(Iowa DNR) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), today (Tuesday), said they are investigating an apparent drowning on July 14 on the Mississippi River near Buffalo Shores.

Two men were boating from the Buffalo Shores Campground to the shoreline near Beach Pub Bar in Buffalo where they intended to register for a fishing tournament. As they approached shore, Michael Eskridge, 48 of Davenport, was preparing the anchor line in the bow of the boat when he lost his balance and fell overboard.

Iowa DNR and the Buffalo Fire Department located and recovered Eskridge’s body at 8:15 p.m.

Eskridge’s body was located and recovered at 8:15 PM by the Iowa DNR and the Buffalo Fire Department. The Buffalo Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Park Rangers, Muscatine Fire Department and Montpelier Fire Department were also dispatched and assisted in the recovery.

CRESTON, Iowa – July 18, 2023 – The Iowa DOT’s Creston Construction Office says if you plan on driving along U.S. 59 south of Shenandoah in the coming weeks, you need to be aware of a road construction project that may slow down your trip.

Starting on Monday, July 24, weather permitting, construction crews will be working on asphalt paving and grading work at the bridge over Fisher Creek, 1.2 miles south of Iowa 2 near Shenandoah. The roadway will be reduced to one lane with a lane-width restriction of 12-feet. You will be directed through the work zone with temporary traffic lights.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety report that on July 13th, Troopers and Officers from multiple agencies joined law enforcement partners across the country, as part of the ongoing “Highway 20 Speed Enforcement Project.” The Project, started by the Iowa State Patrol, has grown into a nationwide effort among state police, state highway patrol and local police agencies, to promote traffic safety and reduce crashes across the 12 state that U.S. Highway 20 runs through.

U-S 20 spans nearly the length of the country, from east-to-west, running from Newport, OR to Boston, MA. It was designated as the longest highway in the country in 1989, at 3,365 miles. As of 2020, various projects have slightly shortened its length. The Highway 20 Project is a bimonthly collaborative effort, taking place on a select day with a two-hour initiative in the morning and again in the evening. During the July 13 initiative, 93 officers across the country made 691 contacts with the motoring public. Of those, 389 resulted in citations, 295 warnings, and seven motorists were assisted.

In Iowa, U-S 20 covers 333 miles. Over the course of the four projects in 2023, multiple officers from over 40 agencies have issued 1,965 citations, 1,275 warnings, and assisted 76 motorists. Lieutenant Brian Beenen, District 9 Commander, Cedar Falls, says “With the goal of improving safety and reducing crashes on all roadways, the Iowa State Patrol is thankful for the partnerships that have been made to make this project successful. This coast-to-coast initiative involves over 40 law enforcement agencies across the country. We look forward to continued collaboration to make our roadways safe.”

The public is encouraged to call 911 in Iowa or 911, to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired drivers.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, this (Tuesday) morning, acknowledged the receipt of a recommendation by the County Zoning Commission, to change the zoning classification from General Agricultural to Light Industrial, with regard to a parcel of land located in Pymosa Township. The request to the Commission was from Ronald West.

Zoning Commissioner Mike Kennen explained West’s request passed all the checks needed for approval.

He said West wants to change to the zoning for the purpose of establishing a gunsmithing, manufacturing, repair and sales business, similar to one approved in November, 2022, for McCunn Specialty Firearms, in Massena. Kennon explained where West’s shop is located.

Cass County Zoning Administrator Mike Kennon speaks with the County BOS 7/18/23.

After acknowledging the recommendation, the Board set their next meeting on July 25th at 9-a.m., as the date and time for a Public Hearing on the recommendation.

(Audubon, Iowa) – Audubon School District Superintendent Eric Trager reports the District’s building projects at the Middle School/High School Buildings have remained on-budget, and he’s hopeful they will be finished before the start of the 2023-24 School Year on August 23rd.

Even if the projects are not fully completed, as long as the life safety systems are in-place, the kitchen is fully up and operational, and all the inspections are done, there shouldn’t be any reason school can’t start on-time and the buildings occupied. Eric Trager said the construction trades industry, like many industries, are in desperate need of workers, and he suggests one way to fill that gap, is by encouraging students who are wondering what to do after they graduate, to attend a trade school.

He says opportunities abound for those who have the learned skills and work ethic. Mr. Trager said the Audubon School Board, Monday night, approved an Elementary School LED lighting project.

He said the Board also approved personnel matters, and several administrative items on their agenda, during their first meeting of the new fiscal year, including: The District’s Legal Counsel; Equity Coordinators; Asbestos Manager; Level 1 and 2 Investigators; Bank depositories and limits; and the separate second as well as first readings of multiple Board Policies.

They also approved the Sports Booster’s Concession Stand Project.

Mr. Trager said they’re excited to get the kids thinking about coming back to school and are looking forward to August 23rd. The next meeting of the Audubon School Board takes place August 21st.