The Council Bluffs Police Department reported Friday, four Council Bluffs residents had been arrested and charged with first-degree robbery in connection with a Nov. 4th robbery at a convenience store. Three suspects – including the man the Council Bluffs Police Department believes entered Casey’s General Store at 701 32nd Ave., with a gun – were arrested Friday in Council Bluffs. Another alleged accomplice was arrested in Omaha.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped slightly to 4.5 percent in October, down from 4.6 percent in September. Iowa Workforce Development announced the rate Friday, noting that Iowa’s labor force is at an all-time high of 1.7 million.

The rate in October compared to a 4.4 percent jobless rate in October 2013. Nationally, the unemployment rate for October was 5.8 percent.

Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce report their challenge of having small business owners invite 50 Atlantic shoppers to pledge to shop small businesses in town, has been accepted and exceeded. Participating businesses along with the Chamber had received 135 pledges as of Friday, Nov. 21st. The goal was to have at least 50.

Chamber Executive Director Quida Wymer said “We challenged Atlantic businesses to reach a goal of 50 pledges by Nov. 29th, and in just a few short days they had met their goal and shortly after doubled their goal.” She said also, it’s fun watching the participating businesses rally community members to shop Atlantic on Small Business Saturday.”

Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities. The following businesses are participating: Aunt B’s;  Bonnesen’s Five & Ten Store; Brink Flower & Gift; Brown’s Shoe Fit; Brymon Interiors; Cappel’s Ace Hardware; Dvorak Tire & Service; Geis Perry Jewelry; Howard’ s Clothing; Hy-Vee; Lindeman Tractor Inc.; Lou Lous; Renew Ag Supply; Robinson True Value Hardware; Tinder Box; The Nest Egg; The TV Store; Something for You; Steffens Cycle, and Unique Salon & Spa.

“Shop Atlantic, Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate the small businesses that help support our community,” said Wymer. “Support local businesses and receive Shop Small giveaways like canvas tote bags.” On November 29th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Atlantic community is encouraged to Shop Atlantic small business. It’s suggested you kick off the day by fueling up before you shop at
Downtowner Cafe & Catering, Family Table and Sweet Joy Shoppe.

Officials with the Shelby County Dept. of Public Health reported Friday Shelby County and the surrounding area have been experiencing several cases of influenza confirmed. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. Anyone can get the flu, and vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune response to provide full protection. Rachel Birks, RN, Public Health Nurse, says “With flu activity increasing and family and friends gathering for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. While the flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. It spreads easily from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. The flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days. Influenza may cause severe illness or complications in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.

Flu vaccine is still available through the Public Health office or through your local medical clinic. In Shelby County, call 712-755-4422 to make an appointment for you or your loved ones to receive the flu vaccine.

A jury in Pottawattamie County deliberated about three hours before handing down a guilty verdict in the first-degree murder trial of Robert Reynolds, Friday. His sentencing is set for 1:30-p.m., January 14th. The Daily NonPareil reports the jury of nine women and three men heard closing arguments Friday morning from the prosecution and defense in the case of Reynolds, a 63-year-old Oakland man charged in the shooting death of Patricia Kinkade-Dorsey, 64, of Atlantic, during the early morning hours of April 8th.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) board today (Friday) awarded direct financial assistance and tax benefits to four companies for job creation and expansion projects. Among them was a logistics company that plans to acquire a site in Council Bluffs. XTL, Inc. is a leading customized logistics solutions provider that utilizes state-of-the-art robotic warehousing and inventory control for commodities and finished goods.

The company specializes in providing capacities to primary processors and employees in order to maximize on-site production while using off-site logistics resources. This $62 million capital investment project was awarded tax benefits through the HQJP to create 50 jobs, of which 16 are incented, at a qualifying hourly wage of $17.06.

Today’s awards will assist in the creation of 156 jobs, retain 89 jobs and will result in over $157 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved innovation funding to six startups.