The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, acted on several matters, including a request to approve the partial closing of 6th Street between Chestnut Street west, to an alley between Chestnut and Poplar Street, for the purpose of “Produce in the Park” events.

Produce in the Park is scheduled to take place from 4-to 7-pm on Thursday’s, from June 12th through Oct. 30th. Dr. Keith Leonard who explained what the event was about, presented the request to the Council, on behalf of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Leonard said they might need more street space in the future, it just depends on how many vendors show up the first few times. He said also, it may not go as late as requested, depending on how the weather affects the growing of local crops. The Council approved the request for the temporary street closure during the event.

Mayor Dave Jones asked if the Chamber still planned to hold “Music in the Park” events this Summer and early fall. Dr. Leonard said there will be no organized or sponsored events, but independent musicians are welcome to perform during in the Atlantic City Park on some Thursdays. He said there won’t be a stage for performances, though.

In other business, the Council approved the third reading and adoption of an Ordinance pertaining to the City’s Flood Plain Regulations, as requested by the State of Iowa, and required by FEMA. They also held a public hearing on, and the first reading of, an Ordinance pertaining to the height of structures, objects and natural vegetation, as well as land uses of property in the vicinity of the Atlantic Municipal Airport.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Planned Parenthood of the Heartland is closing two small clinics in southwest Iowa. The Des Moines Register reports that the closures in Red Oak and Creston are among at least 11 satellite clinics the group has closed in recent years. The group uses a video-conferencing system to dispense abortion pills to women in outlying clinics.

Planned Parenthood says the Red Oak and Creston clinics were open only by appointment and are being closed because of “a shifting need for services.” Patients will be referred to remaining clinics, including seven that provide the telemedicine abortions and two that also provide surgical abortions.

Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Angie Remington says the closures were not sparked by abortion opponents’ objections to the clinics.

The largest insurer of homes and vehicles in Iowa and Nebraska has made “staffing adjustments” to help customers in both states affected by Tuesday’s storms. Ann Avery is a spokesperson for State Farm. “It’s the kind of damage that is consistent with a wind and hail storm…we’ve all seen some pretty dramatic photos,” Avery says.

The heaviest damage in Iowa is over the southwest corner of the state. In some cases, homes and cars were battered by fallen trees that were uprooted by 80 to 90 mile per hour winds. Large hail and flooding also caused damage. The total number of insurance claims are adding up quickly. Avery says safety should be the top priority when surveying storm damage. She encourages homeowners to avoid downed power lines and when it’s safe to do so, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to a home or vehicle.

“We do encourage people to save their receipts for any purchases they incur in the process of doing that,” Avery says. As for permanent repairs, Avery says it’s important to take time to choose a reputable contractor.  “Ask for references, ask about certificates of insurance, maybe consider contacting your local Better Business Bureau,” Avery suggests. “Just take care to choose someone who will help you recover appropriately.”

In the eastern Nebraska town of Blair, which is part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, thousands of vehicles at a car dealership were badly damaged by baseball-sized hail. The courthouse in Blair sustained at least $1.2 million in damage from heavy rain after the hail shattered windows and skylights.

(Radio Iowa)