The final numbers are in on a financial loss experienced by the Nishna Valley Family YMCA in Atlantic, due to Cyber Theft. In December, YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes announced that their computer systems had been infected by a virus that targeted their ACH financial transactions. At that time, he said the YMCA sustained losses amounting to about $54,000. According to Haynes, to date, $18,500 has been returned, and with a reimbursement from insurance the total loss amounts to about $30,000.

He said they found out about the questionable transactions after they were notified by their financial institution on November 23^rd. In December, Haynes said it did not appear the virus went after their members’ personal financial information, but it’s possible some of that information, such as checking or bank account routing numbers, may have been compromised.

It was the first time the Nishna Valley Family YMCA has experienced a Cyber theft, and they are continuing to work with technology experts and local bank officials to make sure it never happens again. The FBI he says, have not yet provided the YMCA with a report into the agency’s investigation of the incident.

ServSafe, the national food safety certification program for food service employees, will be held at Cass County ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Atlantic on March 12th and 19th, 2012. Participants must attend both sessions to successfully complete the training.  The cost of the course is $135 which includes 10 hours class time, a manual, and the national certification exam. 

Anyone interested in preparing and serving safe food is welcome to attend. The course is currently required by some companies such as restaurants, hospitals, schools, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, but beginning in July of 2012 food safety certification will be required for all licensed food service establishments. ServSafe is one of three certification programs that will fulfill this certification requirement.  

For more information or a registration form, contact the Cass County ISU Extension and Outreach office at 712-243-1132 or your local ISU Extension and Outreach office. A registration form may also be found online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass.  Anyone needing to take the recertification exam only may contact the office for more information. Registration is required by March 5.

Officials with the Atlantic Police Department say no injuries were reported following two separate accidents, Monday. The first occurred at around 9:20-a.m., at 2nd and Poplar Streets. The P-D says David Schwery, of Lewis, received a warning for Failure to Yield from a stop sign, after his vehicle collided with a vehicle driven by John Bengel, of Atlantic. The accident caused $2,200 damage.

The second accident happened at around 6:20-p.m., at 7th and Linn Streets. Officials say Tiffany Benavides, of Atlantic, was cited for Failure to Maintain Control, after her vehicle rear-ended one driven by Crystal Christensen, of Atlantic. Authorities say Benavides was unable to stop in-time, due to the slick road conditions. Damage from the accident amounted to $8,500.

The Atlantic Police Department reports four Cass County residents were arrested on drug charges Sunday. 29-year old Justin Taylor, 28-year old Cortney McIntire, and 26-year old Aaron Rayborn, all from Lewis, along with 35-year old Thomas Williamson, of Griswold, were each charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. They were booked into the Cass County Jail and held pending a court appearance.

The Clarinda Police Department is investigating another reported home invasion incident. Police Chief Keith Brothers told KJAN News the latest incident occurred today (Tuesday), at around 2:15-a.m. at a residence in the 400 block of South 12^th Street.

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers (photo from the P-D's Facebook page)

 Brothers says an occupant of the home was awakened by a loud noise, and discovered the intruder standing in the kitchen. The suspect…a white male, about 6-feet tall…forced his way into the home through a locked door. He took off on foot in an unknown direction of travel. Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. The home was occupied by a female. A similar incident was reported to have occurred last Thursday morning in Clarinda. Officials say a 40-year-old woman was sexually assaulted during the incident, after a suspect entered through a window. Brothers says it’s not clear if the two crimes are related.

The Chief says there are some things residents can do to protect themselves and their homes from intruders. He says you should keep your doors, windows, vehicles and garage doors locked, check the quality of your locks, keep any exterior lighting on, and purchase motion sensors. Those actions will help to prevent someone from getting easy access to your home. Brothers says citizens should also report any unusual activity, especially during the wee hours of the morning. The Chief also recommends you call 9-1-1 immediately if you think there’s someone in your residence.

Anyone with information on either of the home invasion incidents should contact the Clarinda Police Department at 712-542-2194.

The City Council in Atlantic will hold a series of public hearings Wednesday evening on several street projects. City Administrator Doug Harris says the hearings, while not required under Iowa Code, should be held so that the public can provide input on the projects before bids are accepted. Following each of the hearings on the various Hot Melt Asphalt (HMA) and Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) projects, the Council will consider and likely act upon resolutions approving the plans, specifications, and form of contracts, along with the awarding of contracts to the successful bidders. The bids will be opened on those projects a few hours prior to 5:30-p.m. start of the Council’s meeting. The total estimated cost of the projects, according to Harris, is a little more than $3.5-million.

In other business, the Council will act on passing a resolution honoring Atlantic Street Department Superintendent George Evans, who is retiring after 39-years of service to the City. That will be followed by Evans’ final report to the Council on the status and activities at the Wastewater Department.

The Atlantic City Council will also act on a resolution establishing a credit card policy for the City. The State Auditor has recommended the Council adopt a credit card policy, which would pertain to online purchases made by the Police Department and City Clerk’s Office. The Council will also approve a simple amendment to the wording and form of a proposed ordinance changing the speed limit on West 22nd Street (from Highway 71 to Olive Street), and on East 22nd Street (from Chestnut to Highway 6). The ordinance calls for the speed limit on those two stretches on 22nd to be reduced from 45- to 35-miles per hour.  At least one citizen has voiced their opposition to the speed limit change. The objection will be noted during the meeting.

And, the Council will act on a motion to hold a Special Meeting at 5:30-p.m. Feb. 22nd, for the purpose of adopting the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget, and fixing the date for a public hearing on the budget, on March 7th, 2012. Wednesday’s meeting begins at 5:30-p.m. in the Council’s Chambers, at City Hall.