A vague note found in a bathroom at the AHST High School in Avoca Tuesday morning, prompted the evacuation of students in all of the districts building for a little over an hour an a half. Superintendent Mark Hopkins issued a statement Tuesday on the District’s website saying: 

The A­‐H­‐S­‐T Community School buildings were evacuated late (Tuesday) morning (May 1st) due to a bomb threat. At that time, law enforcement was called to ensure that the building was safe. It was determined that the buildings were completely safe and that the incident was a hoax. At no time was any student in harm’s way, and any future incidents of this nature will be handled with consultation and advice from law enforcement.” Hopkins went on to say “Unfortunately, incidents of this nature do occur,” but he commended the A‐H-­S-­T staff and students “for handling the situation extremely well.” Hopkins said classes will resume Wednesday, as usual.  The Superindendent said that “The A-­H-­S-­T Community School thanks all the parents and community members for their cooperation and understanding.”

According to authorities, a note indicating bombs were placed in a lunch room was found in a bathroom at around 11:4o-a.m., but the note didn’t specify which lunchroom. As a precaution, authorities evacuated both the high school and elementary school. A bomb squad with the the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office searched the buildings, but nothing was found. Students were allowed to return to their classrooms at around 1:30 p.m. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities say while there are suspects, they declined to release any further information at this time. It’s the first reported bomb threat in the AHST District, in at least nine-years.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa has become one of a dozen states to notify domestic violence victims when protective orders have been issued to keep an abuser away from the victim. Attorney General Tom Miller announced the program Tuesday, saying it’s financed by a federal Department of Justice grant. Ongoing costs of $160,000 come from a state program funded by fines and penalties assessed against criminals. Domestic abuse victims now may sign up with the state and receive automated phone call or email notifications when courts issue a protective order. That includes notification of when an order is about to expire.  Miller says the program’s intent is to give victims peace of mind.  Last year the Iowa Protective Order Notification for Domestic Abuse Program processed more than 15,000 protective and no-contact orders.

Members of the Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School District’s Board of Education will hold a special meeting this Thursday morning (May 3rd) in the Superintendent’s Office at the High School, in Elk Horn. On their agenda is discussion about and possible action on, approving a resolution for adopting a Redistricting Plan, and the redrawing of Director District boundaries.

Sheriff’s officials in Audubon County say an Audubon man was arrested this (Tuesday) morning, on a drug-related warrant. 47-year old Roger Lee Bates was taken into custody at around 9:30-a.m., on a warrant charging him with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Gathering where drugs are used. The charges are the result of an investigation into an incident that occurred on April 19^th at a residence on Washington Street, in Audubon. Bates appeared before the magistrate, and was released on $1,000 bond. His preliminary hearing will take place May 21st. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Department was assisted in its investigation, by officers with the Audubon Police Department.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce says the Atlantic Downtown Beautification Group, in association with the City of Atlantic’s Community Promotion Commission (CPC), will plant more than 5,000 petunias during the sixth annual “Atlantic: A Great Place to Put Down Roots” event on Tuesday, May 15^th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Officials say hundreds of volunteers will beautify Downtown Atlantic and City Park by planting flowers provided by Hy-Vee, and reviving the many flower beds.

Funds to purchase the flowers come from the City through the Local Option Sales Tax. A team of workers gather to plant and maintain the beds over the course of the summer. Volunteers will receive a free meal at the Rock Island Depot following the planting in appreciation for their time and efforts.

In order to participate, volunteers must sign up by May 11th at 5 p.m. by calling the Chamber at 243-3017. Former volunteers are encouraged to wear their planting t-shirt from previous years to celebrate the longevity of the Spring Planting event. Businesses, service organizations and families of all ages are encouraged to take part. To register for the event, call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com, with the name of your volunteers.