Randy Houser was born in Lake, Mississippi on December 18, 1975. Houser reached #1 with How Country Feels, the title track to his third album, and with Runnin’ Outta Moonlight, in 2013. He co-wrote the singles Honky Tonk Badonkadonk by Trace Adkins, Back That Thing Up by Justin Moore, and My Cowboy by country-pop artist Jessie James.
Happy 42nd birthday, Randy! Feel free to reminisce with us as we watch the music video for Runnin’ Outta Moonlight:
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the Hardin County Board of Supervisors voted to delay a decision on an Iowa Select factory farm expansion just a few miles SE of Eldora. Hardin County residents said it was the biggest Supervisor meeting Hardin County has seen in years.
There were about 30 people who showed up in opposition to Iowa Select’s factory farm. Seventeen people testified against that expansion and only 1 person testified for the expansion.
“We want the Hardin County Supervisors to represent us, not Iowa Select. We voted them in and we can vote them out. We already have 246 factory farms in our county. We don’t want any more”, said Nick Schutt, CCI member and family farmer in Hardin County.
The testimonies covered a range of topics, including air, water and quality of life pollution, property value loss, loss of the family farmer, lost tax revenue, destruction of historical places, and destruction of county values and vision. You can watch the hearing here.
“Nobody’s desire for economic gain should take away our right to happiness”, said CCI member and Hardin County family farmer, Keith Kuper.
One of the big discrepancies CCI members point to in the application is how Iowa Select is measuring the distance from the nearest neighbor’s home. Donna and Bob Juber purchased a historic Victorian home that was used in the Steven Spielberg film, “Twister”. Shortly after purchasing the home, Iowa Select built a 2,490 head factory farm just 1,665 feet from their home. Iowa Select is measuring the seperation distance from the nearest corner of the Juber’s home to the nearest corner of the new building – even though the existing building is closer and under the required separation distance of 1,875 feet.
“If both buildings were built at the same time, the construction would not be allowed because this would be less than 1,875 feet. If the building furthest away were built first then the building closest were built next, this would not be allowed because this would be less than 1,875 feet. But in this case, if the closest building were built first, wait a few years, then they are saying it’s okay to build the second building because the second building is farther than 1,875 feet. The first two examples are not allowed but the last one is, even if though the results are exactly the same”, testified Bob Havens, resident of Hardin County.
Iowa Select has submitted 20 applications in 9 counties to build more or expand existing factory farms, increasing the amount of manure in Iowa by nearly 36 million gallons annually. So far, Webster and Humboldt have recommended denial of the Iowa Select applications in their counties. CCI members call on Hardin County to do the same.
The Hardin County Supervisors will vote on the expansion on Wednesday, December 27 at 10am.
It wasn’t easy, but the Oskaloosa Boys’ Basketball Team was able to find a way to pull out a 56-49 victory over Dallas Center-Grimes on the road. It was a bad night for the Osky girls as they were defeated by DCG, 81-7.
The boys’ game featured two teams ranked in the Iowa Prep Hoops top ten in Class 3A with Osky coming in at #4 and DCG at #7. They played it tough throughout, but Oskaloosa will point to several areas in which they could have done better and made this one a little easier on the hearts of Indian supporters.
The first quarter saw the Indians rack up several three pointers and a fast pace against DCG’s man-to-man defense. That run saw Osky open up a 20-8 lead with a few minutes left in the first. The Mustangs would switch into a zone defense and slow the pace and fight back to a 20-12 deficit at the end of the first.
In the second, both teams struggled to score the ball with the limited possessions and few fastbreak opportunities. DCG was able to make a couple of long-range buckets to cut the Osky lead to three at the half, 29-26.
The third quarter was equally difficult for both teams to score, but it was during this period that Osky botched multiple attempts at dunks and layups, allowing the Mustangs to hang around. After the third, it was still a three point affair, 39-36.
The fourth quarter was interesting, as Osky built the lead up to nine with good defense and some made shots from outside. The game remained in the balance, however, due to poor free throw shooting down the stretch. Oskaloosa would finish the game just 11 for 22 from the charity stripe and until the last few moments, DCG was within one or two possessions. Eventually, four made free throws from Rian Yates allowed the Indians to close the game out and get the road win, 56-49.
Oskaloosa was led in scoring by Xavier Foster, who started hot and took the game over in the second half when Osky needed it most with the offense struggling. Foster finished with 17 points, 7 boards, and 3 blocks. Cole Henry and Jarad Kruse each had 10 points. Henry added 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Osky’s boys are now 7-0 on the season and 3-0 in the Little Hawkeye Conference. DCG falls to 5-2 overall and 1-2 in the LHC.
For the Osky girls’ game, it was all Fillies from the tip to the buzzer. That included shutting out the Indians in the entire second half. The final score was 81-7. Osky drops to 0-6 on the year and 0-3 in the Little Hawkeye with DCG now 6-2 and 3-0 in the LHC.
Oskaloosa’s basketball teams are back in action at home against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in a battle of Mahaska County schools. The doubleheader starts with the girls game at 5:30 PM with the boys’ game to follow.
The latest rankings from the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have been released for girls’ basketball and four area teams remain in the rankings.
North Mahaska continues to be the highest ranked team in the area, as they continue to sit at #3 for the second straight week in Class 1A. The Warhawks already have wins over Lynnville-Sully and Montezuma, their two toughest opponents in the South Iowa Cedar League. NM is 7-0 to start the year.
Speaking of Montezuma, the Bravettes and first year Head Coach Janel Burgess are off to a great start at 7-1 and are at #9 this week. That is down one spot from their #8 ranking last week.
Two Little Hawkeye Conference teams are in the poll in Class 4A. Grinnell continues to be ranked 4th in the state with a 6-0 record including a big win over Pella. The Lady Dutch are #12 in Class 4A after falling out of the rankings the previous week. Pella is 4-2.
The next rankings from the IGHSAU will be released next Thursday night.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today that she has nominated 41 Iowa students to be considered for appointments to United States Service Academies.
“I am proud to nominate these deserving Iowa students for admittance to our U.S. Service Academies,” said Senator Ernst. “This nomination is a critical part of the admissions process, and it is my honor to assist them in achieving their goal of serving our great nation. These exemplary young Iowans have exhibited leadership skills, dedication to academics, and commitment to their communities, and I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish.”
Each year, Senator Ernst has the honor and responsibility of nominating Iowa students to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
To learn more about service academy nominations, click here.
Below is a complete list of the students nominated by Senator Ernst for the Class of 2022.
United States Air Force Academy
United States Naval Academy
United States Military Academy at West Point
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Senator Ernst received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University where she joined the university’s ROTC program. After graduating, Ernst was commissioned as an officer in U.S. Army Reserves, and after a few years in the Reserves, transferred to the Iowa National Guard. In 2003, she served as a company commander in Kuwait and Iraq, leading 150 Iowa Army National Guardsmen during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Senator Ernst retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard after 23 years of military service.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today highlighted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments in Fiscal Year 2017 that will help construct or improve infrastructure and boost economic growth in rural communities.
“USDA is focused on improving rural America’s infrastructure,” Perdue said. “Investments such as the ones I’m highlighting today will improve the quality of life, create jobs, grow our economy and foster prosperity in rural areas.”
In Fiscal Year 2017, USDA used funding from the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program to invest more than $40 million in 31 projects to repair, enhance or build infrastructure. These investments were for projects such as surface transportation, aviation, ports, water and storm water resources, energy production and generation, and electricity transmission. They will benefit nearly 265,000 residents.
The investments are supporting projects in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont and Wyoming.
Below are some examples of infrastructure projects that Rural Development funded in the Midwest throughout FY 2017:
Iowa: The city of Lamoni received $313,940 to dismantle, transport and rebuild a used hanger large enough to house six small jets or midsize turbo prop aircraft; expand the taxiway and apron; expand the existing runway; and acquire land in order to expand the runway an additional 4,000 feet at the city’s airport.
Illinois: The Village of Energy received $251,000 to resurface 3,950 feet of the west side of College Street – the major east-west road through the town. This project will make extensive road repairs for safety and to attract more businesses while providing an essential community service to approximately 1,100 residents in the village.
WAUKEE, IOWA – A team of Waukee students were announced the winners of the Third District Congressional App Challenge Monday. The team designed “City Recycle Day” which will remind users when their trash and recycling days are. The app will also alert users to changes in their pickup schedule due to a number of circumstances, including bad weather, and if there are special pickups for items like yard waste.
The team consisted of Sabarish Mogallapalli, Shriya Megatapalli, Owen Scott, and Sankalp Yamasani.
Monday morning, Iowa Congressman David Young surprised the students by video conferencing into their school and speaking with them about their app.
“It is amazing to see what our young people can create. When I was able to see what City Recycle Day can do and the time, research, and effort the students put into it, I was really amazed at how well these students did,” said Congressman Young. “After speaking with the students today, I am even more impressed with their continued commitment to the project.”
The students would like to work with municipalities in the Des Moines area to roll out the app to residents.
The team and their app will be featured on displays around the U.S. Capitol Building alongside winners from other congressional districts.
Nine teams from across the Third District entered the challenge. The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is a public effort to encourage kids to learn how to code, through annual district-wide competitions hosted by Members of Congress for their district.
Students in participating congressional districts across the country code original applications for the chance to be selected for recognition by their Member of Congress, win prizes, and have their work put on display in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. The district-wide competitions, now in their third year, take place from July through early November.
Congressman David Young speaking with the designers of “City Recycle Day” from his Washington, D.C. office.
The designers of “City Recycle Day” speaking with Congressman David Young from their school in Waukee.
On December 15, 1990, George Strait was at #1 on the US Country charts with I’ve Come to Expect It from You, a song written by Buddy Cannon and Dean Dillon. Listen to I’ve Come to Expect it From You on Spotify here:
What is your favorite George Strait tune? Let us know in the comments below!
Rodney Atkins and his wife Rose Falcon welcomed a baby boy on Thursday (Dec. 14). Ryder Falcon Atkins is the couple’s first child together.
The baby was born in Nashville at 2:02PM, weighing 8 lbs, 13 oz. and measuring 20 inches at birth. People had the scoop on the baby news, with the “Watching You” singer explaining that by giving him Falcon as a middle name, he was honoring his wife’s 96-year-old grandfather and her father.
“He is by far the most precious early Christmas present ever for me, Rose and big brother Eli,” he says.
Atkins and Falcon turned to social media to announce their pregnancy in July. The outdoor photo included this caption: “We are thrilled to announce our family is growing. Baby Atkins will arrive in December and we know Elijah is going to be the best big brother.” Elijah is Atkins’ 16-year-old son from his previous marriage.
In recent weeks photos of a very pregnant Falcon were shared on social media. The glowing mommy-to-be looked happy, but ready to be done with it all.
http://www.instagram.com/p/BcnMzK2HU-S/
Welcome to the world from 104.9FM KBOE, Ryder Falcon Atkins!
Hello, everyone! My name is Max. I was surrendered by my owner to Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter in Oskaloosa, Iowa. I might be what some call a “whopping” 18-pounds — but I like to think that’s just more to love for my future forever home.
Praises be to Faux Paws Bakery for making Pet of the Week possible on 104.9FM KBOE & 99.5FM KMZN. Thanks to them, I have a better chance of finding my new owner. Could that person be you? Visit me at the animal shelter today to find out!
