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NEBRASKA CITY RESIDENTS SURVEYED ON MEMORIAL BUILDING'S FUTURE
(Nebraska City) -- Nebraska City residents are being asked for input on the fate of a historic building in the community.
Recently, Nebraska City officials commissioned the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the MSR Group to conduct a survey for the city's venerable Memorial Building at 801 1st Corso.
For the past month, MSR officials have been calling residents to obtain ideas or information on what should be done about the 80-year-old structure. While studies have been done on the building in the past, Nebraska City Administrator Pat Haverty tells KMA News nothing came of the efforts.
Haverty says the survey's purpose is two fold: first, to gauge public interest on a possible bond issue vote for refurbishing the building, and secondly, to gain input on the building's potential uses. Haverty says potential uses include city offices, a senior center, a performing arts or community center, or a combination of those.
Built in 1929, Haverty says the structure, itself, is in good condition, Haverty, however, says the windows are in bad shape, and the building isn't ADA accessible. Haverty says the survey is winding down, and results are expected at the first Nebraska City City Council meeting in December. He says city officials closed the building two years ago because of numerous problems.
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:43:01 CST
BE PREPARED FOR WINTER WEATHER
(Undated) -- Another winter season beckons across KMAland. And, the National Weather Service is urging Iowans to think ahead to cold, snow and ice during Winter Weather Awareness Day Thursday.
Brian Smith is warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Valley, Nebraska office. Smith tells KMA News preparation begins with your vehicle--make sure they're in working order and ready for the wear and tear winter provides. And, Smith says make sure your car is prepared for winter traveling conditons. Smith recommends packing a travel kit--just in case your car breaks down in the elements.
Smith says make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food items stored at home--in case a winter storm prevents you from going to the store for a few days. Make sure your furnace is in good working order, as well. And, whether you're at home or on the road, Smith says pay attention to the latest weather forecasts--especially if a winter storm beckons.
Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:45:17 CST
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DENIES HAMBURG ESTABLISHMENT'S LIQUOR LICENSE
(Hamburg) -- An administrative law judge sides with the city of Hamburg in rejecting an establishment's liquor license application.
Judge Margaret LeMarche issued her ruling today (Friday) in the case of Bootlegger's Cajun Restaurant and Lounge. Owner Brianne Wells appealed to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division after the Hamburg City Council rejected her application for a Class "C" liquor license for her business in September.
An appeal hearing was held last month. In her ruling, the judge denied Bootlegger's liquor license request for Wells' failure to establish 100 percent ownership and for failure to meet the good moral character requirement for holding a liquor license. The judge cited comments made at a September Hamburg council meeting, in which residents expressed concerns that the location of Bootlegger's was chosen in order to provide easy access to alcohol beverages for patrons of the Hamburg Theatre for the Performing Arts, thereby circumventing and/or violating Hamburg City Code. Local authorities also expressed interest that Hamburg Theatre owners Clarence Judy and/or Terry Rutledge also have an ownership interest in Bootleggers--something not disclosed on the application. Authorities also questioned Wells' claims of Iowa residency, as well as the design of an interior doorway between Bootleggers and the neighboring adult entertainment establishment.
Wells has 30 days to request a review from the administrator of the Alcohol Beverages Division.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:34:06 CST
IOWA NATIONAL GUARD REACTS TO FORT HOOD MASSACRE
(Undated) -- No Iowa National Guard soldiers were stationed in Fort Hood, Texas during Thursday's shooting massacre.
Major Mike Wunn is the guard's public affairs officer. Wunn tells KMA News the Guard checked after Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan allegedly opened fire at the U-S military base--killing 13 and injuring 31 others. Hasan was gunned down by an civilian police officer, and remains hospitalized under heavy security. While Iowa Guard units have trained at Fort Hood in years past, Wunn says no units are stationed there at the present time.
Wunn expressed remorse over the shooting, saying Guard officials are saddened. Wunn says the Guard's thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
Preliminary reports indicate Hasan may have been despondent over an upcoming deployment to Iraq. Wunn says the Iowa Guard offers services to soldiers and families before and after deployments. Wunn says the effects of repeated deployments are a particular concern to Guard officials. Wunn, however, says it's too early to tell whether the Guard will review its counseling services or procedures in light of Thursday's incident in Texas.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:31:15 CST
WORK ON SHENANDOAH HOTEL WATER LINES SLATED THIS WEEKEND
(Shenandoah) -- Construction workers are wasting no time in getting started on Shenandoah's hotel project.
In fact, infrastructure work associated with the project takes place in downtown Shenandoah this weekend. Shenandoah City Administrator Bo Harris tells KMA News the city's water department is installing a new 10-inch water valve at the intersection of Elm and West Sheridan Avenue Sunday between 1-and-6 p.m. Harris says the line is big enough to provide water and sprinkler services to the three-story, 45-unit hotel.
Harris says water will be shut off in the area of Elm and West Sheridan during the installation period. And, Harris says water in a wide area will be discolored for 24-to-48 hours after work is completed. In addition to the water line project, Harris says some of the first work associated with the building, itself, is underway, as workers are beginning to set footings and walls. Harris says workers are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm early November weather.
Harris says contractors estimate the hotel project is a month ahead of schedule.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:54:48 CST
GRAVES REMAINS OPPOSED TO HEALTH CARE BILL
(Washington, D-C) -- Northwest Missouri Congressman Sam Graves reiterates his opposition against a health care reform proposal slated for a vote in the United States House this weekend.
In a conference call with reporters this (Friday) morning, Graves stated his strongest opposition yet to the Democrats' version of the bill, which is expected to be voted on in a rare Saturday session of Congress. Graves says supporters aren't listening to the anger expressed by health care reform opponents during a series of town hall meetings across the country this past summer.
Graves claims the bill will add billions of dollars to the national debt, and cut Medicaid by $500 billion. Graves says he's still against the public option portion of the bill.
In addition, Graves is against provisions mandating employers to provide health insurance to workers. Graves says he plans to support the Republican version of the bill, and still calls for creating health insurance cooperatives for businesses. Graves predicts Saturday's vote will be close--he adds many Democrats may cross party lines and vote against the bill.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:40:13 CST
2 DISCIPLINED IN SEARCH AT IOWA SCHOOL
ATLANTIC, Iowa (AP) _ Officials say two staff members will be disciplined for their roles in an alleged illegal strip-search of several girls at Atlantic High School.
Superintendent Dan Crozier didn't name the staff members or specify the measures that will be taken.
Crozier said Thursday that the discipline could include an ``array'' of action, including a change of duties or suspension.
The school board determines disciplinary measures.
The move follows an internal investigation into the incident in August. The report earlier this week confirmed the incident, but it didn't conclude whether school policy or state law was followed, or whether any faculty members should be disciplined.
Several girls were searched over an alleged theft in a gym class.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 9:30:54 CST
IOWAN AMONG INJURED IN FORT HOOD RAMPAGE
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ An Iowa soldier who arrived at Fort Hood in Texas this week is among the soldiers wounded in a rampage that left 13 others dead.
Jerry Nelson of Des Moines says his daughter, 27-year-old Staff Sgt. Joy Clark, was in the Soldier Readiness Center on Thursday when a gunman came in. Nelson says a soldier in front his daughter was shot. He says she ``peeled off her jacket to cover the soldier'' and that's when she was shot in her left forearm.
Nelson spoke with his daughter Friday and says she's in stable condition and is awaiting surgery.
Clark arrived in Fort Hood on Tuesday for additional training with a medical team. She was scheduled to be deployed overseas later this year.
Clark was formerly based in Des Moines with an U.S. Army Reserve unit.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 9:16:47 CST
DIESEL FIRE SENDS ONE TO HOSPITAL
(Maryville, MO) -- A truck driver is injured in an accident that caused his truck to catch fire in Nodaway County, Missouri. The accident occurred at 5:30 Thursday morning on Highway 71 at Hawk Road 3 miles west of Maryville.
Andrew Wilson age 47 of Overland Park, KS was driving a 2007 Freightliner T/T eastbound on 71 when he traveled off the south side of the roadway, struck a guardrail on the bridge, continued eastbound, traveled off the south side of the roadway, struck an embankment and caught fire.
Wilson was transported by Nodaway County Ambulance to St. Francis Hospital in Maryville.
The Missouri Highway Patrol was assisted by the Nodaway County Sheriff's Department, Maryville Police and fire departments and the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 8:49:43 CST
EXPLOSION BEING INVESTIGATED AT AGP IN ST JOE
(Saint Joseph, MO) -- Around 3:20 this morning, a "major explosion" occurred at a soybean processing plant in St. Joseph. However, Ag Processing, Inc. on 900 SW Lower Lake Boulevard will be open later today.
Mike Maranell, Senior Vice President of Relations tells KMA News the plant had been shut down for routine maintenance and was in the early stages of start-up at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.
Maranell says the safety and engineering teams are working this morning with local authorities to determine the cause of the accident.
Marnell says elevators wishing to deliver beans to the plant should call before making the trip to confirm if it's open and KMA News will continue updates as they become available.
Emergency crews evacuated nearby businesses. Firefighters have contained a small fire to the hydrogen portion of the plant, reducing concerns about a possible secondary explosion.
(KQTV photo)
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 8:23:48 CST
DAYS INN REMODELS AFTER BED BUG DISCOVERY
(Shenandoah) -- Bed bugs could be a hotel's worst nightmare, but for Days Inn in Shenandoah, it's an opportunity for a complete remodel. Beginning with replacing every bed and carpet in the hotel, Paul Hughes is taking his new managerial position seriously - especially since this (Thursday) is only day 3 on the job.
Hughes tells KMA News the new management staff is bettering the entire hotel in every possible way to give the guests a better place to stay. Hughes says the goal is to increase the 2-star hotel rating to a 3-star, but with 5-star customer service - all within the next 6 to 12 months. Hughes says they're working to become a FEMA certified hotel. In addition to new customer service development skills, new carpet, beds and other furniture, the hotel will have a new lobby, landscaping, and curb appeal, a new floor in the swimming pool area and the pool will be updated with a laser cleaning system so swimmers will not experience effects from chemicals.
Hughes adds that after the hotel reopens sometime next week, the 85 degree indoor swimming pool is open to the public for $3 per person.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 8:15:29 CST
RED CROSS HONORS VETERANS WITH BLOOD DRIVE ON VETERAN'S DAY
(Shenandoah) -- For Veteran's Day this year, the American Red Cross is hoping more people will donate blood as a thank you for veterans giving their blood for our lives. Donor Recruiter Lori Knight encourages everyone to give back to your communities and celebrate our service men and women's heroism and sacrifices to preserve our freedom.
The blood drive in Shenandoah is Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on Highway 59 near Casey's.
Knight says all blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Those who donate in Shenandoah will have the opportunity to write a message of thanks, support or holiday cheer to be distributed to individuals currently serving our country, their families and veterans through the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program.
First started as a relief effort to provide blood products for soldiers during World War II, the American Red Cross Blood Services now collects and distributes nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, serving more than 3,000 hospitals in the U.S.
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 7:57:38 CST
ROADWORK SCHEDULED FOR U.S. 71 HWY. TO BEGIN IN MARYVILLE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH
(Saint Joseph) -- Highway 71 in Maryville is under construction through Monday. Concrete replacement repairs begin Friday. Area maintenance crews will be working north and south of the intersection of US 71 and Business 71 on the south end of Maryville.
The road will be narrowed to one lane and flaggers will direct motorists through the work zone. The work will continue on Monday, November 9th (weather permitting.)
For more information about this or other projects being handled by MoDOT, call toll-free at: 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (1-888-275-6636).
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 5:24:23 CST
SHENANDOAH HIGH STUDENTS CIRCULATE GRADUATION SITE PETITION
(Shenandoah) - Shenandoah High School students believe commencement exercises should remain outdoors--if possible.
Members of the school's senior class are expected to appear before the Shenandoah School Board Monday night, asking the board to keep the outdoor graduation ceremony option in place. Supporters emailed a copy of a petition circulating around the high school to KMA News. While stating that holding ceremonies outdoors isn't always possible because of weather, the petition adds the students would at least like the high school to have that option.
Graduation ceremonies have been moved indoors the past two years because of weather conditions. The petition states that having commencement outdoors at Mustang Field is symbolic of students spreading their wings and soaring to the future. It adds students don't wish to celebrate graduation in the same building they've spent every school day for the past four years.
Shenandoah School Superintendent Dick Profit tells KMA News a senior class member approached him regarding the issue a few months back. Profit says holding the ceremonies in the gym has its advantages, including air conditioning and parking. Profit, however, says the board must address issues regarding crowd control at the high school during graduation.
Profit says no decision will be made at next week's meeting, as it's not listed as an agenda item. Shenandoah's School Board meets Monday evening at 7:30 at the high school media center. Profit say the meeting site has been shifted from the May Center so the board may tour the high school building prior to the meeting.
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:21:47 CST
NEBRASKA CITY SCHOOL OFFICIALS EYE UNICAMERAL SPECIAL SESSION
(Nebraska City) -- Iowa school officials aren't the only ones nervous about state budget cuts.
Lawmakers in the Nebraska Legislature are meeting in special session this week to deal with Gov. Dave Heineman's $334 million budget reduction. Questions remain on how the budget cut will affect funding for Nebraska's K-through-12 education system. Nebraska City School Superintendent Doctor Jeff Edwards tells KMA News funding for this school year appears safe. Edwards, however, says one bill under consideration would allow legislators to reduce the $47 million earmarked for schools in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
Edwards says Nebraska City's school board members are already looking at ways to increase the district's efficiency on spending. Edwards says the board will attempt to avoid any reductions impacting the quality of education students receive in the classroom.
Edwards says the district has always kept its general fund tax levy below Nebraska's spending cap of $1.05 per thousand dollars valuation.
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:44:58 CST
HOLT COUNTY, INTERSTATE 29, NORTHBOUND SCHEDULED FOR ROADWORK THURSDAY
(Saint Joseph, MO) -- Roadwork has been scheduled for today on Interstate 29 in Holt County, weather permitting.
Beginning Thursday, November 5th, area maintenance crews will be doing concrete repairs on Interstate 29, northbound, between mile marker 74 and mile marker 75. The highway will be narrowed to one lane and the work will be completed on Saturday, November 7th. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when driving through work zones.
For more information about this or other projects being handled by MoDOT, call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT toll-free.
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 5:49:44 CST
MILLS CO RESIDENT DIES OF H1N1
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ An adult in Mills County is among 4 others who have recently died from the H1N1 flu in Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Public Health is now reporting four additional 2009 H1N1-flu-related deaths in the state. The victims reported Wednesday are identified as an adult in Dubuque County, an adult in Polk County, an adult in Mills County, and an adult in Monona County. All but one individual had medical conditions that increased the risk of complications.
To date, Iowa has reported 11 confirmed H1N1 deaths in the state, including ten adults and one child.
The IDPH medical director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, says that while school-age children have been most affected by the H1N1 flu virus over the past several weeks, surveillance is starting to show an increase in adult illness.
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 5:33:44 CST
GOOD VOTER TURNOUT REPORTED IN SOME KMALAND COMMUNITIES
(Undated) -- Voter turnout for Tuesday's citywide elections was good in some places--not so good in others.
That's the indication of county auditors across KMA Land. In Page County, Auditor Judy Clark estimated turnout at 26 percent. Clark says turnout was especially heavy in Shenandoah Tuesday, where voters decided mayoral, city council and park board races. In fact, voter turnout was estimated at 31 percent in Shenandoah and 22 percent in Clarinda. Clark stresses the results are still unofficial until the Page County Board of Supervisors canvas the votes next week.
Turnout in Mills County was estimated at 18 percent. Mills County Auditor Carol Robertson says Glenwood was a hot spot for voting, with a big mayor's race at stake.
Montgomery County Auditor Joni Ernst says there was a big turnout in Villisca for some important mayor's and council races. A light turnout was reported elsewhere, as there were few if any local races. Incumbent mayors in Montgomery County's other incorporated communities were unchallenged for reelection.
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:07:35 CST
UPDATE: ROCK PORT BOND ISSUE OFFICIALLY PASSES AFTER CERTIFICATION
(Rock Port) -- Certified! The Rock Port R-2 bond issue referendum officially passes--by one vote!!!
Results of Tuesday's special election on a $3.8 million dollar bond issue were certified by a team of judges this (Wednesday) morning. Rock Port R-2 School Superintendent Alan Kerr tells KMA News there's no changes in the numbers. The official tally--460 "yes" votes to 343 no's. That means the bond issue passed with 57.2 percent of the vote. Missouri law required a fourth-sevenths supermajority--or 57.1 percent--in order to pass.
Kerr was elated with the results of the certification. Kerr adds the one-vote victory is a great civics lesson to the public--especially students--that every vote DOES count.
Now the results are official, plannning for a major construction project begins. Proceeds from the bond issue call for demolishing the antiquated high school building and constructing 13 new classrooms, two new locker rooms, four new A-D-A accessible restrooms, four new administrative offices, new industrial arts, wrestling and weight rooms, and a new concession stand, among other projects. Kerr says plans call for a bidletting in February, followed by groundbreaking next spring. Kerr says construction of the new facilities should take a year after groundbrealing. Kerr says the 80-year-old high school won't be demolished until after the new construction is completed.
Tuesday's passing of the bond issue came after seven previous attempts failed.
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:44:55 CST
CLARK REACTS TO GLENWOOD MAYOR'S RACE VICTORY
(Glenwood) -- Kim Clark woke up this (Wednesday) morning as the next mayor of Glenwood.
Clark's victory over incumbent Dyle Downing was one of the stunning developments in Tuesday's citywide elections. Clark tells KMA News she was excited over the results. Clark says the totals confirm the voters wanted a change. Clark credits her supporters for her victory.
Clark, a former Glenwood City Council member, says she plans to attend council meetings to prepare for her new role. Clark says she'll have a lot to deal with when assuming the city's reigns--including appointing a permanent police chief. Mike Mercer has been serving as interim chief since August. Clark believes the interview process of hiring a permanent chief should be continued. Clark, however, indicates Mercer will still have a chance for the job, as she believes the hiring will come from within the department. Clark adds Mercer has done a good job as interim chief.
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:39:10 CST
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