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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!
(Washington, D-C) – The office of Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, says “As part of her continuing effort to prevent sexual misconduct in the prison system, Senator is supporting the bipartisan Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, to address the increasingly pervasive sexual assault and harassment of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees by inmates.” The Senator’s office says “from 2019-2023 there were 1,600 female staff members attacked by inmates at Thomson Federal Prison, just across the Iowa border in Illinois.”
Senator Ernst says “Federal prison workers play a vital role in our justice system and in keeping our communities safe. They deserve to have a workplace that is free from harassment. Through this legislation, I’m working to protect correctional staff and allow them to do their important jobs.”
Jon Zumkehr, President of the BOP Employees Union, Local 4070 (which represents correctional officers), said “We thank Senator Ernst for joining Senator Blackburn in leading the charge to protect correctional officers from harassment and assault by inmates. This bill represents an important first step, and we look forward to working with them on this and future legislation to ensure a safer workplace for all our members.”
The legislation would require:
Click here to view the bill.
(Radio Iowa) – A ruling by an administrative law judge says state regulators must now consider public health effects when issuing permits to pull large amounts of water from the ground. The decision comes in a lawsuit challenging how a large-scale feeding operation in northeast Iowa’s Driftless Area disposes of their manure. Steve Veysey is one of the people who say pollution from manure runoff violates the D-N-R’s “beneficial use” policy for water use permits. “The groundwater in Iowa is a public resource. It belongs to you, to me, to everyone. The water used has to be beneficial to the general public as well, and in the public’s interest, and not detrimental to the public’s health,” Veysey says.
He says the ruling could mean more decision-making power for Iowans when it comes to their water. “If properly implemented, this ruling would require the department to actually listen to public comment, and whether the public in that area really believes that water use is beneficial to the public, and not just to the permit holder,” he says.
The ruling could also affect other underground operations such as the Summit Carbon pipeline. The D-N-R has said that permit laws aren’t the proper way to enforce water quality issues. It’s unclear when the D-N-R will act on the ruling, but the department can overrule the decision if they see fit.
(Radio Iowa) – Fans of the Iowa State Fair can pick up memorabilia or keepsakes in an auction that begins today (Thursday). The Blue Ribbon Foundation helps fund the upkeep of the fairgrounds and spokesperson Drew Sniezek says there’s plenty of items to bid on. “Folks can go online, take a look at over 300 different souvenirs that will be up for bid. And bidding takes place until Sunday evening, November 17th, at 8 p-m,” she says. Sniezek describes some of the items up for bid.
“The Blue Ribbon Foundation has had a pottery collection where we come out with a new one every year since 1997 so there’s pottery pieces, there’s Isabel Bloom sculptures, there’s lapel pins, there’s a few vintage T-shirts, just all kinds of Iowa State Fair memorabilia and souvenirs,” she says. You can go to the website BlueRibbonFoundation.org to make your bid. “There’s pictures of all of the items. It gives you instructions on how to register to bid,” . There’s information if after Sunday evening, you’re the winning bidder, you can come out to the fairgrounds to pick up the item or make arrangements to have it shipped to you,” Sniezek. She says the money from the auction will go toward updating buildings.
Iowa State Fair items like these are up for auction. (Blue Ribbon Foundation photo)
“We’re focusing our dollars in fundraising right now to the livestock buildings and those barns renovations. It’s a 25 million-dollar project,” she says. The Sheep Barn was the first building to undergo renovation. “So we’ve got new restrooms, new offices, a new roof, replace that terra cotta that was beautiful on that sheet barn. So now we’re Turning our focus to look at plans for horse barn, cattle barn and swine barn,” Sniezek says. “We know that the Iowa State Fair agriculture is the heart of it, and that’s the tradition, and so we want to make sure we can upkeep these historic 100 year old barns.” Sniezek says buildings on the fairgrounds are used throughout the year and not just during the 11-day run of State Fair.
The online auction again runs from 10 a-m today (Thursday) until Sunday November 17th at 8 p-m.
(Red Oak, Iowa) – A traffic stop a little after 1-a.m. today (Thursday) in Red Oak, resulted in the arrest of a woman from Pottawattamie County. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the traffic stop was conducted at around 1:10-a.m. near Broadway and Linden Streets, in Red Oak. Upon further investigation, Deputies arrested 55-year-old Kathleen Louise Brown, of Council Bluffs, for Driving Under Suspension.
Brown was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on bond amounting to $491.25.
(Massena, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board is holding a Bird Feeder Workshop. The workshop will be held at Outdoor Educational Classroom in Massena, this Saturday November 23rd at 10-a.m. The program is FREE, and all ages are welcome to attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Learn all about feeding the birds also make and take a bird feeder.
The Cass County Conservation Board is also hold a Nature Journaling Workshop on Nov. 23rd, beginning at 1-p.m. That program is FREE and will be held at the Outdoor Educational Classroom, in Massena. Learn all about nature journaling and techniques. Participants will make and take a journal home with them.
Please pre-register by November 15th for one or both programs, by calling 712-769-2372 or email lkanning@casscoia.us .
WAUKEE, Iowa [KCCI] — In a display of generosity, second graders at Sugar Creek Elementary in Waukee received a special gift Wednesday — a Caitlin Clark picture book.
KCCI reports the initiative, part of a statewide effort, aims to inspire young readers through the story of the famous basketball player. The books were donated by Dickson and Luann Jensen, with Dickson being one of Caitlin’s former coaches during her time with the All Iowa Attack. Altogether, 50,000 books were distributed across the state of Iowa and the Greater Indianapolis Area.
The students, who are already familiar with Caitlin’s journey, were thrilled to receive the books. Caitlin’s story illustrates her inspiring journey from playing basketball in her driveway to the WNBA, encouraging youngsters to dream big and work hard. Second-grade teacher, Christina Smith, reflected on the impact of the book, stating that Caitlin’s local roots make her aspirations feel attainable, motivating students to pursue their own dreams.
More than just about achieving greatness, the book emphasizes the importance of passion, resilience, and sportsmanship. Students say teaches a valuable lesson: “If you win or lose, it doesn’t matter because you can always keep trying and keep practicing,” said second-grader Urban Palmer.
Written by Jensen’s daughter, Ali Obermeier, the book can be found online at JustLikeCaitlin.com.
ADEL, Iowa — The Dallas County Board of Supervisors certified election results on Wednesday, confirming Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott’s re-election in State Senate District 14 by a narrow margin of 24 votes. KCCI says Dallas County Auditor Julia Helm presented the board with election results from every precinct. The board verified the votes by reviewing a tally book from each polling location. The county’s official report confirmed Trone Garriott’s victory over Republican Mark Hanson.
Hanson told KCCI he believes a recount could change the results, though he has not yet decided whether to request one. Helm explained that if a recount is requested, it would be conducted by a three-person board, including one representative from each campaign and a neutral member.
Helm emphasized the importance of the county’s canvass of votes in ensuring public confidence in the election process.
Hanson stated he wants to discuss with his team and family before deciding on a recount. He has until Monday at 5 p.m. to make his decision.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board held their annual organizational meeting this (Wednesday) evening, during which they elected Laura McLean as President, and Josh McLaren as Vice-President for 2024-2025. McLean succeeds Kristy Pellet as President, while McLaren replaced McLean as Board V-P.
They also voted to re-appoint Lisa Jones (Director of Finance) as Board Secretary/Treasurer for the same time frame. The Board set the 2nd and 4th Wednesday’s of each month as the days for their regular and work session, respectively. The meetings will begin at 6:30-pm., which is an hour later than previously established. The regular sessions will take place in the Atlantic High School Media Center, while the Work Sessions will be held at the Achievement Center.
In her report to the Board, Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said the Atlantic School District has received grants to implement a Robotics Program. Assistant HS Principal/Activities Director Andy Mitchell, and Director of Student Services, Stacey Schmidt, are the program sponsors.
The program will held after school and on some weekends, once it’s ready to go and students are signed-up.
Atlantic School Board mtg., 11-13-24
The Board approved a contract with Interim Superintendent Beth Johnsen, making her full-time for FY 2024-25. Johnsen’s two-year contract as Interim Superintendent was set to expire at the end of the current school year. Board President Laura McLean…
The Board previously abandoned the idea of hiring a headhunter firm to conduct a search for qualified superintendent candidates and related interviews, because they are confident in Dr. Johnsen’s leadership, based on her interactions and performance over the nearly past two-years.
The Board also approved an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the City of Atlantic, for a School Resource Officer position. That person’s salary will be split 75/25-percent, with the district picking-up 75% of the cost. The City of Atlantic began advertising for the SRO position on Thursday (11/14). 
In other business, the approved a bid of $18,444 from Rigid Edge for the replacement of the district’s greenhouse roof, bids from two contractors for snow removal, with each taking care of separate district facilities, but they tabled action on purchase of a lawn mower at this time. In the consent agenda, the Board approved the following resignation, and recommendations to hire (Josh McLaren abstained):
Resignation:
Recommendation to Hire
(Radio Iowa) – A report by The Hill, Wednesday, said Iowa Senator Joni Ernst lost out on her bid to become the Republican Senate Conference Chair. The third highest leadership position is being filled instead by Senator Tom Cotton, of Arkansas. It was the only contested race for a GOP leadership position outside of the Senate leadership race.
Iowa’s junior senator was not picked by the president-elect to become the next U.S. Secretary of Defense, either. On Tuesday, Donald Trump announced that Pete Hegseth– an Army National Guard veteran and author — was his nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Ernst never publicly confirmed interest in becoming cabinet secretary but has said previously that she could be interested in serving in the Trump administration. Hegseth has previously questioned the role of women in the military. Ernst is a decorated combat veteran and retired as lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard after two decades of service.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he supported Ernst instead of Cotton. He said that during Republicans’ private gathering to elect leaders, he nominated Ernst for the leadership position and praised the skills that she demonstrated in the senate and during her military career.
(Radio Iowa) – For the first time this fall, students at Oskaloosa High School are being offered a robotics course, where they’re learning all about 3-D printing and electronics, while also soaking in important lessons about teamwork and leadership. Teacher Cory Sheeley says the 14 students who are taking the premiere class are very enthusiastic about the topic and they’re growing in ways they probably didn’t expect.
“Students are communicating every day,” Sheeley says. “They show up to class and they do what’s called a scrum, and they’re all standing for five minutes and they’re having a conversation about what they’re going to do today, what they did yesterday, they’re assigning tasks to each person, and they’re trying to basically accomplish building a robot.”
While this is the first year for the class, students at Osky High have been competing for at least 15 years in what’s known as the FIRST Tech Challenge or F-T-C, a competitive robotics program that encourages inter-team collaboration across multiple schools. In the latest version of the contest, they’re building robots with claws that are designed to grab blocks.
Sheeley says, “The goal is to basically pick these blocks up — for this year’s game — and either put them in the low basket, which is four points, high basket is eight points, hang them on the high rung, which would be 10 points, low rung is six points.” Four competing robots will be in the ring, simultaneously grabbing blocks in a two-and-a-half minute duel, with an “end game” where the robots have to park or hook themselves in a certain area.
Photo courtesy Oskaloosa High School
During part of the contest, the robots will have to be controlled by two students, and at other times, autonomously grab the blocks without any human help. Sheeley says the students are focused on what could be their future careers, diving into hands-on engineering, problem-solving and team-building.
“You can see students getting better and better at that each day,” Sheeley says. “They’re constantly communicating with each other about who needs to do what, if somebody’s slacking, ‘Hey, I need you to do this.’ They’re managing each other, and I think that that’s a pretty good skill for the workforce.”
Sheeley, who also teaches courses including calculus, coding and statistics, says he’s thrilled to see robotics moving from an after-school club to a full in-school class.
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