United Group Insurance

KJAN News

KJAN News can be heard at five minutes after every hour right after Fox News 24 hours a day!
Keep up-to-date with Fox News Radio, Radio Iowa,  Brownfield & the Iowa Agribusiness Networks!

Nominees Announced for the Young Professionals of Atlantic Awards Gala

News

April 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Young Professionals of Atlantic (YPA) have announced the 2015 nominees for the second annual YPA Awards Gala presented by the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Megan Roberts State Farm. The event is designed to celebrate the achievements of young professionals who demonstrate excellence and innovation in his/her profession and community.YPA logo

In addition to recognizing the success of area young professionals, one Chamber business will be recognized as the YP Choice Workplace of the Year. The YP Choice Workplace Award recognizes companies who effectively attract, retain and develop young professionals. Nominations were received in the following categories: YP Newcomer, YP Business Leader, YP Entrepreneur, YP Public Servant and YP Choice Workplace. The nominees are as follows (name/employer):

  • Newcomer: Dan Mehmen/Principal Financial & Darryl D. Smith Company; Dr. Ojash Raval/Cass County Health System, and Anthony Smith/1st United Methodist Church.
  • Business Leader: Dr’s. Pat & Kate Hoffmann/Atlantic Animal Health Center; Ryan Legg/Rehab Vision at CCHS; Kevin Wieser/Brown’s Shoe Fit Company, and Jenny Williams/Lindeman Tractor.
  • Entrepreneur: Tricia Brosam/Eastside Salon; Brandi Eckles/Lou Lou’s, and Adam Nelson/Snipers Smokin BBQ.
  • Public Servant: Cate Christensen/Wells Fargo; Lora Kanning/Cass County Conservation; John Lund/City of Atlantic; Jessica Nichols/Wells Fargo, and Ouida Wymer/Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • Choice Workplace: Cass County Health System and Deter Motor Company.

The 2015 award winners will be announced at the YPA Awards Gala on April 29, starting at noon. The event will take place at the Atlantic Golf & Country Club. Special thanks also goes out to Awards Partner, Renew Ag Supply. Visit www.atlanticiowa.com to register on the Events Calendar page or call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017.

The Young Professionals of Atlantic is an organization focused on connecting, engaging and attracting young leaders into the community while promoting greater Atlantic. Any interested individuals can contact chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712-243-3017 for information.

Glenwood teen crashes vehicle into building while attempting to park

News

April 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

No injuries were reported after a teenaged driver accidentally crashed a car into a building in Glenwood, Sunday afternoon. Glenwood Police report 14-year old Brianne Merritt, of Glenwood, was attempting to park a 2011 Buick LaCrosse on the parking lot of the Eddy’s convenience store at 1200 Locust Street. While pulling into a handicapped spot on the southeast side of the business, the teen accelerated, causing the car to hit the front of the store, just north of the front entrance.

The car crashed through the wall at around 2:12-p.m. and entered the store before Merritt put the vehicle into reverse and backed out into the parking lot. A male employee of the store was the only person in the building, but he escaped injury. Four other people in the car, including Merritt’s mother and three juveniles, were also uninjured.

No citations were issued. Police said the crash was caused by driver inexperience. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $2,000, while the building sustained $5,000 damage.

The Glenwood P-D reports also, 33-year old Caleb Wear, of Silver City, was arrested Sunday for OWI/1st offense. His bond was set at $1,000.

Clarinda man arrested on assault charge

News

April 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

(Corrects address to Clarinda instead of Red Oak)

Deputies in Page County, early Saturday morning, arrested one person on an assault charge.

Ricky Peterson

Ricky Peterson

38-year old Ricky Dean Petersen, of Clarinda, was arrested at around 7-a.m. on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault, following an investigation into a domestic disturbance at 1389 O Avenue. Petersen was transported to the Page County Jail, appeared later before a Magistrate,  posted bond and was then released.

(Update) Audubon County authorities continue to investigate drowning

News

April 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

In an update to our report Saturday morning, the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office says it is continuing to investigate a drowning incident in a rural farm pond. The body of 63-year old Maynard Nielsen, of Elk Horn, was found lying face down by a dock, in about 4-feet of water.

Nielsen’s vehicle was parked nearby. The owner of the property found Nielsen’s body. Nielsen suffered from cerebral palsy most of his life, but it’s not known if that or another medical condition contributed to the incident.  An autopsy was scheduled to be performed in Ankeny.

(Podcast) KJAN News, 4/20/2015

News, Podcasts

April 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The 8-a.m. Newscast w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

Play

(Podcast) KJAN morning News & funeral report, 4/20/2015

News, Podcasts

April 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The 7:06-a.m. report w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

Play

Scam artists likely to follow spread of EAB in Iowa

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is spreading across Iowa and scam artists are likely to follow. The destructive beetle, which kills ash trees, has been confirmed in 21 Iowa counties. Donald Lewis, an entomologist at Iowa State University, is advising property owners who’d like to try and save their ash trees to only do business with certified arborists who are properly insured. “So, a beat-up truck coming down your street offering a cheap treatment may not be your best option,” Lewis said. “So, as you’re approached with possibilities…it will pay to shop around, it will pay to contact reputable companies and it will pay to get their references.”

There are about three million urban ash trees in Iowa and an estimated 52 million ash trees in the state’s forests. Ash trees can be protected with insecticide treatments, but the treatments are most effective when the ash tree is still healthy. “If it’s half dead, if it’s half broken, if it’s got dead branches at the top already, if it’s got loose bark in the trunk, it’s probably not a good candidate for treatment,” Lewis said.

The best time to make preventive applications for EAB is during the spring, according to Lewis. More information about emerald ash borer can been found online through Iowa State University Extension or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

(Radio Iowa)

Iowa early News Headlines: Monday, April 20, 2015

News

April 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

GLENWOOD, Iowa (AP) — A southwest Iowa home may have to be abandoned after a large oak tree fell on it and caused significant damage. The tree fell across the house’s living room in Glenwood during a thunderstorm Saturday. Fortunately, no one was home at the time. Katie Davis said she was surprised when authorities called her about the incident while she was shopping in Council Bluffs with her mother. Friend Travis Overhue says it looks like Davis’ family will have to tear down the house and rebuild because the damage is so extensive.

GLADBROOK, Iowa (AP) — The central Iowa town of Gladbrook is preparing to lose its only school this summer. Some residents worry the closing will make it harder to attract families and businesses to the community of nearly 1,000 people. The Gladbrook-Reinbeck school board decided earlier this year to consolidate all of its schools in Reinbeck.

URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are investigating after two bodies were discovered at an Urbandale apartment complex in what appeared to be a murder-suicide. The identities of the bodies weren’t released Sunday, but police spokesman Sgt. Gary Lang says that autopsies are scheduled for Monday. He said the department wasn’t able to comment on the type of weapon used. Police were called to conduct a welfare check at the apartment complex Sunday morning. Officers say they later found the bodies in a detached garage. Further details weren’t released.

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) — A small plane spun off the runway while landing in Independence over the weekend, but all four people aboard walked away unharmed. A strong crosswind may have been a factor in the crash. The Cessna 195 spun around as it touched down and veered off into the grass.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Authorities in Cedar Rapids say a fleeing suspect crashed his pickup truck into a city van and injured a worker who later died at a hospital. The chase happened Friday and city worker Stephen Justin Cook died Saturday. A Hiawatha man has been charged with vehicular homicide and could face more charges.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A two-year-old dog from Des Moines named Tank won the Beautiful Bulldog contest at Drake University. The 36th annual tongue-in-cheek beauty pageant featured 50 dogs yesterday It is the kickoff event for the Drake Relays track meet.

Griswold School Board to meet Mon. evening

News

April 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Griswold School District’s Board of Education will hold a regular session 5:45-p.m. Monday, in the Central Office of the Middle School/High School building. On their agenda are updates on: the Fully Automated Timing System; Sports lighting and Security System.

The Board will also receive and review the audit report, and act on setting the District’s 2015-16 calendar, and an evaluation of Superintendent Dana Kunze.

Atlantic Parks & Rec Board to receive Girl Scouts signage proposal

News

April 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department’s Board of Directors is set to meet Monday evening in the Council’s Chambers at City Hall. During their 5:15-p.m. session, the Board is expected to hear about and possibly act on a proposal from local Girl Scouts Cadette Troop 40116, with regard to proposed signs related to the dangers of second hand smoke and drug free zones in the City’s parks. Last month, the board agreed to let the troop do a presentation on their project.

In his report to the Board, Parks and Rec Dept. Director Roger Herring will provide updates on various projects, grants and future events. Herring is expected to report a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant has been approved from the Iowa Department of Transportation, with regard to the Lake #2 Trail at the Schildberg Recreation Area.  The project is expected to cost $134,000. The Atlantic City Council, in February, had agreed to sponsor the grant application with a $26,800 commitment for the project.

And, thanks to $10,000 grant from the Cass County Community Foundation toward the building of an off-leash dog park for the Schildberg Rec Area near Buck Creek Road, Herring is expected to report he and Assistant Parks Director Seth Staashelm will be getting quotes from fencing companies in the next two weeks. Herring will also provide an update on the site plan for the dog park.

In other business, the Parks Board will receive updates on: an Urban Forestry grant; the Kiddie Korral project at Sunnyside Park; playground equipment for the Little League complex; park furniture, and an ADA compliant water fountain near the Atlantic Tennis Courts.