(Radio Iowa) – Iowa judges soon will be able to appoint attorneys to represent victims of human trafficking diagnosed with a mental disability if they’re called to testify against their alleged abuser. The move is part of a law that will go into effect July 1st. It also sets a mandatory minimum sentence for human traffickers convicted of a class B felony, so they’d have to serve as least half of their prison sentence before being eligible for parole or a work release program. During House debate of the bill, Representative Mark Thompson of Belmond said if the human trafficking victim is a child, the sentence is far higher.

“If the victim is a minor, then it’s upwards to life,” Thompson said, “which conceivably should be the penalty any time a person is treated like a piece of livestock.”

Last year, lawmakers increased state penalties for human trafficking. Most cases of human trafficking are handed in federal courts, but an Iowa Department of Public Safety report shows there were six cases in Iowa courts last year involving human trafficking of minors and one case involving an adult who was subjected to forced labor.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Several community leaders and health personnel attending a meeting of the Cass County Board of Supervisors this (Tuesday) morning, for a public hearing on declaring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an Essential Service, as described in the Code of Iowa. Brett Altmann, CEO of Cass Health, in Atlantic, said he was in favor of declaring EMS as essential.

Altman said Cass Health has been very blessed, and has had the best year in its history. Because of that, they intend to drop their levy commensurate for more than what is being subsidized for EMS.

Cass Health CEO Brett Altman addresses the Cass County Supervisors.

Cass Health Chief Medical Officer/Medical Director of all volunteer ambulances in the County, Dr. Elaine Berry, also voiced her support of EMS.

Supervisor Steve Green was emotional in describing how his family has had to use the local ambulance services over the years.

Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett also shared her personal experiences in needing a local ambulance service, and because of that, the need for EMS to be an essential service.

Brad Madsen, who ran an ambulance service in Cass County in the 1990’s, was also in support of making EMS and essential service.

Ethan, who works for Cass EMS explained the difference between BLS (Basic Life Support) and ALS (Advanced Life Support) paramedic level services. Following the public hearing, the Cass County Supervisors held the first reading of Resolution Declaring EMS to be an essential service. Board Chair Steve Baier read the resolution as presented. Here’s a portion of the Resolution calling for the matter to be placed on the November ballot for action by the voters.

The Board voted unanimously to pass the first reading. Supervisor Mark O’Brien was absent from the proceedings. Afterward Supervisor Steve Green reminded those in attendance at the meeting and online, that this is EMS appreciation week.

May 20, 2024 (Des Moines, Iowa) – Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company announced today (Tuesday) it has acquired Trenton Coca-Cola Bottling Company, based in Trenton, Missouri. Beginning today, all Trenton Coca-Cola Bottling Company employees will become employees of Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company during the transition. Rob Feeney, CEO of Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, said in a press release, “We are thrilled to welcome the employees, customers, and communities of Trenton Coca-Cola Bottling Company into the Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company family. We have a long history of commitment to serving customers, community and associates, and we are looking forward to our future growth together.”

Both bottlers are in their fourth generation of family leadership and founded more than 100 years ago. Each grew from humble beginnings to the thriving, successful Coca-Cola bottlers they are today. Peter Trombley, owner and manager of Trenton Coca-Cola Bottling Company, said “With a shared philosophy of commitment to customers, employees and communities, as well as our similar histories, we are pleased to have found a partner in Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company to build upon our legacy in Northwest Missouri.”

Plans are underway to re-brand Trenton Coca-Cola Bottling Company to Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company over the weeks ahead.

Rob Feeney said “We are a growth company.  As we look to the future, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company will continue to focus on growth opportunities by reinvesting back in the business, employees and communities we serve, while maintaining our position as a private, family-owned, independent bottler and distributor for all Coca-Cola products. With the acquisition of Trenton Coca-Cola Bottling Company, we are advancing our mission to create meaningful selling opportunities each day by being dedicated to exceeding our customers’ expectations.”

After the organizations integrate fully, the company will have a combined 875 employees and volume of nearly 18 million cases. Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company will now have ten territories serving customers in 5 states.

Terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

5-20-2024 4:37pm

Patrick Riley Iiams, 30, 404 S Vine was arrested at 102 W Taylor. Iiams was charged on 2 Warrants. 1st is a Union County Warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault-Injury or Mental Illness 1st Offense Bond $2000 cash only. 2nd is Department of Corrections Warrant for Violation of Probation OWI 1st. Iiams is being held in the Union County Jail on no Bond.

5-20-2024 5:29pm

Brandon Hurshel Whitfield, 37, 813 N Sycamore was arrested at the Intersection of Spruce and Prairie. Whitfield was charged with Driving while Suspended. Whitfield cited and released.

5-20-2024 6:52pm

Megan Marie Brown, 43, Lorimor was arrested in the 300 Block North Street. Brown was charged on 2 Union County Warrants. 1st Warrant is for Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 1st Offense and Possession of Controlled Substance Methamphetamine 1st Offense Bond $2000. 2nd Warrant Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Bond $300. Brown was taken to the Union County Jail where she was later released on $2300 cash or surety bond.

5-20-2024 8:15pm

Jeffrey Lynn Bandow, 67, 806 Quiet Harbor was arrested at his residence. Bandow was charged on 2 Union County FTA Warrants. 1st Warrant is FTA Operate without Interlock Bond $300 Cash only. 2nd Warrant is FTA Operating while Under the Influence 3rd Offense and Driving while License Denied or Revoked Bond $5000 cash only. Bandow was taken to the Union County Jail where he is being held on $5300 cash only bond.