Another area County will be taking part in the Relay for Life in the coming days. Last Friday, the event was held in Shelby County. In Audubon County, the Relay for Life will occur Friday, from 6- to 9-p.m., at the AudubonCityPark. 

According to event organizer Anna Elmquist, cancer survivors will be recognized during a ceremony that starts at 6:15-p.m. Those who have survived cancer are being encouraged to show up early, to get registered. Elmquist says Two Palms Grilling will be providing food from 4:30-to 9:00-p.m. In addition, there’ll be an auction, entertainment and luminaries to light-up the Audubon City Park, in honor those who have survived cancer, and those who lost their battle.

Luminaries are available the night of the event or by contacting Kelly Christiansen at the Audubon State Bank. Persons planning on attending should bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Elmquist says all proceeds from the Audubon County Relay for Life will be directed to the American Cancer Society. Last year, donations amounted to about $28,000. This year’s goal is $32,000.  

Elmquist said they will also be hosting a “Traveling the Trail against Cancer” bike run, on June 22^nd. It’s a park-to-park event, that begins in Hamlin and ends in Brayton with a pancake breakfast. Registration in Hamlin is from 6:30- to 7:15-a.m., with the race getting underway at 7:30-a.m.

(12-pm News)

Sheriff’s officials in Mills County report three arrests over the past few days. Early this (Monday) morning, 45-year old John Merrill Meyers, of Glenwood, was arrested on a charge of Domestic Abuse. His bond was set at $1,000. On Saturday, deputies arrested 18-year old Van Paul Evans, of Omaha, on a charge of Unlawful Possession of prescription medication. His bond was also set at $1,000. And, last Friday, Mills County authorities arrested 60-year old Patrick Obrine Walsh, of Pacific Junction, on a Mills County warrant for Theft in the 2nd degree. His bond was set at $5,000.

(12-p.m. News)

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Department says no injuries were reported following a collision between two vehicles Saturday afternoon, near Hamlin. A 1999 Mercury driven by 21-year old Ethan Avery Ryan, of Audubon, was traveling east on Highway 44 at around 2:40-p.m., and had stopped at the stop sign for the intersection of Highway 71. Officials say a non-contact vehicle pulling a trailer southbound on 71 was turning right onto Highway 44, when Ryan…who didn’t see another vehicle behind the other vehicle and trailer…pulled out onto Highway 71.

In doing so, Ryan’s car hit a 1993 Ford driven by 17-year old Colton Scott Suhr, of Waukee. Damage from the accident amounted to $5,750. Ryan was cited for Failure to Yield from a Stop Sign.

The Atlantic Police Department reports the arrest Sunday, of 55-year old Douglas Howard, of Atlantic. Howard was taken into custody on a charge of Operating a motor vehicle while Intoxicated. He was booked into the Cass County Jail and held pending an appearance before the magistrate. And, on Friday, officers with the A-PD arrested 43-year old Kevin Denison, of Atlantic, on a charge of Public Intoxication. Denison was also booked into the Cass County Jail.

Officials report also, an accident at around 10:15-p.m. Friday, caused $1,800 damage. A vehicle driven by Zachary Wood, of Atlantic, was traveling north on Olive Street, and had the green arrow to turn left onto westbound 7th Street. A vehicle driven by Joseph Fredericksen, of Atlantic, was traveling south on Olive and failed to yield, striking the Wood vehicle on the right front side. Fredericksen was cited for Failure to Yield. No injuries were reported.

The local Council Bluffs RAGBRAI organizing committee is inviting the public to the 100 Block of Broadway and the Main Street Farmer’s Market Thursday, June 13th, for a special treat: It’s your opportunity while shopping for fresh vegetables and homemade crafts and goodies, to kiss a real live pig!  Josee Beier, RAGBRAI Hospitality Chair and Director of Convention and Sports Sales for the CVB, says “For just $20, you can kiss a real pig, get a T-shirt, and pick up a youth bicycle helmet for your child at the Main Street Market.” 

The bicycle helmets are a public donation by Safe Kids Loess Hills and FAMILY, Inc. while the supply of helmets lasts.  The local safety committee of RAGBRAI, titled Ride Right, will also have free bicycle safety information just in time for summer.   

The pig is from an area farm- a perfect animal for a Farmer’s Market.  The T-shirts are the official Council Bluffs RAGBRAI  event, and bicycle safety and helmets are so important for all of us anytime, but especially in the summer. You’re invited to come by the Main Street Farmer’s Market Thursday, June 13th, starting at 5-pm on Broadway.  KISS A PIG, take a photo, buy some produce, pick up a kids bicycle helmet and learn how to be safe.