(Lenox, Iowa) — The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office reports a man was arrested Thursday after he failed to appear in court on a felony drug charge.Authorities say 36-year-old Samuel Chaney, of Lenox, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on an original Class C felony charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. The warrant was the result of an ongoing investigation into narcotics distribution in Taylor County.

(Shenandoah, Iowa) – Authorities in Shenandoah report a woman from Aurora, Illinois faces numerous charges after leading authorities on a high-speed chase Friday that ended in Essex. The driver of the vehicle, 53-year-old Christine Farese Agostinelli is charged with fifth-degree theft, reckless driving, first-degree robbery, identity theft, forgery, second-degree theft, assault on a peace officer, second-degree criminal mischief, interference with official acts, assault while participating in a felony and felony eluding. She was also cited for multiple traffic violations.

Her arrest followed an incident that began with Shenandoah Police officers responding to Great Western Bank at around noon, Friday, for a report of a woman attempting to cash fraudulent checks. The woman – who was later identified as Agostinelli – fled in her vehicle, striking a Shenandoah Police vehicle in the process.

Her vehicle went east on West Thomas Avenue and north on Center Street before continuing onto Highway 48, reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour. Page County Sheriff’s Deputies deployed spike strips in Essex, disabling a tire. A short time later, the vehicle was disable by a Shenandoah Police vehicle in the 1300 block of Highway 48.

Agostinelli was being held in the Page County Jail on $65,600 bond. Deputies from the Page and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Offices assisted in her arrest.

WASHINGTON – Iowa Third District Democrat Representative Cindy Axne (IA-03) today (Friday) introduced new legislation that would provide Iowa with $15,000,000 to recruit and retain new teachers and invest in professional development for educators, as well as increase resources available to aspiring educators. The EDUCATORS for America Act, which was introduced in both the House and Senate this week, would provide funds to Iowa to help recruit additional educators at school districts statewide. The bill would also expand existing grant programs that help train teachers, administrative staff, and applicants interested in entering the teaching profession.

More than a million teachers are expected to retire or leave the education field over the next five years, a recent trend that has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Iowa’s education workforce has shrunk more than 5% since the beginning of the pandemic, according to state data. Staffing shortages have also prevented existing staff from taking advantage of professional development opportunities that would provide educators with more avenues to remain in their field.

Cindy Axne

According to the Iowa State Education Association, there is a staffing shortage in almost every school building across Iowa.

Background of The EDUCATORS for America Act:

• Provides $500 million a year for five years for grants to support states in developing and implementing a statewide strategy for meeting their educator workforce needs.Iowa is projected by the Congressional Research Service to receive $3 million a year for five years through this bill.
• Provides an additional $500 million a year for five years to support educator preparation programs and partnerships, including an expansion of the Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program.
• Doubles the maximum award from a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant to $8,000, and ensures grants cannot count against other financial aid. These steps ensure Americans interested in a teaching career can get support to complete necessary certification programs.
• Changes the loan forgiveness offered to educators in high-need fields (e.g. STEM) from cumulative after ten years of service to repayment on a rolling basis as educators work in that field.

A one-page summary of the bill is available HERE. Identical legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA).

DES MOINES – Friday (today), Gov. Reynolds signed a new Public Health Disaster proclamation that extends some regulatory relief for an additional 30 days.  The proclamation can be found online here.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Officials with the Red Oak High School have announced that on Thursday, December 9th, the newest class of inductees were welcomed into the Oak Chapter of National Honor Society. The organization recognizes Juniors and Seniors who demonstrate high qualities of leadership, scholarship, citizenship, and service. They must also maintain at least a 3.5 GPA.

Current members Camryn Bass, Ashlyn Blackman, Nolan Blackman, Jordan Carlson, Aedynn Graham, Delaney Hall, Grayson Hewett, Reese Jackson, Kaila Larson, Julie Loftesness, Trinity LaMar, Lennon O’Neal, and Delaina Olson led the ceremony with special guest, Elaine Carlson, speaking with all students as to how the dedication they show to these qualities today will lead to further successes and their ability to be leaders among the community throughout their lives.

The 12 new members were then recognized for their accomplishments as they entered their name in our scrapbook as the inductees of the 2021-2022 school year. Congratulations to Taylor Bennett, Dawson Bond, Tory Carrick, Lainey DeVries, Madison Doyle, Sam Fields, Shelby Heitman, Ryan Johnson, Tessa Rolenc, Gannon Sallach, Hannah Smith, and Josie Vanderhoof.

Information & photo courtesy Cheri Klimek
NHS Advisor

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Cass County Abstract on Thursday, December 9^th, 2021, to celebrate Arlene Drennan’s career and retirement.

Arlene Drennan has worked at Cass County Abstract Company for 15 years and though she has thoroughly enjoyed her customers and work, she is looking forward to retiring December 31^st. Arlene is looking forward to slowing down and winning her battle with breast cancer.

Arlene introduced the Ambassadors to Alisha Wagner who will be assuming the Manager/Abstracter role in 2022. Alisha has been with the company for the last 3 years and has been learning from Arlene every step of the way. Alisha is taking these final weeks to complete the required education that will provide a smooth transition into her new role. The Ambassadors were also introduced to Dawn Thompson who has recently joined the team.

Cass County Abstract (Photo submitted by Kelsey Beschorner, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Programs Director)

Cass County Abstract Company provides abstracting services for our customers which includes a complete set of tract indices and computerized title plant starting in 1858 to present day. For more information about Cass County Abstract Company, contact 712-243-2136 or visit http://www.cassabstract.com/ . Cass County Abstract is located at 518 Chestnut Street in Atlantic.