TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: ""

Barnes City Man Arrested After Execution of Warrant

Posted on by Sam Parsons

BARNES CITY — A Barnes City man was arrested by authorities this weekend after the execution of a search warrant.

On Tuesday, July 25, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the US Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Information was provided to the Sheriff’s Office by an investigator from the ICAC that led to the Sheriff’s Office executing a search warrant in Barnes City.

This search warrant was executed by the Sheriff’s Office on Friday, June 28, 2024, and authorized a search of 325 Pine Street, apartment #8, in Barnes City, in search of all electronic devices used for viewing, downloading, watching, storing, saving, printing, housing, displaying, sharing, or capturing any photographs and/or videos. During the execution of this warrant, Deputies located and seized multiple electronic devices.

As a result of this investigation, Sheriff’s Officials filed a charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor against 60-year-old Paul Jeffrey Westphal, who resides at this address. This charge is a class D felony. An arrest warrant was issued for Westphal.

On Saturday, June 29, at approximately 11:55pm, Westphal was found at this residence. He was placed under arrest, pursuant to this warrant, and incarcerated in the Mahaska County Jail on a $500,000 cash bond. The investigation into this matter is continuing and further charges against Westphal are expected.

On Sunday, June 30, Sheriff’s Deputies executed a 2nd search warrant at Westphal’s residence, where further evidence was obtained.

ESPN’s Dick Vitale diagnosed with cancer for a 4th time with surgery scheduled for Tuesday

Posted on by Sam Parsons

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Longtime ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale said on social media he has been diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time.

Vitale announced Friday that a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck showed cancer. He is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday.

“With all the (prayers) I have received & the loving support of my family, friends and ESPN colleagues, I will win this battle,” Vitale said on on X, formerly Twitter.

The 85-year-old Vitale has previously been treated for melanoma and lymphoma. He also had six weeks of radiation treatments last year when tests revealed he had vocal cord cancer.

Vitale has been with ESPN since 1979, the year the network launched. The former coach called ESPN’s first college basketball broadcast. He’s also a longtime fundraiser for cancer research.

Vitale helped friend Jim Valvano to the stage at the 1993 ESPYs, where Valvano delivered his famous “Don’t give up” speech. Valvano died of adenocarcinoma less than two months later.

Both sides react to the Iowa Supreme Court ruling on abortion

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

Iowa’s Catholic bishops say they celebrate that the Iowa Supreme Court has recognized there’s no right to an abortion in the Iowa Constitution. Their written statement was issued this morning, shortly after the Iowa Supreme Court issued a ruling that lifts an injunction that had blocked a six week abortion ban from taking effect in Iowa.

Bishop William Joensen of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese spoke last weekend at a rally to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade.  “As much as we heralded the Dobbs decision, we know how it has exposed an underlying attachment in our American culture to that option to procure an abortion, at least under limited circumstances,” Joensen said. “We know a seachange of this magnitude does not automatically correlate with changes in hearts and minds and attitudes.”

The written statement from Joensen and the other bishops says human life should be protected under our laws to the greatest extent possible. Joensen suggests the next step is banning in vitro fertilization.  “Nobody knows how many human embryos dwell in dark, cold storage tanks, though estimates range from 500,000 to millions and they would make it certainly at least one of the 30 largest cities in America,” Joensen says. “The fact is only a tiny minority will see the light of day.”

Maggie DeWitte, executive director of Pulse Life Advocates is also a spokeswoman for the Iowa Coalition of Pro-Life leaders. She calls the six-week ban is a life saving measure.
“This is a monumental win for Iowa women, for Iowa families, for babies,” DeWitte said. DeWitte says she’s been lobbying for abortion restrictions in Iowa for 25 years and it’s hard to put the magnitude of today’s  ruling into words.

Leaders of the Iowa Democratic Party say the Iowa Supreme Court ruling on abortion will make an impact in the November election. Rita Hart is the chair of the party. “This is a game changer right this is this is actual reality this is gonna slap people in the face and tell them wake up,” Hart says. She says people may not have been paying attention while the law was on hold, but now it is real. “This is not just something that we’re discussing this is actually happening and people are going to be affected by it that’s a game changer for folks,” she says.

House minority leader Jennifer Konfrst also says the ruling will have an impact at the polls. “In 2022 it was theoretical and 2024 it’s reality,” she says. “Additionally as we’ve seen the impacts in other states Iowans now know what happens more than we did in 2022.” Konfrst says the results of the ruling could also have another impact. “I Hope I am wrong but an Iowa woman could die between now and Election Day because of this ban and that will put in stark relief just how devastating this is,” Konfrst says. The Democrats are in the minority in both the Iowa House and Senate and only hold one statewide elected office.

The President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, Ruth Richardson has this reaction to the ruling. “Today’s decision marks a dark moment in Iowa’s history. Iowa’s freedom to control their bodies and their futures has been destroyed,” she says. Richardson says they have been planning for the decision and says they will continue to work to help Iowans travel out of state for an abortion. “We’ve been making long term regional investments to ensure patients who face bands have regional options. For example, our expansions to Omaha and Mankato health centers will help meet the needs of Iowans who are now facially facing that harsh reality that they must travel hundreds of miles for care,” Richardson says.

The attorney for the Iowa ACLU says it will take at least 21 days for the ruling to go into effect.

Summer meal sites across Iowa increase access to healthy food options during summer break

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Throughout the summer, children can enjoy healthy meals at no charge through the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option, which are federally funded and administered by the Iowa Department of Education. School districts and local organizations manage and operate the meal sites, which are located in communities throughout the state.

Summer meal programs provide free meals and snacks to all children ages 18 and under at sites located in low-income areas and help increase access to healthy food options during the summer break. Children and youth have access to meals within their local and nearby communities at a variety of locations, including schools, churches, community centers, parks, libraries and camps.

In the city of Oskaloosa, there are summer meal sites at Oskaloosa Elementary and Oskaloosa Middle School, the Osky Public Library, Webster Elementary, and the College Avenue Friends Church Park, in addition to one in University Park at the Community Center.

Families can find their local summer meal sites through the following three options:

Meals are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Additional information for the Summer Food Service Program and Summer Seamless Option are found on the Department’s website.

Mahaska County YMCA Buzzes with Summer Activities

Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA, Iowa – This summer, the Mahaska County YMCA is bursting with activities for all ages, offering everything from summer camps to swim lessons, coed softball, and fitness challenges.
“Since we moved, we’ve increased our membership by more than 50%,” said Katy Greene, Director of Membership and Marketing. “We want to offer programs so that everyone feels like they have something they can do.”
The summer camp, a staple since 1994, is designed for school-aged children from kindergarten through fifth grade. “It’s licensed childcare, and they’re very active,” Greene explained. “They spend days at our Bruce & Mary Lou Sedrel Day Camp at Lake Keomah cabin doing archery, fishing, canoeing, and hiking. They also have swim lessons and field trips every week.”
For adults, the YMCA has introduced a new coed softball league, starting July 9 at the Lacey Complex. “It was highly requested by the community last year,” Greene noted. “We have no idea how many teams to expect, but we’re ready for a fun season.”
The YMCA recently concluded its “Ride Across Iowa” challenge, where members cycled the equivalent of the RAGBRAI route on stationary bikes. “Now, we’re doing a hike fitness challenge,” Greene said. “Members sign up and have a certain amount of time to complete their hike challenge goals.”
Rachel Brown, the YMCA Aquatics Coordinator, highlighted the importance of swim lessons. “Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged one to four in the United States,” she said. In partnership with YUSA, the YMCA is offering free swim lessons for the first session this summer. “We have all different levels, from preschool to advanced. A lot of the high school swim team girls and boys are helping us teach the lessons, and the turnout has been incredible.”
The swim program has seen a significant increase in participation. “We will have given swimming lessons to over 600 children by the end of 2024,” said Alex Anderson, the YMCA Aquatics Director. “Last year, we taught a little over 200 children. The YUSA grant is helping us to almost triple the number of swimming lessons we can teach.”
The swimming lessons emphasize water safety. “We don’t just teach how to swim, we also talk and teach things like the importance of sunscreen, using lifejackets, and even have taught how to get out of ocean currents,” Anderson explained. “It’s all about building life skills to be safe in and around the water.”
All of the swimming instructors are high school students on the swim team and William Penn students, who are certified lifeguards.
The YMCA is also offering a swim team boot camp in July, aimed at kids interested in joining the swim team or improving their skills. “It’s a great way to build up our program and find new talent,” Anderson commented about the YMCA swim team.
For the youngest swimmers, there are parent-baby classes on Saturday mornings. “Parents get in the water with their babies and practice floating, blowing bubbles, and reaching for things in the water,” Anderson said. “It’s about building confidence at a really young age.”
With such a wide range of activities, the Mahaska County YMCA is ensuring a busy and active summer for the community. “We always need more people,” Anderson added. “More swim instructors are always welcome.”
For more information about, membership, or the Mahaska County YMCA, please contact the YMCA at (641) 673-8411 or visit their website at https://www.mahaskaymca.org/  

US sanctions Boeing for sharing information about 737 Max 9 investigation

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WASHINGTON (AP) — Boeing is being sanctioned by U.S. investigators for sharing information about a federal investigation of a door plug blowout that left a gaping hole in a Boeing 737 Max 9.

The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that Boeing “blatantly violated” the agency’s investigative regulations as well as a signed agreement by providing non-public investigative information to the media and speculating about possible causes of the Jan. 5 door plug blowout on a Boeing passenger jet in Portland, Oregon.

During the incident, a panel that plugged a space left for an extra emergency door blew off an Alaska Airlines Max 9. Pilots were able to land safely, and there were no injuries.

The NTSB said that during a media briefing on Tuesday, a Boeing executive provided non-public investigative information to journalists about the Alaska Airlines incident that the agency had not verified or authorized for release.

The agency said Boeing portrayed the investigation as a search to find the individual responsible for the door plug work, but the NTSB said it’s focused on the probable cause of the accident, not placing blame on any individual or assessing liability.

Boeing said in a statement on Thursday that it deeply regretted that some of the statements made at the media briefing overstepped the NTSB’s role as the source of investigative information.

“We apologize to the NTSB and stand ready to answer any questions as the agency continues its investigation,” it said.

Shares of The Boeing Co., based in Arlington, Virginia, rose more than 2% in morning trading.

The NTSB said that given its recent actions, Boeing won’t have access to investigative information the agency produces about the Alaska Airlines incident, but it will keep its party status to the investigation.

The NTSB is unable to fine Boeing, as it doesn’t have enforcement authority. While the agency could have stripped away Boeing’s party status, the NTSB may have considered it more important to keep Boeing as a party to the investigation because of its employees’ expertise.

The NTSB said that it may subpoena any relevant records it requires during the course of the investigation. It also will subpoena Boeing to appear at an investigative hearing in Washington D.C. on Aug. 6 and 7. The agency said that, unlike other parties, Boeing won’t be able to ask questions of other participants.

The NTSB said that it will coordinate with the Department of Justice’s Fraud Division, giving them information about Boeing’s recent unauthorized investigative information releases related to the 737 Max 9 door plug investigation.

In May the Justice Department told a federal judge that Boeing had violated a settlement that allowed the company to avoid criminal prosecution after two deadly crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft.

After Max jets crashed in 2018 in Indonesia and 2019 in Ethiopia, killing 346 people, the FAA and other regulators grounded the aircraft worldwide for more than a year and a half.

It is now up to the Justice Department to decide whether to file charges against Boeing. Prosecutors will tell the court no later than July 7 how they plan to proceed, the department said in May.

Boeing has been under intense scrutiny of late. Earlier this month, CEO David Calhoun defended the company’s safety record during a contentious Senate hearing, while lawmakers accused him of placing profits over safety, failing to protect whistleblowers, and even getting paid too much.

There has been pressure on Calhoun to resign immediately, but he has no plans to do so. Calhoun previously announced that he will step down by the end of 2024.

State fire deaths right about average midway through the year

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

State Fire Marshal Dan Wood says there have been 15 fatal fires as we approach the halfway mark of this year.

“We have between usually 30 and 40 deaths a year you know some years a little bit more but we’re right about where we usually are this time of year,” he says. Wood says one issue he’s seen more of are fires that are started by people who smoke or those who smoke while on oxygen. “Those things seem to come up more and more each year. So, you know, it’s sometimes hard to reach those people because they not typically, you know on social media they’re not you know, getting out and being active. But the smoking and smoking well on oxygen also the ones that are really getting my attention each year,” Wood says. There are a lot of education efforts on the importance of smoke alarms, and he says they’ve seen some results.

“It seems to come and go we used to have fires where they have no smoke detection but you know it seems to get a little bit better every year you know people seem to change their batteries twice a year,” Wood says. “We still have fatal fires where they have smoke detection but it didn’t work.” Wood says it’s important to maintain and check the smoke alarms so they do work when you need them.

Wood says the smoke detectors with a battery that is good for ten years are an option to get away from having to replace old batteries. “Ten-year sealed lithium batteries are nice because you know typically you don’t have to worry about him for ten years,” he says. “There’s still that chance of the sensor going bad and you have to replace it before ten years. But the good thing about batteries you can’t take it out.” He says that ensures someone didn’t take the battery out of an alarm and forget to put it back in.

Increased Law Enforcement Presence on Iowa Roads Next Week During Independence Day Holiday

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — As Iowans celebrate Independence Day, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) reminds all drivers, No One’s a Good DRUNK Driver. In 2022, a person was killed every 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads. July 3 through July 7, law enforcement across the state will be on high alert for signs of drunk driving and taking necessary steps to remove these dangers from the road.

Every year, the Fourth of July stands out as one of the deadliest times on Iowa roads. Over the past five years (2019-2023), there have been 32 traffic fatalities during the holiday, with 50% of those being alcohol related.

“If you sense any level of buzz, it is your duty to stay away from the driver’s seat. For some people, even one drink is too many to drive safely,” says GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize how impaired they are or feel they’re still good to drive after consuming alcohol. That’s why GTSB launched a new campaign this year to remind Iowans, No One’s a Good DRUNK Driver.”

Lots of planning goes into Fourth of July festivities, plan for a sober driver. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, be proactive — take away the keys, find a safe ride home, or offer a couch.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.

Mahaska County Conservation Hosting B.A.R.K. Rangers Kickoff Event Tomorrow

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska County Conservation is starting a new program called B.A.R.K. Rangers, a program to encourage people to take their dogs on hikes in county parks. The program is related to the National Park System’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program, but they are using county parks since Iowa does not have any national parks with this program.  Program participants can earn certificates by completing activities with their dog and they can even purchase special B.A.R.K. Ranger swag. They have special dog tags for participants to purchase.

To start the program, there will be a kick-off B.A.R.K. Ranger event at the Environmental Learning Center on Saturday, June 29 beginning at 10:30 am.  There will be a few guest speakers. Valinn McReynolds, MCCB Volunteer, will talk about this new dog program and Nathan Peterson, veterinarian from Mahaska Vet Clinic, will share information about keeping your dog safe outdoors. There will also be door prizes, photos by Wag On Pet Photography, and a park scavenger hunt that participants can do with their dogs to earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate. Dogs are welcome to come and participate with their owners! Note: all dogs must be on leash.

If you have questions, contact our office at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Jury begins deliberations in class-action lawsuit against NFL by ‘Sunday Ticket’ subscribers

Posted on by Sam Parsons

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The NFL was exploring a world without “Sunday Ticket” in 2017, where cable channels would air Sunday afternoon out-of-market games not shown on Fox or CBS.

The league memo was shown by plaintiffs during their closing arguments on Wednesday as the jury in the class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers began deliberations.

After receiving instructions from U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez, the jury heard the plaintiffs’ closing statement in the morning. Following lunch, the NFL gave its final remarks before the plaintiffs had 20 minutes for rebuttal.

The jury met for 90 minutes before wrapping up for the day. Deliberations will continue Thursday.

In a trial that has lasted three weeks and featured testimony from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, the April 21, 2017, memo — titled the “NFL New Frontier” — provided one of the biggest highlights.

The memo was a reimagining of Sunday afternoons where every game would be on a broadcast or cable network. Fox and CBS would have paid 25% less per game (approximately $10 million per game) while cable networks would have paid $9 million per game, which was the average doled out by DirecTV in its contract with the league.

The figures were for the rights that expired after the 2022 season. Those averages would be higher now with agreements that started last season.

The league memo showed early games on FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, TNT, NFL Network and CBS Sports Network with late games on FS1, TBS and TNT.

Bill Carmody, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, called the memo “one of the hottest documents in the case” during his closing arguments.

“It’s so important because this is a document that says everything that our damages model is based upon the NFL looked at and approved of, and in real life, behind the scenes,” Carmody said. “What the NFL’s talking about here … is they’re talking about moving forward with the same network games on Fox and CBS, but, instead of a subscription, why don’t we put it on basic cable? That’s what we’re talking about. Lose the subscription price, compete, be fair, let’s see what happens.”

Some of the out-of-market games under the NFL’s memo though would not be on basic cable. Fans and cable companies would also absorb some of the costs through higher subscription fees.

The lawsuit covers 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. It claims the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an inflated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by offering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.

“This case transcends football. This case matters,” Carmody said. “It’s about justice. It’s about telling the 32 team owners who collectively own all the big TV rights, the most popular content in the history of TV — that’s what they have. It’s about telling them that even you cannot ignore the antitrust laws. Even you cannot collude to overcharge consumers. Even you can’t hide the truth and think you’re going to get away with it.”

The league maintains it has the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plaintiffs say that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.

Beth Wilkinson, the lead attorney for the NFL, said the league has not disputed that “Sunday Ticket” is a premium product and that it has always been marketed that way.

“That was never in dispute in this case because none of this is secret. None of it is a surprise,” Wilkinson said in her closing argument. “Nobody in this broadcast world thinks there’s anything wrong with it. They failed to bring any witnesses into this courtroom that agree with them.”

Even if the jury of five men and three women rules for the plaintiffs, Gutierrez could still rule in favor of the NFL and say the plaintiffs did not prove their case.

DirecTV had “Sunday Ticket” from its inception in 1994 through 2022. The league signed a seven-year deal with Google’s YouTube TV that began with the 2023 season.

If the NFL is found liable, a jury could award $7 billion in damages, but that number could balloon to $21 billion because antitrust cases can triple damages. It would also change how the league would have to distribute its out-of-market broadcasts and could lead to renegotiated contracts with Fox and CBS. The current agreements with the league run through the 2033 season.

CBS and Fox pay a combined average of $4.3 billion per season for Sunday afternoon games while YouTube TV pays an average of $2 billion per season for the “Sunday Ticket” rights.

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco, but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.

Whatever the decision ends up being, the losing side is expected to appeal to the 9th Circuit and then possibly the Supreme Court.

NEWSLETTER

Stay updated, sign up for our newsletter.