|
PARADE AMONG JULY 4TH ACTIVITIES
(Shenandoah) -- Activities abound across KMA Land honoring the nation's birthday Saturday.
Shenandoah is among the communities with a full slate of Independence Day events. Activities include the 3rd Annual July 4th Parade. Jim Nye and Richard Haigwood co-chair Shenandoah's Independence Day committee. Nye tells KMA News participants should line up on Center Street and East Clarinda Avenue at around 9:30 a.m.
Nye says about 60 entries are expected in the parade, which gets underway at 10 a.m. The parade route runs from Clarinda Avenue past the Old Armory, then down Sycamore Avenue into Sportsman's Park, where a host of July 4th activities take place throughout the day.
Morris Hoxie is the parade's Grand Marshal. Another V-I-P is Dave Rehbein (RAY-bein), National Commander of the American Legion. July 4th activities wind up with fireworks late Saturday evening in Sportsman's Park. For a complete of events in Shenandoah and elsewhere, log onto www.kmaland.com and click under Community Calendar.
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:15:10 CDT
STATE FIRE INVESTIGATOR NOTES RECENT SUCCESS IN ARSON CASES
(Council Bluffs) -- Luck and increased focus are behind some recent success in solving arson cases in Iowa.
State Fire Investigator John Ticer notes arrests made this week in connection with a fatal fire in Lamoni in October, 2008. Firefighters found the body of 72-year-old Donald Royce Reed of Shannon City inside a home after putting out a fire. The owners of the home 49-year-old Wayne Slycord and 45-year-old Susan Slycord are charged with arson. Authorities have also charged 73-year-old Donna Lee Tapscott, and Lyle Perry Osborne. Decatur County Attorney Lisa Jeanes says she cannot release information on the connection of the four to the victim or any possible motive until the case goes to trial.
Also this week, the former city clerk of the south-central Iowa town of Lacona is charged with first degree arson and first degree theft. 52-year-old Anna Marie Hoffman is accused of setting a fire in the records area of city hall. She is also accused of improperly disbursing nearly 42-thousand dollars. These arrests follow the arrest and conviction of a suspect in a Shenandoah arson investigation earlier this year.
Ticer tells KMA News luck is a big factor behind the arrests. Ticer also credits increased focus by law enforcement officials across the state. And, public safety officials have given full support toward the investigations.
Despite these recent successes, Ticer says other cases remain unsolved. Anyone with information on arson cases still pending should contact John Ticer at 712-322-2723 or the state's arson hotline number, 1-800-532-1459.
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:10:11 CDT
NEBRASKA OFFICIALS SAY FLU SAFETY NEEDED AT CAMPS
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska health officials are advising summer camp operators and participants to take precautions against swine flu.
Nebraska's chief medical officer, Dr. Joann Schaefer, says the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance on how camps can handle ill attendees and promote safe infection control practices.
Among other things, Schaefer says camp personnel should have a plan with parents regarding how illnesses or health emergencies will be handled.
Camp staff should be trained on infection control practices, how to recognize influenza-like illness and how to report possible cases to camp leadership.
Staffer also are encouraged to routinely clean common areas and items that are likely to have frequent hand contact.
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:05:53 CDT
AUDIT SHOWS NEBRASKA PATROL LOSES TRACK OF PROPERTY
An audit of the Nebraska State Patrol has shown the agency has lost track of laptop computers, sophisticated forensic-investigation equipment, shotguns and other items.
The review of the patrol by State Auditor Mike Foley released Thursday shows it couldn't locate 105 items with a combined cost of more than $696,000.
Foley wrote that his office was able to find two of four missing items it searched for, but that it found two of the missing items had been sold.
He questioned how the agency could argue it needs money for equipment when it doesn't know what it already has.
Patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins said the finding highlighted a deficiency in the agency of not being able to account for some property.
On the Net: State Patrol Audit: http://www.auditors.state.ne.us/local/pdfSearch/PDF/2009(underscore) State(underscore)Patrol.pdf
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:03:59 CDT
FREMONT CO RESIDENTS MAY NOW REGISTER FOR CODERED WARNING SYSTEM
(Sidney) -- Residents and businesses in Fremont County can now register for the CodeRED telephone call warning system.
Fremont County Emergency Management Coordinator, Mike Crecelius tells KMA News the CodeRED system provides city and county officials the ability to quickly deliver messages to targeted areas or the entire city/county. Crecelius says if there's a tornado approaching, the system will automatically call phone numbers in the path of the storm.
He feels sometimes Omaha TV stations "leave Fremont County in the dark" during important severe weather announcements in the county. While CodeRed is an automated service that will specifically target only those in the storm's path, the National Weather Service releases warnings or watches for an entire county even if the danger is in a small area.
Crecelius feels strongly every person and business within the county should register by entering information on to the website www.co.fremont.ia.us and click on the CodeRed logo.
Those without Internet access may call Crecelius at the Fremont County Emergency Management Office at 712-374-3355, Monday thru Friday, (8AM-4PM) to supply their information over the phone.
Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number, additional phone numbers can be entered as well.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:02:53 CDT
GOLD WING CONVENTION EXPECTED IN DES MOINES
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Thousands of Honda Gold Wing motorcycles are expected to snake through Des Moines next year as a national club brings its convention to the city.
Tiffany Tauscheck of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau says the Gold Wing Road Riders Association is expected to announce today that the group is coming to Hy-Vee Hall from June 30 to July 3, 2010.
One reason the 80,000-member group chose Des Moines was the city agreed to a nine-mile parade of motorcycles through downtown and
city neighborhoods in an effort to set a world record.
The group will announce next year's convention site during this year's convention in Tulsa, Okla.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:43:50 CDT
IOWA RESEARCHERS TACKLE FIREFIGHTER GEAR
AMES, Iowa (AP) _ Iowa State researchers who designed speed suits for Olympic swimmers are turning their attention to firefighters.
The researchers are putting firefighters on treadmills and 100-degree sweat boxes, then measuring their energy use with 3-D imaging.
Researcher Rick Sharp says the current suits and 50 pounds of gear wastes firefighters' energy unnecessarily. Sharp says new suits would reduce mistakes and allow firefighters to stay longer to fight fires.
Some of the early changes are simple, such as changes in position to pockets and vents, and alterations to the way the suit fits.
The team hopes to design a better-fitting coat and pants, and expect the process to take about five years.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:41:22 CDT
120 TO BE NATURALIZED DURING IOWA CEREMONY
JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) _ A federal judge will preside over a ceremony where 120 people will become citizens of the United States.
The naturalization ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. today at the Iowa National Guard Freedom Center in Johnston.
Officials with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services say the 120 new citizens come from 44 countries. Seventeen percent of the new citizens are from Mexico; 14 percent from India; and 6 percent from Bosnia.
U.S. Chief Judge Robert Pratt will administer the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens during the ceremony, which is scheduled to commemorate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:39:12 CDT
IOWA SCHOOL ABANDONS SITE OF FATAL SHOOTING
PARKERSBURG, Iowa (AP) _ Aplington-Parkersburg High School officials plan to move the school's weight room to a private residence after a fatal shooting last week.
Aplington-Parkersburg football coach Ed Thomas was shot and killed in the weight room on June 24. Mark D. Becker, a former player, has been charged in the slaying.
A new facility is under construction, but Aplington-Parkersburg Superintendent Jon Thompson says students can work out at a private livestock barn that also served as the football team's weight room after a deadly EF5 tornado in May 2008.
The barn's owner, John Tuve, says he spent thousands of dollars turning the building into a suitable weight room, and says some adults still use leftover workout equipment on his property.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:36:08 CDT
NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT
(Maryville) -- "It's a great day to be a bearcat."
Those are the words of Northwest Missouri State University's new president. Today (Thursday) was Doctor John Jasinski's first day as the institution's new president. Jasinski succeeds Dean Hubbard, who retired earlier this year. Jasinski is no stranger to Northwest, having served as a faculty member and administrator from 1986-to-2001. For the past eight years, Jasinski served as executive vice president and chief academic and operating officer of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. Jasinski tells KMA News the institution's strength lured him back to Maryville.
Jasinski says he intends to work with the school's staff and administrators on setting goals for the institution. Jasinski says his first main goal is relationship building.
Jasinski says he's excited about some of the new initiatives at the school, including its E-textbook program slated for launching this fall. Jasinski is the 10th president in Northwest's 104-year history.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:02:10 CDT
FAIRFAX HOSPITAL SURPASSES FUNDRAISING GOAL
Community Hospital Fairfax has reached a major milestone.
Hospital officials announced this week fundraising goals for the facility's Investing In Our Healthy Future campaign have been surpassed. Hospital Spokesperson Ann Schlueter tells KMA News more than $1,518,000 has been raised--and more is coming in. Proceeds will be used for the new hospital building's emergency room.
Schlueter credits the public's generosity in surpassing the fundraising goal. Schlueter also credits Northwest Missouri Congressman Sam Graves' efforts in securing a $377,000 congressional appropriation. The emergency room is just one part of the $19 million hospital project. Schlueter says work continues on the facility, with a completion date of September, 2010.
Donations are still being accepted. For more information, contact the Community Hospital Fairfax Development Office at 660-686-2211, extention 259.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:55:42 CDT
SHENANDOAH VFW POST COMMANDER SEEKS MILITARY MEMORABILIA
(Shenandoah) -- If you have an old military uniform or other memorabilia lying around, George Gibson would like to talk to you.
Gibson, the post commander for Shenandoah's VFW post, is collecting new or old uniforms, web gear, field gear, pictures, weapons, and other materials for a permanent display at Shenandoah's Old Armory Building. Gibson proposed the project to the community's Armory Board.
In an interview with Dean Adkins on KMA's "Afternoon Show," Gibson says the display is his way of saying thanks to area residents who served their country.
Gibson served 14 years in the military, including a stint in Vietnam. Anyone wishing to donate military materials on a permanent or consignment basis should contact George Gibson at (712) 246-3464.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:39:10 CDT
THREE FIFTEEN YEAR-OLDS INVOLVED IN ROLL-OVER
(Red Oak) -- Three teenagers walk away from a roll-over accident that totaled their Ford Explorer around 5:00pm yesterday (Wednesday).
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office responded to a 9-1-1 call from 15 year-old Jesse M. Wilwerding, of Red Oak, who indicated the accident was near the Country Club, but was uncertain of the name of the road. Dispatchers and responding officers determined the likely location was J Avenue, as Wilwerding mentioned a one-laned overpass.
Deputies found Wilwerding sitting on J Avenue with minor abrasions to his right arm and leg and summoned rescue crews to the scene. Wilwerding had been driving northbound on J Avenue when he got too close to the east shoulder of the roadway and when he attempted to slow down, the excessive speeds on the gravel road caused the Explorer to skid and spin. The vehicle then entered the west ditch facing southwest, overturned and came to rest on its top.
Deputies learned there were two other occupants of the vehicle that had fled the scene. Dixon Nelson, age 15, was contacted on a cell phone and found by the Red Oak Police Department. Red Oak Rescue reviewed Wilwerding and Nelson's condition and with permission of a parent, both declined medical treatment.
The other occupant, Maddy Mann, also age 15, was contacted on her cell phone and found in her home with a parent. Mann indicated she had very minor abrasions to her right leg that did not require medical treatment.
Wilwerding was cited for Failure to Maintain Control and violation of Instruction Permit Limitations and he was released to the custody of a parent. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $8,500 and is considered a total loss.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:34:18 CDT
BEDFORD SUPERINTENDENT PLEASED WITH REVENUE PURPOSE STATEMENT'S PASSING
(Bedford) -- It's full speed ahead on some big undertakings in the Bedford School District.
That's according to Superintendent Joe Drake, who's reacting to the passing of a revenue purpose statement in Tuesday's special election. Unofficial results from the Taylor County Auditor's Office show the referendum passing by a 197-to-38 vote. With the purpose statement's passage, school officials may now spend its share of statewide or local sales tax revenues through 2028. Drake tells KMA News a vast majority of voters supported the referendum because they understood the need, and that it didn't involve a new tax.
Drake says planning for the district's new preschool building will now move forward. Drake says the construction site is located adjacent to the K-through-12 building's elementary wing.
And, Drake says laptop computer orders have been placed for the district's 6th through 12th grade students. Students and parents will attend a "laptop" bootcamp in August to learn about maintenance and responsibilities associated with the computers.
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:13:41 CDT
ECONOMIST: MIDWEST ECONOMY SHOWS IMPROVEMENT
OMAHA (AP) -- A survey of business leaders in nine Midwestern and Plains states suggests the region's economy continues to show signs of improvement, but job losses persist.
The Mid-America Business Conditions index released Wednesday rose to its highest level since September of last year, to 49.3 in June from 46.6 in May.
The survey's index ranges between 0 and 100, and any score below 50 on the index suggests a contracting economy over the next three to six months.
While the increase was the index's fifth straight jump, it also shows the region lost jobs for the 17th time in the past 18 months.
Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss says that as in past recessions, ``job creation is just not in the picture for the immediate future.''
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:27:43 CDT
SUSPECT IN IOWA FOOTBALL COACH'S MURDER FORMALLY CHARGED
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) --The man accused of killing high school football coach Ed Thomas has been formally charged with first-degree murder.
Mark D. Becker will be arraigned July 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the Butler County Courthouse on the murder charge and another charge of eluding police.
District Court Judge Stephen Carroll continued Becker's $1 million bond. The Butler County attorney requested the help of the Iowa attorney general's office in the prosecution.
Authorities accuse 24-year-old Becker of walking into the weight room at Parkersburg-Aplington High School on June 24 and shooting Thomas several times. Becker had played for Thomas, and his brother is still on the team.
The formal written charges filed Tuesday mean Becker will not have a preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Thursday
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:06:57 CDT
IOWA LT. GOV: TRAVEL CLOSE TO HOME THIS SUMMER
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Lt. Gov. Patty Judge wants Iowans to take their vacations closer to home this summer.
Judge kicked off her Travel Iowa '09 program on Tuesday. The effort includes a summer-long 67-city tour that the lieutenant governor says highlights the state's attractions. Judge says Iowans should stay near home this summer because ``taking an Iowa vacation is a fun and affordable way to have some fun and relax, without breaking the bank.''
Judge made her first tour stop Tuesday at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. Next week she will travel for five days throughout the state.
Officials say tourism employs nearly 65,000 Iowans and had a $6.3 billion state impact in 2007.
On the Net: Travel Iowa '09: http://traveliowa.blogspot.com or http://www.traveliowa.com.
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:00:46 CDT
BACKERS OF SMOKING BAN SAY FEWER IOWANS LIGHTING UP
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Supporters of Iowa's indoor smoking ban are crediting the year-old law for decreasing the number of Iowans who smoke.
At a news conference Wednesday, they pointed to a survey from the Iowa Department of Public Health that indicates 14 percent of state residents smoke. That's down from 19 percent two years ago and 41 percent in the 1960s.
Despite complaints from some business owners about the law, which bans smoking in bars, restaurants and most work places, Rep. Janet Petersen says the Legislature shouldn't change the law. The Des Moines Democrat called for waiting another year or two before considering any changes.
Besides the smoking ban, the Iowa Legislature in 2007 also increased the state's tax on cigarettes by $1 a pack.
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:59:00 CDT
SIDNEY WOMAN NAMED BY OBAMA
(Washington, DC) -- A woman raised in Sidney, Iowa now graces an important position in Washington, D-C with the U-S Department of Commerce. April Boyd has been appointed by President Obama as the D-O-C's Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. Boyd tells KMA News she was confirmed by the United States Senate in April on the 100th day of the Obama Administration.
In this capacity, Boyd serves as the principal advisor to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on legislative issues and congressional relations, as well as the Department’s outreach to the nation’s governors and mayors. She manages these efforts and the Department’s relationships with its 19 congressional committees of jurisdiction across the Department’s 12 bureaus. Boyd says the position was highly competitive and she's honored to be chosen.
Prior to joining Secretary Locke’s team at the Department of Commerce, Boyd (pictured right at her senate confirmation) spent eight years working as a senior staff member in both the House of Representatives and Senate, including more than two years as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher and two years as ational Press Secretary to Senator John Kerry.
As Congresswoman Tauscher’s Chief of Staff, Boyd served as the top strategic advisor to the Chair of the House New Democrat Coalition, the largest bloc of moderates in Congress. The 68-Member group is focused on enacting legislation that strengthens U.S. competitiveness, meets the challenges posed by globalization in the 21st century, and bolsters America’s standing in the world.
So what does a person in this position suggest will --bolster--- her home Fremont County? The first key component is providing opportunities. She feels rural Iowa has outstanding public schools that offer strong options. Boyd adds that the Department of Commerce is a voice for main street business to grow small communities like exist in rural Iowa by fostering innovation and opening commerce all over the world for U-S products.
Boyd tells KMA News it was a treat after years of working in our nation's capitol to recently work with Governor Chet Culver with a financial investment.
Before coming to Capitol Hill, Boyd served for three years in the Executive Branch. At the U.S. Department of Energy, Boyd had primary communications responsibility for the administration’s landmark proposal to compensate sick nuclear workers - the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act- which was signed into law by President Clinton in 2000. This legislation became only the fourth federal workers’ compensation program in history. For her work at the Department of Energy, Boyd was named one of the best press officers in the Clinton administration by the Regional Reporters Association in 2000. Boyd also served in other positions on the Hill, including as Senator Kerry’s Official Press Secretary and Congresswoman Tauscher’s Communications Director.
Prior to that, she served as Media Liaison at the U.S. General Services Administration, acting as agency spokesperson on range of issues, including ongoing security in federal buildings after the Oklahoma City bombing. While there, she also performed all media work for the President’s Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History.
When in junior high, Boyd moved to Omaha and graduated from Westside High in 1993. She graduated magna cum laude from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She lives on Capitol Hill with her husband and daughter. Boyd says if the Congressional calendar permits, her goal this summer is to attend the Sidney Rodeo.
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:56:43 CDT
NEB. GOVERNOR ASKS FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has asked the federal government for help repairing storm and tornado damage in 13 counties.
The request for federal aid includes funding for repairs to roads, bridges, power lines, public buildings and debris removal.
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency estimates there was $4 million in damages, primarily to roads and other public infrastructure.
There were tornadoes, high winds, hail and above-average rainfall in many areas of the state throughout the month.
The 13 counties included are: Arthur, Box Butte, Cherry, Garden, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Custer, Keya Paha, Hamilton, Rock, Dixon, Pawnee and Richardson.
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:22:09 CDT
|
