(Atlantic, Iowa) – If you’ve ever wondered what people serving on county boards and commissions do, and how you can serve in those types of positions, an event taking place this Saturday, March 9th in Atlantic, will help to answer your questions. Cass County Democrats are hosting “Local Office, Boards, and Commissions Panel and Q&A” from 10-until 11-a.m., March 9th,  AM at the American Legion Memorial Building (201 Poplar St., in Atlantic. While the event is being hosted by the Democrats, all people, regardless of party affiliation are encouraged to attend. The event is free and open to the public. Panelists scheduled to share their experiences will include Wendy Richter, Todd Weppler, Phil Hascall, and Sandy Sothman.

Richter was elected to the Cass County Board of Supervisors in 2022. In this role, she serves as a liaison to the following boards and commissions: Cass County Board of Health, Cass County Local Food Policy Council, Healthy Cass County, Cass County Tourism, Boost 4 Families Board, and West Central Community Action Board. She also serves as an alternate liaison to Nishna Valley Trails and the Southwest Iowa Planning Council. Cass County Supervisors serve four-year terms.

While Richter is just two years into her term, the following Board members are up for reelection this November: Steve Green (District 1, representing rural Atlantic), Steve Baier (District 4, representing the south and southwest portion of the county, including Griswold), and Bernard Pettinger (District 5, representing the north and east portion of the county, including Wiota,
Anita, Massena, and Cumberland).

Todd Weppler was last elected to the Cass County Agricultural Extension Council in 2022. Members of this board serve four-year terms. Sandy Sothman was appointed to the Cass County Conservation Board in 2021. Members of this board serve five-year terms. Phil Hascall is currently appointed to both the Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Cass County Zoning Board of Adjustment. Members of these boards also serve five-year terms.

LaVon Eblen, retired Extension leader in Cass and Audubon Counties and former host of KJAN’s Backyard and Beyond program, will moderate the panel. LaVon herself has previously served on county boards including the Cass County Local Food Policy Council and Healthy Cass County.

Doors will open at 9:45-a.m., Saturday. Light breakfast refreshments will be provided.

For more information on the Cass County Democrats, or to join the Cass County Democrats email newsletter, contact casscountyiadems@gmail.com or follow the Cass County Democrats on Facebook @CassCountyIADems.