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Montgomery County Supervisors approve replacement of a bridge near Grant, & related matters

News

April 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday), passed a Resolution approving an agreement between the County and the City of Grant, to jointly undertake the replacement of the Grant 110th Street Bridge., and an agreement outlining the responsibilities of each entity. Supervisor Donna Robinson….

The Board also approved a related agreement between the two entities and the Iowa Department of Transportation, for City Bridge Funds of up to $1.5-million awarded to the City of Grant, for the replacement of the bridge over the West Nodaway River. Supervisor Charla Schmidt…

Montgomery County BOS, 4-30-24

Montgomery County Engineer Karen Albert updated the Board on Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities

Auditor Jill Ozuna then requested two additional hours on Tuesday’s, for the shredding of certain County documents, in order to get caught-up on the process. The extended hours, she said, are likely to last for about 4-weeks.

The Board approved the request as presented. The next regular meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors is 8:30-a.m. May 7th.

Hawkeyes Finalize Non-Conference Schedule

Sports

April 30th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa volleyball has finalized its 2024 non-conference schedule, head coach Jim Barnes announced on Tuesday.

The Hawkeyes will open the season on Aug. 30-31 at the Puerto Rico Invitational in San Juan, taking on Liberty and Providence.

Iowa hosts two invitationals at Xtream Arena in the non-conference, welcoming San Jose State, Delaware and Cal Baptist on Sept. 6-7, and South Dakota, Saint Louis and Drake on Sept. 19-21.

The Hawkeyes travel to Ames for the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series match against Iowa State on Sept. 11. Iowa heads to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Sept. 13-15, competing against Milwaukee, Illinois State and St. Thomas.

The Big Ten Conference will announce the league schedule at the end of May.

2024 Non-Conference Schedule

Aug. 24

Black & Gold Scrimmage

Aug. 30-31

Puerto Rico Invitational

Liberty | Providence

Sept. 6-7

Hawkeye Invite I @ Xtream Arena

Cal Baptist | San Jose State | Delaware

Sept. 11

at Iowa State

Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series

Sept. 13-15

Milwaukee Invitational

Milwaukee | Illinois State | St. Thomas

Sept. 19-21

Hawkeye Invite II @ Xtream Arena

Drake | Saint Louis | South Dakota

Malvern Woman Sentenced to 6 Months in Federal Prison for Bank Embezzlement Charge

News

April 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Malvern, IA woman was sentenced on April 25, 2024, to 6 months in federal prison for Embezzlement by a Bank Employee.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Mackenzie Ann Meggison, 37, was employed as a mortgage loan officer at Malvern Bank and was also the treasurer for the Malvern Area Betterment Association (MABA) who maintained their accounts at Malvern Bank. Using her position at the bank, from July – October, 2020, Meggison conducted 57 unauthorized transactions on four separate MABA accounts totaling at least $66,175.42.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Meggison will be required to serve 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Meggison was also ordered to pay $66,175.42 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation.

More severe weather possible for Iowa late today and tonight

News, Weather

April 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Forecasters say there’s an elevated risk of severe weather late this (Tuesday) afternoon and tonight for much of the state, especially western and central Iowa. Meteorologist Cory Martin, at the National Weather Service, says that includes the potential for large hail, high winds and tornadoes.  “After we had a break yesterday, it’s going to pick right back up today,” Martin says. “We’ll be looking at storms firing across eastern Nebraska into western Iowa here by mid-afternoon and they’ll be rolling across the state as we go through the evening hours.” Last Friday’s storm system spun off at least 19 tornadoes in Iowa, including several large E-F-3s, but Martin does -not- anticipate a repeat today.

“Fortunately this time around, we’re not expecting a tornado outbreak like we saw last Friday, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down,” Martin says. “We’re still looking at storms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds. We may see hail exceeding two inches in diameter and maybe a few wind gusts exceeding 70 miles an hour.” Much of the state remains in drought and Martin says the much-needed rain will likely continue through the rest of the week.

“It looks like the severe weather chance is going to diminish, but as we get into tomorrow afternoon and evening, we’re looking at more showers and storms developing and continuing through much of the day on Thursday,” Martin says, “and then we’ll be looking at chances for scattered storms sticking around with us through the weekend.” The governor has signed disaster proclamations for nine counties following the weekend’s severe storms.

2 from western IA receive Alzheimer’s Assoc. awards

News

April 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA, April 30, 2024 – The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter has announced JoDee Junkman, of Neola, is the organization’s 2024 New Volunteer of the Year award for her positive impact on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Council Bluffs, last year. Officials said also, Leslie Bielenberg, from the Harlan area, is the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Walk to to End Alzheimer’s award winner, for her leadership and impact on the Walk in Harlan.

Junkman, officials say, “Went above and beyond for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Council Bluffs as a new committee member. She has carried the yellow caregiver flower in honor of multiple family members, but most recently in honor of her husband Tim. Sadly, Tim passed away shortly after the Walk, and this year JoDee will carry a purple flower in his memory. Her drive to be a support for others and raise funds to end this disease is unwavering. JoDee’s fundraising efforts for the Walk helped Council Bluffs blow its fundraising goal out of the water last year.”

Bielenberg, the organization says “Goes above and beyond every year to help the Walk in Harlan, IA grow. She became the Chair for the Walk in 2023 and helped double the amount of registered walkers and exceed the very high fundraising goal.

The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter thanks Leslie Bielenberg and JoDee Junkman for their service, passion, and dedication as volunteers. All Alzheimer’s Association volunteers are passionate, inspired and want to make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org/iowa/volunteer to learn about volunteer opportunities and how to become a volunteer.

There are nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Iowa alone, there are over 62,000 people living with the disease and nearly 100,000 caregivers.

Red Oak woman suffers possible/unknown injuries in a collision Monday afternoon

News

April 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A woman from Red Oak complained of chest pain, following an accident Monday afternoon, in Red Oak. According to Red Oak Police, Red Oak rescue medics checked 39-year-old Katie Confer for injuries, and then released her from the scene. Authorities say Confer was driving a 2008 GMC Yukon SUV eastbound on E. Oak Street, at the same time a 2019 Ford F-250 pickup driven by 20-year-old Carston Johnson, of Stanton, was traveling eastbound.

When Johnson slowed and then stopped for a non-contact vehicle turning south onto N. 5th Street, his pickup was struck from behind by Confer’s SUV. Katie Confer told Police she looked down at her vehicle’s radio, and when she looked up, was unable to stop in time before her SUV hit the pickup.

Damage from the collision amounted to $14,000. Red Oak Police cited Confer for Following Too Close.

Heartbeat Today 4-30-2024

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

April 30th, 2024 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Cass County Wellness Coordinator Grace McAfee about a mental wellness panel event to be held on May 9, 2024 at the Griswold Community Building.

Play

3 arrested in Creston, Monday

News

April 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston say three people were arrested on separate charges, Monday. At around 8:17-a.m., Monday, 39-year-old Valerie Ann Cross, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston/Union County LEC (Law Enforcement Center), on a Union County Warrant for Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree, for damage amounting to anywhere from $750-$1,500. Cross was taken to the Union County Jail and released on a $2,000 cash or surety bond.

Monday afternoon, Creston Police arrested 21-year-old Garrett Neal Thomson, of Creston, at the Creston/Union County LEC. Thomson was charged on a Union County Warrant, with Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug/FTA for Pretrial on a Serious Misdemeanor. He was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $1,000 cash only bond.

And, Monday late Monday evening, 24-year-old Sydney Arlinda Martin, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston/Union County LEC, an a charge of Disorderly Conduct-Abusive Epithets/Threatening Gesture. Martin was cited and released.

Atlantic City Council to act Wed. (5/1/24) on street closures for PIP, approval of a Collective Bargaining Agreement, and more

News

April 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic has a full agenda for their meeting 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, at City Hall. First-up: Mayor Grace Garrett will administer the Oath of Office to Atlantic Police Officer Adam Roberts, who was hired in April 2024, and is a graduate of the Clarinda High School. Roberts will complete his field training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy at the end of August.

The Council will act on an Order to close 6th Street, between Poplar and Chestnut, every Thursday from 3-until 7-p.m., effective June 1st through Oct. 10th, for Produce In the Park, and during that same period on Thursdays, from 4-until 6-p.m., for other events, and, to allow a Produce In the Park banner to cross Chestnut Street, from late May though mid-October. The Council is also expected to approve a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, representing the City’s Public Works Department (Street Dept. & Wastewater Dept.). The agreement was ratified by Union membership on April 17th, and is in effect from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council will hold the second reading of an Ordinance amending the City’s Code of Ordinances, with regard to RAGBRAI ®, to help the locate RAGRAI Committee deal with the public health and safety issues that can be created by an influx into the City of a large number of people. RAGBRAI arrives in Atlantic on July 22nd. Riders will depart the following day. The Council will also act on an Order to approve an update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, as unanimously recommended by the Personnel & Finance Committee, and is recommended for updates every five-years.

They’ll also act on an Order to refer a request for vacating a “Phantom” right-of-way (ROW) to the Planning and Zoning Commission.The request is for an area that begins at the corner of W. 4th and Laurel Streets, terminating westward, at a phantom railroad ROW. The City Council will then review and act on approving the Contract and Bonds for the Sunnyside Park Splashpad project. The Council previously passed a resolution awarding the project to the Hensley Group, LLC, out of Muscatine, in the amount of $552,084.

Atlantic Trojans girls track team places 2nd at Bruce Henderson Invite

Sports

April 30th, 2024 by Seth Tiegs

The Atlantic Trojans girls track and field team pick up a second place finish in the Bruce Henderson Invitational in Atlantic. They scored a total of 119 points on the day.

Atlantic Sophomore Jayci Reed placed 1st in the 100 meter hurdles and Lila Wiederstein got a first place finish in the long jump.  The Trojans also placed first in 4×100 meter relay and in the shuttle hurdle relay.

Trojans Coach Matt Mullenix had this to say how on how well his team performed.

The Trojans also finished well in the field events.

Trojans sophomore Jayci Reed had this to say on being part of the shuttle hurdle event this season.

Reed commented on what her main goal for the rest of season.

The Trojan girls next track event will be Thursday May 2nd when they go to Mustang Field and Ray Graves Track in Shenandoah. That meet will get underway at 4:15 p.m.