(Atlantic, Iowa) – Librarians from throughout Cass County appeared before the County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, to make their annual request for funding. Anita Public Library Director Sara Young

The Board took the request under consideration for action at a later date. The Board held a public hearing on the sale of the County-owned farm (Willow Heights), and they heard from County Engineer Trent Wolken, who said the recent rain helped his crews get the roads back in shape. They’re also doing some shoulder work on the paved roads. Wolken said the beams for Bridge # 123 northeast of Massena, should arrive by the end of November or the beginning of December. Once they arrive, they can get the contractor lined-up and ready to replace the previous beams that collapsed on September 8th, under an overweight crane that was heading to a wind turbine site.

As far as other construction projects are concerned…

Zoning Administrator Rich Hansen appeared before the Board with a request from McCunn Specialty Firearms near Massena, for a change of zoning for their store, from Business, to Light Industrial, for the purpose of assembling firearms.

The Board was of the mindset McCunns can proceed with the process, but they asked that the company send certified letters to all the nearby property owners with regard to the proposal. The Board also heard from Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue, who discussed a funding request by both the P-D and Cass County Sheriff’s Department, to pay for a course based on a highly successful program in the State of Georgia, that will help officers and deputies identify issues of stress, and, how to deal with persons addicted to Opiods.

The Board asked the Chief to consult with Sheriff Darby McLaren about a similar program being offered in Shelby County, that is reportedly free-of-charge. It would cost anywhere between $6,300 – $6,500 to bring two instructors from Georgia to Iowa, along with the class instructional materials, and use of a facility. The Board is also hoping Hoege will provide them with more information on the program from Georgia. The matter will come up as an action item during a future board meeting, most likely on November 9th.

Cass County Veterans Affairs Director Mitch Holmes presented his quarterly report to the Board. He also requested the Board pass a resolution in support of “Operation Green Light for Veterans.” Holmes requested a county building be decked-out in green light bulbs from Nov. 7th through the 11th, Veteran’s Day Week. Holmes read from a portion of the Resolution.

The Board adopted the Resolution as presented. Holmes announced also that Family Dental Center in Atlantic is offering free dental care for Veterans on Veteran’s Day, November 11th. An appointment is not required, but is recommended. Last year, the Center provided nearly $7,000 in care for 18 veterans. Their patients ranged from 32 to 93 in age and were appreciative of the care provided.

And they discussed a proposal from Behle, Inc., for cast iron pipe work for certain buildings, but took no action. Cost was a factor in tabling the decision.