The Iowa Supreme Court says a District Court erred in ordering a new trial in the case of a man who sued the Glenwood Golf Corporation, owners of the Glenwood Golf Course (GCG, following an accident involving a golf cart. The incident occurred Sept. 14, 2017, during a golf outing by Terry Jones and his son Jeff. The younger Jones was driving a golf cart owned by GCG, when, as they crossed a bridge, the cart started to veer to the left. When Jeff Jones over-corrected, the cart’s left front tire became wedged into the steel structure of the bridge. The impact ejected Jones’ father Terry – who was in the passenger seat -through an opening in the bridge’s safety rail.

Terry Jones fell about 25-feet onto a creek bed below filled with concrete and steel reinforcement bar (Rebar). He suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown by helicopter to the UNMC in Omaha. Terry Jones underwent multiple surgeries and spent months hospitalization and in a rehabilitation facility. He and his wife Christine Jones entered into a settlement agreement with Jeff and his homeowner’s liability insurer which paid the couple and their lawyer a total of $877,500, with the payments in a structured annuity.

The settlement released Jeff Jones from all claims stemming from the accident. Terry and his wife filed a civil action against GCG, based on the premises the bridge was unsafe, and that GCG was liable for the negligence of the driver in a golf cart. The District Court denied related summary judgements, and the case went to a jury, which found GCG was not liable under the premises liability claim, and found Jeffrey Jones (even though he was a released party) was at fault. They awarded damages amounting to $520,000 for past medical expenses.

Terry Jones filed a motion for a new trial on the grounds the verdict was inadequate. The District Court ruled GCG is liable on the owner liability claim, and granted a new trial on the damages only. GCG appealed the case went to the Iowa Supreme Court. The IASUPCO found Terry Jones’ release of his son from liability extinguished GCG’s vicarious liability for damages caused by Jeff Jones. They Justices reversed the District Court ruling and remanded the case for dismissal.

The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Interior Touch on Thursday March 11th, 2021 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the new owners Jared & Carrie Schmitt. The Ambassadors were introduced to Carrie & Jared Schmitt who took ownership of Interior Touch January 15th, 2021. Jared has made his career in painting, and has worked with Cathy Baragary, the previous owner of Interior Touch, for many years. Cathy approached Jared about purchasing the business and Carrie explained that “it just wasn’t a good time for us in our lives.”

“Thankfully, Cathy didn’t sell the business and when she approached us again, a few years later, the timing was right.” Cathy is staying on staff until March to help with the transition and help Jared learn about measuring window treatment and flooring. Carrie & Jared also have Danielle Steinhoff and Lori Rutherford helping customers with their home improvement needs.

Interior Touch specializes in carpet, flooring, paint, and window treatments, but have recently started carrying area rugs. The business not only sells flooring but works with a few sub-contractors to provide flooring instillation. The Schmitts have big dreams for the business and are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the business community in Atlantic.

Authorities say a stuck accelerator was apparently the blame for an accident Thursday afternoon. Creston Police report a 2000 GMC Sierra pickup driven by 37-year-old Brandi Lynn Atkins, of Creston, was traveling in the Creston Wal-Mart parking lot at around 2-p.m., Thursday, and exited to the Maurice’s parking lot, when the gas pedal became stuck. The pickup accelerated and hit a stop sign and dumpster before coming to rest. There were no injuries, and no citations were issued.

Damage to the pickup owned by Lloyd Garner II, of Osceola,  was estimated at $1,500.

The Anita City Council appointed Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem John Knutson as Mayor. Their action came during Wednesday’s City Council meeting. Knutson had served as Mayor Pro-Tem under Tom Harris, who died in December.

The City Council had the option to fill the position by a special election or by appointment. The latter means they’ll have to fill a council seat. In accordance with Iowa election laws, a notice pertaining to the open City Council seat will be published in the paper. Persons interested in filling the position are asked to contact the Anita City Clerk.

The Council also hired Eric Steffensen as the City’s new Public Works Director on Wednesday, and they authorized the Mayor to sign a new five-year 28E agreement with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. The Anita City Council approved the use of Local Option Sales Tax money to outfit ten volunteer firefighters with new equipment, as well.