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Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 5 cents, averaging $2.96 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $.83 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $71.32.
  • Brent crude oil rose by $1.35 and is currently priced at $75.58.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $85.49 and Brent crude was $91.88.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.96 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 5 cents from last week’s price and are down 35 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.16, down 4 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 1 cent this week with a statewide average of $3.43.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.62 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 16 cents lower than the national average of $3.59.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.04 for U87-E10, $2.28 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.27 for ULSD#2, $2.55 for ULSD#1, and $1.85 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices fell 10 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.31/MMbtu.
  • Propane prices averaged $1.54 per gallon in Iowa.
  • Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.86 per gallon.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Tire Failure Results in Fatal Dump Truck Accident in Rural Poweshiek County

POWESHIEK COUNTY – One person is dead after a single-vehicle accident in rural Poweshiek County yesterday.

Traffic records show that yesterday, at around 11:30am, a red Peterbuilt dump truck was loaded with gravel and driving westbound on Highway 85 in Poweshiek County. Around the 1600 block of Highway 85, the dump truck experienced a tire failure, causing the driver to lose control and leave the roadway on the south side. The truck went into the ditch and the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle.

The driver and lone occupant of the truck was identified as 52-year-old Christopher Phillip Hudnut of Logan, Iowa. The injuries he sustained in the crash and subsequent ejection were fatal, and he was transported to Holland Coble Funeral Home.

Golf Cart Permits Now Available in Ottumwa

OTTUMWA — Golf Cart Permits are now available at the Ottumwa City Clerk’s office, located on the second floor of the Train Depot at 210 West Main Street. The annual registration fee is $60 and owners must fill out a form confirming their golf cart has items such as a slow moving vehicle sign, safety flag, rear view mirror, adequate brakes, appropriate lighting, and proof of insurance. For more information, contact the City Clerk at 641-683-0620.

TAYLOR SWIFT-THEMED CRUISE JUST SET SAIL FOR FIRST TIME

Taylor Swift fans have taken their love for the pop star to the high seas with a Swiftie-themed cruise that set sail from Miami to the Bahamas on Monday. Dubbed the “In My Cruise Era: The Taylor Fan’s Cruise Group,” the trip aboard Royal Caribbean’s “Allure of the Seas” features themed events like bracelet swapping, Taylor trivia, dance parties, and karaoke, as well as a scavenger hunt and nightly Era outfit themes. The cruise, which costs $1,573 for double-occupancy rooms, includes stops in Nassau and CocoCay, with participants receiving Taylor-themed swag bags to commemorate the experience.

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1974, Charlie Rich’s album, “There Won’t Be Any More,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, the single, “Seminole Wind,” by John Anderson went to #1 on the country charts. The same day, John’s album with the same name was certified gold.
  • Today in 1993, Suzy Bogguss hit the top 10 with “Just Like The Weather.”
  • Today in 1996, Tracy Lawrence’s “Time Marches On” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1997, Barbara Mandrell gave her final musical performance at the Grand Ole Opry House, quitting music to concentrate on acting.
  • Today in 1999, Garth Brooks joined Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, John Mellencamp and others participates in Washington D.C. on the White House lawn for what was billed as the Concert of the Century.
  • Today in 2000, it was revealed that Garth Brooks had saved two boys from a house fire in Oklahoma three days earlier.
  • Today in 2000, John Michael Montgomery’s single, “The Little Girl,” topped the country charts. It was John Michael’s biggest song since 1993’s “I Swear” occupied the #1 spot on the charts for four weeks straight.
  • Today in 2000, the album, “Smoke Rings In The Dark,” by Gary Allan was certified gold.
  • Today in 2000, the Dixie Chicks’ “Fly” album was certified for sales of 7-million.
  • Today in 2000, Billy Gilman was recognized by two Hollywood trade magazines. He was named as one of the top 10 youths in entertainment by “Daily Variety” and was nominated for the “Young Star Award” from “The Hollywood Reporter.”
  • Today in 2001, the “Great Hits Collection” by Alan Jackson was certified for sales of 5-million.
  • Today in 2001, Reba McEntire’s “Greatest Hits Volume III: I’m A Survivor” project was released.
  • Today in 2001, Tracy Lawrence’s self-titled album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2004, George Strait’s “I Hate Everything” takes a seat at #1 in Billboard.
  • Today in 2007, the “Raising Sand,” an album from Alison Krauss with Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2010, Blake Shelton became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2015, Carrie Underwood’s “Storyteller” album was released.
  • Today in 2017, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Mary Chapin Carpenter launched the Lantern Tour, a benefit for immigrants and refugees, at Nashville’s City Winery. Also appearing were Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Shawn Colvin and Lila Downs.
  • Today in 2017, Vern Gosdin was posthumously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Music City Center. Also inducted were “Friends In Low Places” author Dewayne Blackwell, “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me” writer Walt Aldridge, “Chattahoochee” composer Jim McBride and “Live Like You Were Dying” writer Tim Nichols.
  • Today in 2017, Jason Aldean was the surprise performer for about 1200 conference attendees of the American Trucking Management Conference in Orlando.
  • Today in 2017, Shania Twain was a guest judge on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.”
  • Today in 2017, Luke Combs collects a gold single from the RIAA for “When It Rains It Pours.”

Deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders sickens 49 people in 10 states

DENVER (AP) — E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states, including one person who died and 10 who were hospitalized, federal health officials said Tuesday.

The death was reported in an older person in Colorado, and one child has been hospitalized with severe kidney complications, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

Infections were reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Colorado has the most cases, 26, followed by Nebraska with nine.

Everyone interviewed in connection with the outbreak had reported eating at McDonald’s before falling ill and most mentioned eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers, the CDC said. The U.S. Agriculture Department, the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials are also investigating.

A specific ingredient has not been identified as the cause, but investigators are focused on onions and beef. A preliminary FDA investigation suggests that slivered onions served on the burgers are a likely source of contamination. The USDA is investigating the hamburger patties.

In a statement, McDonald’s officials said that initial findings suggest that some illnesses are linked to onions sourced from a single supplier. The company has halted distribution of the slivered onions and temporarily removed the Quarter Pounder from menus in the affected states, and also in portions of Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

“We take food safety extremely seriously and it’s the right thing to do,” the statement said.

E. coli bacteria are harbored in the guts of animals and found in the environment. Infections can cause severe illness, including fever, stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. People who develop symptoms of E. coli poisoning should seek health care immediately and tell the provider what they ate.

The news comes in an already tough year for the Chicago-based McDonald’s chain. Its global same-store sales fell for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter as inflation-weary customers skipped eating out or chose cheaper options. The company responded with a $5 meal deal, which was introduced at U.S. restaurants in late June and was recently extended through December. The deal doesn’t include the Quarter Pounder.

McDonald’s shares dropped 9% in after-hours trading Tuesday after the CDC’s announcement.

The type of bacteria implicated in this outbreak, E. coli O157:H7, causes about 74,000 infections in the U.S. each year, leading to more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths. Infections are especially dangerous for children younger than 5 and can cause acute kidney failure.

Iowa drivers are now at high risk for deer darting onto the road

By Matt Kelley (Radio Iowa)

We’re now in one of the peak times of the year for deer-vehicle collisions. Trooper Paul Gardner, with the Iowa State Patrol in Fort Dodge, reminds Iowans to stay especially vigilant for the creatures that may try to dash in front of your car.

“We have a lot of deer on the move because farmers are out harvesting and that leads to deer wandering around a lot more,” Gardner says. “Typically, they’re very active between sunset and sunrise, during the night, but they can still be observed during daytime hours as well.”

Deer can appear on practically any Iowa road, even in densely populated metro areas, and Gardner says motorists should be especially wary in certain environments.

“They’re usually going to be maintaining habitat in wooded and grassy areas, so when you’re driving through those areas, making sure that you’re driving the speed limit, keeping an eye out for any deer that may be crossing,” Gardner says “Just keep in mind, too, that if you see one, there’s likely going to be more, because they tend to travel in packs.”

If you hit a deer, pull over, assess the damage, and if necessary, call law enforcement, as he says insurance companies may not cover the repairs without a police report. Gardner repeats the mantra “Don’t veer for deer,” as doing so could have deadly results.

“If you do encounter a deer crossing the roadway, it’s best not to try to take evasive action where you’re going to swerve the steering wheel, because if you go to the right, you can go into the ditch,” Gardner says. “Definitely risk rolling your vehicle or hitting something else, or if you swerve to the left, you can take on oncoming traffic, so there’s definitely some dangers in that.”

A recent State Farm study found Iowa is one of the top states for deer collisions. It shows Iowa drivers have a 1-in-69 chance of hitting a deer, based on insurance claims. Each year, around 7,000 crashes between vehicles and deer are reported to Iowa law enforcement.

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“After another dry week, Iowa’s harvest took another sizable step toward the finish line,” said Secretary Naig. “Heading into the last stretch of October, temperatures are expected to remain warmer than average with more chances of precipitation, which could slow or temporarily pause harvest in areas. With drought conditions continuing to spread, we would welcome a shot of rain to reduce fire risks, get cover crops established and begin to replenish our soils, streams and pastures.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Row crop harvest remained ahead of average as Iowa’s farmers had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 20, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Field activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, fall tillage, and applying manure and fertilizer. Dry conditions resulted in field and equipment fires being reported during harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 41 percent very short, 40 percent short, 19 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 31 percent very short, 46 percent short, 23 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. For the second straight week, most of the State received no measurable precipitation.

Nearly all of Iowa’s corn crop reached the mature stage or beyond. Harvest of the corn for grain crop reached 68 percent complete, 5 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the five-year average. Farmers in south central Iowa remained behind farmers in the rest of the State with just 50 percent of their crop harvested. Moisture content of field corn being harvested was 15 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 91 percent, 1 week ahead of last year and almost 2 weeks ahead of the average. Farmers in northern Iowa, as well as west central and east central, have already harvested 94 percent or more of their soybeans.

Pasture condition fell another 8 percentage points to 22 percent good to excellent this week.  Ponds and creeks in pastures are drying up as pastures go dormant due to the dry conditions. Some cattle are being turned onto corn stalk fields.

OHS Choirs’ First Trimester Concert is Coming Up

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa High School is inviting the public to their upcoming choir concert.

WHO – Oskaloosa High School Concert Choir and Chamber Choir

WHAT – 1st trimester concert

WHERE – The George Daily Auditorium

WHEN – Friday, 11/1 at 7pm

COST – There is no cost for this concert.  There will be an opportunity to give with a free will donation.

OHS Choir Director Chris Weinrich: “Our students have been working hard to make sure that they put on the best possible performance!”

Initial report shows Liam Payne had cocaine in his system when he died, says Argentine official

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — An initial toxicology report for ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne, who died last week after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, showed that he had cocaine in his system after his death, an Argentine official said.

The final toxicology results are not expected to be made public for some weeks. But the preliminary toxicology report of the wildly famous boy band star, handed to local prosecutors on Monday, suggested evidence of exposure to cocaine, the official said, stressing that these initial results don’t offer an accurate reading of just how much was circulating in his blood when he died.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief journalists. The preliminary report was widely reported in local media on Monday.

Argentina’s public prosecution is investigating the case — which is not uncommon when a death is sudden or unexpected.

Payne’s autopsy concluded that the traumatic injuries that caused his death were consistent with his three-story fall from the hotel window. Prosecutors have ruled out anyone else being involved.

Argentine investigators found what appeared to be narcotics and alcohol strewn about broken objects and furniture in 31-year-old Payne’s hotel room, leading the public prosecution to surmise Payne had suffered a substance abuse-induced breakdown around the time of his fall. The prosecution said Payne could have plunged from his hotel room balcony in a state of “semi or total unconsciousness.”

Photos purportedly taken from inside Payne’s hotel room published by local media showed snowlike powder left on a table and a smashed-in TV screen. Police also discovered a blister pack of clonazepam, a central nervous system depressant, and over-the-counter medications scattered among Payne’s belongings. Shortly before Payne’s death, the hotel manager called 911 to report a guest acting aggressively and under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Investigators are also trying to figure out who sold Payne the drugs he took at the CasaSur Hotel in Palermo, a chic neighborhood of the Argentine capital. Police have taken statements from at least three hotel employees, as well as two women who visited Payne’s hotel room a few hours before his death.

Fans and major pop industry figures around the world have reacted with an outpouring of grief.

The late singer’s father, Geoff Payne, was still in Buenos Aires meeting with the prosecutors and other local officials Monday in an effort to organize the repatriation of the remains.

Argentine authorities expect to release the body next week, clearing the way for Geoff Payne to fly home and hold a funeral back in England, where on Sunday hundreds of fervent One Direction fans gathered to mourn the musician.

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