(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Animal Shelter at 309 Sunnyside Lane, in Atlantic, had numerous visitors this (Thursday) morning, during the Shelter’s Grand Opening, following the addition of a “cattery” and many improvements for both cats and dogs. Factoring-in COVID, the project took roughly 2 ½ years to complete.
Animal Control Officer Kris Erickson said a generous donation got the ball rolling on making the shelter a better place for dogs and cats while they await adoption or, in the case of lost animals, returned to their owners.

The $135,000 gift from the Lorraine Eppelsheimer Estate was based on the stipulation that it would benefit animals at the shelter, and included a provision the dog and cat areas be separate. The addition includes new floor and office space, an increase in the number of cat cages in a separate area from the dogs, proper food storage, as well as an exam and grooming table, in addition to a more efficient water heater.

In addition to the bequeath, the Shelter went after and obtained grants and methods to reach their funding goal for the project, which was originally estimated to cost around $151,620, but ended-up being $215,000.

Erickson said there are so many people to thank for making the improvements possible.

She said while the cattery and other improvements are finished, there’s still a “wish-list” of items they want to add to make life better for the animals.

You can help out by attending their fundraisers, buying a “Don’t poop” sign for your yard or other areas where picking up animal droppings should happen. You can adopt a cat at the Atlantic animal shelter for only $100, or a dog for only $200. Vet Fees may apply. Follow them on Facebook for events and notification of animals up for adoption. The Shelter is open Monday-Tuesday-Friday, from 9-a.m. Until 3-p.m. For more information, call (712) 243-5281.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – May 26, 2022 – Two major changes to the interstate near I-29/I-480/West Broadway will occur late this week and early next week.

Eastbound I-480/West Broadway:

On Friday, May 27 by 6 a.m., eastbound I-480/West Broadway will be shifted to its new permanent alignment.

Avenue G ramps:

The southbound I-29 ramp to Avenue G will be closed beginning Tuesday, May 31, at 6 a.m. This ramp will be closed until mid-July. The ramp from Avenue G to southbound I-29 will be permanently closed.

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Iowa DOT is working hard to keep the public informed of construction impacts and actively seeks opportunities to update the public. For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit the program website at www.CouncilBluffsInterstate.IowaDOT.gov.

You can also contact the program office at 712-216-3339 or info@CouncilBluffsInterstate.com.

CRESTON, Iowa – May 26, 2022 – A project to repair the Iowa 92 bridge over Jordan Creek one mile east of Carson will require closing Iowa 92 in both directions between U.S. 59 and Pottawattamie County Road M-47 starting Wednesday, June 1 at 7 a.m., weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston construction office. The closure is expected to be in place until Aug. 18. During this project, traffic will be detoured around the work zone using U.S. 6, U.S. 59, and Iowa 48 (see map below).

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts. 

The latest traveler information is available anytime through the 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.

(Radio Iowa) -The first days of the summer travel season arrive this weekend and the Iowa Department of Transportation reminds that despite it being a holiday, drivers need to obey the rules in construction zones. Pete Hjelmstad, with the D-O-T’s Mason City office, says even though work crews will likely not be in those areas this weekend, you need to obey the posted speed limits. “Those speed limits, when those signs are up, whether people are there working or not, you need to slow down to that new speed limit,” Hjelmstad says. “As long as the sign is telling you to slow down, I don’t care if it’s 3 in the morning when you are working an overnight shift and you’re driving through a work zone with nobody there, or if it’s a Saturday and there’s a lane closure and there’s nobody working, you still need to slow down to that new speed limit.”

Hjelmstad says during this Memorial Day weekend, Iowans need to slow down and focus on driving — and not other things inside the car.  “Keep the cell phones down,” he says. “We always talk about that as a distraction, but there are all kinds of other distractions in the vehicle, too, as far as from talking to your passengers, to looking in the back seat to see what the kids are doing, to playing with a navigational system or radio or whatever. Anytime you’re driving, try to leave that stuff alone, but it’s even more important when you’re driving through a work zone.”

The D-O-T’s Pete Hjelmstad says you can use the D-O-T website 511ia.org to find out about where road construction is happening. He adds, most states have their own version of that website.

ISP via Facebook

On Wednesday, the Iowa State Patrol posted on social media, a picture of a dash-mounted radar showing a vehicle was traveling 111-mph on I-35 southbound, near Van Wert. Trooper Nguyen encountered the Kansas City driver that was passing through Iowa Monday. The driver claimed they were “unaware of the speed limit”. The Patrol said ” NEWSFLASH – nowhere in the United States is the speed limit OVER 100 MPH on a roadway.”

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Dept. reports an eastern Iowa man was arrested early today (Thursday). Authorities say 44-year-old Antoinio Derone Ross, of Waterloo, was arrested at 1501 W. Adams Street. He was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana/3rd Offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Ross was taken to Union County Jail. Bail is set in the amount of $2300 cash or approved surety.