The Cass County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, in Atlantic. Board Secretary/County Auditor Dale Sunderman said during their session, the Board heard from representatives with the Cass County Library Association, representing the six city libraries in the county. Those representatives presented a report on services provided in FY2019 for each and all libraries in the County. They also requested that the current county funding ($85,800) be increased by a total of $13,000 (divided based on library size) for FY2021. Their request was taken under advisement.

Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation (CADCO) Director Jennifer McEntaffer announced during the meeting, that their Economic Development proposal to bring an unnamed east coast light industrial manufacturer to the County, was moving forward. Previously, it was announced during a Supervisor’s Board meeting, that the company was looking to expand in the Midwest, and had some specific parameters they were looking for, such as a population center of about 7,000 that was within 10 miles of four-lane highway system, within 60 miles of major airport, had rail access, and a local airport that could handle a private jet would be a plus. The company would employ 25-30 people with wages in the $18 to $22 per hour range. How far the proposal advances now, depends on the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

County Veteran Affairs Executive Director Mitch Holmes gave report of 1st quarter FY20 activity. He said during the quarter 158 veterans were assisted: Federal VA benefits and/or local general assistance. Holmes mentioned also, that they received two donations to help Veterans: one from the Iowa Interstate Railroad and one from the Griswold American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and that Hy-Vee is doing a red bag program to benefit Cass County Veterans, as well. Customers can buy a red reusable bag and Cass County Veterans will get $1 per bag sold.

County Attorney Vanessa Strazdas reviewed current legal activity. Strazdas spoke about a jury trial that was held over the past couple of days for Joshua Chapalonis of Atlantic. Shes said they started with eight counts of Class B Sex Abuse of a Child under the age of 12, with seven counts made it to the jury. The jury found him guilty on all seven counts, each of which carries a mandatory minimum of 17 ½ years with a maximum of 25 years. Sentencing is set for January 6th.

And the County Engineer reviewed current road projects. He said the Olive Street and Lewis road projects are almost completed.