(Radio Iowa) – The 2024 Iowa Caucuses are now a little less than six months away and the intensity of the G-O-P presidential contest is growing. Two-thousand evangelical Christians heard from six candidates Friday in Des Moines. Former Fox News Channel host Tucker Carlson interviewed each candidate onstage, with the war in Ukraine as the top topic. Bob Vander Plaats is president and C-E-O of The Family Leader, the group that hosted the event. He urged the crowd to look for an authentic candidate who meets the highest standards.

“God has called us for such a time as this. Pinch yourself! We’re on a front row seat of this. He has us in the crosshairs of it,” Vander Plaats said. Vander Plaats has said it’s time for the G-O-P to turn the page from former President Trump. David Johnson of Grimes, who attended Friday’s Family Leadership Summit, says he’s tired of the way Trump is acting these days. “I was a big Trump supporter for the last two times he ran, but I’m just wearying of his meanness, for lack of a better word,” Johnson says. “He wants to throw anybody under the bus who ever disagrees with him about any aspect of anything.”

Trump is due in Cedar Rapids tomorrow (Tuesday) to tape a program with Sean Hannity that will air on the Fox News Channel. It’s Trump’s first appearance here after complaining last week that Governor Kim Reynolds is maintaining neutrality in the 2024 presidential race — after he set her up to be governor in mid-2017 by naming Terry Branstad U-S ambassador to China. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says some of the Iowans he met this weekend were riled by Trump’s remarks about Reynolds. “I think she’s been a model public servant,” DeSantis said, “and anybody who’s a Republican that’s trying to denigrate her I think is way off base on that.”

DeSantis has joined the list of candidates who say they’ll visit each of Iowa’s 99 counties before the Caucuses.

(Radio Iowa) – A ban on most abortions in Iowa is in effect today (Monday). The ban has been in effect since about 2:45 Friday afternoon. That’s when Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill that bans abortions after cardiac activity can be detected, which is around the sixth week of a pregnancy. “Protecting unborn human lives from the atrocity of abortion, a worthy battle and one I will never concede,” Reynolds said in remarks at the bill signing, held on stage before a gathering of 2000 evangelical Christians in Des Moines.

The law includes exceptions for certain medical conditions. Rape victims who become pregnant will have to prove they notified police or a health care provider within 45 days of the attack or they will not be allowed to have an abortion in Iowa. Incest victims will have to have notified a doctor or police within 140 days of the attack that led to their pregnancy. “It’s unquestionable that the act completely prevents the vast majority of patients from accessing abortion at all,” said

Peter Im, a staff attorney for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. A Polk County district court judge has indicated he will issue a ruling, perhaps as early as today (Monday), on whether the law can be enforced while the lawsuit challenging the abortion ban makes its way through the state court system.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic has a lot on their plate for Wednesday’s 5:30-p.m. meeting, at City Hall. Among the action items, is an Order setting the date of a Public Hearing as August 2nd, 2023, to repeal Chapter 24 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, entitled “Parks and Recreation Board,” and discontinue the Parks and Recreation Board. In his agenda notes, City Administrator John Lund said that after a review, the City of Atlantic’s Personnel and Finance Committee recommended “with all respect due to the Board and the service of its members,” that the Parks Board be dissolved. Their recommendation follows the Committee’s meeting on July 10th, when they reviewed the situation of losing yet another Director for the Parks & Rec Dept, with regard to last month’s resignation of Wyatt Adderton.

On a related note, the City Council, Wednesday, will act on passing a resolution “Creating the Position of Code Enforcement and Animal Control Manager, approving a job description, and setting compensation for FY 2024,” following the Personnel & Finance Committee’s recommendation to re-orient the City’s limited resources towards Code Enforcement and Economic Development. In doing so, the Committee has recommended that the duties of Parks Director be split between the immediate Supervisor, the Public Works Director, and a new position, Parks & Recreation Coordinator, will be a revamped position of the current Assistant Parks and Rec Director. John Lund notes “this will save the City $71,904 and an potential City health care plan enrollee.”

The Committee recommends the following:

• The Parks Coordinator position be set at $50,000, and increase of $4,419.71 for the Assistant Parks Director position.
• Resetting wages for seasonal parks staff to a range of $14-to $17 per hour.
• A promotion for Code Enforcement, Animal Control, and Wastewater Operator Kris Erickson, to Full Department Head (an increase o $4,853.35)
• Adding a second Code Enforcement Officer (Cost to be determined)
• Compensation increase for the Public Works Director to offset increased responsibilities with the Parks Dept. in addition to the three other departments he currently supervises, aligning overall compensation above those he supervises, and for merit for the cost-saving proposal relating to the 2024-2030 Street Improvement Program, an increase of $11,025.00.

The Council will act on passing a resolution “Creating the Position of Parks & Recreation Coordinator,” along with the job description, and setting compensation for FY 2024, and a resolution “Setting Wages for the Atlantic Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Code Enforcement and Animal Control Departments.” You can view the rest of the Council’s agenda here: July 19, 2023 City Council Meeting

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The management and staff of the Sunnyside Pool in Atlantic have extended their heartfelt appreciation to Shift ATL and the generous donors who have contributed to enhancing the pool experience this season. Through a successful fundraiser held at Sunnyside Range, Shift ATL raised a sum of $550, which they used to purchase exciting water toys and engaging activities for the pool. Additionally, the pool was given brand-new guard umbrellas for the season, generously donated by Lindeman Tractor, Little Raskals Daycare, and Rush CPA & Associates.

Sunnyside Pool’s management team states “It’s amazing to have organizations and businesses who support and share the vision of creating a fun and enjoyable environment for all ages. Everything donated adds up to make such an impact on the facility and what is offered.”

Community members and supporters who are interested in further contributing to the pool’s continued enhancement can visit their Amazon wishlist at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/I0H5WJMHJ13M?ref_=wl_share . By searching the wishlist, individuals can select items that align with the pool’s needs and contribute directly to its ongoing effort to enrich the pool experience for everyone who visits.

Sunnyside Pool staff would like to extend gratitude to all who have supported the pool thus far this season. The final date for the regular season hours (Daily 1-7pm, additionally 12-1pm Monday – Friday for adult swim) is expected to be August 20th. Being half way through the season, a half price membership option is now available for purchase at the pool in addition to the new option of a punch pass. With a pass purchase, community members are helping foster a vibrant community space that promotes recreation, togetherness, and lifelong memories and we thank you for that!

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon School District’s Board of Education will hold a work session prior to their regular meeting, Monday. The work session for Policy Review begins at 7-p.m. in the Elementary School Workroom, and will be followed by the regular meeting.

Their agenda is as follows:

7:00 Board Work Session – Policy Review – 104, 104R1, 213, 402.2, 402.5, 408.1, 503.7, 503.7E1, 503.7E2, 505.4, 505.5, 507.2, 507.2E1, 507.2E2, 507.2E3, 507.2E4, 601.1, 603.5, 605.1R1, 605.2, 605.3, 605.3R1, 605.3E5, 605.5, 605.7R1, 607.2, 607.2R1, 804.5, 804.5E1

Call to Order

2.0 Approve Consent Agenda

2.01 Agenda

2.02 Minutes – June 19, 2023

2.03 Warrants and Financial Reports

3.0 Public Comments – Please contact the Supt. or Board President (Board Policy #213)

4.0 Action Items

4.01 Approve Ahlers Cooney as Board and District Legal Councel

4.02 Approve Courtney Walter and Carrie Nelson as Equity Coordinators

4.03 Approve Cass Muzney as Asbestos Manager

4.04 Approve Level I and II Investigators

Level 1 – Eric Trager, Quentin Stanerson, Sam Graeve, Jill Hermansen

Level 2 – Coby Gust

4.05 Name Banking Depositories and Limits

Depositories – Audubon State Bank, Landmands Bank, Iowa School Joint

Investment Trust (ISJIT)

Limits – $3,500,000 Total – Maximum Withdrawal/Transfers of $800,000

4.06 Approve Second Reading – 200.4, 210.5, 216.2, 401.5R1, 401.10, 407.2, 501.2, 604.6, 607.1, 701.2, 701.5, 705.1, 705.1R2, 708, 804.7R1

4.07 Approve First Reading – 104, 104R1, 213, 402.2, 402.5, 408.1, 503.7, 503.7E1, 503.7E2, 505.4, 505.5, 507.2, 507.2E1, 507.2E2, 507.2E3, 507.2E4, 601.1, 603.5, 605.1R1, 605.2, 605.3, 605.3R1, 605.3E5, 605.5, 605.7R1, 607.2, 607.2R1, 804.5, 804.5E1

4.08 Approve Milk Bid Renewal

4.09 Approve Student Handbook Changes

4.10 Approve Sports Booster’s Concession Stand Project

4.11 Approve LED Lighting Project – Elementary

4.12 Approve $250K Loan from General Fund to Management Fund – Insurance

4.13 Approve Change Orders

4.14 Personnel

5.0 Communication & Updates

5.01 Superintendent Report

5.02 Principal’s Reports

6.0 Adjournment

Next Regular Meeting: Monday, August 21, 2023

(Elk Horn, Iowa) – The Exira-EHK School Board’s regular monthly meeting takes place beginning at 6-p.m. Monday, in the Exira-EHK Conference Room, in Elk Horn. Their agenda is as follows (items with an attachment can be found in this link) :

V. Consent Agenda

A. Minutes – June 22, 2023 Regular Meeting

B. Financial Reports

C. Accounts Payable – Board Bills

A. 2023-2024 Elementary School Student Handbook

B. 2023-2024 Middle/High School Student Handbook

C. 2023-2024 Employee Handbook

D. 2023-2024 Fuel Bid

E. 2023-2024 Meal Prices

F. 2023-2024 Legislative Beliefs

G. Disposal of Obsolete & Excess Equipment, Furniture, & Supplies

H. Policy Review – Second/Final Reading

i. 104 – Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Policy

ii. 104.R1 – Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Investigation Procedures

iii. 210.05 – Meeting Notice

iv. 213 – Public Participation in Board Meetings

v. 401.05R1 – Employee Records Regulation

vi. 401.10 to 705.02 – Credit and Procurement Cards

vii. 402.02 – Child Abuse Reporting

viii. 407.02- Licensed Employee Contract Release

ix. 408.01 – Licensed Employee Professional Development

x. 501.02 – Nonresident Students

xi. 505.04 – Testing Program

xii. 505.05 – Graduation Requirements

xiii. 507.02 – Administration of Medication to Students

xiv. 507.02E1 – Authorization-Asthma, Airway Constricting, or Respiratory Distress Medication Self-Administration Consent Form

xv. 507.02E2 – Parental Authorization and Release for the Administration of Medication or Special Health Services to Students

xvi. 601.01 – School Calendar

xvii. 603.05 – Health Education

xviii. 604.06 – Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution

xix. 605.01 – Instructional Materials Selection

xx. 605.01R1 – Selection of Instructional Materials

xxi. 605.02 – Instructional an d Library Materials Inspection and Display

xxii. 605.03 – Objection to Instructional and Library Materials

xxiii. 605.03R1 – Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Regulation

xxiv. 605.05 – School Library

xxv. 605.07R1 – Use of Information Resources Regulation

xxvi. 607.02 – Student Health Services

xxvii. 701.02 – Transfer of Funds

xxviii. 708 – Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records

xxix. 804.05 – Stock Prescription Medication Supply

I. Policy Adoption – Second/Final Reading

i. 200.04 – Board Member Social Media Engagement

ii. 402.05 -Required Professional Development for Employees

iii. 503.07 – Student Disclosure of Identity

iv. 503.07E1 – Report of Student Disclosure of Identity

v. 503.07E2 – Request to Update Student Identity

vi. 507.02E3 – Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Independent Self Carry and Administration of Prescribed Medication or Independent Delivery of Health Services by the Student

vii. 507.02E4 – Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Voluntary School Stock Over-The-Counter Medication to Students

viii. 605.03E5 – Request to Prohibit a Student from Accessing Specific Instructional and Library Materials

ix. 607.02R1 – Student Health Services Regulation

x. 804.05E1 – Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of a Voluntary School Supply of Stock Medication for Life Threatening Incidents

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City of Atlantic’s Parks and Recreation Department Board of Directors will meet 5:15-p.m. Monday (July 17), in the Council’s Chambers at City Hall. Here is their agenda:

• Call to Order
• Approval of Agenda*
• Public Communications – Comments or questions from visitors (3 minute limit)
• Approval of Minutes*
o May 15th, 2023
• Review of May/June 2023 Bills
• Discussion on Disc Golf Tournament with Frank Saddlemire
• Assistant Director’s Report-
o Park Party Follow-Up
o Sunnyside pool update (painting, maintenance, attendance, staff)
o Park summer update (mowing, maintenance, staff)
o Harl-Holt Park Update
• Other business
• Recommendation on Proposed Future Plans for the Parks Department
• Adjourn*
*Starred items will require a vote of the board.

(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold School Board is set to meet at 4-p.m. Monday in the Conference Room at the High School. During the Board’s regular session, they will discuss and/or act on the following, as per the agenda:

• Call Meeting to Order

• Reading of Mission Statement

• Approval of Agenda (D.R.)

• Public Input

• Superintendent’s Report:

1. Thank You Card(s) (I)
2. The Month in Review – Administration (I)
3. Board Learning Opportunities (I)

– Honor May and June Recipients

– Select July Recipient

– IASB Convention

– Discuss Board Self-Evaluation

• Consent Agenda (D.R.)

Approval of Minutes

Approval of Financial Statements

Approval of Bills

4. Personnel

5. Gifts, Memorials, Bequests

Old Business

6. Board Policies – Second Reading (D.R.) – 606.1, 606.2, 606.3, 606.4, 606.5, 606.6

7. Designate Level I and Level II Child Abuse Investigators For 2023-2024 (D.R.)

New Business

8. Presentation On Athletic Trainer Services / Contract (I)

9. Discussion On School Calendar Options (I)

10. Appointment Of Business Manager / Treasurer (D.R.)

11. Appointment Of Board Secretary (D.R.)

12. Appointment Of District Attorney (D.R.)

13. Approval Of Bakery Bids (D.R.)

14. Approval Of Trash Removal Bids (D.R.)

15. Approval Of Dairy Bids (D.R.)

16. Approval Of Snow Removal Bids (D.R.)

17. Approval Of Warewash Bids (D.R.)

18. Appointment Of Affirmative Action Coordinator (D.R.)

19. Approval Of Official Depositories For The District (D.R.)

20. Board Policies – First Reading (I) – 104, 104.R1, 402.2, 402.5, 408.1, 503.7,

503.7E1, 503.7E2, 505.4, 507.2, 507.2E1, 507.2E2, 601.1, 603.5, 605.1,

605.1R1, 605.2, 605.3, 605.3R1, 605.3E5, 605.5, 605.7R1, 607.1, 607.2,

607.2R1

21. Annual Review Of Policies 711.3 and 711.5 (I)

• Adjourn

(D.R.) = Decision Required

(I.) = Informational