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(Podcast) KJAN Morning News & Funeral report, 12/11/2018

News, Podcasts

December 11th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:06-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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Woman gets 2 years of probation for infant son’s death

News

December 11th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Des Moines woman whose infant son died after she gave him large amounts of an allergy medication has been given two years of probation. Polk County court records say 34-year-old Latyia Johnson pleaded guilty last week to misdemeanor child endangerment. The judge also gave her a two-year prison sentence that was suspended.

Medics were sent in January to a Des Moines motel where she and her 6-month-old son were staying. The boy, Chance Alexander, died later at a hospital. An autopsy report showed high levels of an ingredient found in allergy medications and sleep aids.

The records say Johnson initially told officers that she’d awakened early on Jan. 24 to find her son unresponsive. She acknowledged that she’d given him more than an adult level of an allergy medication and a children’s pain reliever.

Atlantic School Board to act on calling for Special Bond Election

News

December 11th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

When the Atlantic School Board meets at 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, one of the action items on their agenda, is approving a Resolution calling for an election on the proposed issuance of General Obligation Bonds, for the purpose of carrying out school building and site improvement projects. If approved, it’s expected the Special Election will be held April 2nd.

Last month, the Board, along with members of the Facilities Planning Committee, an engineer and financial expert met at the High School to discuss a proposal for a bond referendum calling for up to $9.5-million to improve certain district facilities. Superintendent Steve Barber told KJAN News afterward, that the proposal concentrates on improvements to the Middle School and redoing the softball/baseball diamond, refurbishing the Trojan Bowl, creating a road from 11-th to 14th to help with the congestion that occurs at Washington during student drop-off and pick-up. He said basically the scope is centered around creating safety at the Middle School Athletic Facilities, and making all of the facilities ADA compliant and accessible to everyone.

Some of the proposed improvements to the Trojan Bowl include using an all-synthetic turf, a new and wider soccer field, a four-lane rubber track, visitor parking, and new bleachers with 1,500 seat capacity on the home side and 500 seat capacity on the visitor’s side. The proposal also includes lighting and sound improvements, and a new scoreboard. The baseball and softball complex improvements would include new dugouts, batting cages, six tennis courts and lights at the existing high school practice field.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board will act on Retirement Incentive Program participants, which include: Melia Clark; Sheryl Dusenberry; Craig Fredin; Christi Garrett; Meryl Hopper-Henningsen; Debra Nelson, and Pat Wiederien. Those teachers have a combined 169 years of teaching experience with the Atlantic School District.

The Board will also act on Early Resignation Incentives, which calls for a stipend in the amount of $500 for the aforermentioned teachers, and personnel matters, including several resignations:

  • Melia Clark, 4th grade teacher; Sheryl Dusenberry, 6th grade social studies teacher; Craig Fredin, H.S. Guidance Counselor; Christi Garrett, 2/3 grade reading teacher
  • Meryl Hopper-Henningsen, H.S. Family Consumer Sciences teacher; Debra Nelson, 2/3 grade Title Literacy teacher; Patricia Wiederien, H.S. Art teacher
  • Jordan Mullen, Asst. Boys H.S. Track Coach; Joe Brummer, Head Freshman Baseball Coach
  • Sue Spence, H.S. Para; Justin Williams, Head Boys Soccer Coach; Molly O’Hara, Washington Clerical para

And, the Board will act on Contracts and/or Letters of Assignment for: Dana Halder, Substitute Bus Driver; Dalton Franken, Volunteer Boys Baseball Coach; Natalie Ritter, Food Service Director, and Bryce Casey, Middle School Endorsement Compensation. The Atlantic School Board meeting takes place Wednesday, in the High School Media Center.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the area, (12/11/18)

Weather

December 11th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Today: Areas of fog possible this morning; Partly cloudy. High around 39. SW @ 10-15

Tonight: Partly cloudy to cloudy. Low around 25. NW @ 5-10.

Wednesday: P/Cldy to Cldy. High near 37. W/NW @ 10-15.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36.

Friday: P/Cldy. High near 38.

Yesterday’s High in Atlantic was 28. Our Low 7. Last year on this date our High was 46 and the Low was 12. The record High in Atlantic on this date was 64 in 1965. The Record Low was -14 in 1917.

Midwest Sports Headlines: 12/11/18

Sports

December 11th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Rick Fox has resigned after five seasons as football coach at Drake. Fox compiled a 33-22 record with the FCS Bulldogs, including a 7-4 mark this past season, which ended with a 27-24 road loss to then-No. 24 Iowa State. He was 28-12 in Pioneer Football League play.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs owner Clark Hunt says the difference in this year’s team and all those that lost in the playoffs starts with Patrick Mahomes. Much like in their comeback win over Baltimore on Sunday, the Chiefs are seemingly never out of a game with their young QB under center. Mahomes already has the Chiefs in the playoffs. Up next is securing the AFC West title.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says the Kansas City Royals and outfielder Billy Hamilton have agreed to a $5.25 million contract for next season that includes up to $1 million in incentives. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal was pending a physical. Hamilton made $4.6 million with the Cincinnati Reds last season, when he was their everyday center fielder. He was not tendered a contract for this season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State hired Chris Klieman of North Dakota State to lead its football program Monday night, passing the reins from retired Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder to someone with three Football Championship Subdivision titles but little Big 12 experience. Klieman was hired to lead the Bison by current Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor, and was seen as one of the front-runners for the job ever since Snyder announced his retirement.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 1 Kansas to face No. 17 Villanova in rematch of 2018 Final Four semifinals. The Jayhawks moved back to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 this week following Gonzaga’s loss to Tennessee. The Wildcats have six straight games since falling out of the poll

UNDATED (AP) — Preseason No. 1 Kansas is again the top-ranked team in the AP Top 25 following Gonzaga’s loss to Tennessee. The Jayhawks were the overwhelming top pick among voters despite struggling to get past New Mexico State at home. Duke moved up to No. 2 and Tennessee is No. 3 after beating the Zags in Phoenix.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri defensive end Tre Williams has been arrested on suspicion of felony second-degree domestic assault. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the 21-year-old sophomore was arrested around 6 a.m. Sunday at his off-campus residence. He was released on $4,500 bond. No details about the alleged crime have been released. The Boone County prosecutor’s office says no charges have been filed, but Missouri has suspended Williams. Missouri plays Oklahoma State in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31.

Rick Fox steps down as football coach at Drake

Sports

December 11th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Rick Fox has resigned after five seasons as football coach at Drake. Fox compiled a 33-22 record with the FCS Bulldogs, including a 7-4 mark this past season, which ended with a 27-24 road loss to then-No. 24 Iowa State. He was 28-12 in Pioneer Football League play.

Fox said in a statement, Monday “My wife, Julie, and I felt that this is the right time for us as a family and the right time for Drake football for me to step away from being the head coach at Drake University. The 11 years here, including the last five as head coach, have been incredibly rewarding.”

Fox spent six seasons on Drake’s staff as an assistant under Chris Creighton before taking over as coach. Defensive coordinator Todd Stepsis was named interim coach. Athletic director Brian Hardin said he would conduct a national search for Fox’s replacement.

Monday’s area high school basketball scores (12/10)

Sports

December 11th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

BOYS BASKETBALL

Bedford 77, Clarke, Osceola 68

Clarinda Academy 69, Tri-Center, Neola 66

Lamoni 61, Orient-Macksburg 39

Omaha Nation, Neb. 78, West Monona, Onawa 52

GIRLS BASKETBALL

ADM, Adel 70, Coon Rapids-Bayard 24

Bishop Heelan Catholic, Sioux City 62, Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 49

Clarke, Osceola 51, Bedford 40

East Atchison, Mo. 39, College Springs South Page 33

Lamoni 49, Orient-Macksburg 28

Iowa prisons chief says he’ll retire after 36-year career

News

December 10th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The director of the Iowa Department of Corrections is retiring after a 36-year career with the agency. Jerry Bartruff said Monday that his last day with the department will be Dec. 27. He served more than three years as director following his appointment by then-Gov. Terry Branstad.

Gov. Kim Reynolds thanked Bartruff for his leadership, saying he has helped “redefine the agency” as one that focuses on incarceration but also evidence-based rehabilitation. She noted that the department’s registered apprenticeship program expanded during his tenure.

Bartruff started as a correctional officer in 1982, and later served in a variety of leadership roles. He says he hopes “that I’ve been able to leave the department on a positive path for the future.” There’s no word yet on who might replace him.

Adair County Sheriff’s report (12/10)

News

December 10th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

A man wanted by Homeland Security for being an illegal alien was arrested last Friday morning in Adair County. Sheriff Jeff Vandewater says an Iowa State Patrol Trooper pulled over an SUV for speeding 85 in a 70 mph zone on I-80 eastbound, near mile marker 76. 31-year old Dan Miclescu, of Des Moines, was subsequently arrested for Speeding, No Valid Driver’s License, and No Insurance. The traffic charges were summarily dismissed, and he was turned over to officials with the Dept. of Homeland Security.

On Dec. 5th, 29-year old Natasha Lee Cain, of Marshalltown, arrived at the Adair County Sheriff’s Office to serve her time in jail, as ordered by the court. Cain was released last Saturday, after serving her required sentence.

And, 28-year old Colleen Nicole Denton, of Creston, was arrested Dec. 5th at the Adams County Jail, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. She was released two days later on a $2,000 cash only bond.

Two Arizona Men Sentenced for Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin

News

December 10th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Two Arizona men who were stopped by a Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Deputy late last year and found to be hauling heroin and fentanyl, were sentenced last week to 5-and 10-years in prison, respectively. 39 year-old Richard Ortiz received a sentence to 60 months of imprisonment, and 34 year-old Gerardo Alatorre Quintero was sentenced to 120 months. Both terms will be followed by  five years of supervised release.

Ortiz pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance on July 6, 2018. Alatorre Quintero pled guilty to the same charge on August 7, 2018.

On November 17, 2017, Ortiz and Alatorre Quintero were driving a U-Haul truck when they were stopped by a Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s deputy for speeding. Ortiz gave the deputy permission to search the U-Haul, and the deputy located 25 packages hidden inside tires inside the U-Haul. The heroin weighed 6.97 kilograms, and the fentanyl weighed 15.62 kilograms.

The matter was investigated by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE). Their case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.