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KMA-FM MOVES TO 99.1
(KMAland) -- Today is an exciting day in the history of May Broadcasting. As of 7:05 this morning a new 100,000 watt radio transmitter on a 1000 foot tower northeast of Hawleyville in northwestern Taylor County, Iowa was turned on. KMA-FM, now located at 99.1 on the dial, begins a new era for May Broadcasting which got it's start in August of 1925.
Ed May, Jr was joined by Shenandoah Mayor Richard Hunt, Clarinda Mayor Gordon Kokenge and Taylor County Supervisors Rob Lundquist, Bonnie Godden and Charles Ambrose when the power was turned on.
Iowa Governor Chet Culver and Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge sent this congratulatory letter to May Broadcasting to mark this special occasion.
01922_Governor_Culver_Letter.pdf
Thu, 11 Mar 2010 7:41:05 CST
FLOOD WARNINGS ISSUED FOR KMALAND
(Valley, NE) -- Minor flooding is forecast by the National Weather Service for the following areas:
- West Nishnabotna River near Hancock affecting Pottawattamie County.
- West Nishnabotna River near Randolph from late Thursday night to Saturday afternoon.
- Nishnabotna River near Hamburg from Friday morning to Monday evening affecting Fremont County.
- East Nishnabotna River at Red Oak affecting Montgomery County.
- West Nishnabotna River near Hancock from Thursday evening to Friday evening.
- 102 river at Maryville until late Friday night.
Authorities urge motorists: Do not drive cars through areas where water covers the road. The water depth may be too great to allow your vehicle to pass safely. TURN AROUND...DON`T DROWN!
Thu, 11 Mar 2010 5:27:57 CST
SHENANDOAH CREWS REPAIR WATER MAIN BREAK
(Shenandoah) -- Water services in a small portion of Shenandoah were disrupted for a few hours Wednesday afternoon.
City crews repaired a water main break at the end of Keith Drive, across from the K-through-8th Grade Building. Shenandoah City Administrator Bo Harris tells KMA News the break, located in the Shenwood Subdivision, affected services for five houses and the Shenwood Apartments. Harris says the weather was likely a factor in the main's break. Harris says pipes often snap as frost begins to thaw, and infrastructure shifts.
While melting snow and recent rainfall could increase the chances of broken mains, Harris says it's always a concern. Harris recalls city crews fixing a broken main following one of the December blizzards. Harris says water main breaks also happen in the summer.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:45:52 CST
FLOODING CLOSES J-46 NEAR RIVERTON
(Riverton) -- Fremont County residents have seen it too often over the years--a major road closed due to flooding.
That road is County Road J-46. And once again, flood waters have inundated the road west of Riverton, forcing Fremont County officials to close it Wednesday afternoon. Fremont County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Crecelius tells KMA News the road was closed soon after flood warnings were issued for the East Nishnabotna River near Hamburg.
Flood waters also closed J-46 back in 2007 and '08. While no other flooding on Fremont County roads is imminent, Crecelius expresses fears of flooding this spring and summer, as heavy snow continues to melt, and more rain threatens the area. Crecelius is reminding residents and motorists, alike to be wary of flooding. Crecelius says motorists should avoid driving across flooded roads--even the slightest amount of water can make a vehicle lose control.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the West Nishnabotna River near Hancock, affecting Pottawattamie County, from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon, and the West Nishnabotna River near Randolph, affecting Fremont County from Thursday evening to Saturday morning. Another flood warning includes the East Nishnabotna River at Red Oak, affecting Montgomery County, from Thursday afternoon to late Friday night and the Nishnabotna River near Hamburg, affecting Fremont County from Friday morning to late Monday night.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:42:12 CST
KMA NEWS MAKES DRUG CHARGE CORRECTION
(Glenwood) -- Monday, KMA News reported that 20-year-old Justin Jones, of Glenwood, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and gathering.
The correct statement is that he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and gathering. He was not charged with intent to deliver.
Police Chief Johansen reminds that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:47:56 CST
NEW PROPERTY TAX MANDATED BY IOWA LEGISLATORS WILL FUND EDUCATION
(Des Moines) -- The Iowa State Legislator's Education Approprations Subcommittee passed their bill Monday and one KMAland legislator's response is that it's "...kind of a disaster".
State Representative Greg Forristall, of Macedonia, is a member of the Education Committee and tells KMA News what the bill does is change in a fundamental way how teacher quality money is funded. Forristall says the issue came about 2 or 3 years ago as an attempt to put more money into teacher's salaries. He says it came to about $4,500 per teacher paid directly by the state to the school districts, and from the districts to the teachers.
The Representative relays that now that money responsibility will go directly to the property tax payer.
Forristall says what that means in Shenandoah is that an additional $50,000 has to be made up by July 1st -- on top of the other $967,000 hit that the district took with the governor's 10 percent cuts.
Additionally, Forristall says it's a permanent change for the school districts themselves to come up with that money each year.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:02:18 CST
NODAWAY CO. AUTHORITIES RECOVER STOLEN ITEMS FROM MAITLAND RESIDENCE
(Maitland) -- Nodaway County authorities are looking for suspects in a series of thefts following the recent discovery of stolen materials.
Acting on a tip from the county's road and bridge supervisor, the Nodaway County Sheriff's Office located a trailer stolen from the department in the 400 block of 2nd Street in Maitland, Missouri March 4th. With assistance from Holt County Sheriff Scott Wedlock, the sheriff's office obtained a search warrant, and recovered a snowplow reported stolen from the Mound City School District and a 1996 Chevy S-10 Blazer taken from a residence in Ravenwood in December.
No arrests were made, as no one was at home at the time the search warrant was executed. The case has been sent to the Holt County prosecuting attorney for his review. The Missouri Highway Patrol and the Nodaway County Road and Bridge crew assisted Nodaway and Holt County authorities in the investigation.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:24:52 CST
CRESTON WOMAN WHO TURNED SELF IN IS CHARGED WITH DRUG POSSESSION
(Corning) -- A woman who walked in to the Adams County Sheriff's Department to report for jail time was found to be in possession of drugs.
At 10:00 Tuesday morning, 27-year-old Heather Davis, of Creston, reported to the Adams County Jail for a Union County charge. The Adams County Sheriff's office tells KMA News a search of her person revealed Xanax (Zanex).
Davis reportedly admitted to smuggling in the drug during her last in carceration.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:08:51 CST
ESSEX COUNCIL APPROVES CHANGES IN GARBAGE COLLECTION FEES
(Essex) -- Essex business owners, and residents living outside the community depending on the community for garbage disposal, face some changes in services and fees.
At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, the Essex City Council approved the first reading of an amendment to city solid waste collection ordinances. Essex Mayor Russell Hilker tells KMA News the first change involves an increase in commercial collection fees to $25 for once a week pickups, and $35 for twice-a-week collections. Hilker says that's an increase of $5 and $10, respectively, over the existing fees.
In addition, Hilker says the council approved an increase in fees for rural residents disposing of garbage in town from $49.50 per quarter to $55 per quarter, or $16.50 per month to $18.50 per month. And, Hilker says city trucks will no longer pick up garbage of rural residents living along the route to the landfill. Hilker says residents will have to do that, themselves.
Hilker says the changes are designed to generate more revenues, and encourage rural residents to handle their own garbage. The council waived the second and third readings, thus putting the changes in effect upon publication. In other business, the council approved the city's budget for fiscal year 2011, with the tax levy at about $13.41 per thousand dollars valuation. That's down eight cents from the current fiscal year's rate.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:57:23 CST
RED OAK SCHOOL BOARD CONTINUES REVIEW OF DISTRICT'S VO-AG PROGRAM
(Red Oak) -- The fate of Red Oak High School's vocational agriculture program is still undecided.
School officials are considering eliminating the program, or sharing it with another district, as part of a series of budget reductions. Red Oak School Superintendent Terry Schmidt tells KMA News one huge barrier in sharing with the Stanton district involves differences in class schedules. Presently, Schmidt says Red Oak is on the block schedule, while Stanton High uses the traditional eight-period day.
Schmidt, however, says the program's future may lie in student class registration, which is underway. Schmidt says the high school's vo-ag program is in question because of the Red Oak School's guidelines for budget reductions. Schmidt says any program with an enrollment of less than 10 students is subject to review. Schmidt says enrollment in the school's vo-ag classes has declined over the years. And, Schmidt says the district faces a reduction of up to $1.2 million.
Schmidt says a decision on the vo-ag program's future will be made by the board's next meeting April 12th.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:17 CST
GLENWOOD MAN BOOKED ON DRUG CHARGES
(Glenwood) -- The Mills County Sheriff's Department arrested a Glenwood man Tuesday when a traffic stop on South Locust and Hazel Streets uncovered drugs.
23-year-old Kyle Taylor, of Glenwood, is charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Taylor was booked in to the Mills County Jail on $1,300 bond.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:20:30 CST
MISSOURI RIVERS CLOSE ANDREW AND BUCHANAN COUNTY ROADS
(Saint Joseph) -- Missouri's swollen 102 River has closed various roads in Andrew and Buchanan Counties. Effective Wednesday morning at 9:00 March 10th, the following roads are closed due to flooding:
ANDREW COUNTY:
Route 48 - Between Elm St. & County Road 168. Closed due to flooding of the 102 River
Route C - At the intersection of MO 48. Closed due to flooding of the 102 River
Route C - At south city limits of Rosendale. Closed due to flooding of the 102 River
BUCHANAN COUNTY:
Route H - At FF in Agency. Closed due to flooding from Platte River
NOW OPEN: Route B - Approximately 1-1/2 mile east of US 71.
For more details call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit modot.gov.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:10:23 CST
SHENANDOAH COUNCIL DISCUSSES ALLEY CONDITIONS AT REGULAR MEETING
(Shenandoah) -- Harsh winter weather has taken its toll on nearly everything, including alleys in Shenandoah.
During Tuesday night's regular council meeting, City Street Superintendent Todd Foutch and Shenandoah Sanitation Owner Jerry Scharp discussed steps being taken to ease the wear and tear on graveled alleys. Shenandoah City Administrator Bo Harris tells KMA News residents living next to graveled alleys are asked to place garbage curbside in front of their residences instead of in the alleys. Harris says traffic from heavy trucks and equipment erode the alleys' surfaces, thus creating soft spots.
Harris says the change is effective until May 1st. Residents living along hard-surfaces alleys may continue placing their garbage at their usual locations.
In other business last night, the council approved the city's fiscal 2011 budget. In an earlier interview, Harris said the city's tax levy would remain at about $18.11 per thousand dollars valuation, and there would be no cuts in city services.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:04:47 CST
OMAHA MAN INJURED IN COLLISION
(Omaha) -- An Omaha man is critically injured after being ejected from the car he was driving Tuesday . Omaha Police tell KMA News the two-car accident happened during the evening rush hour at 48th and Center Streets.
Thirty-nine-year-old Jeffrey J Schumacher, of Seward, Nebraska was southbound on 48th Street and was attempting to turn east onto Center. Twenty-five-year-old Lee Owen Vohs, of Silver City was westbound, ran the red light and struck Schumacher's vehicle, ejecting Schumacher out the driver’s side window.
Schumacher was transported to University of Nebraska Medical Center by Omaha Fire Department with critical but not life threatening injuries. He was cited for No Seat Belt.
The Silver City man was cited for Traffic Signal Violation.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 9:21:18 CST
CHILD EJECTED FROM VEHICLE AND DRIVER BOTH SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MISSOURI CRASH
(Stanberry) -- A man and a child are both seriously injured during a one-vehicle accident Tuesday night at 9:15 in Gentry County Missouri.
The Missouri Highway Patrol report shows the crash occurred on Route O six miles north of Stanberry. 45-year-old , David K Cole of Stanberry was westbound on Route O when his vehicle traveled across the center line and traveled off the south side of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a tree on the passenger side, where it came to rest.
The passenger, 13-year-old Michael D Clay, was ejected when the door opened and he came to rest on the south side of the vehicle. He was transported to Gentry County Community Hospital via Grand River Ambulance then transferred to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
Cole was extricated from the vehicle by the Stanberry Fire Department and taken to Gentry Gentry County Community Hospital via Grand River Ambulance.
The Gentry County Sheriff assisted the patrol, and rescue teams at the scene.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 8:31:20 CST
CLARINDA SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT CLARIFIES KMA NEWS REPORT
(Clarinda) -- Yesterday KMA News reported Clarinda School District will start the 2010-11 school year on August 25th. Clarinda School Superintendent Paul Honnold clarifies that the start date will only be finalized in April 12th's open hearing meeting, but that school will likely begin a little earlier next year than it did this year -- yet still end around the same time in May.
And, we have further clarification on the sharing agreement discussions for a baseball and softball program to potentially be shared with South Page School: Honnold details that the issue is to allow South Page to consider sharing with a district that does not adjoin the Clarinda District. He says South Page requested to pursue a sharing agreement for these two sports with a Corner Conference School. Further, Honnold explains that IHSAA rules require adjoining districts to turn down their request in order to share with a district that does not adjoin them.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 6:35:05 CST
CLARINDA SCHOOL DISTRICT APPROVES FINANCIAL CUTS
(Clarinda) -- Financial tightening decisions were finalized Monday night in the Clarinda School Board meeting. Superintendent Paul Honnold tells KMA News tax levies were lowered a bit for the 2010-11 school year. The published levy will be $14.07, which is about 7 cents less than the current year. He explains the board set a larger cash reserve levy to help recover some of the lost revenue from the current year.
Honnold says budget reductions include extending an early retirement option for certified and administrative staff who passed the opportunity before; they now have a 2 week time frame to accept the package. Honnold says the board also made the tough decision to reduce the number of coaches, and to merge some 9th grade programs due to a low numbers of participants. Honnold says the board did elect to reduce one football coach, one girls and boys assistant basketball coach and they instructed administrators to reduce high school programs to either JV and Varsity or 9-10 and Varsity schedules for the 2010-11 school year.
Regarding sports, Honnold says the board also entered into talks with South Page to seek summer baseball/softball sharing agreement. Honnold says other cuts include the reduction of the at-risk/intervention and home school position. He says those duties will be absorbed through the counseling and/or administrative staff.
Some revenue will be generated, however, with the board approval of the School Budget Review Comittee (SBRC) application for costs associated with special education students served at the Clarinda Academy.
In other business, Honnold says the school calendar next year is set to begin August 25th - a few days later than the current school year. He says school will still end at the same time next year - May 25th.
Honnold says the March 22nd school board meeting is canceled. The budget hearing is set for April 12 at 7:00 in the central office board room.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 6:37:19 CST
RECENT RAINFALL, MELTOFF CAUSING SOFT SPOTS ON AREA ROADS
All that melting snow, combined with recent rainfall, is starting to take its toll on area secondary roads.
Brad Skinner is engineer in both Page and Montgomery counties. Skinner tells KMA News both departments have already received requests for repairs and resurfacing following a rough winter. And, he expects those requests to increase. While saying problems with muddy roads aren't dramatic, Skinner says soft spots are starting to appear.
And, Skinner expects more problems as loads and traffic get heavier this spring and summer. Skinner says the problem is that many roads lost surfacing from removal of heavy ice and snowdrifts. Thus, Skinner is warning motorists to use caution while traveling rural roads.
Skinner is also asking the public for its continued patience. Skinner says most of the secondary roads' budgets in both counties are depleted because of increased snow removal expenses. Thus, some roads may not be repaired until the next fiscal year begins July 1st.
Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:07:12 CST
SHENANDOAH SCHOOL BOARD SETS HEARING FOR FISCAL 2011 BUDGET
(Shenandoah) -- Like other school districts, the Shenandoah School District is in financial dire straits.
At its regular meeting Monday evening, the Shenandoah School Board set a public hearing on the district's budget for fiscal 2011. Shenandoah School Superintendent Dick Profit tells KMA News board members reviewed a spreadsheet showing the district's month-by-month financial breakdown for next fiscal year, and action taken to blunt the loss of state funding. Profit says the exhibit showed a $654,000 reduction in the current fiscal year's budget. Profit says one action taken to cushion the board was offering early retirement to longtime staff members. Six staff members accepted early retirement, including Shenandoah Elementary Principal Becky Pringle. Proft says the board approved shifting Shenandoah High Activities Director Jeff Hiser to fill the vacancy.
Profit says other action includes shifting money from the district's management budget and cash reserves to handle negative fund balances. And, Profit says the board also approved the repayment of bonds from installation of the high school's HVAC system six months early, for a savings of $5,000 in interest. But Profit says other steps must be taken. While no decisions have been made, Profit says staff reductions are possible. With principals in each building already reducing supply purchase expenses, Profit says there's nowhere else to cut.
In addition to the loss of state funding, Profit says the district must also deal with a 39.8 percent increase in health insurance rates, which means an additional $313,000 in expenses.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 8:09:04 CST
KMALAND LEGISLATORS PROPOSE BUDGET CUT OPTIONS
(Des Moines) -- Since the 2010 legislative session is scheduled to end in just three weeks, attention at the state house has turned to creating a lean budget. Representative Greg Forristal, of Macedonia tells KMA News Iowa’s constitution requires the legislature to submit a balanced budget, but he claims some legislators are illegally short-funding the Medicaid budget. He says because Medicaid is a federal entitlement largely paid for by State money, the legislator says they'll eventually have to come up with the money. However, he says the current proposal is to underfund that requirement by about $125 million with the understanding the next legislature will have to refill the fund in January in a supplemental appropriation.
Forristal says he and other Republicans have proposed over $600 million in cost-savings over the last two years. Following here are some of the proposals:
- Eliminate Power Fund and Office of Energy Independence $25,000,000
- Eliminate the RIO office, give responsibilities to Homeland Security $1,000,000
- Eliminate taxpayer funded lobbyists $4,000,000
- Cancel all Regents sabbaticals for FY 2011 $6,000,000
- End all state benefits to illegal immigrant adults $92,300,000
- Shift voluntary preschool responsibilities to Empowerment $45,000,000
- Combine administrative functions at Regents universities $62,000,000
- Eliminate funding for empty shelter care beds $2,000,000
- Delay implementation of core curriculum for one year $10,500,000
- Eliminate family planning waiver $2,000,000
- Sell and completely privatize the state vehicle fleet $18,000,000
- Sell or lease the ICN $15,000,000
- Cut funding office supplies, service contracts, equipment purchases $5,000,000
- Eliminate the Just Eliminate Lies program $2,250,000
Forristal invites e-mail comments and suggestions at greg.forristall@legis.state.ia.us and telephone calls to 515-281-3221. Listen to KMA News for a follow-up story with Forristal on education - a committee of which is a member.
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 8:58:51 CST
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