is not currently available.

Griswold and Bedford the latest football game on the chopping block this week

Sports

September 30th, 2020 by admin

The Griswold vs. Bedford football game is the latest on the chopping block for this Friday night. Griswold Activities Director Troy Niklaus said that due to low numbers of players available due to illness the game has been called off. Nicklaus added that the cancellation and illnesses are not linked to COVID-19, and “no one directly associated with Griswold School District has had a positive COVID-19 test.”

This cancellation adds to three other area cancellations this week. AHSTW vs. Riverside, Audubon vs. Coon Rapids-Bayard, and CAM vs. Fremont-Mills were all called off due to COVID-19 issues earlier this week.

CARLOTA De Sa MORTON, 99, of San Diego, CA (Graveside Svcs. 10/3/20)

Obituaries

September 30th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

CARLOTA De Sa MORTON, 99, of San Diego, CA, died September 22nd, in San Diego. A Graveside service for CARLOTA De Sa MORTON will be held 11-a.m. Saturday, October 3rd at the Whipple Cemetery, in Griswold. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

HAROLD E. BARTLETT, JR., 72, of Atlantic (No Svcs.)

Obituaries

September 30th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

HAROLD E. BARTLETT, JR., 72, of Atlantic, died Tue., Sept. 29th, at home. No services are planned at this time, for HAROLD BARTLETT, JR. Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic is assisting the family.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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