(Radio Iowa) – After a more than four month delay, the U-S Census Bureau is scheduled to release population data today (Thursday) that’ll be used to develop new boundaries for Iowa’s congressional and legislative districts.

The boundaries for Iowa’s congressional districts and for Iowa House and Senate districts are redrawn every 10 years based on the updated census count. . By law, the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency is to produce a series of new district maps within 45 days of getting the data. With this year’s delay, the legislature is unlikely to meet the September 1st deadline for approving a plan. The Iowa Supreme Court is responsible for overseeing redistricting if lawmakers fail to meet that deadline, but the court has signaled that due to this year’s circumstances, it will allow the legislature to keep following the redistricting process beyond that September 1st deadline. Ed Cook, an attorney with the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency, will be leading development of the proposed maps. He says under state law, no Iowa county can be split into two separate congressional districts.

“Keep in mind, with only 99 pieces of the puzzle, there’s not an infinite number of ways you can combine them,” Cook says. Redrawing the boundaries of state legislative districts is guided by state law, too. For example, so called “nesting” is required — so two Iowa HOUSE districts are in each Iowa SENATE district. The districts have to be as compact as possible, too, meaning the boundaries form something similar to a square or rectangle.

“Our approach is a blind process,” Cook says. “…We don’t go in and make an analysis as to what’s competitive. As a non-partisan staffer, I think that would be a disconnect for me to make a determination as to that.” Cook, who worked on the three previous redistricting processes, made his comments during a forum on Iowa’s reapportionment process that was broadcast on C-SPAN. If legislators reject the first set of proposed maps, the Legislative Services Agency has up to 35 days to present lawmakers with a second batch. If the second set it rejected and a third set of redrawn districts is required, legislators can propose and vote on changes to that third set. The first two plans cannot be altered before legislators vote on them.

Members of the Atlantic School Board received an update during their meeting Wednesday evening, with regard to the Return-To-Learn plan, facility project, transportation plans and readiness for school on August 23rd, especially in light of the July 27th Middle School fire. In his report to the Board, Superintendent Steve Barber said with regard to Return-To-Learn, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has done very little to change the guidelines.

You may recall, in June, the School Board approved a revised RTL plan developed by the Health and Safety Committee, based on guidance from IDPH. Mr. Barber said, basically, the latest guidance they received from the health department, with the exception of stating that vaccinations are the best mitigation strategies for those eligible (age 12 or older). Barber noted: Any staff or student who is positive for COVID will be quarantined 10 days after the onset of their symptoms. District Registered Nurse Laura Freund continues to work with Cass County Public Health to determine those dates.

He said also, the District has purchased Rapid testing for STAFF. The a staff member is experiencing COVID symptoms, they will not be allowed at work. They will be able to coordinate with Mrs. Freund to get a rapid test, and if tested negative, will be able to return to work once the symptoms are gone. The illness policy for STUDENTS is the same as pre-COVID. Also: the cleaning regimen will continue as developed; Masks will be available to students and staff; changes will be made as situations change.

Mr. Barber said also, the District’s Construction Committee is pushing to get the High School facility to substantial completion by August 31st. Midwest Tennis and Track is putting the finishing touches on the track and tennis courts. Barber noted it is EXTREMELY important for everyone to stay off those surfaces to allow the top coats to cure.

Proposed additions to the Achievement Center for easier bus & other traffic

With regard to transportation, Mr. Barber they have contacted the DOT, and they have started the process to help reduce speed with signage. He said buses will come to the Achievement Center via 22nd Street and enter the north parking lot.  Snyder and Associates Engineer Dave Sturm is working on having a road on the back side of the building constructed so the buses can leave from the road located on the south side of the building, and head towards town. That way, no buses will need to cross traffic in-and-out of the parking lot.

In the morning, parents would drop their children at the south parking lot of the Achievement Center, by means of a proposed driveway on the west side, to aid in the flow of traffic in and out of the parking lot. That would reserve the north lot for teacher parking. Transportation Director Mark Weis has plotted every 6th & 7th grade student residence to identify areas around town that would make sense for pick up and drop off.

Mr. Barber said there are concerns about congestion at the district’s other buildings during, before and after school, and having locations around town could help alleviate some of those issues. Currently, they are looking to have drop-off points at the community center, Zion and Hazel & 5th Streets. He says given that the Middle School is a construction zone, they hope to avoid taking the buses down to that area. That means Schuler students would go to Washington Elementary to catch a bus. By picking up 6th and 7th graders first, going to a location in town, then to the High School and finally to Washington route, students would be the last out of the building. There would be plenty of time, Barber says, to get students who walk or get picked up out of the buildings before the buses arrive. To accomplish that, he says, it would be necessary to shorten the school day for 6th and 7th grade students. The instructional hours are currently under review.

Construction of temporary classrooms at the Achievement Center is about 70% complete, according to Mr. Barber. He feels confident the facility will be ready to go next week. As a sign of progress, First Onsite began delivering equipment and supplies on Tuesday.

1st OnSite has boxes and equipment ready for MS teachers at the Achievement Center

Construction continues on temporary classrooms at the Achievement Center.

Those items will provide the rooms with essential classroom equipment. The materials will be marked with each room for the middle school teachers. The Superintendent said also, the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church is willing to house the Home School Assistance Program. Those plans are being finalized.

Officials with the Southern Iowa Regional Water Association (SIRWA) report, as of 3:00 PM today, August 11^th, the Boil Advisory for SIRWA Customers in Taylor County and the City of Bedford has been lifted by the IDNR.  All coliform bacteria samples that were taken by SIRWA and the City of Bedford were analyzed by the state Hygienics Lab in Ankeny and all were good.

The advisory had been issued August 6th, after a problem developed in the water distribution system and a loss of pressure.

Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports the arrest on separate charges, of two men from Missouri. At around 2:15-a.m. today (Wednesday), deputies with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a 2008 Honda CRV for an equipment violation in the 4100 block of 310^th Street, in Rural Hamburg. The vehicle fled deputies for approximately two miles, where the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the eastbound ditch.

Clifford Chaney

The driver, 58-year-old Clifford Chaney, of Tarkio, Missouri, was arrested for eluding and cited for not having a valid driver’s license. He was being held at the Fremont County Jail on $1,000 bond.

And, on Tuesday, deputies with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in Hamburg. A Mills County K9 was deployed, and deputies uncovered Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The driver, 49-year-old Toby Lynn Jackson, of Amazonia, Missouri was placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2^nd Offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Jackson was being held on $2,300 bond. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with the arrest.

Toby Jackson

Page County Sheriff’s Deputies, Wednesday, arrested a Red Oak man on a warrant for Violation of Probation. 37-year-old Billy Lyn Leeper was arrested on the Page County warrant while at the Page County Jail. Leeper was unable to post the $2,000 bond, and was being held pending future court appearances.

Billy Lyn Leeper

Atlantic, IA – Officials with Cass Health in Atlantic said Wednesday (today), that “While both Dr. Edna Becht and Dr. Autumn Keiser are currently on maternity leave, Cass Health recruited Sydney Lee, MD to join the medical staff through November.” Dr. Lee is originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana. She graduated from LSU Health Shreveport and completed her family medicine residency at the University of New Mexico. Most recently, Dr. Lee provided care at HealthPoint in Auburn, Washington. She is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

As a traveling physician, Dr. Lee enjoys the opportunity to see the country while doing what she loves. She says “This allows me to get a feel for what type of community I want to be in. Being in a rural area feels like something a little closer to home.” Dr. Lee chose Family Medicine as her specialty because of the diversity. “It’s everything! I can help the most people because it’s the broadest practice.”

Dr. Sydney Lee, MD

She will provide care by appointment in the Atlantic Medical Center. Dr. Lee also provides care for obstetrics and hospital patients. To make an appointment with Dr. Lee, call (712) 243-2850.

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  AtlanticFest, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, will be held this Saturday, August 14th rain or shine. AtlanticFest is an annual festival that serves as a fundraiser for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce says “After having to cancel our annual celebration last year, we are so thankful to have so many generous sponsors and community members to help make this event possible this year.”

She adds, “AtlanticFest is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Chamber. Our sponsors help cover a lot of the costs of the event, allowing us to raise funds through registration fees, pop stand sales and the 50/50 raffle. We use the funds from AtlanticFest to continue to grow community events while also supporting business-based programs. We’re really pleased to bring it back this year and offer the community a day of fun activities while supporting local businesses, civic organizations and the Chamber.”

Downtown Atlantic will be filled with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Come early and start the day off with a run or walk in the Annual Road Race. Registration is from 7 AM – 7:45 AM at 6th and Chestnut Street with the race beginning at 8 AM. A new route will be utilized this year with a map available at www.atlanticiowa.com. There will be crafters from all over Southwest Iowa, information booths from area organizations, Bingo, provided by Atlantic Business & Professional Women, as well as some of the best food vendors to help satisfy any appetite. Kids can enjoy numerous activities in the park including carnival games, sponsored by United Church of Christ, and there’s free entertainment on the entertainment stage.

New this year, the Atlantic Hawks RC/Club will be set up in front of the Rock Island Depot, displaying numerous remote control model airplanes. They’ll also host flight demonstrations at 11-a.m., 1-p.m. and 3-p.m. for spectators to enjoy. The Rock Island Depot is located at 102 Chestnut Street. The Annual Car Show will honor Kelly Schlake, previous owner of Atlantic Motor Supply (NAPA), with the Kelly Schlake Memorial Car Show, filling Chestnut Street with new and vintage cars. Registration begins at 7:30 AM – 11 AM at 3rd and Poplar Street, with awards beginning at 3 PM.

Bailey says “Kelly was not only a huge supporter of Atlantic, but the Annual Car Show was always his favorite event of the year, which he was also a big sponsor of. When he passed away last winter, his family wanted to do something to honor his memory and we felt hosting the Car Show in his honor was the perfect fit. We’re anticipating one of our largest Car Show’s to date.” A full schedule of events can be found at www.atlanticiowa.com as well as the Chamber’s Facebook Page. Volunteer slots are still available as well. Contact the Chamber at 712-243-3017 to learn more.

Smith extended her thanks to the following Chamber partners in making the event possible: First Whitney Bank & Trust, A.M. Cohron & Son, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Atlantic Motor Supply (NAPA), Rolling Hills Bank & Trust, Lindeman Tractor, Inc., Armour Insurance, Atlantic Business & Professional Women, Atlantic Home Realty, Atlantic Municipal Utilities, Brocker, Karns & Karns, Brown Electric, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Camblin Plumbing & Heating, Cook Sanitation, Diamond Detailing, Downtowner Café & Catering, Granny’s Kettle Korn, Hepler Curbside Recycling & Sanitation, McAtee Tire, McDermott & Son Roofing, Nishna Valley Family YMCA, R/T Motors, Rush, CPA & Associates, Salute Gymnastics, SeedPro North, TW Auto Sales and Wiota Steakhouse.