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Atlantic Councilman looks for volunteers to help out with City clean-up and other tasks

News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Fresh on the heels of last week’s 4th Ward Meet-and-Greet in Atlantic, the man who represents the Ward – Councilman Shawn Sarsfield – continues his quest to promote volunteerism in the community, and to help keep Atlantic a clean city for residents and visitors alike. Sarsfield spoke with KJAN late last week. He said during the Meet-and-greet event, about 30 people attended, including some who were not from Ward 4, who wanted to partake in the discussions that were held.

He said there was discussion with regard to the City’s 5-year Comprehensive Plan, and the steps the City needs to take in order for it to grow. The new housing program was also mentioned.

Atlantic City Councilman Sean Sarsfield (Photo from the City’s website)

Out of the discussion, came the idea of volunteers helping those less fortunate, who cannot afford to pay for their lawn to be mowed, and other tasks we take for granted.

He says there are sign-up papers at City Hall in Atlantic, for those who are interested in volunteering for those odds jobs, to lend their hands in support of the Ward. You don’t have to be from Ward 4 to participate. Sarsfield says the feeling of helping your neighbors – even those you don’t know – is worth the experience.

He says you can volunteer when you have the time to do so. If you’re called upon to help with a task and can’t spare the time, it’s OK. You can share your time at a later date, if you like. Shawn Sarsfield says he just appreciates your willingness to volunteer as time allows. He said people stepped-up after the June 4th meeting, to offer their tools and equipment as necessary, to aid in the clean-up efforts.

He says he plans to hold another meeting this Fall, to see how volunteerism efforts are helping, and to see how the concerns mentioned at last week’s meeting, are being addressed. And, as previously reported, be on the lookout for other Atlantic City Council members to hold meetings for their respective Wards, in the weeks and months to come.

Atlantic RAGBRAI Housing Forms are Still Open

News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic RAGBRAI ® housing forms for hosts and riders continue to be open for Atlantic RAGBRAI 2024. All forms can be found at www.atlanticragbrai.com, or at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 102 Chestnut Street, in Atlantic.

Volunteers who are interested in becoming a host family are encouraged to apply. Hosts can choose to provide any space that they are willing, whether that be lawns, basements, or spare rooms. A bathroom and shower space must be made available for the riders.

The deadline for riders applying for housing closes on June 14, but host applications will continue to stay open until all housing requests have been filled. If you have any questions about what it takes to become a housing host or about the host process, please don’t hesitate to contact Atlantic RAGBRAI at 712.243.3017 or email atlanticragbrai@gmail.com.

The Atlantic RAGBRAI Committee will continue to meet regularly to plan for Atlantipalooza on July 22nd. As information is available, it will be shared with the community and on the website www.atlanticragbrai.com. Community members and riders alike are encouraged to follow Atlantic RAGBRAI on Facebook and Instagram for updates and all things Atlantic RAGBRAI.

STEVE PAGE, 74, of Prescott (Svcs. 6/14/24)

Obituaries

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

STEVE PAGE, 74, of Prescott, died Saturday, June 8, 2024, at home. Funeral services for STEVE PAGE will be held 11-a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Prescott United Church, Disciples of Christ (in Prescott, IA). Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center, in Corning has the arrangements.

Open visitation at the funeral home is on Thursday, June 13th, from 3-until 7-p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5-until 7-p.m.

Inurnment is in the Evergreen Cemetery, at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Prescott Volunteer Fire Department and/or The Eagles’ Nest.

Condolences may be left on-line at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

(UPDATE) No injuries reported following accident in Atlantic Sunday

News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – In an update to our early posts and reports, the Atlantic Police Department says no injuries were reported following a collision Sunday at W. 22nd and Chestnut Streets. According the P-D, a vehicle driven by Carole Schroder, of Walnut, was facing eastbound on W. 22nd Street at the stop sign. A vehicle driven by Tyler Turner, of Atlantic, was southbound on Chestnut Street.

Schroder proceeded into the intersection, failing to yield from the stop sign before her vehicle was struck by Turner’s vehicle. The accident happened at around 3:11-p.m.

Schroder told Officers she didn’t see the other vehicle approaching. Damage to the vehicles amounted to $10,000 altogether.

WEEK OF JUNE 10, 2024

Trading Post

June 10th, 2024 by Jim Field

FOR SALE: Super Boom Turbo Diesel New Holland Skid Loader for sale. Asking $16,000. Also a 4-Wheel Drive John Deere Tractor with hydrostatic and a loader. Asking $16,000. And several Allis-Chalmer tractors for sale. Call for details. 712-355-1566 in Council Bluffs

FOR SALE: An MTD 4.5 horsepower engine with new oil and new air filter. $20. Call 712-304-4550. Also looking for a white KJAN baseball cap with red lettering.

WANTED: A small pickup to buy or trade for a 2002 Ford Explorer. Also needing someone to look at the driver’s seat or needing to buy a driver’s seat for 2002 Ford Explorer. And needing a manual for a Deluxe Scooter. Call Fred at 712-243-4016

FOR SALE:  Two handmade trellises for your climbing plants. Made out of treated wood.  One is a little over 8 feet tall, asking $20.  The other one is 10 feet tall, asking $30.  Call or text (701) 240-8190,  I can deliver in Atlantic.

FOR SALE: 1999 Yamaha Road Star Motorcycle. It has a Full Touring package. Has 6,600 miles on it. Like new. It has new tires. It will come with 11 cubic foot pull behind trailer. Asking $14,400 for it. Call 712-254-1111. Call between 7am-6:30 pm.

FREE:  Free to good homes…Male cats that have been fixed.  712-227-3477.

FOR SALE:  LG Air Conditioner. 14,000 BTU.  Uses 110.  Works great.  Also have the support bracket.  712-227-3477.

FOR SALE:  Bachmann Turner concert tickets at the surf ballroom in Clear Lake Iowa on Saturday, June 19th. The concert is sold out. I have eight tickets.  $40.00, make an offer.  Will sell all or part of the eight. Call 712-249-0900. Dale Gross, Atlantic.

FOR SALE:  Forest River Palamino Sabre 2009 30 ft. Very clean, sleeps six, all amenities work. Large fridge, large bath w/ full shower & porcelain toilet. Pass thru belly storage, 30A service, tires not new but look good.  Rebuilt furnace. Roof resealed, slide out weatherstrip replaced. $12,500 OBO Call or text 712-249-4342SOLD!

Heartbeat Today 6-10-2024

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

June 10th, 2024 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Atlantic Ward 4 Councilman Shawn Sarsfield to follow-up on a meeting held last week with area residents.

Play

7 arrested in Creston over the past three days

News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston say seven people were arrested on separate charges and/or warrants over the past few days. There were two arrests on Friday, in Creston:

At around 4:05-p.m., 30-year-old Darren McCay Wilker, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston/Union County LEC, under the authority of a Department of Corrections Warrant charging him with two-counts of Violation of Probation, on an original charge of Domestic Abuse Assault. Wilker was later released on a $600 cash or surety bond. And, at around 4:47-p.m., Friday, Creston Police arrested 39-year-old Samantha Lynn Hays, of Creston, for OWI/3rd or Subsequent Offense. Hays was taken to the Union County Jail then transferred to the Adams County Jail. She was later released on a $5,000 cash or surety bond.

Two people were arrested Saturday, in Creston:

At around 6:15-p.m., 36-year-old Wesley Gene Keeler, Jr. of Creston, was arrested on a Union County Warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault by Impeding Air/Blood Flow – causing Bodily Injury, and False Imprisonment. Keeler was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $6,000 bond; At around 2:30-a.m., Saturday, Creston Police arrested 24-year-old William Joseph Wulff, of Creston, at the Creston Union County LEC. Wulff was charged with OWI/1st Offense. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.

And, three people were arrested in Creston, on Sunday:

A little after 12-a.m., 30-year-old Storm Julian Spencer, of Creston, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct-Fighting/Violent Behavior, and Public Intoxication. Spencer was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $600 bond; 50-year-old Timothy Daniel Williams, of Creston, was arrested at around 12:10-a.m., Sunday for Possession of Controlled Substance/Marijuana-1st offense, Public Intoxication, and Disorderly Conduct-Fighting/Violent Behavior. Williams was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $1,600 cash or surety bond; and, 39-year-old Kevin Wayne Rauch, of Creston, was arrested a little before 10-p.m., Sunday, at the Creston Union County LEC. Rauch was charged with False Reports-911 Call, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine 1st Offense. He remains held in the Union County Jail on a $1,600 cash or surety bond.

PAT BOWER, 84, of Atlantic (& formerly of the Anita & Bridgewater areas) – Svcs. 6/14/24

Obituaries

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

PAT BOWER, 84, of Atlantic (& formerly of the Anita & Bridgewater areas), died Sunday, June 9, 2024, at his home in Atlantic.  Funeral services for PAT BOWER will be held 10:30-a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Bridgewater Activity Center. Lamb Funeral Home in Massena has the arrangements.

The family will greet friends on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Bridgewater Activity Center from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial is in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery north of Bridgewater.  A luncheon will follow the burial at the Bridgewater Activity Center. 

Memorials may be directed to the Pat Bower Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

ISU lab develops test for mosquito-borne virus that can strike hogs, humans

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa State University researchers have created a test to detect a disease that could threaten the state’s pork industry, although it has not been found in the U-S. The test can identify Japanese encephalitis virus, or J-E-V, which is spread by mosquitoes and is related to West Nile and Zika. Rahul Nelli, at I-S-U’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, says most cases of J-E-V in pigs result in mild symptoms, but an outbreak could be very costly.

“The economic losses could be around $600-million for the pork production,” Nelli says, “so that’s a significant impact on our pork industry in Iowa.” Nelli, who led I-S-U’s development of the test, says J-E-V can also be a health threat to humans and other animals, including water birds and horses. The virus is present in Southeast Asia and spread to Australia in 2022. Nelli says the test will identify the virus in samples from pigs, or it can be used to tell when it is spreading in the environment.  “Basically, if you have a mosquito population,” he says, “you can collect mosquitos and collect their DNA and screen whether there is J-E-V around your farm.”

Nelli made his comments on the Iowa Public Radio program “River to River.”

IEC models Minnesota in seeking water protections

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A petition to manage nitrate pollution in northeast Iowa’s Driftless Area is trying to follow the successful approach in Minnesota to implementing federal Clean Water Act protections. Iowa Environmental Council attorney Mike Schmidt says the Iowa petition to the E-P-A will be modeled after Minnesota because of geological similarities. “Minnesota issues permits, or issues a general permit, covering more than 12-hundred facilities. Iowa has even more concentrated animal feeding operations, but fewer than 200 of those with permits under the Clean Water Act,” he says. Schmidt says water quality challenges associated with the Driftless Area go beyond state lines.

The facts of the Minnesota case are extremely similar to Iowa because it’s the same geologic formation,” Schmidt says. “Southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa, the Driftless Area and the Karst terrain do not follow a political boundary, it is a geological formation.”

Part of the E-P-A’s protections would include assistance for the region’s private well owners in danger of nitrate pollution. The I-E-C petitioned the E-P-A unsuccessfully for those protections for northeast Iowa in 2022.