United Group Insurance

13-year-old charged in Fort Dodge townhome fire

News

October 25th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Fort Dodge, Iowa) – Officials with the Fort Dodge Police Department, Wednesday evening, reported that a 13-year-old male was arrested in connection with a structure fire that occurred at around 1:18-a.m. Sunday, October 22nd, 2023.
A caller to the Webster County Telecommunications Center indicated the townhome at 332 Ave M. West was on fire. The Fort Dodge Fire Department, along with the Fort Dodge Police Department responded to the scene. Upon arrival the first officer saw a working structure fire. As more officers arrived, they worked to make sure residents were evacuating the townhomes located in the same complex as 332. Fort Dodge Fire arrived on scene and immediately attacked the fire that was spreading quickly to other townhomes. The Fort Dodge Fire Department called in additional personnel to aid them at the scene. The fire was eventually brought under control at approximately 3:00 A.M.
Upon investigation into the cause of the fire, it appeared to be suspicious in nature. An investigator with the State Fire Marshalls Office, as well as investigators with the Fort Dodge Police Department and the Fort Dodge Fire Department were called to the scene. Investigators worked the scene, spoke to witnesses, and gathered evidence.
Following the incident, Investigators continued to track down leads and gather information. As a result of the investigation thus far, the aforementioned unidentified teen was arrested for Reckless Use of Fire (a Serious Misdemeanor). The juvenile suspect was transported to Central Iowa Detention in Eldora and the case is being referred to the Webster County Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Court Services for further action.
Investigators are continuing to follow up on the incident and encourage anyone with information to contact police immediately. Information may also be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers. As in all matters, the suspect is considered innocent of all charges until proven guilty by a court of law.
The Fort Dodge Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the Fort Dodge Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Webster County Attorney’s Office.

Posted in News |

Reynolds speaks publicly for first time about her husband’s cancer diagnosis

News

October 25th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds says her husband’s lucky to be getting a break through drug to treat his recently diagnosed lung cancer. “He’s been in treatment for about a month,” Reynolds says. “I’m happy to say that the radiation has really eliminated and kicked the pain that was in the spine and so that has been a true blessing. It’s helped his attitude quite a bit to not be in so much pain. He’s on an oral immune therapy drug for the tumor and hopefully, if this works, he won’t have to do chemo.”

Reynolds issued a written statement last month, announcing that her husband had lung cancer. He went to the doctor because of back pain. “We thought he had a ruptured disc, so it was really was kind of a gut punch,” Reynolds says. “He’s not a smoker, never smoked.” Today (Wednesday) is the first time the governor has talked publicly about the diagnosis. She grew emotional during a news conference as she thanked Iowans for their messages of support.

“Every day we get two or three cards in the mail to say that: ‘We’re praying for you and keeping you in our prayers,”‘ Reynolds said. “It’s just another reflection of Iowans and who we are and it matters and it makes a different, so just a heartfelt thank you for that.” Reynolds says she and her husband are grateful and feel lucky to have the medical team at the John Stoddard Center Center in Des Moines and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics who’ve been working on his case.

“We really are very optimistic and he is a strong dude and we’re really feeling the prayers and we’re ready to move through this,” Reynolds said, with a smile. The type of lung cancer Kevin Reynolds has is not considered curable, but with treatment it can go into remission, according to the governor.

Posted in News |

Rollover, injury accident in Union County Wed. afternoon (10/25)

News

October 25th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Sheriff’s officials in Union County report the driver of a 2000 Buick Century was injured this (Wednesday) afternoon, when the vehicle/driver failed to negotiate a curve on Highway 34 eastbound. The car entered a ditch and rolled twice before coming to rest. The accident happened at around 1:35-p.m.

The driver, 23-year-old Donovan Joseph Bridges, of Nodaway, was wearing his seat belt. He exited the vehicle after the crash through the broken rear window. He suffered a laceration over his right eye and was transported by ambulance to the Greater Regional Medical Center, in Creston.

The car was a total loss. No citations were issued.

Posted in News |

Glenwood man arrested on a warrant

News

October 25th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Police in Glenwood report the arrest on Tuesday, of 42-year-old Daniel Thomas, from Glenwood. Thomas was arrested on a Mills County Warrant. His cash-only bond was set at $5,000.

Posted in News |

Drake’s Todd Stepsis on the PFL title race

Sports

October 25th, 2023 by admin

Drake coach Todd Stepsis wants his players to embrace the title chase in the Pioneer Football League. The Bulldogs are coming off a 25-20 Hail Mary victory at the University of San Diego and take a 4-0 PFL record into Saturday’s home game against Stetson.

Stepsis says they are enjoying playing meaningful games as the month of October ends.

Drake has the top ranked defense in the PFL and must get ready for Stetson’s two quarterback system.

Drake started last season 0-8. It was a late October win at Stetson that started the Bulldogs’ current seven game winning streak in conference play.

Posted in Sports |

Iowa players talk Bye Week

Sports

October 25th, 2023 by admin

Iowa guard Rusty Feth says the Hawkeyes have moved on after a controversial finish against Minnesota. Cooper DeJean’s late punt return for a touchdown was overturned for what replay called an invalid fair catch signal and the Hawkeyes fell to the Gophers 12-10. Iowa returns to action November fourth in Wrigley Field against Northwestern.

Feth on moving on after the loss.

The Hawkeyes are 6-2 and Feth says the bye week comes at a good time.

Defensive lineman Deontae Craig says the off week goves them a chance to rest and heal.

Receiver Diante Vines on the timing of the bye week.

With no game this week the the Minnesota loss lingered longer.

Vines on bouncing back from the loss.

Posted in Sports |

GymHawks Release Complete 2024 Schedule

Sports

October 25th, 2023 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa gymnastics team released the full details of its 2024 schedule on Wednesday.

Notes about the 2024 season:

  • The Hawkeyes will face 10 teams that competed in NCAA regionals in the 2023 season.
  • They are set to host Washington (Jan. 12) and Southern Utah (Jan. 26) in non conference meets inside of Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
  • The Hawkeyes will host Nebraska on Feb. 4 in Xtream Arena and Ohio State on Feb. 16 in Carver Hawkeye Arena.
  • Iowa will travel to Minnesota, Michigan State and Rutgers during the Big Ten season.
  • The Hawkeyes will compete at the Big Five Meet on Feb. 24 along with Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, and Penn State in University Park, Penn.
  • Iowa will travel to Sacramento State (Mar. 3) and Iowa State (Mar. 8) for nonconference meets.
  • Iowa will head to Nashville, Tenn. for the Collegiate Challenge March 15-17.

The GymHawks will hold three of their four home meets in Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.

Season tickets for the 2024 gymnastics season are now on sale through the UI Athletics ticket office. Season tickets for adults are $30 and youth are free (ticket required). Tickets are available over the phone at 800-IA-HAWKS and online at hawkeyesports.com/tickets

The Hawkeyes return 16 letterwinners including two All-Big Ten selections, JerQuavia Henderson and Adeline Kenlin. Henderson is a three-time All-American and reigning Co-Big Ten Champion on the floor exercise returning for her fifth year. Iowa added five newcomers to the roster, four freshmen and one transfer.

IOWA 2024 GYMNASTICS SCHEDULE 

Jan. 12 – vs. Washington – Coralville, Iowa – Xtream Arena
Jan. 22 – at Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minn. – Maturi Pavillion
Jan. 26 – vs. Southern Utah – Coralville, Iowa – Xtream Arena
Jan. 28 – at Michigan State – East Lansing, Mich. – Jenison Field House
Feb. 4 – vs. Nebraska – Coralville, Iowa – Xtream Arena
Feb. 9 – at Rutgers – Piscataway, N.J. – Jersey Mike’s Arena
Feb. 16 – vs. Ohio State – Iowa City, Iowa – Carver Hawkeye Arena
Feb. 24 – Big Five – University Park, Penn. – Rec Hall
Mar. 3 – at Sacramento State – Sacramento, Calif. – The Nest
Mar. 8 – at Iowa State – Ames, Iowa – Hilton Coliseum
Mar. 15-17 – at Collegiate Challenge – Nashville, Tenn. – TBA
Mar. 23 – B1G Championships – East Lansing, Mich. – Jenison Field House

Posted in Sports |

NIACC president announces he’ll retire in eight months

News

October 25th, 2023 by admin

The president of North Iowa Area Community College is announcing his retirement. Steve Schulz is a native of the Franklin County town of Geneva and he’s worked in the public education field for 40 years. Schulz predicts the state’s community colleges will be dealing with lower student counts in the years to come.

Schulz says younger people still need to consider pursuing careers in education.

The presidential search process will involve the formation of a search committee, while the NIACC (NY-ack) Board of Directors is considering engaging with an executive search firm to identify potential candidates. Schulz is retiring in about eight months.

Posted in News |

Big Ten Announces Suspension of Michigan State Football Player

Sports

October 25th, 2023 by admin

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference office announced today that Michigan State right tackle Spencer Brown has been suspended for half a game, under the conference’s Sportsmanship Policy, as a result of the actions that led to Mr. Brown’s ejection for a flagrant personal foul that occurred in a game against Michigan on October 21, 2023.

 

Brown is ineligible to play in the first half of Michigan State’s next game against Minnesota on October 28, 2023. The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded.

 

Posted in Sports |

DINNEBIER INCLUDED ON BECKY HAMMON MID-MAJOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESEASON WATCH LIST

Sports

October 25th, 2023 by admin

HOPEWELL, N.J. – Junior guard Katie Dinnebier represented Drake on the 2024 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award watch list announced this morning by Her Hoops Stats. Dinnebier is one of 25 mid-major stars from 13 different conferences named to the watch list.

The Waukee, Iowa native averaged nearly 12 points and six assists per contest last season while adding over three rebounds and just under two steals from the point guard position. According to Her Hoop Stats, she is just one of six players since the 2009-10 season to average at least 1.25 points per scoring attempt and a minimum assist-to-turnover ratio of at least 2.00, joining Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu and Paige Bueckers and Gabby Williams of UConn.

Dinnebier adds this preseason honor to a First Team Preseason All-MVC nod. This is her first appearance on the Becky Hammon Award watch list.

Drake has now had four representatives on any Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award watch list since the birth of the award, joining Grace Berg in 2022, and both Becca Hittner and Sara Rhine in 2020.

Two other MVC competitors are included on the watch list as Preseason All-MVC players Katelyn Young of Murray State and Maya McDermott of UNI were also earned recognized.

Posted in Sports |