Displays Sought for Event December 1-4; Raffle Items Featured

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A longstanding holiday tradition will once again bring holiday spirit to Cass County, as organizers recently announced that they are seeking decorators for the annual Festival of Trees. This multi-day event, sponsored by the Cass County Unit of the American Cancer Society, is set for December 1^st-4^th this year and will again be held at the Catholic Parish Center,105 West 5th Street in Atlantic. Co-chairs Deb Schuler and Vicki Nordskog are looking forward to welcoming back decorators and visitors alike when doors open on Thursday December 1st at 10 AM.

Last year’s event featured 57 trees, decorated in a variety of themes, as well as 7 other holiday themed displays. The committee hopes to have an equally successful event this year, and encourages anyone interested in setting up a tree or other display to contact them for more information. Decorators are encouraged to be creative in sharing fun, inspiration and education with attendees! Tree themes from last year included a Christmas grinch-themed balloon tree, Mental health awareness (Stop the Stigma), Cancer awareness/support (No one Fights Alone), a tree decorated with optical glasses, a tree made from a step ladder, doll and cupcake themed trees, decorations made from dried local produce, an upside-down Christmas tree, collectible Hallmark ornaments, and ornaments hand-made using dried pasta and pinecones.

In addition to trees, displays ranged from the local Lions Club showcasing a seven-foot gold lion to a display centered around a 4 x 8 x 8-foot church and a display featuring satin boxes of all shapes, sizes, and construction. There was a display by Richter and Sons featuring all manner of towing equipment, a display from the Atlantic Fire Department that featured a variety of firefighting and rescue equipment, and for the second year in a row children and adults alike were entranced by an operational Christmas train and village display.

In addition to helping spread holiday cheer with a variety of engaging displays, the festival serves as a fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society. Admission to the festival is a free will donation, and raffle tickets are also sold for attendees to win a chance at a variety of seasonal home and gift items. Last year’s raffle featured seventeen unique items donated by the community, in addition to a vintage, life-sized mechanical Santa. The special feature for this year’s raffle is a red metal Coca-Cola themed outdoor bench, fabricated and donated by Weirich Welding in Lewis. The bench has already been displayed around the community, with raffle tickets sold at Coca Cola days and the Atlantic Lions pancake supper. It will be on display at Brown’s Shoe Fit Company in downtown Atlantic until the Festival of Trees. Tickets for the bench raffle can be purchased at any time prior to the drawing on December 4^th at Brown’s or at Festival of Trees where it will be on display. Other items donated to date to be raffled during the festival include a variety of wreaths, hand-made pine needle baskets, a train and more!

Festival organizers are still accepting entries for display at the 2022 Festival of Trees. Any individual, group, business, or organization interested in contributing a tree, display or raffle item for this year’s Festival of Trees should contact Deb Schuler (debschuler4@gmail.com) or Vicki Nordskog (vjnbob@icloud.com) via email for more information. All displays must be pre-registered by November 11^th so the committee can assign spaces in the floor plan. No ‘drop ins’ will be able to be accommodated.

The dates to set up a tree or display are Tuesday, November 29th, from 9 AM to 8 PM and Wednesday, November 30th, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Light refreshments will be provided during decorating. Trees and displays will be open to the public for viewing Thursday, December 1st, through Sunday, December 4^th, and tear down of displays will be on Sunday, December 4th, starting at 2:30 PM. Additional information about setup, teardown, and registering a display can be obtained by contacting organizers using the emails above.

For those interested in attending the Festival of Trees, planned hours for visitors are Thursday, December 1st from 10:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M., Friday, December 2nd from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., Saturday, December 3rd from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and Sunday, December 4th from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  In addition to the displays, several other special activities will be going on during the festival, including on Saturday morning, December 3rd, when the B.P.O. Does will again have their Cookie Walk upstairs in the Parish Center from 9 AM to noon. A full schedule of events will be released closer to the event date when all displays are confirmed!

(Radio Iowa) – A Des Moines Register “Iowa Poll” released this weekend shows Republican Senator Chuck Grassley with a 12 point lead over Democratic challenger Mike Franken. Grassley has joined a group of Republicans running for statewide office flying to campaign rallies in eight different cities today (Monday). “Like the governor and everybody else up here, we don’t take your vote for granted,” Grassley said, “so in a humble way, I ask for your vote.” Grassley is seeking an eighth term in the U.S. Senate. “The people tomorrow have a choice between a rubber stamp for the Biden Administration and everything that’s gone wrong in the last two years or this person that’s serving the people of Iowa,” Grassley said. “I think I’m in tune with the people of Iowa by traveling the state as I do every year.”

Franken says he’s appealing to independents and Republicans as well as Democrats who believe Grassley’s 63 years in office is enough. “If we want a different direction for the state of Iowa,” Franken said, “if we want a clean thought process, a place where America looks in the mirror and feels good about itself and where economically, scholastically, health care are of high import to you, then give me a look.” Franken suggests having former President Trump campaign for Grassley last Thursday was an act of desperation.

“And in my hometown, in Sioux City,” Franken said. “…In phone calls I got flooded with from Sioux Citians afterwards, saying: ‘OMG, save us from ourselves.’ I’m not that type of savior, but I am a steady hand on the tiller and hopefully we get this ship of state back on course.” Franken is campaigning in Sioux City, Council Bluffs and Ames today (Monday).

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A man was cited for Failure to provide proof of insurance, following a hit-and-run accident Friday afternoon, in Red Oak. According to Red Oak Police, officers were called to 300 block of W. Reed Street, for a report of a hit-and-run property damage accident. They observed a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 legally parked in front of a residence with damage to the driver’s side rear. The owner of the truck, said a black SUV was parked across the street in front of the Red Oak Greenhouse, when it backed into the parked truck. The SUV took off westbound on Reed Street. There were no injuries reported.

The vehicle returned to the scene while officers were working on their report. The driver of the SUV, 24-year-old Jose Ramiro Cruz Palafox, of Red Oak, told police his vehicle hit the pickup truck. Damage from the collision amounted to $4,100. No citations were issued.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department says no injuries were reported following a crash Wednesday afternoon, at the uncontrolled intersection of Harsh and Mulberry Streets. According to the report, 38-year-old Denise Michelle Squires, of Creston, was driving a 2018 Lexus northbound on Mulberry, at the same time a 2002 Dodge pickup driven by 17-year-old Jesetta D. Miller, of Creston, was traveling west on Harsh Street.

Authorities say Miller told them she was driving at around 30 mph when her pickup collided with the car. Squires told police she saw the pickup “flying” down the road at around 40 to 50 mph, and that she didn’t have time to react.  Both drivers were checked out by medics and cleared. The car was totaled in the crash, with damage estimated at $30,000. The pickup sustained $7,000 damage. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. No citations were issued.

Creston Police report also, an accident happened at around 12:24-p.m. Friday, but no one was hurt. The incident involving a 2003 GMC pickup and a 2020 Honda SUV, occurred at the intersection of Sumner and Russell Streets. An investigation determined the SUV, driven by 70-year-old Sally Ann Ross, of Marshalltown, was stopped facing north in traffic, waiting for other traffic to clear for her to make a left turn. The driver of the pickup, 18-year-old Peyton Wyatt Parrish, of Creston, told police he tried to stop, but was unable to do so in-time. The pickup hit the SUV in the rear.

Damage from the collision amounted to an estimated $5,000.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – A man riding a motorcycle was seriously injured Saturday afternoon, during a collision with a Dodge pickup truck. Council Bluffs Police reports the crash victim, 18-year-old Reese Schlotfeld, of Council Bluffs, was transported by rescue squad to the UNMC in Omaha. A report on his condition was not released. Police say he’s one of the same motorcyclists suspected of fleeing from police about 5-minutes earlier.

Authorities say about at about 4:25-p.m., a Council Bluffs Police Office attempted to stop two motorcycles on Frontage Road near the 3600 block of W. Broadway. When the officer activated his cruiser’s emergency lights and siren, the two cycles drove off-road through an open field, away from the officer. At that point, the chase was terminated and the officer turned-off his emergency equipment before going back into service on patrol. The last known siting of the motorcycles by police, was in the 3400 block of Avenue A.

At around 4:30-p.m., authorities were notified about a personal injury crash involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck at 26th and Avenue A.  Witnesses said the motorcycle were seen driving recklessly on Broadway and through residential yards at high rates of speed. A report of a black SUV (Not a police cruiser) was seen following the cycles at one point. The case remains under investigation by the Council Bluffs Police Special Operations/Traffic Unit. Charges are pending in the case. The driver of the pickup truck, 50-year-old David Petersen, of Council Bluffs, was not injured.

Anyone with information about the owners/operator of the black SUV, should call 712-328-4948.

(Western Iowa) – Voters across the State will be heading to the polls Tuesday, to select those who will lead Iowa in County, State and Federal positions. Area results will be posted on the KJAN News page as soon as the become final from either the County Auditor’s Office or Secretary of State’s website, whichever comes first. In addition, listen for Radio Iowa’s statewide election reports at the following times, Tuesday:

• 8:06 p.m.
• 8:30 p.m.
• 9:06 p.m.
• 9:30 p.m.
• 10:06 p.m.
• 10:30 p.m.

Locally, there are no contested races in Cass County, but Adair County voters will determine who fills the County Supervisor District 4SE seat on the Board of Supervisors. Republican Nathan Baier, and Doug Davidson are running for the position.

In Adams County, six people are running for one of five seats on the non-partisan Adams County Extension Council. The candidates include: Chris Gilbert; Laura Bowman; Sue Privett; Rex Townsend; Kyle Shipley, and Clifford Mann. Gilbert, Mann and Townsend are running for re-election to the Extension Council.

There are no contested seats in Audubon County, but in Pottawattamie County, four people are running for three seats on the Board of Supervisors. They include Republicans Jeff Jorgensen, Susan Miller, and Scott Belt, along with Democrat Jeff Shudak. Scott Belt is running as an incumbent.

There are no contested races in Montgomery and Shelby Counties. In Guthrie County, Republican Maggie Armstrong and Democrat Tom Flanary, are competing for the District 3 seat on the Board of Supervisors. Democrat Michael Herbert and Republican Steve Smith are vying for the District 4 seat. And, Democrat John Maschman is hoping for a win over his challenger, Republican Dana Minteer, and claim the job of Guthrie County Attorney.

There will also be a question about an IOWA Constitutional Amendment with regard to the right to keep and bear arms:

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report there were three arrests Saturday. At around 2:40-a.m., Saturday, 32-year-old Shey Peterson, of Wisconsin, was arrested at the Creston/Union County Law Enforcement Center. He was charged with OWI/1st offense and later released on bond.

And, at around 1:35-p.m. Saturday, 51-year-old Jennifer Lynne Vankerckvoorde and 54-year-old Steven Frank Vankerckvoorde, both from Norwalk, were arrested in the Creston Fareway Store parking lot. The woman was charged with Possession of drug paraphernalia. She was cited, and then released. Steven Vankerckvoorde was charged with Poss. of a Controlled Substance/marijuana-1st offense. He was later released on bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh reports a free fall walking club that kicked off in Atlantic in early October is still going strong, and anyone interested in walking on Tuesday mornings is invited to join. The two remaining walks scheduled for this fall will be held on Tuesday, November 8 and Tuesday, November 15 from 9:30-10:15 AM. Both walks will start at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA (1100 Maple St. Atlantic, IA 50022). If the weather is nice, the walks will be outdoors, and if not, walkers will walk for free inside the YMCA.

The Nishna Valley Family YMCA has been coordinating the free community walking club, but many organizations have been helping to lead the weekly walks. There is no cost to join the walks, and walkers do not have to be members of the YMCA. The fall walking club kicked off on October 5 as part of the Healthiest State Walk from the YMCA to Harl Holt Park and back along the recently renovated Bull Creek Pathway. That walk was attended by well over 100 people. Information on area recreation opportunities was provided by Atlantic Parks and Rec, Nishna Valley Trails, and the YMCA. Hy-Vee and Fareway provided refreshments.

The Healthiest State Walk is an annual walk with the theme “Walk More. Connect More.”

Over 100 people participated in the October 5 Healthiest State Walk in Atlantic

The Healthiest State Walk is organized by Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with the goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. As they share on their website, www.IowaHealthiestState.com, there are many benefits to walking including increased energy levels, better sleep, increased blood flow that leads to better cognitive functioning, improved memory, and reduced anxiety and depression.

The YMCA started the walking club this fall based on feedback from area residents that showed interest in opportunities to walk with others. While the walks are scheduled to end on November 15, people interested in leading future weekly walks—whether through the winter or next spring—are encouraged to contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham
Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870.

Tuesday Walking Club
What: Walk more, connect more!
Where: Nishna Valley Family YMCA (1100 Maple Street, Atlantic, IA 50022). Rain location:
inside the YMCA
When: Tuesday, Nov. 8 and Tuesday, Nov. 15, 9:30-10:15 AM.
Who: Everyone is welcome!
Cost: No cost! Walking club registration is encouraged but not required. Register for the walking club at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA website
(http://nishnavalleyymca.com/membership/program-registration.html) or by calling the Y at 712-243-3934.
For information on community wellness events or resources, follow Healthy Cass County on Facebook @HealthyCassCounty.

ATLANTIC, IA (November 6, 2022) – Harvest Market 2022 will be held at the Cass County Community Center on Monday, November 21 from 3-7 pm. Market Manager Brigham Hoegh says you can bring local to your table this holiday season. This fall farmers market is held the Monday before Thanksgiving, so shoppers can pick up premium local produce, local meats, delicious baked goods, and other local foods to enjoy at holiday celebrations. The market also offers handmade craft products including seasonal candles, goat milk soaps, holiday decorations, and gifts.
Harvest Market 2022 vendors confirmed as of November 6 include: Bridgewater Farm, Brun Ko Farm, Sue’s Country Garden, Miss NiNi’s Fine Desserts, Claire’s Cinnamon Rolls, Noble Provisions, The Kringle Man, Hygge Cottage, DezaRae Farm Soaps, Midwest Candles by Brit, Johnna Joy Designs, Piper’s Brae Farm, Wud Bi Tek, JD Crafters, Matilda Dawn Creations,
Atlantic Atlas Cinema, Frosting Inc., Spirits of the Faire, Sweet Sisters Vegan, Harrisdale Farmstead, Donna’s Jewelry, Rolling Acres Farm, and Corn 4 a Cause.

Pim’s Thai Food Truck will be at the market selling dinner to go, so shoppers won’t have to go home without dinner. Harvest Market 2022 will offer both in-person shopping as well as pre-ordering. Pre-order will be available through www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com from Nov. 14-19. Pre-ordering is an excellent option for customers who want to plan on a particular food item—such as a favorite pie—as well as customers who are short on time to shop at the market.

Some vendors, such as Miss NiNi’s Fine Desserts and Claire’s Cinnamon Rolls, will only be offering pre-ordered products.

Miss-NiNis-fine-desserts-including-Raspberry-Danish-Butter-Cookies-are-being-sold-at-Harvest-Market-by-preorder-only-

Don’t miss a reminder to pre-order. Sign up for the Produce in the Park newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.

Produce in the Park continues to accept vendor applications to Harvest Market and other holiday farmers markets (Christmas Market Dec. 22, Sweetheart Market Feb. 11, and Spring Celebration Market April 6). For more information visit produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com or contact Market Manager Brigham Hoegh at produceintheparkatlanticiowa@gmail.com or 712-249-5870.

Harvest Market is sponsored by the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, Cass County Tourism, Deter Motor Co., First Whitney Bank and Trust, Cass Health, Cass County Farm Bureau, and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. For the latest information on Harvest Market, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/) or sign up for the Produce in the Park newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.

(Radio Iowa) – Five Iowa State University students who served our country in uniform will be honored this (Monday) afternoon with a ceremony in the Gold Star Hall of the Memorial Union. Rita Case, with I-S-U’s military-affiliated Student Center, says more than 600 names of former I-S-U students are carved in the hall’s wall and several veterans are singled out every year.
We read the names and we have history,” Case says. “We research all year on who we pick that year and tell their stories and if their families are nearby, or we can get a hold of a family member, we try to invite those families to come.” The annual ceremony that spotlights the stories of individual veterans began in 2003.  “This is a really meaningful ceremony,” Case says, “and then it makes these names that are on the walls that we walk by come alive.”

The Gold Star Hall’s origins date way back to 1928, when the names of Iowa State students who died in World War One were carved into the walls of the newly opened Memorial Union. Five veterans are being featured this year. This year’s honorees are: Howard Medin of Algona and James R. Davis of Ames, both of whom served in World War Two; Ramon Roderick Davis and Donald Scott Wilkins, both of Ames, both who served in Korea; and Vietnam veteran Ronald Edgar Riede of St. Louis, Missouri. Honoring five veterans is a little unusual for the service.  “We usually only honor about three but we found a new name for the wall when we were researching one of the Davis’s we discovered they had a brother who was lost in the Korean War that was also an Iowa State student that we did not previously have listed on our wall.”

The veterans honored in the hall served in conflicts including: World War One, World War Two, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, USS Liberty, Iraq and Afghanistan. The ceremony is scheduled for 3:15 P-M. The names and stories of each veteran listed on the wall are available in an online database on the Memorial Union’s Gold Star Hall website: mu.iastate.edu