Beginning the week of June 13th, construction will begin on the 2011 PCC (Portland Cement Concrete) Paving and Storm Sewer Improvement project within the City of Atlantic. The contractor intends to begin on Birch Street between 7th Street and 14th Street.

Existing roadway surfacing will be removed, so therefore, there will be limited and restricted
access to residences. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Snyder and Associates’ Engineer Dave Sturm at 243-6505.

The Cass County Sheriff’s office reports one person was taken into custody Wednesday on a theft charge. 27-year old Sean Duane Elston, of Red Oak, was taken into custody on a Magistrate’s Warrant for Theft 5th Degree.

Elston was brought to the Cass County Jail where he pled guilty, and was released later that day.

DES MOINES – Gov. Branstad’s office today is releasing the following information in conjunction with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management:

Citizens in Western Iowa counties may access several resources for answers to questions regarding possible widespread flooding in the Missouri River valley.

Iowa Concern Hotline

Citizens in the affected areas may call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985. When flooding is a concern in the state, Iowa State University Extension’s Iowa Concern hotline is available for those who need assistance. The Iowa Concern Hotline is available 24 hours a day. All calls are free and confidential, and the operators are willing to assist wherever possible.

2-1-1

In addition, residents may call 2-1-1 with questions or concerns about the flooding and steps they should take. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community:
*        Basic human needs resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.

*        Support for older Americans and persons with special needs: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.

*        Volunteer opportunities and donations.
Donations and Volunteering

Donations of “stuff” (clothing, miscellaneous food items, household goods, etc.) are NOT needed at this time. Cash is best; it doesn’t need to be sorted, stored or distributed, and cash allows the receiving voluntary agency to direct the donation to the needs that most urgently need addressing. To donate cash, visit www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/CashDonations/Default2.aspx?ST=Iowa<http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/CashDonations/Default2.aspx?ST=Iowa>

Those wishing to volunteer in the flood fight may sign up to do so at www.volunteeriowa.org<http://www.volunteeriowa.org>.

ONAWA – Due to anticipated flooding, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will close Lewis and Clark State Park along the Missouri River in Monona County beginning Monday, June 6.

The rising water table in the area will cause the park to flood around June 10 and is not expected to recede for close to eight weeks. High water will cut off the park road and infiltrate the park facilities.

“Campers currently in the park are safe,” said Eric Haakenson, DNR park ranger. “We just want to make sure the park is cleared beforehand.”

In addition to Lewis and Clark, the DNR has closed and removed the staff at Wilson Island State Recreation Area, north of Council Bluffs, and is watching the levee separating Lake Manawa State Park from the Missouri River.

The DNR has suspended the 14-day maximum length of stay rule for evacuees who choose to camp at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County and may look at doing the same at other western Iowa parks if the need arises.