United Group Insurance

MONDAY, JANUARY 22nd

Trading Post

January 22nd, 2018 by admin

INDOOR SALE: clothes, stuffed animals, dishes, toys, games. 1/22 only until 5 pm. 1128 E 4th st, Atlantic. or if you need to meet another time call, 712-2149-7173.

Travel continues to be an issue in western Iowa

News, Weather

January 22nd, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Getting around on the western side of the state today (Monday) is a challenge as the winter storm moved in brought large amounts of snow with it. The Winter Operations Administrator for the Iowa Department of Transportation, Craig Bargfred says drivers are facing winter conditions in that area.

“Basically from the Sioux City area heading up towards the Minnesota border and then a little further east along the Minnesota border,” Bargfrede says. He says South Dakota has closed Interstate 29 roughly outside of Sioux City north. Bargfrede says they’ve issued an advisory for the Iowa area.

“In that Sioux City area and just south along I-29 we have areas where we are saying travel is not advised due to the blowing and drifting,” Bargfrede says, “but we have not officially closed I-29 if you will.” Things are much better as you head east, and he says they’ve caught one break from the weather.

“The fortunate thing is that most of the rest of the state of Iowa, the air and temperatures have remained high enough that we’re not seeing the icing occur that we had originally forecasted,” Bargfrede says. Bargfrede says drivers in areas where there is bad weather need to be patient.

He says you need to be careful operating around the plows and don’t crowd them or try to pass when the visibility is low. The Iowa State Patrol issued a tow ban for all of northwest Iowa. Reports from Le Mars showed they had received seven inches of snow by 12:30, and the snow was till falling. The city of Le Mars pulled plows off the streets until the visibility improves.

(Radio Iowa)

‘Suspended’ think tank pays Iowa candidate $185K

News

January 22nd, 2018 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Republican governor candidate Ron Corbett is receiving $185,000 in compensation from a conservative think tank that doesn’t disclose its donors and that, according to its treasurer, has “basically suspended” operations.

Engage Iowa stopped fundraising and holding public events last June when Corbett launched his primary campaign against Gov. Kim Reynolds. But Corbett says serving as the group’s president remains his day job, similar to candidates who work as lawyers or farmers. He says he continues to research education, environment and economic policy in that capacity. Corbett says he shouldn’t be expected to give up the job to run for governor.

Some critics say the arrangement is potentially troubling because voters don’t know who is funding Corbett’s salary and benefits. One critic has called it a “dark money” group.

6 lawmakers to join suit over Iowa governor’s fund transfer

News

January 22nd, 2018 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Six more Democratic representatives are seeking to join a lawsuit that alleges Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and an aide illegally transferred $13 million to balance the state budget.

Rep. Chris Hall filed the case against Reynolds and Department of Management Director Dave Roederer earlier this month. Iowa House members Marti Anderson, Liz Bennett, Bruce Hunter, Jerry Kearns, Monica Kurth and Amy Nielsen were joining the lawsuit as plaintiffs in an amended complaint being filed Monday.

At issue is whether Reynolds’ administration acted legally in September when using $13 million from the State Economic Emergency Fund to plug a year-end hole in the budget. The lawsuit contends that the legal conditions weren’t met for Reynolds to use her authority to transfer money out of the fund.

Reynolds has defended the transfer while calling the law outdated.

(Update) Winter Weather Advisory for Cass & area Counties until midnight

Weather

January 22nd, 2018 by Ric Hanson

The National Weather Services has issued a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY in effect until Midnight for the following Counties: Cass-Adair-Audubon-Dallas-Guthrie-Madison. A Winter Weather Advisory continues until 6-p.m. for Shelby-Pottawattamie-Mills and Fremont Counties. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6-p.m. for Harrison County. A Blizzard Warning continues until 6-p.m. for Monona County, and until midnight for Crawford and Sac Counties.

A transition of rain and drizzle to a brief wintry mix before switching to all snow is expected during the evening commute. During the changeover from rain to snow, strong winds are expected to develop and are likely to cause visibility restrictions at times. Plan on slippery road conditions. Snow accumulations of up to one inch and very light ice accumulations are expected.

.Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will cause patchy blowing and drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

A-P High School Boys Basketball Poll (1/22/18)

Sports

January 22nd, 2018 by admin

The Top Ten teams in the Associated Press Iowa high school basketball poll with first-place votes in parentheses and won-loss record, total points and position last week at right:

Class 4A
Record Pts Prv
1. Iowa City, West (6) 11-1 85 1
2. Sioux City, East (3) 12-1 74 3
3. Des Moines, Hoover 12-1 70 4
4. Cedar Falls 10-3 55 9
5. Des Moines, North 13-2 53 5
6. North Scott, Eldridge 12-1 52 6
7. Pleasant Valley 11-1 40 7
8. Waukee 11-2 30 8
9. Dowling Catholic, West Des Moines 10-3 22 10
10. Johnston 10-3 11 2

Others receiving votes: Dubuque, Senior 3.

Class 3A
Record Pts Prv
1. Oskaloosa (6) 13-1 86 1
2. Xavier, Cedar Rapids (2) 10-3 82 3
3. Mount Pleasant 13-3 64 2
(tie) Norwalk 13-1 64 4
5. Glenwood (1) 13-1 60 6
6. Harlan 11-2 36 T9
7. Bishop Heelan Cath., Sioux City 8-4 34 5
8. Charles City 12-2 19 7
9. Spirit Lake 10-4 15 T9
10. Wahlert, Dubuque 6-7 10 8

Others receiving votes: South Tama County, Tama 8. Assumption, Davenport 7. West Delaware, Manchester 5. Le Mars 4. Waverly-Shell Rock 1.

Class 2A
Record Pts Prv
1. Western Christian, Hull (8) 13-0 88 1
2. Van Meter (1) 14-0 78 2
3. Cascade,Western Dubuque 16-0 70 4
4. Treynor 14-0 59 8
5. South Hamilton, Jewell 15-0 51 7
6. Sheldon 13-2 36 5
7. Aplington-Parkersburg 14-1 33 3
8. Sioux Center 12-3 25 6
(tie) Northeast, Goose Lake 14-1 25 9
10. East Marshall, Le Grand 13-0 22 10

Others receiving votes: Wapello 4. PCM, Monroe 2. Rock Valley 1. Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont 1.

Class 1A
Record Pts Prv
1. North Linn, Troy Mills (7) 17-0 88 1
2. Grand View Christian (2) 14-0 79 2
3. St. Mary’s, Remsen 14-0 76 3
4. Bishop Garrigan, Algona 13-1 60 4
5. George-Little Rock 11-4 42 7
6. Dunkerton 14-1 37 5
7. Don Bosco, Gilbertville 11-2 27 T8
8. Lynnville-Sully 12-3 15 6
9. St. Albert, Council Bluffs 8-6 14 NR
10. South O’Brien, Paullina 11-5 13 T8

Others receiving votes: Ankeny Christian Academy 11. New London 8. Bedford 8. Notre Dame, Burlington 3. Montezuma 3. Boyer Valley, Dunlap 3. Edgewood-Colesburg 3. Gladbrook-Reinbeck 3. Wapsie Valley, Fairbank 2.

Mary Ann Anderson, 83, of Owatanna, MN (& formerly of Atlantic) – Svcs. 1/27/18

Obituaries

January 22nd, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Mary Ann Anderson, 83, of Owatanna, MN (& formerly of Atlantic), died Sunday, Jan. 21st, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Funeral services for Mary Ann Anderson will be held 10-a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27th, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatanna, MN. Brick-Meger Funeral Home in Owatonna has the arrangements.

A Wake will be held from 5-until 7-p.m. Friday at the Church, with a Rosary at 5-p.m. Visitation will be on Saturday, one-hour prior to the service, at the church.

Interment is in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the church.

Mary Ann Anderson is survived by:

Her sons – Kenneth Anderson (and special friend DeAnn Bultje), of Vermillion, SD; Kevin (Mary) Anderson, of Owatonna;

Her daughters – Kathy (Tom) Sands, Kim Anderson, Kaylene (Johnny) Wood, all of Owatonna; Kristine (Martin) Moreno, of Arapaho, OK.

13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Lois Mauris. Other relatives and friends.

5 arrests reported in Cass County

News

January 22nd, 2018 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports five arrests have occurred. On Sunday, January 21st, 37-year old Peter Mualia, of Atlantic, was arrested for OWI/1st Offense. Mualia was taken to the Cass County Jail and released later that day on his own recognizance.

Two arrests took place last Friday. 33-year old Ehren Michael Mardesen, of Anita, was arrested for OWI/1st Offense, and Driving while Revoked. Mardesen was taken to the Cass County Jail and released later that day on $2,000 bond. And, 34-year old Jeffery Lee Carpenter, of Wiota, was arrested on charges of False Imprisonment, and Obstructing Emergency Communication. Carpenter was taken to the Cass County Jail and released the following day on his own recognizance.

Last Wednesday, Cass County Deputies arrested 20-year old Olivia Lea Johnson, of Kimballton, on two District Court warrants for Probation Violation. Johnson was taken to the Cass County Jail where she remains held on $10,000 bond. And, 32-year old Albert Alexander Johnson, of Atlantic, was arrested on two District Court warrants for Probation Violation. Johnson was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $10,000 bond.

 

3 accidents in Cass County

News

January 22nd, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to three accidents recently, two of which took place today (Monday, Jan. 22nd). At around 6-a.m. today, a single-vehicle accident occurred on 590th Street, in Cass County. A 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by 28-year old Lacy Jean Christensen, of Council Bluffs, was northbound on 590th when the vehicle went out of control, crossed the center line and entered the west ditch, where it struck some signs, trees, and fence. Christensen was cited for Driving Under Suspension. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $10,000.

At around 8-a.m. today, a single-vehicle accident happened on White Pole Road, about one-quarter of a mile est of 570th Street. Officials say a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee owned and driven by 29-year old Mitchell Terrence Whiley, of Griswold, was eastbound on White Pole Road when the vehicle began to slide on the slushy road surface. It entered the north ditch and hit a sign, some small trees and bushes. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $5,000.

And, at around 11:10-a.m. on January 16th, a two-vehicle accident occurred on Walnut Street, in Anita. Authorities say a 2018 Freightliner driven by 40-year old Travis Leroy Anderson, of Creston, was pulling out southbound from being parked on Walnut Street. A 2002 Buick LeSabre driven by 30-year old Dana Marie Walker, of Anita, was northbound on Walnut Street and attempted to stop to make room for the tractor-trailer when the vehicle slid on the snow-covered road.

The front left tire of the tractor-trailer struck the front right portion of the Buick. No injuries were reported. Anderson was cited for Fail to Yield Upon Entering Thoroughfare. Damage to the Freightliner is estimated at $50; damage to the Buick is estimated at $2,000.

Atlantic Police report 2 arrests

News

January 22nd, 2018 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Police Department reports two recent arrests. On Saturday, 27-year old Norrin Bishop, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault and Simple Assault. And, On Friday, 18-year old Ethan Halterman, of Atlantic, was arrested for OWI. Both subjects were booked into the Cass County Jail.