(Elk Horn, Iowa) – The Exira-EHK School District met Monday evening and accepted the resignation of Secondary Principal Nate McDonald, who has accepted a similar role with the Missouri Valley School District. The board also approved the FY 2023 School Budget, which calls for the tax levy rate to decrease roughly twenty cents, to $11.68/$1,000 valuation.

The Exira-EHK Board approved a list of 26 Seniors for graduation for May 15^th, pending completion of students’ respective course requirements. The board renewed sharing agreements with Green Hills AEA for a Librarian and School Based Interventionist, and they approved a bid $14,500 from Audubon Furniture Mart for new flooring in the Elk Horn cafeteria. The project will begin as soon as school is out for summer break.

As expected (and previously announced as an action item), the Exira-EHK Board approved the resignations of: Ryan Gaumer (4th Grade Teacher); Emma Bireline (HS English Teacher); Para-Educators Stephanie Thompson and Kristi Madsen, and (as mentioned), Nate McDonald (Secondary Principal).

And, they approved the hiring of the following personnel: Sara Myers (MS/HS Guidance Counselor); Stephanie Ford (5th Grade Teacher); Derek Reischauer (HS Social Studies Teacher); Andrea Schwery (Head Softball Coach), Courtney Peppers (Assistant Softball Coach); Tom Petersen (Head Baseball Coach), and Drew Buckholdt (Assistant Baseball Coach).

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak, Tuesday night, arrested a man for Public Intoxication. Authorities say 67-year-old Randal Joe Barr, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 7:40-p.m. in the 500 block of E. Maple Street, in Red Oak. He was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 bond.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies, Tuesday evening, arrested a Nebraska man two Montgomery County warrants. Authorities say 34-year-old Charles R. Brown III, of Omaha, was arrested in Red Oak on warrants charging him with a Probation Violation on an original charge of assault causing bodily injury, and a second charge of Child Endangerment causing Bodily Injury.

Brown was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $10,000 bond for the assault charge, and a $5,000 bond for the child endangerment charge.

(Audubon, Iowa) – The City of Audubon has a new, full-time Police Officer. According to the City Council minutes from their meeting on Monday, Sean Staples was hired. He will be on probation for a couple of months. Officer Derrick Seaton has turned in his resignation, and was hired by the County.

In Fire Department news, it was noted radios are in all vehicles, and handhelds are being tested. Next week Motorola is to meet with County about a tower. Some of the officers attended a class to understand ISO ratings. The Fire Association is starting up fundraising again. April 23rd will be a comedian at the Parish Center. May 28th will have the annual Golf Tournament.

Chief Tyler Thygesen discussed with the Council a change in the floor plan to try and add a severe weather shelter. He also discussed putting the matter back on the ballot for the November General Election. And, the Council adopted a resolution that approves the hiring of TJ Jacobsen as a Volunteer Firefighter.

Theresa Murray , representing the Audubon Chamber, addressed the Council about a letter sent to them. She stated that she had talked to Barb Smith about the Christmas lights and was told that the City put them up in the past. Mayor Jacobsen stated that when she talked to Barb Smith she got a different answer. Mayor Jacobsen stated that the new resolution would establish a process for use of City property that would clarify who is responsible along with when and how long. Molly Christensen explained that the Chamber has never in an official capacity put them up or taken them down. It has been by volunteers. The Chamber does not want to be involved in the hanging of the Christmas lights.

The Council moved to adopt the First Reading of this Ordinance that amends the width of R-2 and R-3 property. It essentially allows homes to be built on smaller lots.  They then waived the second and third readings. In other action, the Audubon City Council approved eliminating the cap and setting a 5- year sliding scale for abatement. And, they agreed to set the Public Hearing on the Amendment to the Urban Revitalization Plan for May 9^th, at 5:30pm