(Radio Iowa) – Outdoor burning is once again not recommended again today (Thursday) across much of the state. National Weather Service Meteorologist, Mike Fowle, says the combination of strong southwest winds and relative humidity values near or below 25 below continue to make grass fires a concern.”That elevated fire threat, very high fire danger, is going to continue right through the day on Thursday,” he says. A majority of the state has been in the very high to extreme risk area for grass fires all week. Fowle says things should change as we head to the weekend.

“It looks like we are going to see an approaching cold front on Friday so we’re going to see gradually a bit of an increase in moisture so the humidity levels are going to come up,” Fowle says. “And also a little bit less wind on on Friday.” There’s even a chance for some rain. “Late in the day, there is a chance of seeing a few showers or thunderstorms — mainly across far western sections of Iowa — so that’s the good news. We are expecting a little bit of moisture, and then we’re expecting again at least scattered activity Friday night and then right into the weekend,” he says.

Several counties in the northern third of Iowa have been in the extreme danger area, with the counties in the middle of the state and on the outer edges listed at very high for fire danger. The remaining counties in south-central Iowa are listed as a high to moderate fire risk.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The driver of a semi tractor-trailer was injured Wednesday, east of Elliott, when the semi, which was pulling a 2012 Wilson grain trailer (owned by Ronald Devries, of Red Oak), crashed into a ditch and rolled over. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened a little before Noon, Wednesday, near 110th Street and N Avenue.

Authorities say a 2003 Peterbilt semi owned by  David DeVries, of Red Oak, and driven by 45-year-old Joshua A. Weston, of Red Oak, was traveling west on 110th Street, when – according to Weston – the right front side tire went off the pavement, resulting in the semi being pulled into the ditch. It was noted the roadway has a narrow shoulder. Dispatch reports said the semi rolled onto its top.

Weston was transported by Griswold Rescue from the scene to the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Elliott Fire & Rescue, Red Oak Fire & Rescue, Montgomery County Roads Department and Montgomery County EMA assisted the Sheriff’s Office at the scene.

(Radio Iowa) – A gun related bill that’s been proposed for the past several years has cleared the Iowa House and it would make gun safety courses developed by the National Rifle Association widely available through Iowa schools.

The bill would let anyone who may legally carry a weapon leave a gun in a locked vehicle in the parking lot of any public K-through-12 school, community college or state university. The gun would have to be out of sight inside the vehicle. Democrats say it’s wrong to allow more guns to be closer to students and is a reckless step after escalating school shootings. The bill’s Republican floor manager says the bill upholds the Second Amendment rights of Iowans and he doubts parents or staff members who are legal gun owners pose a danger to students.

Business groups objected to having the policy apply to the private sector and the bill was changed so it does not apply to businesses.

An addition to the bill was originally offered by a conservative northwest Iowa Republican and a Des Moines Democrat whose 20 year old son was shot to death in 1997. It calls for age-appropriate gun safety courses in public schools, using materials developed by the National Rifle Association. The gun safety classes would be optional in kindergarten through 6th grades, but if the bill becomes law Iowa public schools would have to offer or make gun safety courses available for 7th through 12th graders. Instructors would not have to be licensed teachers.

The gun policies in the House bill must be approved by the Senate before they’d go to the governor for her signature.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Board of Education in Atlantic will meet in a Special Session 9-a.m., Friday, to discuss the search process to find a replacement for current Superintendent Steve Barber. The meeting will take place at the District Central Office, located in the Achievement Center at 1406 SW 7th St., in Atlantic.

Earlier this month, Mr. Barber announced he would be retiring from his position, effective June 30, 2023. Friday’s meeting will be streamed live on YouTube, as with most ACSD Board meetings.

Following Board discussion on the search process and closure of the meeting, the Board will enter into a closed session to discuss a personnel matter, at the request of the individual the matter pertains to.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A Public Hearing was held prior to the start of Wednesday evening’s meeting of Atlantic School Board. The hearing was with regard to the Atlantic Community School District’s (ACSD) Certified Budget.

During the Board’s Special Meeting March 29th, Superintendent Steve Barber and Director of Finance Sarah Sheeder reviewed the proposed certified budget for the 2023-24 school year, with a total property tax rate of 13.00317 per $1,000 taxable valuation. That is a decrease from the 2022-23 property tax rate of 13.25506, or about 26-cents per thousand.

There were no written or spoken comments, therefore the Board closed the hearing and entered in to their regular session, during which they heard a special presentation with regard to English Learners (EL), the Principal’s reports, and a report from Superintendent Barber, during which he recommended keeping May 25, 2023 as the last day student day, with the last staff day as May 31, 2023.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved previously mentioned resignations, plus an addition of Tori Wood, Paraeducator (The other resignations include: Lenzi Robinson, 5th Grade Teacher; Sarah Sheeder, School Business Official/Board Secretary, and Lori Hayes, Paraeducator.)  Board Member Nicholas Hunt spoke about Sheeder’s departure.

Board President Laura McLean also thanked Sarah Sheeder.

As previously reported, Mr. Barber is resigning at the end of the current school year.  The Board accepted his resignation as presented. Board Member Jenny Williams thanked him for his service, especially following the Middle School fire and recovery efforts.

The School Board approved Superintendent Barber’s contract recommendations for: Nathan Block – 6th Grade Science Teacher; Mikayla Stockhaus – HS Vocal Music Teacher; Brett Johnson and Caroline Pellett – MS Softball Coaches.
The Atlantic School Board moved on to action items, during which they:

• Approved the aforementioned 2023-24 Certified Budget…
• Set May 10th at 5:30-p.m. as the date/time for a Public Hearing on 2022-23 Certified Budget Amendment (amounting to an increase of $793,569). School officials say the amendment will NOT result in an increase in taxes. A detailed statement of additional receipts, cash balances and proposed disbursements will be available for public viewing at the hearing.
• Approved of a 2023-24 Operational Sharing Agreement with the Griswold School District, w/regard to Transportation Director, and…
• They approved 2023-24 Activities Sharing Agreements for: boys swimming (Audubon, Clarinda, Red Oak & Riverside, w/Atlantic as host); girls and boys soccer (CAM & Exira-EHK, w/Atlantic as host); and girls wrestling (CAM, Nodaway Valley & Griswold). There is no change from last year, with the exception of Atlantic serving as the host for girls wrestling.
• The Board then voted to approve the 2023-24 Non-Certified Staff Master Contract Agreement (Which includes the following increases: $2.75/hour for Bus Route Drivers & Bus Asst. Mechanic; $0.90/hour for all other Support Staff).

The School Board, Wednesday, heard from Snyder and Associates Engineers representative Austin Sontagg, with regard to two quotes received by Wednesday’s deadline for a steel High School Storage Shed, which was estimated to cost around $190,000. The building will primarily be used for inside and outdoor equipment. The Board voted 3-to 2 to approve the plans, specs and form of contract for the HS Storage Project, and, separately, by a vote of 3-to 2, accepted a bid of $154,700 from United Construction Services.

They also passed a Resolution approving the Contracts and Bonds for the Washington Elementary School Playground Project. Last month, the School Board awarded the project to Caliber Concrete, LLC, of Adair. The project cost (contract awarded),  amounts to $579,422.58.

DES MOINES –  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt joined forces on Wednesday, April 12 to raise awareness for this horrible crime. The duo also promoted Iowa’s address confidentiality program, Safe at Home and resources available for survivors across the state.

“We want Iowans to know that law enforcement and my office are here to help if they need assistance,” Secretary Pate said in an interview. “This isn’t a rural issue – it isn’t an urban issue – it’s an Iowa issue and together sheriffs and my office are taking a stand against sexual abuse and getting Iowans the resources they need.”

Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt also serves as the President of the Iowa Sheriff’s and Deputies Association in addition to his elected office. Sheriff Sandholdt wants to assure Iowans who are victims of this crime that their offices across all Iowa’s 99 counties are there to help and provide resources when requested.

“If you’re a victim of sexual abuse or assault, I encourage you to report it if you feel comfortable. This crime affects all demographics – regardless of background or where you live.” Sheriff Sandholdt said. “If you don’t feel comfortable contacting law enforcement, go to your local emergency room. They have specially trained nurses and advocates there that can help you navigate your next steps and get you the help you need.”

If you’re a victim seeking initial resources and next steps, contact the confidential Iowa Victim’s Call Center at 1-800-770-1650 or text ‘IOWAHELP’ to 20121 and a trained advocate will get in touch with you.

Iowa Safe at Home was established in 2015 as a resource for survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, assault, stalking and human trafficking. Today, there are approximately 1,200 participants across 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program visit SafeAtHome.Iowa.Gov or call 515-725-7233.

(Creston, Iowa) – A collision that happened at around 2:25-p.m. Wednesday, in Creston, left a driver of one of the vehicles complaining of pain. According to the Creston Police, a 2015 Jeep Patriot SUV driven by 18-year-old Briley Dunning, of Creston, was leaving the Creston High School and turning left onto Townline Street. Dunning looked both ways before proceeding from the stop sign, but according to the report, failed to see any oncoming vehicles.

As she proceeded into the intersection, the Jeep’s front passenger side was struck by a 2009 Ford Taurus, driven by 32-year-old Katherine Robinson, of Creston, as Robinson was traveling east on Townline. Both vehicles became disabled by the collision.

Dunning complained of pain. She and a passenger in the SUV were both cleared by medics, at the scene. Damage from the crash amounted to $10,000 altogether. No citations were issued.

(Anita, Iowa) – Anita Firefighters responded to a house fire west of Anita a little after Noon today (Wednesday). Fire Chief Eric Steffensen said the home at 72737 Eastland Road was engulfed in fire and had collapsed onto the ground when the first crews arrived. The home was unoccupied at the time the fire broke out, which Steffensen was apparently around 11:30-a.m.  The residence was home to Chris and Ann Butler.

Photos via Nishna Valley Cycle’s Facebook page

The wind-whipped flames and embers jumped a road to north of the structure and caught about 80 acres of land to burn.

Mutual aid was provided by firefighters from Wiota, Adair and Atlantic, mainly in the form of grass units and tankers. No injuries were reported and a cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. Nishna Valley Cycle is working with Community 1st Credit Union (200 Maple St., Atlantic, IA),on an account for donations to help the couple.

A donation jar will also be available at Nishna Valley Cycle in Atlantic, where Chris is the Sales Manager. A GoFundMe account has also been established.