(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Police Department is investigating a break-in and the theft of six dirt bikes from Nishna Valley Cycle, in Atlantic. The incident happened at around 3:30-a.m., today (Monday, July 15, 2024).  At approximately 3:34-a.m., the Cass County Communications Center received a call from a security company of door and motion alarms at Nishna Valley Cycle in Atlantic.

Officers with the Atlantic Police Department arrived on scene by 3:35-a.m., and found that there was damage caused to the front of the building and there appeared to be missing inventory. A preliminary review of on-site cameras show a U-haul type vehicle back into the east side doors causing them to break. Three individuals enter the building and loaded six dirt bikes into the back of the vehicle. The vehicle then left the parking lot. Surrounding counties were notified and the dirt bikes have been entered as stolen. There was a time delay between the event and the security company notifying the communications center.

Still-frame image of one of the suspects, from surveillance video

Atlantic Police were assisted by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. No other details are being released at this time. Authorities says “If you have information regarding the incident please call the Atlantic Police Department at 712-243-3512.” Nishna Valley Cycle shared video of the incident on their Facebook page, you can view that video here: https://www.facebook.com/NishnaValleyCycle/videos/1046743313484786/

Here is a list of the motorcycles that were stolen:

(Atlantic, Iowa)— Officials with Cass Health have announced the founding of the Cass Health Nurses Honor Guard. Cass County is now the fifteenth county in Iowa with a local chapter.

Founded in 2003, the national organization has more than 250 groups across the United States. The Nurses Honor Guard is a volunteer program made up of current and former nurses that attend the services of nurses who have passed away, as well as parades, honor walks, living tributes, and more. The Nurses Honor Guard dresses in the traditional white uniform, complete with a cap and cape. During a funeral service, the ceremony is brief; it takes about 5 minutes and consists of reciting the Nightingale Tribute and laying of a white rose, symbolizing the nurse’s dedication to the profession. After the Nightingale Tribute is recited, a triangle is rung after a roll call for the nurse. The nurse’s name is called three times, and the triangle is rung after each call of the name. After the roll call, the words are spoken that the nurse is officially released from their nursing duties. A lit Nightingale lamp is carried up at the beginning of the ceremony and is then extinguished and presented to the family.

Cass Health’s Director of Nursing Supervision, Sara Beth Jones, RN, BSN started the local chapter after hearing about it through social media. Jones says “After seeing a service being held, I did a deep dive into searching for what chapters we have in Cass County, only to discover we did not have one. I was immediately touched and felt moved to be a part of something to honor both living nurses and those who have passed on. Being a part of this is very rewarding.”

Current or former nurses interested in joining this volunteer organization can call 712-243-7575 for more information.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Adair County will meet this week on Tuesday, instead of their normal Wednesday. During their 9-a.m. session at the courthouse in Greenfield, the Adair County Supervisors will canvass and make official, the results of the West Central Valley CSD Special Election. They will also discuss and act on a courtyard use permit, a temporary liquor license, and Homestead/Military Disallowances.

County Treasurer Brenda Wallace with present her Semi-annual report to the Board, as well.

The conference phone will still be used for those who cannot attend in person and can be accessed by using the following dial in information:

Dial in Number: (605) 313-6157 Access Code: 526272#

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors regular meeting takes place 9-a.m. Tuesday, in the Atlantic courthouse Board Room. Among the discussion and/or action items on their agenda, is:

• Consider allowing Dennis Daniels to set-up a “Boots on the Ground” food truck in the courthouse parking lot, on multiple occasions.
• Action on a recommendation by the Emergency Medical Services System Advisory Council, with regard to the amount to be specified in a Nov. 5, 2024 election, ballot measure.
• A request from CADCO to contribute Valley Business Park interest toward a revolving loan fund.
• A request from Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue for ARPA funds to purchase mobile and portable radios for a School Resource Officer (SRO), for slightly more than $11,430.
• Passing a resolution canceling warrants that are over one-year-old,
• and, the appointments of: Heath Larsen as Cass Township Clerk (replacing Max Potter, whose resignation was accepted May 7th), and Brandon Laverty as Cass Township Trustee (replacing Heath Larsen).

You can view the rest of the agenda and electronic instructions on joining the meeting if you are unable to attend, in this PDF: Agenda – 2024.07.16 – for Publication

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors will hold their regular weekly meeting beginning at 8:30-a.m. Tuesday, in their Red Oak courthouse Board Room. Among the action items on their agenda, is: approval of a resolution for a Temporary Road Closure and Detour for the H-34 Hot Melt Asphalt (HMA), Widening and Overlay Project (as mentioned last week on KJAN); Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency updates with regard to the May 2024 Tornado and Storms, with action as necessary; Approval of a Family Connections real estate lease for Aug. 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, in the amount of 52-cents per square foot, totaling 2,320- sq.ft, for a monthly amount of $1,206.40 (total annual payments of $14,476.80).

Following the regular Board meeting (or at around 9:30-a.m.), the Montgomery County Supervisors will hold a Budget Planning Session, with action as necessary on the following:

1. HF-718, SF2442, changes
2. Budget Policy planning
3. Capital Improvement planning

View the Board’s full regular agenda and ZOOM instructions in the PDF: AGENDA 7-16-2024 Regular a

(Red Oak, Iowa) A Montgomery County man suffered minor injuries during a collision that was the result of distracted driving, Sunday morning, in Red Oak. According to the Red Oak Police Department, 35-year-old Cory Phelan Porter, of Red Oak, was driving a 2006 Dodge Dakota pickup truck westbound in the 500 block of E. Washington Avenue at around 9:30-a.m., Sunday, when he lost the lens out of his glasses. When Porter reached down to pick it up, his pickup veered across the center line of the road and into the opposite lane.

When he looked up, he tried to stop, but was unable to do so in-time before his pickup struck the front of a legally parked 2013 Ford pickup. The impact pushed the parked pickup into a legally parked 2013 Chevy Equinox SUV. Porter suffered an abrasion on his head and knees, but refused rescue. He was cited for Driving in an improper lane/wrong direction.

Damage from the accident amounted to $12,100, according to the police report.

An accident late Sunday evening, caused $18,000 damage, but no one was injured. Red Oak Police report a 2015 Jeep Wrangler owned by Charles & Roxanna Fink, and driven by 22-year-old Savannah Jo Fink, of Red Oak, was traveling west on Highway 34 in a 50 mph construction zone. A 2017 Dodge Charger owned by Mid-Plains Truck and Auto, and driven by 55-year-old James T. Vukonich, of Fremont, NE, was traveling east on Highway 34 in the same construction zone. As the Jeep was approaching the intersection of 8th Street and Highway 34, a 2021 Ford Escape SUV owned by Thomas & Lois Pratt, and driven by 79-year-old Thomas Keith Pratt, of Red Oak, was stopped at the stop sign facing south on 8th Street. Pratt failed to yield the right-of-way before his vehicle pulled out in front of the Jeep and was struck by the SUV.

The impact caused the Escape to crash into the barrels of sand in the construction lane, which caused additional damage to the Ford. The Jeep was bumped-off of the Ford and struck the Dodge Charger that was in the oncoming lane, sideswiping the left side of the car. The Jeep was left undrivable, and stuck in the middle of the westbound lane. The other two vehicles were driven away by their respective drivers.

There were no citations issued.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The 2024 Montgomery County Fair is underway now (Monday, July 15) through Saturday (July 20), in Red Oak. Preparations for the Fair began last Friday, with a Pre-Fair Supper, and 4-H/FFA Clover Kid Pool Party. View the full schedule HERE.

Monday’s (Today’s) scheduled activities: 4-H/FFA Horse Show; Wardrobe judging; 4-H Table Setting display & judging; Educational presentations, and Extemporaneous Speaking & Working Exhibits

Tuesday will feature entry and judging of 4-H Ag and Natural Resources; The official Fair Welcome will be held Tuesday night, followed by a Religious Rally, and Montgomery County Youth Council Gaga Ball Tournament.

Photo from the Montgomery County (IA) Fair Facebook page

Among the other activities this week, is: the Montgomery County Farm Bureau Breakfast for exhibitors and families, Thursday morning; Amusement inflatables starting Thursday at Noon and each day thereafter, until 10-p.m.; An ATV race Thursday evening; Senior Citizens Day Bingo on Friday, from 1-until 4-p.m.; Mechanical Bull Riding Friday evening at 7, and the Free Bull Ride event at 8-p.m., Friday, followed by a free concert from Tyler Folkerts; Free ice cream and pie Saturday afternoon, following the Baked Apple Pie Contest; A livestock auction Saturday afternoon, a band concert from 7-to 10-p.m., and a Demolition Derby, beginning at 7-p.m., Saturday.

Since 1956, the Montgomery County Fair has been a celebration of family values and ethical standards. Located in Red Oak, it is the home to countless attractions and events in Southwest Iowa.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department say six people were arrested Friday through Sunday. Three of the arrests occurred Sunday:

38-year-old Jessica Lynn Palmer, of Creston, was arrested for Assault (General). Palmer was taken to the Union County Jail where she was later released on $300 cash or surety bond; 58-year-old Scott Bradley Spurrier, of Orient, was arrested for OWI 1^st Offense. Spurrier was taken to the Union County Jail where he was later released on $1000 cash or surety bond.; And, 23-year-old Juan Carlos Villegas, Jr., of Texas, was arrested at the Quality Inn, in Creston. Villegas was charged with Public Intoxication 1^st Offense. Villegas was taken to the Union County Jail where he was later released on $300 cash or surety bond.

Early Saturday morning, 33-year-old Irene Pantoja, of Creston, was arrested for OWI 1^st Offense. Pantoja was taken to the Union County Jail where she was later released on $1000 cash or surety bond.

Friday afternoon, 71-year-old Sandra Jean Bruce, of Creston, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bruce was cited and released on Promise to Appear. And, Friday night, 41-year-old Nicki Renee Jones, of Creston, was arrested for Driving while Barred. Jones was cited and released on Promise to Appear.

(Creston, Iowa) – An SUV and  a pickup truck collided Sunday afternoon in Creston, but no injuries were reported. According to Creston Police, the collision occurred at around 1:05-p.m. at the intersection of Birch and Carpenter Streets. A 2024 Toyota Sequoia SUV driven by 42-year-old Jacqueline Welchans, of Creston, was struck by a 2013 Dodge pickup driven by 24-year-old Kierstin Swank, of Lenox.

Authorities said Welchans was traveling south on Birch Street in Creston. Swank was stopped on westbound Carpenter Street, at the stop sign. She told police she looked but did not see the SUV before pulling-out into the intersection. Welchans tried to stop and avoid the collision, but was unable to do so.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage, but were able to be driven from the scene. Swank was issued a citation for Failure to have insurance. She was also issued a written warning for Failure to yield the right-of-way. Damage from the collision amounted to $3,500 altogether, according to the police report.

(Iowa News Service) – An Iowa nonprofit group helps ag-related businesses grow to serve more farmers and get more cover crops planted in the state. Cover crops like rye and wheat are typically planted to protect the soil in winter months – and in and between row crops like corn and soybeans to control weeds in the growing season.

Practical Farmers of Iowa is making up to $10,000 available to farmers who want to commercialize their cover crop practice through the Cover Crop Business Accelerator Program. PFI’s Senior Field Crops Viability Manager Lydia English said while cover crops are good for weed control and soil health, most farmers who use them have another goal.

“Ninety percent of the time, it’s to combat erosion, either wind or water,” said English. “So, I think seeing that soil loss is really real – and that’s a lot of value that we’re washing down the drain, literally, that we don’t need to, with a practice like cover crops.” English said PFI wants to plant 12 million of Iowa’s 30 million acres of farmland with cover crops and thinks the accelerator program will encourage farmers to help reach that goal.

Iowa corn and soybean Farmer Dan Bahe owns a business that plants cover crops for its clients on about 7,000 acres.
He and his brother were already experienced farmers who have used cover crops for more than a decade, but Bahe said they used PFI’s accelerator program to scale up their operation – especially by taking advantage of a personalized business coaching program. “Helping us put a business plan together,” said Bahe. “Ideas on creating a legal entity, marketing, branding. Because we were already established, but we really didn’t have a game plan. We were just taking orders, going out and seeding cover crops.”

The 2022 Census of Agriculture reported nearly 1.3 million acres of cover crops in Iowa. That’s a 32% increase since 2017.
PFI’s accelerator program is in its fifth year.