[Council Bluffs] Residents who were impacted by April storms and June flooding in Pottawattamie County now have access to a long-term disaster recovery center starting Monday, September 30, 2024. In partnership with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Pottawattamie County Emergency Operations Center will serve as a centralized location for disaster survivors in Pottawattamie County to access disaster case advocacy services, assistance with their federal assistance applications and process, and receive information and assistance with obtaining access to local and state assistance programs they may qualify for.

The Long-term Disaster Recovery Center (LT-DRC) will be staffed with local emergency management personnel, state disaster case advocates, and representatives from FEMAs Individual Assistance Program and the Small Business Administration. Doug Reed, Pott. County Emergency Management Director says “489 residents have registered for federal assistance in Pottawattamie County. Some are in the process, others that have been denied are encouraged to appeal, and many others may be eligible for additional state and local assistance programs. The activation of the LT-DRC will serve as an ongoing resource for those impacted by this year’s disasters and a place where they can find help navigating through the process.”

Pott. County EMA

The LT-DRC will open Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Pottawattamie County Emergency Operations Center at 205 S Main St, Council Bluffs, and will operate Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm. The center will continue to operate until there is no further identifiable need for the resource. Any resident impacted by the disasters who need assistance navigating the recovery process, has a question about their FEMA or SBA status, needs assistance with their federal assistance  applications, needs to file an appeal on a denied federal application, or needs ongoing assistance with unmet needs is  encouraged to visit the LT-DRC during its hours of operations.

Alternate operating hours are being considered and planned to maximize opportunities for those who may need assistance from the center. Residents with ongoing or unmet needs can also get connected to assistance by completing the online Pottawattamie County Needs Assessment Survey.

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Guthrie County say two drivers were cited and with one having been arrested, following separate accidents earlier this month. In their report issued today (Tue., Sept. 24th), authorities say the driver of a 2005 Chevy pickup truck was injured during a rollover accident at around 2:30-p.m. on Sept. 6th. 48-year-old James Earl Winfred, of Menlo, was traveling southeast immediately west of the Stuart City limits on White Pole Road, when his pickup drove straight-off a slight “dog leg” left curve in the road. The pickup entered the south ditch and rolled over an unknown amount of times. The vehicle was a total loss.

Winfred – who was wearing his seat belt – was transported by Stuart EMS to the Guthrie County Hospital, where a blood draw was performed by hospital staff. He was later transferred to a hospital in Des Moines for additional treatment. The Sheriff’s office said excessive speed and intoxication were factors in the crash. A breath sample reflected in the accident report came from a preliminary breath testing device. Authorities will update their report when the toxicology results are returned. Winfred was cited for Failure to Maintain Control (FTMC) and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability (Insurance) – accident related.

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office said also, an accident involving a 2013 Chevy pickup with three occupants, occurred at around 6-p.m. on Sept. 5th. Authorities say 28-year-old Jordan Leeann Smith, of Boone, was traveling in the 3100 block of Wagon Road when she swerved to miss a raccoon. Her story was confirmed by the two juveniles riding with her in the vehicle. The pickup went out of control when it swerved, and rolled into a ditch before coming to rest on its side in a soybean field. All three occupants of the vehicle were able to exit it on their own.

Smith was taken into custody for suspected OWI after the investigating deputy detected the odor of alcohol on her breath. She passed the Standard Field Sobriety Test but refused a preliminary breath test. She also refused a specimen of her breath for chemical testing before being turned over to the custody of the jailer. Smith was charged with FTMC and cited for Failure to show proof of insurance – accident related. Jordan Smith was subsequently arrested for OWI/1st offense and two counts of Child Endangerment. She’s scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 27th in Guthrie County Court.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Glenwood Police Deparetment reports two people were arrested last Saturday, on separate Mills County warrants. 47-year-old Todd Schmidt and 43-year-old Jessica Schmidt, both of Pacific Junction, were taken into custody and later posted a $300 cash-only bond, each.

On Monday, Glenwood Police arrested 24-year-old Hunter Bickle, of Glenwood, for Driving Under Suspension. Bickle posted a $300 bond and was released.

(Radio Iowa)- A historic landmark in Spencer that was heavily damaged by flooding in June has a new owner. Andrew Maurer of Spencer has partnered with a non-profit to buy the 104-year-old building, originally known as the Tangney Hotel. “Earl Tangney is my great, great uncle,” Maurer says. “My family was in and out of that hotel for decades, really.” Maurer has experience in remodeling and repairing buildings around the country. Maurer says it would be a shame to demolish the building in downtown Spencer. “Essentially we could tear it down for $1 million and turn it into a parking lot as a town,” Maurer says, “or someone had to step up and take over.”

Maurer says his immediate plan is to stabilize the building. “I’m very happy to help the town of Spencer and I do love the building,” Maurer says. “I believe it can be a huge beacon for Spencer.”

The building had been used by a non-profit called Grand Avenue Community Outreach that provided food, medical care and other social services to residents in the area. In mid-July the group announced the center would permanently close because the cost of repairing the building was more than the organization could take on.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The 32nd Annual Coca-Cola Days will be held this weekend on Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th in Atlantic. The event is the second largest collector’s show in the United States and includes a tailgate barbecue open to the public, a Show, Swap & Sell, Coca-Cola themed raffle and many more activities for all ages. The theme for the 2024 Coca-Cola Days is a “Celebrate Together” tailgate theme. The committee brainstormed ways to celebrate the theme through raffle items which include Coca-Cola bag chairs, yard games, music speaker, cooler and bags board.

A Classic Car Show & Shine will take place during the festivities in the front parking lot of the Community Center from 9AM-2PM on Saturday September 28th. Community members are encouraged to bring their cars to display while also walking through the Show, Swap, & Sell inside the Community Center building. Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Programs Director Kelsey Beschorner says “We wanted to continue this fun addition to the event, and it went perfectly with our tailgating theme. To add a Coca-Cola twist to the event we will be offering a special commemorative Coca-Cola item to the first 25 attendees of the Show & Shine.”

COCA COLA DAYS 2024

Raffle tickets are available at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce for $5 a ticket or 5 tickets for 20. The winner will be announced Saturday, September 28th at 2 PM at the Show, Swap & Sell meet at the Cass County Community Building. Tickets will also be available for purchase that day. For more information on Coca-Cola Days or a full list of activities, please visit www.atlanticiowa.com, call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Rotary Club is excited to announce its annual raffle fundraiser, with proceeds going towards the Atlantic Police Department’s efforts to provide the Atlantic Community School District with a School Resource Officer (SRO). Through this raffle, the club aims to raise funds to help ensure that Atlantic’s students have access to the resources they need to thrive. Atlantic Rotary Club President  David Schwab said “We encourage the entire community to participate in this important fundraiser. By purchasing a raffle ticket, you’re not only supporting a worthy cause, but also helping to create a safe and supportive learning environment for our children.”

The raffle drawing will take place during the Annual Rotary Auction on November 23rd, and winners don’t need to be present to win. Tickets are one for $20 or five for $100. Each ticket enters purchasers into a drawing for three cash prizes: $1,500; $1,000 and $500. Tickets can be purchased from an Atlantic Rotarian or online at www.atlanticiowa.com. The Atlantic Police Department will be using the proceeds to help purchase a vehicle, radios, uniforms, and protective equipment for the officer.

Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue said “We are humbled by the Atlantic Rotary Club’s choice to support our fundraising efforts to obtain equipment for the position of school resource officer. We strongly believe that this position will add safety and security to our schools as well as build long lasting relationships with the youth of Atlantic. Atlantic Community School District has been a great partner to work with during the creation of this position and we look forward to a collaborative effort that ensures this position has the tools and support to make a positive impact in our community.”

The Annual Atlantic Rotary Auction will be held at the Cass County Community Center and begins at 5:30-p.m. with a social hour. Dinner begins at 6:15-p.m.The Auction is set to begin at 7:15-p.m., with evening entertainment to follow. More information about the entertainment and items up for auction will be available as the event gets closer. To purchase dinner tickets or a table, contact Ted Robinson at ted@firstwhitneybank.com.

The Atlantic Rotary Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is service in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. The club is made up of local business and community members who live by the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” through local projects that meet this mission. To learn more about Atlantic Rotary, visit www.atlanticrotary.com or follow on Facebook at Atlantic Rotary Club.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, this (Tuesday) morning drew lots to determine staggered term limits for each member of the Compensation Board, and passed a resolution to establish a County Compensation Board. The first group with 4-year term limits include Treasurer, Sheriff, Auditor and Recorder, The second group with 2-year term limits include Board of Supervisors, Attorney and Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Donna Robinson…

The Compensation Board, which is typically comprised of representatives from each County department. The resolution is retroactive to July 1, 2024. The Compensation Board recommends salary levels or increases to the supervisors during each fiscal year’s budget process. This past July, those types of boards were eliminated under a bill approved by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Governor Kim Reynolds. County officials then had the option of whether to reinstate comp boards, or assume their responsibilities.

In other business, the Board of Supervisors in Montgomery County act to approve: a contract lease with Life Unposed, LLC, with regard to the Highland Annex. The agreement is similar to that the County has with Family Connections. The only difference is the square footage and price per footage; and, they approved abatement of taxes for certain, City of Elliott-owned properties/parcels, in the amount of $636.

The Board continued discussion with regard to a Public Comment Policy for their meetings. Supervisor Board Chair Mike Olsen said the proposed (DRAFT) policy calls for speakers to talk on an agenda matter for no more than three-minutes at the beginning, and no more than 30-minutes, at the end.

There would be no more than two speakers allowed on each agenda topic. The proposed policy is based on one Pottawattamie County has had for about 2 ½ -years, and would call for a recording of the proceedings be “Paused,” during the public comment period. Auditor Jill Ozuna…

Ozuna said for those who appear on Zoom and wish to speak, that they be asked at the beginning of the meeting if they wish to be added to the agenda so they can be included on the sign-in sheet. Supervisor Donna Robinson…

Supervisors Mark Peterson and Randy Cooper agreed with keeping the comments civil, but were not supportive of comments included at the end of the meeting. Cooper also agreed with Donna Robinson, that what they have now is not broken. Supervisor Olson said he feels “A more structured policy on public comments.” He said he would entertain members of the Board making changes to the draft policy, and bring it back in January for a vote.

And, Montgomery County Engineer Karen Albert provided the Board with the weekly, Secondary Roads Department report.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – In an update to our report Monday about a two-vehicle accident north of Atlantic, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office today (Tuesday) said no serious injuries were reported. The accident happened at around 8:51-a.m., near 54051 Olive St., where two-vehicles collided and initial reports said there were injuries and the road was blocked. Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived on scene to find a 2018 Nissan Armada operated by Chad Begley, of Atlantic, in the ditch of the roadway facing South.  The second vehicle, a 2007 GMC Acadia operated by Brian Fager, of Atlantic, was facing North within the roadway and blocking traffic.  Both drivers were receiving basic medical attention at the scene.

Once they had received medical attention, both parties were interviewed regarding the incident.  It was found that both vehicles were traveling North on Olive St.  Begley had slowed down / stopped waiting for oncoming traffic to pass so he could turn into a driveway.  Fager was traveling North as well and was the car immediately behind Begley.  Fager looked down for a moment and when he looked back up, it was too late to stop in time.  Fager’s front end collided with the rear end of Begley’s vehicle, causing totaling damage to both vehicles.  Both vehicles were towed from the roadway and ditch.

Both drivers received medical attention at the scene.

(Radio Iowa) – A pilot program aims to increase the overall health of residents in the town of Manchester and in Van Buren County. Experts are collecting extensive data on the two eastern Iowa communities. That’s so they eventually know how to make the most strategic investments in public health. Jason Henderson, vice president of Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach, says they hope the program has very long-lasting effects. “We’re going to need to step back into the communities and look at them five years from now, 10 years from now, how did this one ripple of us dropping the stone in the brook,” Henderson says, “and how has it rippled over time?”

Edith Parker, dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa, says setting up the plan will take several years as it needs to be carefully plotted out.  “Sometimes you don’t consider that as a community of, if I build a trail, then that’s money I maybe could have put into the school system,” Parker says, “and at the end of the day, which lever is really going to kind of be more impactful?”

The program is led by the Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition, which is made up of experts from Iowa’s three Regents universities, Wellmark and the Iowa Rural Development Council. It was launched in April.

(Omaha, NE) – A fund (<<GoFundMe account link highlighted) is available for persons wishing to help the family of a former Cass County (IA) man who died in a shooting last week in Omaha. 24-year-old Cameron Watkins died Sunday at a hospital, following the shooting Sept. 16th. He had been on life support until Sunday. Watkins moved to Omaha a couple years ago. He graduated from the Atlantic High School in 2018, and is the son of Zach Watkins.

Omaha police said Cameron Watkins in his vehicle at around 1:30-p.m., when he was caught in cross-fire the erupted during an attempted robbery. Organizers of the fund benefiting his family, say Watkins was an organ donor and gave the gift of life to others. Now his family needs support for his upcoming funeral and/or memorial expenses.

Cameron Watkins

All funds will go toward celebration of life service and expenses for Cameron to be held at a date to be determined. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated by his family and friends. Cameron Watkins was the father of two-children, ages one-year and three-months old. He leaves behind his loving girlfriend and mother of his children.

Authorities say three males, one 20-years old, the second 19-years-old, and a 15-year-old were arrested. Two of the suspects have appeared in court.