KIOW

SPORTS NEWS MAY 23 2013

Karl — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:47:29 +0000

WEDNESDAY SOFTBALL SCORES:

CENTRAL SPRINGS 17, CLEAR LAKE 1 3 INNINGS

MASON CITY 5, WEST DES MOINES VALLEY 4

WEST DES MOINES VALLEY 1, MASON CITY 0

THE GARNER-HAYFIELD/VENTURA BOYS SOCCER TEAM DEFEATED WEST SIOUX OF HAWARDEN 2-1 IN DOUBLE OVERTIME IN THEIR SUBSTATE SOCCER SEMIFINAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN SPENCER. THE CARDINALS GOT A GOAL IN REGULATION FROM BRAD NEDVED, BEFORE LEONARD HEURTEBIZE’S FREE KICK 30 SECONDS INTO THE 2^ND OVERTIME. THE CARDINALS ADVANCE TO THE SUBSTATE FINAL AGAINST MOC-FLOYD VALLEY AT 10 AM SATURDAY BACK IN SPENCER.

TONIGHT, THE FOREST CITY INDIAN BASEBALL TEAM IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE ON SAINT ANSGAR IN A DOUBLE HEADER BEGINNING AT 5 PM IN SAINT ANSGAR. THE INDIAN SOFTBALL TEAM TRAVELS TO ESTHERVILLE TO TAKE ON THE MIDGETS OF ESTHERVILLE-LINCOLN CENTRAL. GAME TIME IS 6 PM.

TONIGHT ON B103.1, THE WEST HANCOCK SOFTBALL TEAM TRAVELS TO ROCKFORD TO TAKE ON ROCKFORD AND CAL IN A TRIANGULAR. FIRST GAME IS AT 5 PM. TUNE TO 103.1 FOR WEST HANCOCK SOFTBALL WITH TODD ROMER TONIGHT.

Iowa News

Kit — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:57:06 +0000

MISSING TEEN-IOWA

     Police: Suspect in Iowa abduction killed himself

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say a man suspected of abducting two girls near an Iowa bus stop had committed suicide.

     Forty-two-year-old Michael Klunder was found dead Monday night at a rural property northeast of Dayton.

     The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation did not release more details Tuesday about Klunder’s death.

     Dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement are searching by air, land and water for 15-year-old Kathlynn Shepard.

     She and a 12-year-old girl were taken near a bus stop in Dayton, about 60 miles north of Des Moines, on Monday afternoon after accepting a ride from a stranger. The younger girl was able to escape.

     Authorities say they are broadening their search for the 15-year-old and will put up billboards around the state.

     PIPE BOMBS-TRIAL

     ‘Bishop’ would-be pipe bomber gets 37 years

     CHICAGO (AP) – An Iowa letter carrier has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for sending dud pipe bombs with threatening letters signed “The Bishop.”

     U.S. District Judge Robert Dow issued the sentence Tuesday afternoon, saying John Tomkins “engaged in a reign of terror.” The 48-year-old Dubuque, Iowa man previously apologized, saying there were “no words to describe” his “shame.” Tomkins was trying to drive up the value of shares he owned. One package was sent to Denver and another to Kansas City, Mo.

     Jurors convicted Tomkins last year. The most serious charge was for use of a destructive device while mailing threatening communications. It carried a mandatory sentence of at least 30 years.

     Tomkins last month said the mandatory minimum was unfair. Prosecutors sought a sentence of around 45 years.

     MISSING MAN

     Authorities find body in rural Hamilton County

     (Information in the following story is from: The Messenger, http://www.messengernews.net)

     KAMRAR, Iowa (AP) – Authorities have found the body of a man in rural Hamilton County that matches the description of a missing Jewell resident.

     The Fort Dodge Messenger reports deputies were called to an area northeast of Kamrar on Monday night after a farmer found a backhoe similar to one authorities believed had been operated by Kenneth Heckman.

     Deputies found a body nearby in a creek.

     Heckman hadn’t been seen since Wednesday morning. He turned 46 on Thursday and didn’t show up for a planned birthday party.

     Authorities had found Heckman’s pickup truck, with his dog waiting nearby. They thought he may have left the truck on a backhoe.

     The state medical examiner is making a positive identification of the body. An autopsy is planned, but authorities say foul play isn’t suspected.

     STUDENTS’ ILLNESS

     Norovirus blamed for sickening Sioux City students

     (Information in the following story is from: Sioux City Journal, http://www.siouxcityjournal.com)

     SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Officials are blaming an outbreak of norovirus for an illness that sickened dozens of students at a Sioux City elementary school.

     The Sioux City Journal reports that Siouxland District Health Department announced Tuesday that lab results show the virus caused more than 40 students and three staff members at Bryant Elementary School to become ill on Thursday. Another 33 students reported being sick Friday.

     Norovirus is a common food-borne pathogen with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.

     Health department Deputy Director Tyler Brock says it’s unclear where the illness originated or if it was contracted at the school.

     TRAIN DERAILMENT

     Railroad employees rescued following IA derailment

     (Information in the following story is from: Globe Gazette, http://www.globegazette.com/)

     CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) – Rescuers called to the scene of a train derailment found the train’s engineer and conductor atop one of the derailed locomotives in an area surrounded by rising floodwaters.

     The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that no one was injured in the late Monday night derailment of the Canadian Pacific train, and the rail workers were safely rescued.

     Railroad spokesman Ed Greenberg says the derailment was caused by a washed-out rail line. Five cars – four of them carrying ethanol – derailed.

     Railroad inspectors initially reported none of the ethanol leaked, but Tuesday night the Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirmed ethanol and diesel were leaking into the Little Cedar River.

     The DNR says one of the ethanol cars has been punctured, resulting in a slow leak.

     DISABLED STUDENT-GRADUATION

     Burlington mother unhappy son’s diploma delayed

     (Information in the following story is from: The Hawk Eye, http://www.thehawkeye.com)

     BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) – A Burlington woman is disappointed her disabled son didn’t receive his high school diploma with other graduates last weekend.

     Delores Wykert told the Burlington Hawk Eye her 21-year-old son, Hunter, has severe mental retardation and autistic tendencies.

     Hunter waited for more than an hour Sunday in Burlington High School’s hot gym, but shortly before his line of students crossed the stage to receive diplomas, he became agitated.

     School officials took him into a hall.

     Wykert says her son calmed down and she brought him back to the gym. She asked officials let him cross the stage but was told it was too late.

     Hunter was given his diploma later and officials say he can be acknowledged at an all-school assembly or a school board meeting.

     BRANSTAD-VICKSBURG

     Iowa gov to visit Civil War site in Mississippi

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad is heading to the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi later this week for a re-dedication of the Iowa State Memorial.

     Branstad will participate in the re-dedication Saturday morning. He says he expects thousands of people to be there to commemorate Iowans who fought in the battles and siege of Vicksburg in 1862 and 1863.

     More than 30,000 Iowa troops participated in the fighting. Branstad says he wants to show his appreciation and respect for that service.

     Branstad and the Iowa General Assembly last year approved $320,000 in funding to restore the memorial. Dedicated in 1906, the Greek-Doric monument features white granite block columns and bronze panels telling the story of Iowa residents’ service in the battles.

MN News

Kit — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:56:20 +0000

IRON ORE RECOVERY PLANT

     Minn. agency approves 4th Magnetation plant

     (Information in the following story is from: Duluth News Tribune, http://www.duluthnewstribune.com)

     DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s citizens board has approved a company’s plans to build its fourth iron ore recovery plant on the Iron Range.

     Tuesday’s vote was unanimous. Grand Rapids-based Magnetation plans to build the plant near Coleraine in Itasca (eye-TAS’-kuh) County.

     Magnetation hopes to have the plant up and running by early 2015, eventually producing up to 2 million tons of iron ore concentrate each year. The Duluth News Tribune reports the plant is expected to employ about 160 people.

     Magnetation President Matt Lehtinen says the company already has a Department of Natural Resources permit to mine at the site, and construction will start this summer on the $120 million facility.

     The company already employs about 220 people at three ore recovery facilities on Minnesota’s Iron Range.

     XGR–DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS LIBRARY-DEBT

     Minn. to help pay Mpls. downtown library debt

     (Information in the following story is from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com)

     MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The state of Minnesota will give Minneapolis about $33 million over several years to help pay off debt on the downtown library.

     The money was a last-minute addition to the state tax bill at the Legislature.

     DFL Rep. Jim Davnie of Minneapolis tells the Star Tribune the provision will supply about $4.7 million a year between 2016 and 2025.

     City voters approved borrowing $140 million in 2000 to build the downtown library and improve community libraries.

     The library money was added to the tax bill after the state agreed to forgive loans on the Xcel Energy Center, located in St. Paul.

     The Minneapolis Central Library opened in 2006. The striking structure was designed by architect Cesar Pelli. The library is part of the Hennepin County Library system.

     LOCK AND DAM CLOSURE

     Lock, dam near Fountain City to close for repair

     FOUNTAIN CITY, Wis. (AP) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to temporarily close a lock and dam near Fountain City so a damaged gate can be replaced.

     An upstream gate on Lock and Dam 5A was severely damaged last week when it was struck by a barge.

     The 12-hour closure will take place Thursday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. KAGE Radio reports all commercial and recreational traffic on the Mississippi in the Winona, Minn., area will be affected while the gate is replaced.

     The Corps says the towboat was navigating downriver when it hit the lock gate last Thursday. No one was hurt and the barges did not contain any hazardous materials

     Corps engineers assessed the damage and determined the lock can remain open with some restrictions until the gate is replaced.

     ST CROIX BRIDGE

     Groundbreaking set for new St. Croix bridge

     STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota and Wisconsin transportation officials have scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for the new St. Croix bridge project connecting the two states.

     The ceremony will be held May 28 at Lowell Park in Stillwater. Elected officials from both states are expected to speak.

     Work on the St. Croix (kroy) Crossing already has begun with crews building a construction staging area on the Minnesota banks of the St. Croix River.

     The project includes building a new four-lane highway bridge across the river connecting expressways on both sides. Construction of the bridge superstructure is scheduled to start in 2014.

     The project will replace the 80-year-old Stillwater Lift Bridge.

     BURNING RESTRICTIONS-MINNESOTA

     Burning restrictions lifted in 32 Minn. counties

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has lifted fire restrictions in all or parts of 32 Minnesota counties as wet weather lowers the fire danger.

     The restrictions were lifted at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

     The counties are scattered across roughly the northern two-thirds of Minnesota.

     Restrictions remain in Cook, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Pennington, Roseau, northern St. Louis and northern Beltrami counties. The DNR expects those restrictions will be lifted soon.

     Although state burning restrictions are lifted in the 32 counties, local areas, counties or municipalities may have regulations or restrictions on burning. Check with local authorities to obtain proper permits before burning.

     DAY CARE DEATH

     Minn. day care provider charged in baby’s death

     (Information in the following story is from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com)

     HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) – A day care provider in Dakota County is charged with manslaughter in the death of a 3-month-old boy who died in her care last July.

     The complaint alleges 45-year-old Rebecca Lynn Graupmann first tried to mislead investigators, but later admitted to placing the infant to sleep on an adult bed – a violation of Minnesota safe sleep guidelines.

     According to the complaint, Kaiden Robert Staebell died July 31 from what a medical examiner determined was probable positional asphyxia.

     The charges allege Graupmann had completed required day care training and knew she should not have laid the infant on a bed.

     Graupmann is expected to appear in court Wednesday. Her attorney, James Blumberg, declined to comment to the Star Tribune (http://bit.ly/16MxIOK), saying he hadn’t seen the complaint or reviewed the charges.

SPORTS NEWS MAY 22 2013

Karl — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:04:50 +0000

THE FOREST CITY INDIAN BASEBALL TEAM OPENED THE 2013 CAMPAIGN WITH A BANG, DEFEATING HAMPTON-DUMONT IN NON-CONFERENCE ACTION 11-1 IN 5 INNINGS. IN A GAME HEARD HERE ON KIOW, ALL-STATE PITCHER ISAAC TUTTLE STRUCK OUT 13 BATTERS ON THE MOUND, WHILE THE OFFENSE STRUCK FOR 12 HITS. ERICH ERDMAN, TATE THOMPSON, JORDAN TRUE, DAN HAPPEL AND THOMAS O’ROURKE EACH HAD 2 HITS. OTHER BASEBALL SCORES:

LAKE MILLS 3, WEST FORK 2 8 INNINGS

NEWMAN 9, CLEAR LAKE 1

EMMETSBURG 4, BISHOP GARRIGAN 3

THE FOREST CITY SOFTBALL TEAM OPENED THE SEASON WITH A NON-CONFERENCE VICTORY 11-8 OVER EMMETSBURG TUESDAY NIGHT. KELSEY MCQUOWN HAD A SOLO HOME RUN, AND MAGGIE MATHIASEN GOT THE WIN IN THE CIRCLE. AUTUMN BUSTA PICKED UP THE SAVE. FOREST CITY IS NOW 1-0, AND TAKES ON ESTHERVILLE-LINCOLN CENTRAL THURSDAY IN ESTHERVILLE. OTHER SOFTBALL SCORES:

BELMOND-KLEMME 6, ALGONA 4

HAMPTON-DUMONT 9, LAKE MILLS 4

NORTHWOOD-KENSETT 10, NEWMAN 6

SAINT ANSGAR 4, OSAGE 1

MASON CITY 8, CENTRAL SPRINGS 1

SPORTS NEWS MAY 21 2013

Karl — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:32:39 +0000

THE WEST HANCOCK BASEBALL TEAM WON THEIR SEASON OPENER 5-4 OVER CLARION-GOLDFIELD MONDAY NIGHT. IN A GAME HEARD ON B103, NATE PAULUS HAD A DOUBLE AND 3 HITS, WHILE JON BURGARDT HAD A DOUBLE AND 2 RBI. CONNOR SONIUS PICKED UP THE WIN ON THE MOUND IN RELIEF OF TIM SMIDT. OTHER BASEBALL SCORES:

CLEAR LAKE 11, CHARLES CITY 1 5 INNINGS

BISHOP GARRIGAN 2, ESTHERVILLE-LINCOLN CENTRAL 0

ALGONA 12, POCAHONTAS AREA 1 6 INNINGS

SAINT EDMOND 6, NORTH UNION 0

THE WEST HANCOCK SOFTBALL TEAM OPENED THEIR 2013 CAMPAIGN WITH A WIN 6-5 OVER CLARION-GOLDFIELD IN CLARION MONDAY NIGHT. MALLORY BECKER PICKED UP THE WIN IN THE CIRCLE, STRIKING OUT 4. WHITNEY BURGARDT AND JESSICA GRAY EACH HAD 3 RBI FOR THE EAGLES.

OTHER SOFTBALL SCORES:

NEWMAN CATHOLIC 4, NE HAMILTON 0

SAINT EDMOND 11, NEWELL-FONDA 2

AGWSR 1, IOWA FALLS-ALDEN 0

IN REGIONAL FINAL GOLF, IN CLASS 1A, BISHOP GARRIGAN QUALIFIED FOR STATE BY WINNING THEIR REGIONAL IN KINGSLEY WITH A 357. ALEXA CAPESIUS WAS MEDALIST WITH AN 83. IN CLASS 3A, HAMPTON-DUMONT’S MADISON SIETSEMA AND CLARION-GOLDFIELD’S MIKAELA LIVENGOOD WERE INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIERS, WHILE IN 4A, CLEAR LAKE WON THE STORM LAKE REGIONAL WITH A TEAM TOTAL OF 374. HUMBOLDT WAS THE 2^ND QUALIFIER WITH 414. THE LIONS HAD THE 3 TOP SCORES, LED BY MEGAN LOUX’S 86.

Iowa News

Kit — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:45:47 +0000

TORNADO WARNINGS

     Central Iowa on the list of states with warnings

     MOORE, Okla. (AP) – Tornado warnings have been issued across much of the Midwest, stretching from Texas to Illinois, following the devastating tornado that hit the Oklahoma City area.

     The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings Monday evening for several counties in southeastern Oklahoma and north-central Texas, along with parts of northwest Arkansas, Missouri, central Iowa and western Illinois.

     The warnings were issued after a massive tornado tore through parts of suburban Oklahoma City, flattening entire neighborhoods with winds up to 200 mph and landing a direct blow on an elementary school in Moore.

     The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office says dozens were killed, with the death toll expected to rise.

     TODDLERS-FALL

     Police: Toddlers survive fall from Iowa apartment

     (Information in the following story is from: Sioux City Journal, http://www.siouxcityjournal.com)

     STORM LAKE, Iowa (AP) – Two toddlers have survived falling about 15 feet from an apartment building in Storm Lake.

     Storm Lake Police announced Monday that the children, ages 2 and 4, pressed against a window screen in their apartment unit on the second floor and fell.

     The Sioux City Journal reports (http://bit.ly/16KHEs7 ) the children were treated and released from Buena Vista Regional Medical Center after the Friday afternoon incident.

     No criminal charges have been filed.

     HEALTH CARE-IOWA

     Branstad says he’s open to health care compromise

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad is easing his staunch opposition to expanding the Medicaid program in the state. He now says he is prepared to work on a compromise plan for how Iowa delivers health care to low-income residents.

     Branstad had earlier proposed an alternate plan called Healthy Iowa. But he said Monday that he would consider taking the federal funds offered for expansion, if there was a guarantee that the state wouldn’t get stuck with the bill if federal funding declines.

     Branstad says he is trying to find a compromise with Senate Democrats and House Republicans. He stressed that no one will “get their way totally.”

     Lawmakers in the Senate and House say Branstad’s remarks were a good sign that the parties might be able to reach a compromise.

     NEW PLAZA NAME

     Downtown Des Moines plaza gets new name

     (Information in the following story is from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com)

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A plaza in downtown Des Moines is getting a new name more than 30 years after it opened.

     The Des Moines Register reports (http://dmreg.co/117BRED ) that groups taking the lead in renovating Nollen Plaza announced Monday they would change the name to Cowles Commons.

     The name honors the Gardner and Florence Call Cowles Foundation, which is the largest donor toward a planned $9 million renovation of the large space at Locust and Third streets.

     The 34-year-old plaza originally was named for brothers Gerard and Henry Nollen.

     DEAN OF STUDENTS-URI

     URI announces new dean of students

     SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) – The University of Rhode Island has named a new assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

     The school announced the appointment of Mary Jo Gonzales on Monday. She assumed her new role last month. Gonzales had served as associate dean of students and director of the Academic Success Center at Iowa State University.

     She was responsible at Iowa State for multicultural student affairs, student disability services, a writing and media center and a student exchange program, among other things.

     URI Vice President of Student Affairs Thomas Dougan says everyone at URI was impressed with her enthusiasm and dedication to students.

     Gonzales replaced Jason Pina, who left URI to become vice president for student affairs at Bridgewater State University.

     VETERANS AFFAIRS APPOINTMENT

     Gov. names new head of Veterans Affairs

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Retired Col. Robert King will serve as the next head of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs.

     Gov. Terry Branstad announced the appointment Monday. King will replace Gen. Jodi Tymeson who has been named chief operating officer at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

     King served in the Iowa National Guard for nearly 36 years before retiring in 2004. For the last fifteen years of service he handled media relations.

     COUNCIL BLUFFS DOCTOR-CHARGED

     Council Bluffs doctor charged with sexual abuse

     COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A Council Bluffs doctor is in jail on a charge of second-degree sexual abuse after a child alleged he touched her inappropriately on numerous occasions.

     Dennis Seaborn Jones turned himself in to authorities after a complaint and an arrest warrant were issued for him.

     The 68-year-old pediatrician is alleged to have had inappropriate sexual contact with a 5-year-old girl outside of his medical practice. The child disclosed the contact to a parent saying she no longer wanted to see Jones because he “tortures” her. Court documents say further interviews indicated the child was the subject of inappropriate touching.

     Jones’ attorney Mike Winter says Jones is not guilty, is devastated by the claims, and expects to be found not guilty.

     An initial court appearance was set for Monday afternoon.

     COCAINE DISTRIBUTION-SENTENCE

     Davenport man sentenced to 25 years in drug case

     DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) – A Davenport man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute a cocaine substance.

     Forty-year-old Mauriosantana Paul Cowan also must serve 10 years of supervision once released.

     Federal prosecutors say he conspired with others to distribute large amounts of cocaine base between March 2009 and April 2010.

     Court documents say Cowan would purchase the cocaine product in Chicago and redistribute it to people in the Quad Cities area, making deliveries to Davenport every other week over a six-month period.

     DOUGLAS RETURNS

     Beam her up: Gabby Douglas is back in the gym

     Gabby Douglas is back in the gym.

     The Olympic all-around champion was to practice Monday afternoon after meeting with coach Liang Chow to discuss her comeback plan. The workout is in her old gym in West Des Moines, Iowa.

     Chow won’t put a timeline on Douglas’ return, saying she has to get back in gymnastics shape before they can put a training plan together. But he says 2014 is an “excellent opportunity” for her to be back in competition.

     Douglas has always said she’d like to keep going through the next Olympics. But she’s been in such demand since London that she hasn’t had time to train.

     Her last nine months have been a whirlwind of appearances. She was part of 40-city tour last fall with fellow Fierce Five members Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber and McKayla Maroney.

     IOWA-ROWING TEAM

     Iowa loses rowing coach to Virginia

     IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The University of Iowa will be looking for its second women’s rowing coach in just 10 months.

     The school announced Monday that coach Steve Pritzker is leaving to become the chief financial officer for the athletic department at the University of Virginia. Pritzker spent nine seasons at Virginia before taking over at Iowa in July.

     Pritzker called the decision to leave coaching “gut wrenching,” and athletic director Gary Barta praised him for the improvement the program saw in his brief tenure.

     Pritzker had replaced Mandi Kowal, who started the program from scratch and spent 18 seasons at Iowa before facing scrutiny over how she pushed athletes during workouts.

MN News

Kit — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:45:11 +0000

CAPITOL RENOVATION

     Minn. Capitol renovation gets last-day rescue

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Extensive work on the 107-year-old state Capitol is getting the go-ahead from Minnesota lawmakers in a late financial rescue package.

     A borrowing proposal that came together on the Legislature’s final day includes $109 million for the next phase of a renovation to the deteriorating building. The money was needed this year to keep underway construction from halting. A new parking ramp will be authorized, but paid for with fees from users.

     The package is the result of high-level negotiations involving majority Democrats and minority Republicans, testament to the supermajority it requires for passage. It cleared both chambers with votes to spare and is on to Gov. Mark Dayton.

     Aside from the Capitol project is an $18.9 million award for a new Minneapolis Veterans Home building that will garner a big federal match. There is also $20 million for flood mitigation projects.

     CAPITOL-BEER

     Minn. Legislature allows beer sales in Capitol

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Your favorite brew may soon be available for purchase at the state Capitol.

     The Legislature passed a bill Monday that includes a provision that directs the city of St. Paul to issue and on-sale wine and malt liquor license to the Capitol cafeteria. The bill now goes to Gov. Mark Dayton.

     The Capitol’s basement cafeteria is a German-style rathskeller cafe. It was restored to its original design in 2000. It even has a painted slogan on the ceiling, in German, that urges visitors to enjoy an adult beverage.

     The provision is part of a package that distributes sales tax money from the state’s so-called Legacy amendment to parks and to arts and cultural programs.

     LAKE SUPERIOR-BIG LAKE TROUT

     Study: Less Lake Superior habitat for big trout

     (Information in the following story is from: Duluth News Tribune, http://www.duluthnewstribune.com)

     DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – New research finds that Lake Superior’s warming water probably already is affecting its most abundant big fish, the cold water-loving siscowet lake trout.

     Increasing water temperatures over the last three decades have made conditions more favorable for chinook salmon, walleye and lean lake trout but less favorable for siscowet lake trout.

     The study estimates that fatty siscowets have lost about 20 percent of their historic habitat because of the temperature changes that have already occurred.

     The research used a mix of computer modeling and temperature measurements. It was conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, funded by Wisconsin Sea Grant.

     The Duluth News Tribune (http://bit.ly/12PAMEv) reports the researchers picked lake trout, siscowet, salmon and walleye because they are among the most important species for sport angling and the region’s tourism economy.

     BODY IN TRUNK

     Body found in trunk of towed car in Minn.

     (Information in the following story is from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com)

     MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities are investigating the discovery of a body in the trunk of a car towed from Brooklyn Park to a wrecker lot near downtown Minneapolis.

     The Hennepin County sheriff’s office was called late Monday morning to Wrecker Services Inc. The Star Tribune (http://bit.ly/13CpQbS ) reports officers were looking over the car, a gold Lexus with its trunk open.

     Sheriff’s spokeswoman Lisa Kiava (kee-AH’-vuh) says due to an odor, employees of the wrecker service opened the trunk and found the body. The sheriff’s office and Minneapolis police responded, and Brooklyn Park police also were called in.

     Kiava says the death is being investigated as a possible homicide.

     A woman who owned the car showed documents to the Star Tribune and said she sold the vehicle in January.

     ABSENTEE VOTING

     Minn. Legislature backs excuse-free absentee votes

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Legislature has sent Gov. Mark Dayton a bill that lets anyone vote by absentee ballot without being forced to provide an excuse.

     The change is included in a larger election policy bill the House and Senate passed on Monday with wide bipartisan support.

     Current state law requires voters to attest one of a handful of justifications in order to obtain an absentee ballot, although enforcement has been lax. The bill lifts those limits entirely and opens up the absentee option to anyone.

     Democrats had pushed a wider expansion of early voting at the polls, but Republicans opposed those changes. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton made it clear he would only support election-law changes that have support from members in both parties.

     SALMONELLA-UNPASTEURIZED CHEESE

     Number of people sickened by raw cheese up to 25

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say more than two-dozen people have been sickened by eating raw Mexican-style cheese.

     The Minnesota Department of Health said Monday at least 25 Minnesotans became sick with salmonella linked to eating queso fresco made with unpasteurized cheese.

     The state health department, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the city of Minneapolis have been investigating the outbreak and the source of raw milk since the first cases were detected in early April.

     Of the 25 cases, 15 were hospitalized. All have recovered.

     Officials say the cheese product was made in a private home. Investigators say the person made home deliveries and also may have sold the product on a street corner near East Lake Street in Minneapolis.

     Health officials say if you have the cheese, throw it away.

     DAY CARE UNION

     Minn. House finally passes daycare union bill

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has passed a bill that allows a union drive among home daycare providers and personal care attendants after about 10 hours of debate strung out over more than two days.

     The final vote was 68-66. A handful of Democrats voted no along with all the House Republicans, who waged an intense floor fight against the daycare unionization drive. The issue drew demonstrators to the Capitol from both sides of the issue.

     The Senate already passed the bill, so it’s on its way to Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton who is likely to sign.

     It’s part of an effort by two service worker unions to organize personal care workers. The bill sets up possible unionization votes among child-care providers who get state subsidies, and separately among care attendants to the elderly and disabled.

     Republicans call the bill a power grab by unions.

     TWINS-BRAVES

     Teheran pitches Braves past Twins

     ATLANTA (AP) – Julio Teheran pitched 8 1-3 strong innings, Dan Uggla hit a three-run homer and the Atlanta Braves won their fourth straight game with a 5-1 victory over the struggling Minnesota Twins on Monday.

     Teheran (3-1) gave up five hits, one run – Josh Willingham’s homer in the ninth – and one walk. He struck out four, throwing 80 of his 123 pitches for strikes.

     Cory Gearrin earned his first career save by retiring pinch-hitter Oswaldo Arcia on a flyout.

     Minnesota has lost six straight.

     The previous longest career outing for Teheran was seven innings, a mark he reached in a no-decision April 29 against Washington and a May 9 victory at San Francisco.

     After rallying in late innings to win three straight from the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, Atlanta jumped on Twins starter Kevin Correia (4-4) early.

Hancock County Supervisors approve 2 beer permits for benefit concerts

Angela — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:29:14 +0000

THE HANCOCK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MET MONDAY IN ADJOURNED SESSION WITH A BRIEF AGENDA, CONSISTING MOSTLY OF BEER PERMIT APPROVALS FOR TWO BENEFIT CONCERTS THAT WILL BE HELD AT THE HANCOCK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. SUPERVISOR JERRY TLACH EXPLAINS.

:16 seconds May 20 HCS 1 … “for Brad Broshar”

BOTH FIVE DAY CLASS B BEER PERMITS WITH OUTDOOR SERVICE AND SUNDAY SALES FOR THE HANCOCK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY WERE APPROVED BY THE SUPERVISORS.

THE 4^th ANNUAL KOYOTE CUSTOM POKER RUN BENEFIT CONCERT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, JUNE 15^TH. COST IS $20 PER RIDER, WHICH INCLUDES A POKER HAND AND CONCERT ADMISSION, OR $10 FOR JUST THE CONCERT TICKET. PROCEEDS FROM THIS YEAR’S POKER RUN BENEFIT CONCERT WILL BE DONATED TO THE BRITT POLICE DEPARTMENT, BRITT FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THE WEST HANCOCK AMBULANCE SERVICE.

THE FIRST ANNUAL HOPE FOR BRAD BENEFIT CONCERT WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, JUNE 29^TH. ORGANIZER MARK MUTH TELLS ABOUT THIS CONCERT.

:34 seconds May 20 HCS 2 … “used to do”

JAMES WESLEY WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE HANCOCK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IN BRITT ON SATURDAY, JUNE 29^TH BEGINNING AT 8PM. WESLEY IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIT SONG “THANK A FARMER”. TICKETS ARE $15 IN ADVANCE OR $20 AT THE DOOR. TO PURCHASE TICKETS, CALL MARK MUTH AT 515-460-3241. PROCEEDS FROM THIS CONCERT WILL GO TO HELP BRING AWARENESS AND CURE COLON CANCER. THE NORTH IOWA SHRINE CLUB WILL ALSO HOST A FREE WILL DINNER AT THE FAIRGROUNDS PRIOR TO THE CONCERT FROM 6 TO 7:30PM.

Iowa News

Kit — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:52:48 +0000

IOWA TORNADOES

     Twister reported near Huxley, Ia.

     (Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com)

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Storms swept through central and eastern Iowa, with tornadoes reported in Huxley and Grundy County.

     The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in the Story County city of Huxley about 7 p.m. Sunday.

     There were no reports of injuries or damage.

     The Des Moines Register reports Grundy County officials reported a tornado touching down later in that county.

     Utilities reported power outages to nearly 9,000 Iowa customers Sunday night, including nearly 4,000 in Des Moines.

     SHELTER DEATH-FUNERAL

     Fund set up for teen’s funeral in Boone

     (Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com)

     BOONE, Iowa (AP) – A fund has been established to help pay funeral expenses for a 17-year-old who died in a house fire in Boone.

     The Des Moines Register reports the fund has been established to pay for the funeral for Nyakouth Chuol, who died in the fire Friday at the Youth and Shelter Services home.

     Authorities say Chuol was found on a downstairs kitchen floor and was pronounced dead at a Boone County hospital.

     She was the only person home during the fire. Another resident of the shelter was staying with relatives.

     Donations for the fund, which also will help replace the other resident’s belongings, can be made to Youth and Shelter Services, 420 Kellogg Avenue Ames, Iowa, 50014.

     The cause of the fire hasn’t been released.

     IOWA CAPITOL FOCUS

     Iowa lawmakers ponder a special session

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – As lawmakers try to adjourn the legislative session, some wonder whether the best way to deal with a tough health debate is to skip the matter for now and hold a special session later.

     It’s been seven years since the Legislature held a special session, but they have been used sporadically over the years to address complex issues.

     In the past 50 years, lawmakers have joined for 15 special sessions. There were five years when two special sessions were called.

     This time around, some lawmakers think a discussion over whether to expand Medicaid may be too complicated to finish in the coming days.

     House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says he doesn’t want to rush the process.

     But Democratic Senator Jack Hatch says lawmakers should stay until the job is done.

     FIRED STAFFER CONTROVERSY

     Ex-GOP staffer says she was fired after complaint

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A woman who used to work for the Iowa Senate Republican Caucus says she was fired after reporting sexual harassment, but GOP officials deny that.

     Kirsten Anderson told WHO-TV in an interview that aired Sunday that she was fired Friday several hours after complaining about harassment from lawmakers and staffers. She had been communications director for the caucus.

     Anderson says she provided documentation about the harassment to Republican leaders Friday and asked for their help in improving the environment.

     Ed Failor Junior, who is an assistant to Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix, says Anderson was fired for failing to improve her performance.

     Failor says Dix and other GOP leaders do not tolerate sexual harassment.

     WISCONSIN GOVERNOR-IOWA

     Wisconsin Gov. Walker to headline Iowa GOP event

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker will visit Iowa this week to deliver a speech that may bolster speculation that he will run for president in 2016.

     The Wisconsin State Journal reports Walker will speak to a Republican fundraiser in the Des Moines area on Thursday. The event will be hosted by the Republican Party of Polk County.

     Walker says he’s attending the event at the invitation of his friend, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. Walker says visiting a neighboring state isn’t necessarily tied to presidential politics.

     But Walker is a favorite of many conservatives because he fought to limit collective bargaining for public workers in his state and then survived a recall election.

     Walker is also scheduled to speak at conservative events around the country.

     APARTMENT POOL RESCUE

     Maintenance worker rescues girl, 8, from pool

     URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) – An 8-year-old girl is recovering after nearly drowning in an apartment pool in Urbandale.

     Police say a maintenance worker found the girl at the bottom of the Westpoint Apartments and Townhomes pool around 9 p.m. Friday.

     The maintenance worker jumped into the pool and pulled the girl out.

     Officer Randy Peterson says the girl started spitting up water immediately. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

     There is no lifeguard at the pool, but several other people were swimming at the time.

     It wasn’t immediately clear who was supervising the girl. Her parents were not present at the time.

     Police did not identify the girl.

     LAKE TRAGEDY-IOWA

     Iowa family remembers 3-year-old who drowned

     JEFFERSON, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa family is remembering a 3-year-old boy who drowned last week at Spring Lake in central Iowa.

     Ransom Cummings died Tuesday after he wandered away from his mom and two siblings on the beach. Rescuers found him in water 5-feet-deep a short distance away from a dock.

     The family planned to hold a funeral Sunday evening at the Dwelling Place in Jefferson. A private burial will be held later.

     POWERBALL JACKPOT-IOWA

     Lottery: Iowa Powerball sales total $5.1 million

     DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Lottery says Powerball sales in the state totaled $5.1 million for Saturday’s drawing that produced a winner in Florida.

     The lottery says in a news release that nearly $2.8 million in tickets were sold on Saturday alone. The busiest stretch was from about 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

     The average Powerball ticket purchase Saturday was $5.81.

     There were 77,640 tickets that won a prize in Iowa, including three that came within one number of the jackpot.

     The winning numbers were: 10-13-14-22-52 and Powerball 11.

     The single winner was sold at a supermarket in Zephyrhills, Florida.

     KICKSTARTER BREWERY

     Iowa brewers raise $31,000 online for business

     (Information in the following story is from: Telegraph Herald, http://www.thonline.com)

     DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) – Dubuque may soon have its own brewpub downtown after the business’ owners raised more than $31,000 online.

     The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports Jay Jubeck raised the money on the Kickstarter website for a new brewery in Dubuque.

     Initially, Jubeck plans to open a brewery one day a week to deliver beer to people who joined the brewery and sell beer by the pint.

     Jubeck and his business partner started collecting pledges from area residents about six weeks ago. Then they launched the online campaign to raise $30,000 to help with startup costs.

     HISTORIC ROLLER COASTER

     Lake Okoboji roller coaster roars back to life

     (Information in the following story is from: Sioux City Journal, http://www.siouxcityjournal.com)

     ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa (AP) – A northeast Iowa amusement park is reopening a historic roller coaster after a $250,000 rehabilitation of the attraction.

     The Legend Roller Coaster roared back to life Saturday at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, overlooking Lake Okoboji.

     The Sioux City Journal reports crews spent eight months on the quarter-million dollar renovation of the 1927 roller coaster. The park says it’s the 13th oldest operating wooden roller coaster in the country.

     Workers replaced wood supports, raised low points in the track and made repairs to concrete footings.

     Mike May of Spirit Lake got an early ride on Thursday. The 68-year-old has been riding the coaster since he was 15 and says the ride is now much smoother.

MN News

Kit — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:41:01 +0000

MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN STORMS

     Severe storms rumble across E Minn., W Wis.

     MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Skies turned dark and the rain came down in torrents as severe storms rumbled across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

     The storms sparked numerous severe thunderstorm warnings and some tornado warnings as they advanced from south to north Sunday, though no confirmed touchdowns.

     There were scattered reports of power outages, downed lines and tree damage across the region as far east as Madison.

     The National Weather Service says winds gusted as high as 60 miles per hour in Rochester and Elko, and 58 miles per hour near River Falls, Wisconsin and Dunn, Wisconsin. Street flooding was reported in Chanhassen and Waseca. Power poles were bent at 45-degree angles by high winds near Blooming Prairie.

     The rain prompted a three-hour interruption of the Twins-Red Sox game at Target Field.

     ILLEGAL FIREWORKS

     2 arrested, 1 injured in MN illegal fireworks case

     WYOMING, Minn. (AP) – Two men are in custody while another was burned in a minor explosion from what police call an illegal fireworks operation in the Minnesota city of Wyoming.

     A police statement says officers responded to just before noon Saturday for a man who suffered first-degree burns on his hands, arms and face. Police say the officers determined the injuries were caused by a minor explosion in the garage. Police say they spotted “materials consistent with manufacturing fireworks-type explosive devices.”

     Officers got a search warrant, and say they found a small operation for making 2- to 3-inch mortar-style aerial fireworks.

     The injured 30-year-old was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Two other men in their 30s were arrested.

     The investigation continues.

     Wyoming is about 25 miles north of St. Paul.

     MISSING DULUTH BOY

     Duluth police find missing 12-year-old boy

     DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Duluth police say they’ve found a 12-year-old boy who was last seen getting on the bus after classes ended Thursday at Lincoln Park Middle School.

     A police statement says Lyrik Schmelz was found in an apartment Saturday night in the presence of a family member.

     The department extended its thanks to the public for his help in finding the boy, but gave no further details on how he was found.

     DELTA AIR LINES-MINNESOTA

     Delta CEO plans to add jobs in NE Minnesota

     (Information in the following story is from: Mesabi Daily News, http://www.virginiamn.com)

     VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) – The chief executive of Delta Air Lines says he plans to add jobs at the carrier’s reservation center in the northeastern Minnesota city of Chisholm.

     CEO Richard Anderson tells the Mesabi Daily News of Virginia, Minnesota that his airline wants to invest in the facility and keep it growing. It currently has about 500 full-time-equivalent employees.

     Anderson was on the Iron Range last Thursday to spend time with employees at the reservation center, which belonged to Northwest Airlines before Delta acquired Northwest in 2008. He says he was “totally inept” when he performed customer service work there.

     Anderson says the future of the Chisholm center is bright, even with the growth of Internet reservation services. He says it’s an important part of Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flyer program.

     MINNESOTA SESSION FINALE

     Minn. lawmakers take budget debate down to wire

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are putting in long weekend hours as they speed toward adjournment.

     The House went all night before finally recessing a little after 7 a.m. Sunday. Up for debate but still awaiting a final vote is a controversial bill that authorizes a union organizing drive for home daycare providers and care attendants to the elderly and disabled.

     The House and Senate will be back in session Sunday afternoon. Both are speeding through the final, DFL-assembled budget bills. Lawmakers may vote Sunday on a package of $2 billion in income, corporate and cigarette tax increases.

     The House is also likely to return to the union bill, which drew demonstrators to the Capitol Sunday and intense opposition from the Republican minority.

     Lawmakers had until midnight this morning to adjourn their regular session.

     LAWMAKER PAY HIKES

     No pay increases for Minn. lawmakers this year

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Pay increases for Minnesota lawmakers won’t be happening this legislative session.

     Legislative negotiators finalized a budget bill Sunday covering various state agency operations and government operations. It does not include a provision passed previously in the Senate that would have given lawmakers a nearly $10,000 a year raise by 2015, and another bump the year after that on their current salaries of $31,000 a year.

     The Senate’s vote generated some controversy. It also spawned an alternate plan, passed Friday in the House, which would put a constitutional amendment on the 2016 ballot asking voters to create an independent council to set lawmaker pay. The Senate was to vote on that amendment by a midnight deadline.

     The final state agency budget bill does include pay hikes for the governor and other statewide elected officials, as well as state agency managers.

     LEGISLATURE-EDUCATION

     Legislature sends Dayton $15.7B education budget

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Legislature has sent Governor Mark Dayton a school funding bill that boosts education spending in a number of areas.

     The Senate passed the bill Sunday by a vote of 41-26. The House signed off on the bill hours earlier in a 2 a.m. vote on Sunday. Dayton is expected to sign it.

     The $15.7 billion budget bill amounts to more than 40 percent of total state spending in the next two years. It increases per-student payments to districts by $78 next year and another $80 the year after that. It also funds all-day kindergarten statewide and has more money for early learning grants for lower-income families.

     TAX JUDGE-DAYTON

     Dayton asks Senate to reject tax court appointee

     ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton is asking the state Senate to reject the confirmation of a Minnesota Tax Court judge who is facing suspension and censure.

     The Senate Taxes Committee voted Sunday to reject the confirmation of Judge George Perez. Dayton wants the full Senate to follow suit.

     The state’s Board of Judicial Standards released a ruling on May 10th finding that Perez repeatedly violated its code of conduct. It found he delayed cases and falsified records to cover those delays. The board recommended Perez be suspended for nine months.

     Former Gov. Arne Carlson appointed Perez to the tax court in 1997. Dayton reappointed him prior to the Judicial Board’s ruling. A Senate vote to reject Perez would remove him from the court.

     TERRORISM-US-SOMALIA

     Somali reaction to al-Shabab sentences mixed

     MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Somali community in Minnesota is reacting with a mix of outrage and relief to sentences handed down in the long-running investigations into recruiting and financing for the terrorist group al-Shabab.

     At least 22 young men have left Minnesota since 2007 to join the group in Somalia.

     Nine people who have been convicted were sentenced last week and received penalties ranging from two to 20 years in prison.

     Family members of the men who were recruited say the sentences bring justice. But others say the penalties were harsh, particularly for a woman who raised money. She received 20 years in prison while two men who joined the group got three years.

     Experts say the laws are strict to deter fundraising for terrorists.

     POWERBALL-MINNESOTA

     MN lottery players win nearly $3.9 million in run

     ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota State Lottery players won nearly $3.9 million in prizes during the 6 1/2-week run up to Saturday night’s Powerball jackpot drawing.

     The run ended with a single $590.5 million winning ticket sold in Florida. But two tickets sold in Minnesota for the drawing are worth $10,000.

     Lottery spokeswoman Debbie Hoffman says two tickets sold in Minnesota earlier during the run were worth $1 million apiece, while a total of 12 tickets sold in the run were worth $10,000.

     The 6 1/2-week run also generated over $8.8 million for state government, including $4.9 million for the general fund, $2.3 million for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and over $800,000 apiece for the Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Retailers earned $1.3 million in commissions.