The Atlantic Memorial Day service will be held Monday, May 27 at 10:00 am at the Atlantic Cemetery Field of Glory.  Steve Livengood, local veteran who helps to coordinate those events, has announced that the flags that are normally raised on Friday and left through the weekend will not be raised until Monday morning.

The flags will be raised to half-mast Monday morning at 7:00 am and lowered and stored at 5:00 pm.  The service will feature canon fire to begin, the Atlantic High School Band and keynote speaker Ryan Graham.  If you can’t make it to the service, KJAN TV will provide live streaming video.

(Radio Iowa) – The Waterloo Visiting Nurses Association will be closing its doors at the end of the month after almost a century of work in Black Hawk County and beyond. Executive director Annett Burke says like many nonprofit health organizations, the Waterloo Visiting Nurses Association has seen diminishing private donations and minimal Medicare reimbursement. “With all of that, it has all combined into the perfect storm in that we are just no longer able to provide services and still cover the overhead.” Burke says staffing has become a major issue.

“It’s very difficult to get and retain nurses and nurses aids,” says. “They are the ones who are the meat of the industry.” The non-profit in Waterloo has provided a variety of services, like nutrition classes, blood pressure checks and immunization clinics.

There are other Visiting Nurses Associations still operating in the state in places like Council Bluffs, Iowa City and Dubuque.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages campers to buy firewood from where they will burn it instead of bringing it from home. Tivon Feeley, DNR Forest Health Forester, says “Moving unseasoned firewood around the state can threaten the health of our forests by spreading insects like emerald ash borer (EAB), oak wilt, and other pests that live in firewood.”

Plenty of firewood is available locally to your favorite state or county park. Ask a park ranger or campground host where you can get local firewood. Make sure you burn all of your firewood at your campsite and not leave it or transport to a new area.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship requires all firewood sold or acquired in Iowa to have the county and state of harvest location on the label of packages and the delivery ticket for bulk firewood.

Learn more about the importance of using local or certified heat-treated firewood at www.dontmovefirewood.org/.

(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold School Board, during their meeting Monday evening (May 20^th), acted on approving staff resignations and new hires.

That’s Griswold Superintendent Dave Henrichs, who said also, the School Board took action on the District’s TLC positions.

In other business, the Griswold School Board approved the purchase through Griswold Communications, of a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system, and, a contract for internet content monitoring

Henrichs said “The Board approved a couple of fundraisers” for football cheer leading.

The Board held a rather lengthy discussion, with regard to a COPS Grant, as it relates to a School Resource Officer (SRO).

Henrichs said they were able to find a partner, but after further research found that it is a three-year grant, however “year four” is a sustainability piece, which requires the districts to take on the entire cost. The Griswold School Board opted not to commit to that right now, and decided they would not be applying for the grant, at this time.

The Board set Activities passes for the next school year, but since Griswold belongs to the Corner Conference, and the Principles in the Conference are the executive decision making committee, Conference by-laws state its members will charge the same amount for admission prices. That amount won’t be known though, until the Corner Conference Boards this coming week, but Henrichs says the range is expected to be between five-and seven-dollars per event.

By not charging Griswold students a fee to attend home events, Henrichs said they try to encourage participation, and that it can be expensive for families, so that’s why they opted out of a fee for homes games, to encourage families to attend home events.

In other business, the Griswold School Board approved: Continuation of an agreement with the City of Griswold, with regard to sharing of personnel and/or equipment; A Social Worker Services agreement with the AEA, and, an ELL (English Language Learner) agreement with the AEA, whereby the agency to provide virtual support and services.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial beginning to Iowa’s boating season is days away and boaters across the state are busy preparing their watercraft for the holiday. Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said Memorial Day weekend is often the first time on the water for many boaters and they should take time to review Iowa boating laws and plan to have patience at the ramp and on the water. Stocker said “Recent heavy rain across the state will reduce water clarity and add flood debris to the rivers and larger reservoirs. Boaters will need to use caution and watch for obstacles, including debris floating just under the surface.” She said “Regardless of the weather forecast, it will be busy on the water.”

One way boaters can stay on the water is by inspecting their vessels prior to heading to the lake. Stocker says “There are a few simple things boaters can do to have a safe weekend on the water and topping that list is to have a designated boat operator who abstains from alcohol. Operators will also need to watch their speed and be on the lookout for others.” She said boaters should make sure lifejackets are in good condition and the right size for each person onboard. Check the fire extinguisher, boat and trailer lights, whistle, and throwable floatation.

Boaters are reminded about the requirement that drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid spreading invasive species. Anglers leaving with fish are recommended to put them on ice, whether in a cooler, a bucket or a live well (plug must still be removed and/or opened). Operators can brush up on rules and regulations, by taking the DNR boating safety course. Iowa law requires any person 12-17 years old, who will operate a motorboat over ten horsepower or a personal watercraft, to successfully complete the education program.  It is available online at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Boating/Boater-Education. Stocker reminds everyone on board that they need a properly fitted lifejacket. Safety officials also urge you to wear it. “It is similar to seat belts on the road. You won’t have time to grab it and put it on, when facing an emergency situation,” she said.

Iowa has more than 211,000 registered boats.

Boating safety Tips

• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun, glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol hindering the operator’s ability to make decisions.
• Check for open ramps or water hazards before heading out.
• Before leaving the house, check the trailer lights, wheel bearings and the hitch.
• Make sure there is a current fire extinguisher and horn/whistle, a wearable life jacket for everyone and a USCG approved throwable device onboard.
• File a float plan with a friend, including your destination, expected time of return and type of boat.
• Wear your lifejacket – it floats, you don’t.
• Inflatable lifejackets are light weight, comfortable and USCG approved. Wear it.
• Take a boater education course. It has valuable information and many insurance companies will offer a discount on boat insurance.
• Top two safety violations in Iowa are having inadequate life jackets and operating too fast and too close to other vessels.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Iowa’s state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season. Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR’s State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, says “Park visitors are excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather after a long winter inside. Our parks offer a variety of activities for all enthusiasts from hiking the trails to picnicking, fishing and swimming. There’s something for everyone while enjoying the outdoors.”

Campers are urged to plan ahead when visiting Iowa state parks and forests for Memorial Day weekend. Most electrical and full hookup sites in busy parks are already reserved, so campers may want to consider non-electric sites or at “hidden gem” parks a little further away from home. Additionally, Iowa state parks and forests offer around 950 non-reservable sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, with most people choosing to stay Thursday through the weekend.

To find site availability and make a reservation, go to https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/ For an up-to-date list of park and trail closures due to renovations or weather-related alerts, visit: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures

Park visitors can help take care of the parks by cleaning up trash after themselves, and carrying out what they brought in. Please park vehicles in designated parking lots and not along roadways. If visiting beaches, be aware that most swimming areas do not have a lifeguard on duty, and pets must be kept off beaches and be on a leash.

Arntzen says “We hope that campers enjoy their time and make memories while staying in our parks and recreational areas, and do so safely and return again.”

Tips

• Keep track of the weather and have a plan in case of severe weather
• Pack bug spray, sun screen and a basic first-aid kit
• Check the registration kiosk for activities in the area
• Don’t burn trash
• Don’t bring fireworks
• Be a good neighbor. Observe quiet hours and pick up after yourself

(Elk Horn, Iowa) – The Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton School Board held a public hearing Wednesday evening with regard to a 2023-24 Budget Amendment. Superintendent Trevor Miller said there was only one person who attended the hearing, and they simply wanted to ask a question.

The other aspect to the the Budget Amendment was additional staffing, and purchasing, with the idea being there is enough money to cover any such needed expenditures.

Miller says the District facilities project will begin next Tuesday (May 28), with demolition in the Elk Horn building.

The Board, Wednesday, approved Cross Country sharing with Audubon.

And, the school board approved a new hire and a resignations.

Mr. Miller says the Board agreed to change their Summer meeting dates to June 19^th and July 16^th at 5:30-p.m., on both dates. That’s not unusual. They do that to try and accommodate everyone’s schedule. The last day of classes at Exira-EHK was held Wednesday. Beginning July 1^st, Trevor Miller will serve as the shared Superintendent for the Audubon-EHK School Districts. Dr. Angela Huseman will serve as the shared IKM-Manning/Tri-Center CSD Superintendent. Previously, Dr. Huseman served as high school principal in Tri-Center.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department say a woman from Pottawattamie County was arrested, Thursday. 38-year-old Alicia Nicole Bothe, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at around 11:35-a.m. at 612 New York Avenue, for Driving While Suspended. Bothe was cited and released from the scene, on a Promise to Appear in court.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – If anyone is wondering how to help the residents of Greenfield by donating cash or supplies, please see the St. John’s Catholic Church Facebook page, as that is a GREAT resource of information. The link is pinned to the kjan.com Facebook page.

An updated needs list (as of late Thursday) to help loca residents, include: Casey’s gas cards, Fareway gift cards, Dollar General gift cards (those stores we have here locally). Many residents lost everything, and many have lost power.

St. John’s officials say tarps are not currently needed, as they have an ample supply now. Plywood is also not needed, because there is a good supply on-hand. Clothing was collected at the Adair County Health and Fitness Center, and St. John’s says as of Thursday, they had enough clothing. Residents in Greenfield in need of clothing are invited to come in and shop. Friday’s hours are 8-a.m. To 6-p.m.

Grief and Trauma Counseling will be in Greenfield over the next few days.

If you’d like to make an online donation, please use the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation‘s paypal link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/…

This is the official way to give online! Designate ‘Tornado Relief’.

(Area) – Severe storms that formed in Nebraska early this (Friday) morning raced into western Iowa, causing the National Weather Service to issue Tornado Warnings for some areas (including in Cass County), where radar detected rotation in the atmosphere. The storms reached Atlantic at around 3:30-a.m., bringing heavy rain and damaging winds that caused some large tree limbs to fall and block the road, at 7^th and Linn, and other locations. Downed tree limbs were also reported to have blocked some roads in Red Oak.

A complete list of storm events/timing/damage (if any), can be found under the Storm Reports story on the Weather page at KJAN.com. Winds were the primary factor in the damage that occurred, with sustained gusts estimated at anywhere from 60-miles per hour in Glenwood, to 75-miles per hour in Greenfield, where they are trying to recover from Tuesday’s deadly EF-4 tornado.

North of Glenwood. Photo courtesy Shannon Kennedy Barton.

The Weather service reports:

• Shingles were blown off a roof or roofs in Glenwood at around 2:49-a.m.
• A semi was overturned by gusty winds 5 miles N/NW of Pacific Junction, at around 2:57-a.m.
• The City of Elliott lost power at around 3:30-a.m.
• Winds gusted to 61 mph 8 miles SW of Cumberland at 3:45-a.m.
• Dime-size hail along with 70-75 mph winds were reported in Greenfield, at around 4:15-a.m.

There were no immediate reports of injuries associated with this latest round of severe weather.