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Iowa water conditions still not favorable for kayaks, canoes

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Matt Kelley (Radio Iowa)

We’re more than a month into spring and the experts say Iowans who are itching to get on the open water with their kayaks and canoes may want to wait a little longer for safety’s sake.

Iowa DNR conservation officer Nate Carr says with rain expected today and through much of the weekend, water levels will likely rise.

“It does help with having to get out and push or pull your boat from time to time, but it also creates more hazards,” Carr says. “The quicker that water is moving, as you encounter different deadfalls and trees that have fallen in the water — creating strainers, that can be a hazard and something you have to be cognizant of.”

While we’ve had some warm days in recent weeks, there were also many chilly nights and this spring weather pattern is keeping our lakes and streams on the frigid side.

“Water temperatures are still fairly cold,” Carr says, “which can make someone who’s a very confident swimmer into someone who does struggle in the water.”

The DNR says when the temperature of the water is 60 degrees or below, you are automatically at risk for hypothermia if you become wet. Folks in kayaks and canoes need to wear the right gear, know how to read a river, and be fully prepared for immersion.

“We certainly encourage people to wear life jackets anytime you’re in a boat, including canoeing, kayaking,” Carr says. “It may be ankle- or knee-deep throughout large stretches of the river, but there are holes throughout the river that can be over your head.”

Large bodies of water take time to warm up, so it may be a few more weeks before it’s safe for lesser experienced paddlers to load up their boats.

In addition to life jackets, the DNR says let a friend or loved one know where you’re going and when you’ll be back, and bring a dry bag with extra clothing to change into should you get wet.

Mahaska County Extension to Host Presentation on Twelve Culinary Herbs You Should Consider Growing

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Culinary herbs add so much flavor your food, and are fairly easy to grow.  Learn about growing twelve common herbs on May 3 at Noon by Mahaska County Extension Horticulture and Education Program Coordinator Suzette Striegel.  The presentation will be held at the Mahaska County Extension office, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa and will be approximately one hour.

The presentations are free and open to the public.  Registration is not required to attend, but appreciated.

Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their twenty-first year.  The local program organized after the county held their first training.  The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects.  Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service.  The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

More information about this and other horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm. 

Mahaska County Farm Bureau Hosts “Ag Day” at Southern Iowa Fairgrounds

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Mahaska County Farm Bureau hosted “Ag Day” at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds yesterday with 3rd grade students from Mahaska County on hand to learn about agriculture and its impact on local everyday life. Students took a tour of the fairgrounds and walked through stations that highlighted various aspects of agriculture.

Mahaska County Farm Bureau board member Joy Van Wyngarden said the annual event is a great opportunity to show area students things they may not know about life on a farm.

There were roughly 300 combined students, teachers, and chaperones that attended Ag Day at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds.

Reggie Bush is reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes

Posted on by Sam Parsons

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reggie Bush has his Heisman back.

The Heisman Trust reinstated the former Southern California tailback as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner on Wednesday, citing fundamental changes in the structure of college athletics during the 14 years since Bush forfeited the trophy and the honor.

Bush gave up his Heisman following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans. College football players are now allowed to profit from their work in many ways, and the Heisman Trust decided it was time to move past the conflict with one of the most exciting players in the sport’s history.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush also will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.

Bush won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing 2,218 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history, and the trophy was a crowning achievement for Bush after three seasons at USC as one of the most dynamic college football players in decades.

“I am grateful to once again be recognized as the recipient of the Heisman Trophy,” Bush said in a statement. “This reinstatement is not only a personal victory, but also a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this arduous journey.”

The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.

USC typically displays its replicas of the Trojans’ Heisman Trophies in the lobby of Heritage Hall, its historic football headquarters, while the retired uniform numbers of its Heisman winners are displayed on huge banners draping the Peristyle at the Coliseum during USC home games. Bush’s No. 5 jersey is expected to be back among the honored numbers this fall.

“What a historic day!” said USC coach Lincoln Riley, who coached Caleb Williams to the school’s most recent Heisman in 2022. “Reggie’s reintroduction to the Heisman Family is a special moment for every person that has been associated with USC football. We are thrilled that Reggie’s athletic accomplishments as one of the greatest to ever play the game can officially be recognized.”

The USC football program wrote “back where it belongs ” in a social media post.

“This is a momentous day for Reggie Bush and the entire USC community as we celebrate the rightful return of his Heisman Trophy,” USC athletic director Jen Cohen said. “Reggie’s impact at USC and on college football as a whole is truly unmatched. He has displayed the utmost resiliency and heart throughout this process and is so deserving of every accolade and trophy he’s ever received. We are grateful to the Heisman Trophy Trust for making this happen.”

Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with massive NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him. The sanctions were the final result of a prolonged, antagonistic dispute between the NCAA and USC under former athletic director Mike Garrett.

USC received a two-year postseason ban and lost a whopping 30 scholarships under the sanctions. The NCAA also vacated 14 wins by the Trojans during the heart of Bush’s career, including the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.

USC was even required to “disassociate” from Bush for 10 years following the NCAA’s decision. The school immediately ended its disassociation when that period ended in June 2020, welcoming Bush back to the school.

The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.

“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.

Public opinion has long favored the return of Bush’s trophy. Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&M, said on social media last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back.

Manziel thanked the Trust on Wednesday “for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”

Among others praising the decision were Williams, the 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday’s NFL draft; 2001 winner Eric Crouch of Nebraska; and 2011 winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor.

Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons. He is now a commentator and studio analyst for Fox Sports.

Last August, Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA for issuing a statement to media in 2021 that said Bush had a “pay-for-play” arrangement. That statement was in response to media inquiries about whether Bush would have his statistics from his USC career reinstated when NIL payments became permissible. Bush contended the statement cast him in a false light.

“I want to make it abundantly clear that I have always acted with integrity and in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA,” Bush said Wednesday. “The allegations brought against me were unfounded and unsupported by evidence, and I am grateful that the truth is finally prevailing.”

Lung Association’s ‘State of the Air’ report largely positive for Iowa

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report finds positive trends in air quality in two Iowa metros.

“Des Moines is actually listed on the ‘cleanest cities’ list,” said Kristina Hamilton, director of advocacy for American Lung Association of Iowa. “It’s ranked 154th in the nation.”

The Quad Cities saw “slight improvements” in the three types of pollution evaluated in the American Lung Association’s report. Overall results for Iowa were “largely positive,” according to Hamilton.

“I would like to note that we don’t have air quality monitors in every counties in Iowa,” Hamilton said. “Only a select few counties have air quality monitors.”

Sixteen counties of Iowa’s 99 counties have air quality monitors and the Lung Association was able to evaluate data from Bremer, Clinton, Hamilton, Linn, Montgomery, Palo Alto, Polk, Scott and Van Buren Counties.

The Lung Association’s report considers particle pollution, sometimes called soot, as well as ozone or smog and Hamilton said metro Des Moines is considered one of the country’s cleanest cities because it had fewer days with smog last year.

“For short term particle pollution we slightly more high particle pollution days in the Des Moines metro area, but it still ranked 79th, which was a better ranking than last year,” Hamilton said. “For annual particle pollution, we saw the same levels from the previous report, but a better ranking.”

Exposure to air pollution over a long period of time can cause or inflame lung conditions like asthma and C-O-P-D — chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is the 25th year the American Lung Association has issued its “State of the Air” report.

Central College Theatre to Perform ‘The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940’

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PELLA — Central College’s theatre program presents John Bishop’s “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” at 7 p.m. April 25-27, and 2 p.m. April 28, in the Kruidenier Theatre on campus.

C.D. Adamson, associate professor of theatre, shares the premise of this comedy featuring 35 students in the cast and crew.

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” revolves around the creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop, in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher.” The team assembles for a backer’s audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy “angel.” The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people – all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem that follows when the infamous “Slasher” makes his reappearance and strikes again and again.

On stage, as the composer, lyricist, actors and director prepare their performance, and a blizzard cuts off any possible retreat, bodies start to drop in plain sight. Knives spring out of nowhere; masked figures drag their victims behind swiveling bookcases and accusing fingers point in all directions. However, and with no thanks to the bumbling police inspector who snowshoes in to investigate, the mystery is solved in the nick of time and the “Slasher” unmasked – but not before the audience has been treated to a sidesplitting good time and a generous serving of the author’s biting, satiric and refreshingly irreverent wit.

“In this production, the entire design team was composed of students,” says Ron Rybkowski, technical director of theatre and lecturer. “All the scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, hair and make-up are by students.”

Adamson will direct the play and Bryson McGowan, Class of 2024 musical theatre major from Urbandale, Iowa, will direct the music selections. The cast includes McGowan, Scott Martin, Class of 2024 art major from Moscow, Iowa; Kamryn Waymire, Class of 2024 musical theatre major from Elk Horn, Iowa; Travis Mitchell, Class of 2025 communication studies major from Otley, Iowa; Joslynn Moore, Class of 2025 kinesiology major from Corning, Iowa; Quintin Hull, Class of 2026 music major from Ottumwa, Iowa; Keely Krambeer, Class of 2026 communication studies major from Wadena, Iowa; Schultz Abbas, Class of 2027 undeclared major from Urbandale, Iowa; Eryn Lenhart, Class of 2027 undeclared major from Bondurant, Iowa; and Samuel Vis, Class of 2027 undeclared major from Ames, Iowa.

Tickets are $15 for the general public at central.universitytickets.com.

Trolley Stop Alley Grand Re-Opening to be Held Tonight

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA – Organizers of the Trolley Stop Alley project and the Golden Goose Club proudly announce the grand re-opening of Trolley Stop Alley burrowed in the heart of downtown Oskaloosa. Thursday April 25th, 2024, 6:30- 8:00 PM, the public is invited to the “unveiling” of new additions in this alley, located downtown on High Avenue West between Hunter’s Gift and Coffee Café and Tasos Steak house. Also celebrating the Golden Goose Club’s Appreciation, with its generosity to complete these unique additions, join us for snacks, cocktails, and a celebration of Trolley Stop Alley and the bygone days of the downtown trolley in Oskaloosa!  In case of inclement weather, the event will take place in The Art Center (entrance in The Alley leading to the mall) 

According to Steering Committee Member Ann Brouwer, “Planning for the Trolley Stop Alley project began in 2021 but, together with the Golden Goose Club, we were able to make some pretty exciting additions this year and we can’t wait to share them with the public!” Ann emphasized, “Trolley Stop Alley is designed to give the feeling of being transported into yesteryear. The space is a true celebration of an artistic view into the past!” 

Though Trolley Stop Alley is a second downtown renovated Alley, it is unique in its artistic “Trolley Stop” design and gives the feel of stepping back into another era. Creative recent additions to this exclusive space will be shown at the unveiling, including 3 window murals depicting historic Oskaloosa residents on Hunter’s Gift Shop and Coffee Cafe wall by artist, Brant Bollman; 3 New Historical Signs on the Taso’s wall (Committee members: Vicky Collette, Lynn Perkins, John Jacobs, John Bandstra, Ann Brouwer, Sherry Vavra, and Musco Sign Shop’s Lindsay Wilcox); and 4 New Memorial Signs on the Delynn Overturf memorial trolley wall to commemorate artists, Nicole Pitts and Brant Bollman and Trolley Alley historians, John Bandstra and John Jacobs.

Vicky Collette of the Golden Goose Club shared, “The 3 new historical signs include a Transportation of Yesteryear depiction, a “did you know” poster sized sign filled with fun facts, and a challenging Scavenger Hunt taking you through the downtown historical building markers for answers.” She continued sharing an example of one scavenger hunt question asking, “In 1918 something crashed through the 3rd-floor ceiling of the Mahaska County courthouse shattering two stone steps; what was it?” added, “while you may not have the answer now, you can find out where to look for it and many other fun questions at the celebration!”, once more, inviting the public to attend on April 25th.

If you would like more information about this event or the Trolley Stop Alley, contact Ann Brouwer at 641-660-8075.

Caitlin Clark is set to sign a new Nike deal valued at $28 million over 8 years, reports say

Posted on by Sam Parsons

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark appears to be on the cusp of setting another record.

The most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I history and the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft will continue her association with Nike by signing a $28 million contract that spans eight years and includes a signature shoe.

The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic reported the pending deal, citing unnamed people familiar with the negotiations between the sportswear giant and Clark’s agents.

Excel Sports Management, which represents Clark, declined to comment. Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

Clark’s initial name, image and likeness deal, signed in 2022, expired at the end of the 2023-24 season.

The new deal would be the richest sponsorship contract for a women’s basketball player.

Under Armour and Adidas also participated in contract discussions with Clark’s team in February, according to the WSJ and Athletic. Puma also showed some interest but walked away when told the bidding would start at $3 million per year, according to the WSJ.

Clark received offers of $16 million over four years from Under Armour and $6 million over four years from Adidas, with both including a signature shoe, according to the WSJ.

Clark earned about $3 million in NIL money at Iowa with deals she has had with State Farm, Gatorade and others, according to On3.com.

Clark’s agents were working on the new Nike contract even before she announced she would turn pro instead of return to Iowa for a fifth season under the COVID-19 exemption offered to players in college during the 2020 pandemic season.

After averaging 31.6 points and leading the Hawkeyes to a second straight national championship game, Clark was drafted No. 1 by the Indiana Fever on April 15. She’ll earn a $76,000 salary as a rookie.

She’s been the main driver for the dramatic uptick in women’s basketball interest with her mix of deep 3-point shots, flashy thread-the-needle passes and overall court presence. A women’s basketball-record 18.9 million viewers watched Iowa’s loss to South Carolina in the NCAA title game, and a WNBA-record 2.45 million watched the draft.

Of the Fever’s 40 games this season, 36 will be nationally televised, and ticket sales have skyrocketed around the league.

Her marketability is enhanced by her polished performances in media settings, and her surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” two weeks ago was widely acclaimed and exposed her to an even wider audience.

The reported eight-year contract with Nike shows the sportswear giant’s commitment. At 22, Clark could play well over a decade in the WNBA and she could be on the U.S. roster for the Olympics in Paris this year, in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane, Australia, in 2032.

Penalties for trespassing to hunt in Iowa are going up

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The fines for trespassing in order to hunt deer will go up significantly July 1. The law — and the fines — have been expanded to include trespassing to hunt any wildlife.

The trespasser can be arrested and officers will be able to confiscate animals from hunters who trespass on private property — and assess more fines based on how many animals the hunter has taken. Senator Tom Shipley, a Republican from Nodaway, said it’s “a big deal” in southwest Iowa.

“I think raising these penalties is very important to those people in areas where they have people coming in from all over the country just deciding it’s their ground to play on,” Shipley said.

Senator Janice Weiner, a Democrat from Iowa City, is skeptical. “I didn’t hear any good arguments in committee or elsewhere that would necessitate us raising the fines for trespass,” Weiner said, “or that there have been really egregious instances.”

Representative Monica Kurth, a Democrat from Davenport, said she doesn’t condone trespassing, but this law seems excessive.

“If a farmer’s trying to rid his property of nuisance raccoons and crosses a property line to get after those varmints and happens to have three of those critters in his possession, he would suddenly be fined $500 for the trespass, plus $200 for each of those raccoons,” Kurth said, “making a grand total of $1100.”

Republican Representative Mike Vondran of Davenport said trespassing is trespassing and the law is needed.

“The simple act of knocking on your neighbor’s door and asking permission to deal with critters and varmints is one thing versus just deciding to go out and take your weapon and cross over a fence line, cross into another property where you have no concept of who is where and what activity they might be undertaking at the time,” Vondran said, “so to some degree this is a large measure of safety as well.”

The governor signed the bill into law Friday. It raises the fine to $500 for a first offense of trespassing in order to hunt. It’s currently $265. The fine for a second violation would be a $1000.

Ottumwa Police Department Investigator Honored by DOJ for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa join federal, state, and local communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services. This year’s observance takes place April 21-27, 2024, and features the theme, “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors,” which is focused on creating safe environments for crime victims to share what happened to them and offer support, options for life-saving services, and most importantly, hope. The 2024 theme asks all of us—friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals—how we can help crime victims.

As part of this observance, the Southern District of Iowa recognizes the courage and bravery of victims, and the outstanding work of law enforcement, victim advocates, and community service partners throughout Iowa. Ten individuals are recognized for outstanding service to victims:

Award for Excellence in Victim Services

  • Shannon Knudsen, SANE, S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa
  • Emily Milke, IL Sexual Assault Medical/Legal Advocate, Family Resources
  • Lindsay Wilson, Victim Advocate, Family Crisis Centers

Law Enforcement Victim Service Award

  • Josh Dagit, Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation
  • Kegan Jacobson, Detective, Burlington Police Department
  • Kevin Kohler, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Robert Larsen, Special Agent, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
  • Denise Rudolph, Special Investigator, Iowa Insurance Division
  • Chris Scanlan, Special Investigator, Iowa Insurance Division
  • Jeremy Tosh, Investigator, Ottumwa Police Department

The 2024 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes the performance of Josh Dagit, Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, and Jeremy Tosh, Investigator, Ottumwa Police Department. Special Agent Dagit and Investigator Tosh provided extraordinary assistance to hundreds of immigrant victims in the investigation and prosecution of a fraudulent tax scheme. Those immigrants were literally from all over the world—Burma, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, and other places. Some were refugees. Nearly all had little education and were unable to speak or read English. Special Agent Dagit and Investigator Tosh showed time and time again that they were willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the victims’ participation and comfort, all in hopes of justice being served.

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims’ rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.

For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2024.

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