(Atlantic, Iowa) – Masonic Pymosa Lodge Number 271 AF & AM recently held an evening meal for the 2024 Scholarship recipients and their families. Lodge officials say 2024 Scholarships were presented to graduating Seniors from Atlantic and CAM high Schools. Obedience Lodge No 380 in Anita merged with Pymosa Lodge in 2023.

Scholarship funds from Pymosa Lodge come from the generosity of the community. Each year a St Patrick’s Day stew feed is held at the Lodge in Atlantic with proceeds going to the Scholarships. In addition, the Lodge has set up can collection points at the Lodge, Cass County Landfill and Boes Repair in Atlantic. With the donated cans and bottles, the Lodge sorts and redeems them.

This year the Lodge presented ten $500 scholarships, seven to Atlantic Seniors and three to CAM Seniors. The recipients are Wyatt Simons, Bennett Whetstone, Alyssa Neal, Riley Wood, Korbin Johnson, Nichlas Bennett, Maylynn Ferrell, Jenna Platt, Bradyn Burmeister-Bohnsack and Natalie Behnken. Every year Masonic Lodges around the state of Iowa and across the United States donate Thousands of dollars to high school graduates through the generosity of their communities.

Pictured left to right with members of the Lodge are: Bennett Whetstone, Donnie Drennan, Nicholas Bennett, BJ Hart, Bradyn Burmeister-Bohnsack, Joh Bricker, Wyatt Simons, Rob Clausen, Emily Bicker, Natalie Behnken, Dave York Maylynn Ferrell, Jenna Platt, Corey Elliott, Alyssa Neal, Rick Mericle, riley wood, Dave Wright, Mike Blevins, Gary Warwick and Randy Aggen. Not pictured Korbin Johnson.

Emily Bricker, a Senior at Exira-EHK Schools was also present. She was a recipient of a $5000 scholarship from the Grand Lodge of Iowa. The Grand Lodge of Iowa, in 2024, awarded fifteen $5000 scholarships and eleven $2500 scholarships.

Pymosa Lodge officials say they are “Proud to present these scholarships to help in the further education of these amazing young people. The Lodge also wants to thank the community for there [sic] generous support of all our projects.”

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports a teenager from Creston was injured during a collision today (Wednesday), at around 7:40-a.m.  15-year-old Allen W. Reed was transported by ambulance to the Creston hospital to be checked-out. Authorities say Reed was driving a 2023 moped and stopped at the corner of Mulberry and Townline Streets, heading northbound. He told officers that he looked before proceeding into the intersection.

As the moped left the stop sign and was attempting to turn left, it was hit by an eastbound 2024 Nissan, driven by Oscar Ramiro-Nunez Alvarez, of Mexico. There were no citations issued. Police estimated the damage at $2,000 to the moped, and $1,000 to the Nissan. No citations were issued.

(Radio Iowa) – Even though the Council Bluffs area didn’t see as much widespread damage from flooding last month as other parts of western Iowa, the city’s top elected official says he’s concerned about future severe weather episodes — due to climate change. Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh points to record-breaking flooding and deadly tornadoes as signs climate change is real and too costly to ignore. “People justify what they want to justify,” Walsh says. “I think the proof is in the pudding and the pudding is saying that FEMA is running out of money and between fires and hurricanes and tornadoes and flooding, it’s pretty hard to deny evidence that’s right in front of your face.”

Federal officials say FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund could run out of money by mid-August without additional help from Congress. If that happened, the director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told the Associated Press money would be taken from other programs to cover the most urgent needs. Mayor Walsh says a levee protected Council Bluffs from devastating flooding seen upstream, but some low-lying areas near the Missouri River were underwater, with about 50 homes impacted by groundwater. A storm late in June also caused substantial tree damage. Walsh blames climate change. “I think it’s time to do a little reality check and take some steps,” Walsh says. “I don’t know if it’s too late to correct it, but it’s certainly not too late to address it and try to slow it down.”

The Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area received a $1 million grant from the federal government to pay for climate change planning to reduce greenhouse gases. Walsh says his community has worked to help encourage solar energy development to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Glenwood Police Department reports two people were arrested on separate Driving While Revoked/or Barred charges. 28-year-old Breanna Studey, of Glenwood, was arrested for Driving while Revoked. Her cash or surety bond was set at $1,000. And, 32-year-old Richard Jacobs, of Glenwood, was arrested for Driving While Barred. His c/s bond was set at $2,000.

(Avoca, Iowa) – The 2024 East Pottawattamie County Fair is underway in Avoca, now through Monday, July 22nd. On the schedule for Thursday (July 18th), is: the Poultry Show at 9-a.m.; Food truck & Family Night from 5-until 8-p.m.; 2024 Pott. County Fair Queen and Junior Queen Crowning, and a Pedal Tractor Pull at the conclusion of the stage events.

See the full schedule of events in this PDF link:

20240701095935857

(Anita, Iowa) – The CAM School District’s Board of Education, Monday evening, held a Public Hearing with regard to the proposed Flexibility Resolution, as previously published. Superintendent Paul Croghan told KJAN News the hearing was part of a process to move some Teacher Leadership funds to the Flex fund, which have been accumulating over the past couple of years. Following the hearing, and later on during their meeting, the Board passed a Resolution to that effect, as presented.

The Board discussed with Site Logic, continuing information from the Facilities Committee, with regard to the shrinking of district facilities. The Board voted later on in their meeting to approve a Resolution for petition language – as prepared by the District’s Attorneys – to go to a General obligation bond during the election in November. The petition asks district patrons for permission to move to a one campus classroom addition site, and facility improvements.

During the regular Board meeting that followed a Board Workshop, the CAM School Board voted to approve several resignations and shuffling of responsibilities/positions.

In other business, the Board approved handbooks for the 2024-2025 School Year, bids for Bread, Milk and Chemicals, as well as sharing agreements with the Nodaway Valley CSD for Human Resources, Payroll, Building and Grounds, School Business Official (SBO), and Superintendent. The Board then discussed an improvement plan for the SWAT (Girls wrestling) Booster Club, to make sure things are being done correctly, and that the kids are eligible to play and participate.

The 2024-25 School Year at CAM begins August 23^rd.

(Griswold, Iowa) – Members of the Griswold Community School District’s (CSD) Board of Education met in a regular monthly session, Monday evening. Superintendent Dave Henrichs told KJAN News the Board approved a transfer, the new hire of a Middle School Track Coach, and others.

In other business, the Board approved several annual agenda items, including 2024-25 School Year Depositories.

Dan Rold was appointed by the Board as Business Manager/Treasurer. Hannah Bierbaum was appointed Board Secretary. The Griswold School Board appointed Matt Hanson as District Attorney, and Seth Lembke as Affirmative Action Coordinator.

In other action, the Board approved bids from: Bimbo Bakery for bread; Laverty Sanitation, of Griswold – Trash services; A.E. Dairy for milk; and Snow removal – Landon Preston. Dave Henrichs said there was only one bidder for each of those services. Two Warewash bids (for items such as luncheon plates, silverware, etc.) were received: one from Ross Chemical, the other from Rapids Wholesale Equipment. The Board awarded the bid to Ross Chemical, which currently serves as the District’s provider for those items.

Henrichs said they’re struggling a little bit to get some other bids back, so the only thing he had for the Board to approve Monday evening, was bids for a series of 26 internal and external cameras.

The Board reviewed and passed the first reading of several policies, including those pertaining to Open Enrollment and transportation.

Other policy changes deal with Chronic Absenteeism, based on changes in State Law. Classes resume in the Griswold School District in a little over a month (on August 23^rd). Henrichs said the janitors are doing a good job of getting the district’s facilities ready, but classroom staffing continues to be an issue.

There is still a need for an Elementary classroom teaching position.

The other position yet to be filled, is a Middle School Language Arts teacher. If they can’t fill it, Henrichs says their Secondary Instructional Coach – who is an English Teacher – will fill-in the gap until they can secure someone for the position.

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon County Fair is underway now, through Sunday, July 21st.  Activities at the fair began on Tuesday. Looking ahead, on the schedule for Thursday, July 18th at the Audubon County Fair, there’s a 4-H/FFA Horse Show at 10-a.m., followed at 12:30-p.m. by the Clover Kids Stuffed Animal show in the Hoop building, 4-H under the tent at 2-p.m., a Cornhole Tournament at 3-p.m., Thursday, Clover Kids Rabbit Show, and rounding out the day, Thursday, is music in the park by the Polka Police, with fireworks to follow.

Check out the rest of the schedule for the Audubon County Fair below:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
7:00-8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Swine check in
8:00- 9:00 AM 4-H/FFA Sheep & Goat check in
9:00-10:00 AM 4-H/FFA Beef check in
9:00 AM-3:00 PM Commercial Exhibit set-up
9:30AM-11:00 AM 4-H/FFA/Open Class Rabbit/Poultry check in
11:00 AM 4-H/FFA Horses must be stalled
11:30 AM Farm Bureau Meal – Hoop
Agriland-Ice Cream
12:00 PM Open Class static must be entered
1:30 PM 4-H/FFA Exhibitor Meeting
3:00 PM Open Class exhibits must be in place
4:30 PM Sponsorship Dinner-Tent by Agrihall
4-H Pie Auction
Queen Coronation
THURSDAY, JULY 18
9:00 AM Judging Open Class Entries
10:00 AM 4-H/FFA Horse Show
12:30 PM Clover Kids Stuffed Animal Show – Hoop
2:00 PM 4-H Under the Tent
3:00 PM Cornhole Tournament-Livestock Pavilion
4:00 PM-9:00 PM Inflatable Attractions
5:00 PM Clover Kids Rabbit Show
4-H/FFA & Open Rabbit Show
7:00 PM Polka Police – Music in the Park at the Fairgrounds under the
Tent. Fireworks to follow.
FRIDAY, JULY 19
8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Swine Show
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Inflatable Attractions
Noon Clover Kids Goat Show
Clover Kids Sheep Show
4-H/FFA Goat Show
PeeWee Goat Show
4-H/FFA Sheep Show
2:00 PM 4-H Under the Tent
3:00 PM Hay Throwing Contest followed by Adult tricycles and bounce animals
3:00 PM – 6:00PM Balloon Animal Creations
4:00 PM Richard Renner-The Vodvill Klown
5:00 PM Pork Feed – Hoop
7:30 PM Figure Eight Races
SATURDAY, JULY 20
7:30 AM-Noon Farmers’ Market
8:00 AM Clover Kids Poultry Show
4-H/FFA Poultry Show, Open Class
9:00 AM Baby Contest-Hoop
10:00 AM Big Wheels Races-Hoop
10:00 AM-3:00 PM Ima Clown – Hoop
11:00 AM-2:00 PM Water Rocks! Conservation Station
11:00 AM-9:00 PM Inflatable Attractions
11:00 AM Richard Renner-The Vodvill Klown
11:30 AM Non-sanctioned Kids Pedal Pull
Noon 4-H/FFA Beef Show
Show Order:
Cow/Calf Pairs
Pen of Three
Clover Kids Bottle Bucket Calf
Bottle Bucket Calves
Feeder Calves
Breeding Heifers
Market Heifers & Steers
Showmanship
12:30 PM Richard Renner-The Vodvill Klown
2:00 PM 4-H under the Tent
Richard Renner-The Vodvill Klown
5:30 PM Sheep Scramble –All kids welcome
6:00 PM 4-H/FFA Parade of Champions
7:00 PM IRCA Rodeo
9:00 PM Live Music- 2 ½ Guitars
SUNDAY, JULY 21
8:00 AM Tractor Drive Check in
9:00 AM Horse Fun Show Entries at Horse Arena
9:30 AM Tractor Drive
10:00 AM Horse Fun Show
11:00 AM Round Robin Showmanship-Livestock Pavillion
12:00 PM Antique Tractor Pull – Grandstand
12:00 PM Beef Feed – Audubon T-Bone
12:00 PM Bingo-Exira Lions – Agrihall
1:00 PM Quilt Show under the Tent
1:30 PM Pie Contest – Agrihall
2:30 PM Open Class Exhibits and Commercial Booths released
3:00 PM 4-H Recognition – Show Barn
4:00 PM Livestock Support Sale-poultry, rabbits, sheep, goats, swine, beef
4:00 PM 4-H exhibits released
4:45 PM 4-H Building Clean Up

CRESTON, Iowa – July 17, 2024 – If you access westbound interstate 80 at the Van Meter interchange (exit 113) you need to be aware of an upcoming construction project that may slow down your trip. Crews will be closing the westbound Interstate 80 on ramp near Van Meter (exit 113) beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, until May 2026, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston Construction office.

While the roadway is closed, you will travel east on I-80 from the Van Meter interchange (exit 113), and exit at the Dallas County Road R-22/Ute Avenue interchange (exit 117), and then west on I-80.

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.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU-TV) — This week marks the 35th anniversary of the United Airlines Flight 232 crash landing in Sioux City. To mark the tragic events of July 19, 1989, the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation is hosting a special community event. Since the crash landing, the museum has been home to a large collection of 232 artifacts and other keepsakes. Guests, including people who survived the crash landing, continue to visit the museum.

The public is invited to a free day-long open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Friday, July 19. A special presentation, including comments from flight attendant Susan White, will begin at 3:45 p.m.

On July 19, 1989 United Flight 232 crashed in Sioux City, Iowa with 285 souls on board. Members of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Fighter Squadron, now the 185th Air Refueling Wing, responded to the crash to help save lives. (Air National Guard photo/Released)

A moment of silence will then be held at 4 p.m. in honor of the 112 victims, as well as for the survivors and for community heroes. The presentation will end at about 5:30 p.m.