Cass County Sheriff Darby McClaren will receive a certificate Thursday morning at the Courthouse in Atlantic, in honor of his nomination for the prestigious 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.  The certificate will be presented at 11:30 a.m.  Thursday, May 31st, at the Sheriff’s Office, by Jerry Hansen, chairman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) agency for our area. 

The Freedom Award is the Department of Defense’s highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees.  A review board comprised of military and civilian leaders has received 3,236 nominations received earlier this year from Guard and Reserve service members, or family members acting on their behalf. Only 160 employers have received the Freedom Award since it was established in 1996. Employers named as finalists for the award distinguish themselves not only for adhering to the employment and reemployment rights of Guard and Reserve members, but for actively creating opportunities to assist and support the service of both Guard and Reserve employees and their families. 

Everyone isl invited to the event honoring Sheriff McClaren, for his support of our military.

One person was injured when the vehicle they were driving hit a fire hydrant and tree Tuesday afternoon, in Kimballton. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Department reports 61-year old Marcia Louise Nelson, of Kimballton, was traveling north on South Main Street at around 4:15-p.m., when she fell asleep at the wheel of her 2009 Chevy Impala. The car crossed the centerline of the road and hit a fire hydrant before colliding with a large tree. Nelson was transported by Elk Horn Rescue to Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. She was cited for Failure to Maintain Control. Nelson’s car sustained $15,000 damage during the accident.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors will hold their weekly meeting Thursday morning, in Atlantic. During their 9-a.m. session, the board will act on setting the dates for hearings on a proposed Cass County Illegal Dumping Ordinance. 

When the Board met April 11^th, the subject of improper disposal of solid waste was discussed. Officials say improper ‘dumping’ of solid waste (appliances, garbage, etc) in roadside ditches and elsewhere is an ongoing problem in Cass County, and an Illegal Dumping Task Force has been formed to work on the problem.  Cass County Landfill Manager Wendy Wittrock told the board, and stressed to the public via the media, that illegal dumping is ‘wrong’ and the public need to report incidents of illegal dumping. Wittrock said during the April meeting, that the organization Keep Iowa Beautiful may help deter the crime, by setting up cameras in known problem areas. The County’s current “Disposal of Solid Waste” ordinance says that improper disposal of solid waste is a simple misdemeanor and upon conviction, subjects the violator to imprisonment not exceeding thirty days or a fine not exceeding $100.00.  

In other business, Steve Livengood, with the Cass County Public Safety Commission,  will discuss the Commission’s ongoing efforts toward relocating the Cass County 9-1-1 Center, and will request a letter of support to that effect, from the Board of Supervisors. The 9-1-1 Center is currently located in the basement of the Courthouse.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce says the Carson & Barnes Circus, “The Biggest of the Big Top shows,” will bring its all-new show for 2012 to the Atlantic Airport on Highland Road in Atlantic on Monday, June 11th. One of the last of the great American traveling big top circuses, the Carson & Barnes performers will hold two shows, at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets are now on sale at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Chestnut Street and online at BigTopShow.com. A portion of sales will benefit the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’s programs and events.

Celebrating its 76^th year the Carson & Barnes Circus has been traveling the nation since 1937. While the show has changed over the decades, what remains is a solid two-hour show that features classic circus acts, daring high-wire feats and the antics of dozens of clowns. But aside from the clowns, the prancing horses and high-IQ dogs, the biggest stars of the show are the elephants. Advance tickets are available now at the Depot, 102 Chestnut Street, and online at BigTopShow.com.

Prices range from $16 Adult, $8 Child at the gate on the day of the performance to as little as $10 Adult, $6 Child when purchased in advance using a discount coupon. Coupons are available locally or can be downloaded from BigTopShow.com or by visiting www.Facebook.com/CarsonBarnesCircus. Get complete ticket information online at BigTopShow.com or BoletosdeCirco.com. For more information or questions call the Chamber at 712.243.3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com.