What can you build from a box of junk? A STEM event for all local 3rd-8th graders on Thursday, June 26 will let youth build, design and discover. The STEM at Work day camp will be at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic and will include a variety of hands-on science focused activities. Youth will be inventive and plan to create a robot from a box of junk, design a pinball game and explore environmental science.

The STEM at Work camp will be the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event is free with lunch, snacks and resources provided, but youth must register by June 24. Registration forms are available at the YMCA, Cass County Extension Office or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. There is a minimum registration of 10 participants and maximum of 50 participants so don’t delay.

The Nishna Valley YMCA and Cass County Extension staff and volunteers have teamed up for this day of hands-on learning to celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. “We are continuing to expand our STEM efforts because there is increased evidence of need and support from the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council,” said Beth Irlbeck, Cass County Extension Youth Coordinator. “4-H has done science and positive youth development programming for years and we’re excited to continue our partnership with the Y who has also made its history supporting youth.”

This STEM at Work event promises lots of fun, hands-on science, opportunities to design and build and meet new friends. Pre-registration required by June 24. There is no charge for this event and lunch will be provided. Questions? Call Cass County Extension 712-243-1132.

(Press Release)

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (AP) – National Guard soldiers and South Dakota Transportation workers are dismantling a levee across Interstate 29 that blocked traffic between Iowa and South Dakota. An Associated Press reporter on the scene says crews are removing the sandbags and other containers used to block the freeway on Thursday at North Sioux City, South Dakota. The governor’s office says I-29 should reopen later Friday.

The National Weather Service says the Big Sioux River where Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota meet already crested at a level lower than expected. Crews built the temporary levee across Interstate 29 to protect homes from flooding, but it forced motorists onto detours. Floodwaters also blocked most other roads connecting South Dakota and Iowa between Sioux Falls and Sioux City.

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (AP) – A swollen river that threatened homes where Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota meet already has crested. The National Weather Service had predicted that the Big Sioux River would hit a record high around midday Friday. But the agency said early Friday that the river crested at Sioux City, Iowa, around midnight a couple of feet below the previous record. The reason for the change wasn’t immediately clear.

Todd Heitkamp with the weather service in Sioux Falls says the river level should hold steady and eventually recede. Crews built a temporary levee across Interstate 29, which should protect much of the city but closed off the interstate and forced motorists onto detours.

Jerry Hayes of Atlantic was one of the veterans on the Cass County Honor Flight to Washington DC June 16-17, 2014.  Jerry shot lots of video from the trip.  Click these links to see them!

Laying of the Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Send off from Atlantic

Flight and Washington Welcome including Water Cannon Salute

Washington and Home again with mail call

THANK YOU VETERANS & THANK YOU JERRY!!!