DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds, Monday, announced her appointment of Major Matthew Peterson as Commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home. Peterson’s appointment is effective July 27, 2021. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Peterson’s 20-year career and seven deployments in the Marine Corps infantry have placed him in a wide range of leadership positions spanning thirty countries and five continents. Since retiring from the military, he has directed a working ranch and currently serves as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, as well as a high school teacher.

Peterson holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Government from New Mexico State University. He also received master’s degrees in Political Science from Liberty University and another in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. He is a fifth-generation Iowan from Red Oak.

“Thanks to two decades of leadership in the Marines and an impressive post-retirement career, Major Peterson brings a unique set of qualifications to the Iowa Veterans Home,” said Gov. Reynolds. “He also brings deep appreciation for the military service of the veterans whose care he will oversee. His proven ability and dedication will pay dividends for the home, its staff, and its residents.”

The Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA has served Iowa veterans since 1887. Today, it is the largest long-term care center in the state and home to more than 500 veterans.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City of Atlantic’s Personnel and Finance Committee will meet 5:15-p.m. Wednesday, July 28th, in the Council’s Chambers at City Hall. On their agenda are reviews of 2022 fireworks proposals from Wild Willy’s co-owner Mark O’Brien, J & M Displays, and Dan Vargason, who will purchase fireworks from Iowa Fireworks Company and put on a show.

Mark O’Brien provided a fireworks demonstration late last month, as part of an introduction to the products offered by locally owned and operated Wild Willy’s. In his proposal to the City, O’Brien submitted a bid of $6,000 for a 45-to 60-minute display on July 4th, 2022. If approved, the event would take place in the area of the Atlantic Little League Diamonds across from KJAN. The proposal includes proof of insurance and property clean-up of the debris.

Dan Vargason, who (according to his proposal) has been shooting off fireworks electronically for over 10-years, and sells fireworks for the Iowa Fireworks Company, says he and his family have been working for the past eight-years to organize, purchase, set-up and fire, as well as clean-up, following an annual fireworks show. He noted that he was donated 10% of their gross sales over the last four-years, to the Atlantic Booster Club.

Vargason proposes an electronically fired display lasting no less than 20-minutes. He will also carry insurance and is also proposing to put on a show for the sum of $6,000. He has proposed using the Schildberg Recreation Area, between the dock and playground, or on a floating platform off the dock.

The vendors for the 2021 July 4th fireworks display at the Little League Park, have offered to give the community a free show (Valued at $6,000), to make up for what was perceived to be a very short show this year. J&M CEO James J. Oetken said in a letter to Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel, that after investigating the circumstances surrounding the show, he learned that the lead technician fired the show at “A quick, intense pace, which he thought was more exciting, but it shortened the show by quite a bit.”

Oetken said also, the amount of product fired matched the proposal and packing slip, so the content was similar to past years…”it just fired so quickly it seemed like less,” he said. Oetken said if the City accepts the offer, the 2022 fireworks show would have to be held Saturday, July 2nd, due to J&M’s other commitments.

In other business, the Personnel and Finance Committee will review and make recommendations to the Council, with regard to: An Acting Deputy City Clerk; Part-Time Administrative Assistant; an update on Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, and Work Rules & Disciplinary Procedures in the City’s Handbook.

Rescue crews and law enforcement responded to a shooting incident Monday evening, in rural northeastern Atlantic. Dispatch reports at around 7:49-p.m. indicated a man had been shot. He was reportedly found inside a shed in the 63,000 block of Great River Road. The individual was transported to the Cass Health and transferred by helicopter to another hospital. Additional information is not available at this time.