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Montgomery County Supervisors to act on Courthouse Improvement Bond Resolution

News

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors are set to discuss and pass a resolution with regard to bonds for Courthouse Improvements. The matter will come before the Board during their meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m.* Tuesday (April 2nd), in their courthouse Board Room. (see the agenda below)

In other business the Board will hear from Jackie Laire, with Montgomery County E911 Communications, with regard to a Dispatch Headset Project and the use of ARPA funds.

They are also expected to set the date for a Public Hearing on a Fiscal year 2024 Budget Amendment for the Courthouse Improvement Project. Following their regular meeting (**and at around 9:30-a.m., Tuesday), the Board will hold the first Public Hearing on the FY25 Budget, including the proposed FY 25 Property Tax Levy.

Their second regular meeting begins at 9:45-a.m., Tuesday***, and includes a county employee Health Insurance update, and set the date for a 2nd hearing on the FY25 Montgomery County Budget.

*Please note, this is a public meeting; however, it may be conducted via ZOOM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411; Or, Dial by your location   +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.

**Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.

***Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak

Regular Meeting, 8:30 A.M., Tuesday April 02, 2024

Tentative Agenda

  1. Call meeting to order

  1. Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Roll call of members

  1. Approval of Agenda – Order at discretion of Chairman

  1. Read minutes as presented. Chairman to call for any additions/corrections to said minutes.

  1. Board chairman will ask the audience for any comments, limited to two minutes per person.

  1. Supervisors: Weekly committee/assignment updates

  1. Secondary Roads Update

  1. Nate Summers, UMB Bank- General Obligation Courthouse Improvement Series 2024

    1. Discuss and approve – Resolution 2024-16 authorizing and approving a Loan Agreement, providing for the placement and issuance of General Obligation Courthouse Improvement Bonds, Series 2024 and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same

    2. Discuss and approve – Loan Agreement and Registrar and Paying Agent Agreement

  1. Jackie Laire, E911 Communications – Dispatch Headset project

    1. Discuss and approve PSAP Agreement with HSEMD for NG911 Shared Services RFP0917005031 MA18258 in the amount of $30,679.53 and FirstWireless, Inc. quote QTE11270 in the amount of $3,050.65 to be paid with ARPA funds.

  2. New Business

    1. Set the date for Public Hearing for FY24 Budget Amendment Courthouse Improvement Project

    2. Approve Villisca Golf Club Inc. Class C Retail Alcohol license permit

    3. Approve Family Farm Tax Applications

  1. Discuss and start agenda items for next meeting

  2. Announcements – The next 2nd regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 02, 2024, 9:45 a.m., following the 1st Hearing FY25 Budget Tax

 

Red Oak man arrested on an assault charge, Saturday

News

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak arrested a man on an assault charge, Saturday afternoon. Authorities say at around 12:30-p.m., Red Oak Police Officers arrested 26-year-old Josiah Ivan Prokes, of Red Oak, was taken into custody for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense. He was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail, pending an appearance before the Magistrate.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024

Weather

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: A slight chance of showers before 1pm, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. East northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 42. Northeast wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Breezy, with an east northeast wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 31. Blustery, with a north northeast wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a north wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Breezy.

Saturday’s High in Atlantic was 57. The Low was 34. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 75 and the Low was 31. The all-time Record High in Atlantic on March 31st, was 87 in 2012. The Record Low was 12 in 1924. Sunrise today: 7:06. Sunset tonight: 7:44.

JOSIE M. CURTIS, 98, of Atlantic (Visitation & Graveside Svcs. 4/13/24)

Obituaries

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JOSIE M. CURTIS, 98, of Atlantic, died Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Heritage House in Atlantic. Visitation for JOSIE CURTIS will begin at Noon on April 13th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, followed by a Graveside Memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at the Atlantic Cemetery.

JOSIE CURTIS is survived by:

Her son – Russell (Julie) Curtis, of Elgin, IA.

Her daughter-in-law: (wife of the late, Donald Curtis), Karen Curtis of Ames, IA

6 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralserivce.com.

Work release escape of Andrew Lee Stephens

News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Waterloo – The Iowa Department of Corrections reports 41-year-old Andrew Lee Stephens, who was convicted of Robbery 1st Degree in Black Hawk County, failed to report back to the Waterloo Residential Correctional Facility as required yesterday (Friday).

Stephens is a 6-feet tall, 227-pound white male. He was admitted to the work release facility on 2/9/24.

Persons with information on Stephens’s whereabouts should contact local police.

Andrew Lee Stephens

Public Hearing set in Atlantic for the Proposed Property Tax Levy

News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A Public Hearing will be held Wednesday in Atlantic, with regard to the Proposed Maximum Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025. The hearing takes place in the Atlantic City Council’s Chambers at City Hall, beginning at 5-P.M.

The Council will hold its regular meeting at 5:30-p.m., Wednesday, at the same location. Some of the agenda items for that meeting include:

  • The Swearing-in of Atlantic Police Sergeant Brock Thompson.
  • Public Hearing on Proposal to Enter into an Essential Purpose Loan Agreement.
  • Public Hearing on Proposal to Enter into a General Purpose Loan Agreement.
  • Resolution #22-24 “Authorizing and Combining Loan Agreements, Approving the Future Issuance of General Obligation Bonds and Providing for the Levy of Taxes to Pay the Same.”
  • Order to Approve Second Amendment to Ambulance Services Agreement Between City of Atlantic, Iowa, Cass County Memorial Hospital d/b/a Cass County Health System, Cass County Iowa, and Midwest Medical Transport Company.
  • Resolution #23-24 “Setting the Date for Public Hearing on April 17, 2024, to Adopt the FY 2025 Budget.”
  • Resolution #24-24 “Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project.”
  • Resolution #25-24 “Setting the Date for Public Hearing on a Proposed Ordinance Vacating the Street Located between 3009 Palm Street and 3101 Palm Street in the City of Atlantic, Iowa.
  • Order to Terminate City Clerk Services Contract with Marne Effective May 31, 2024.
  • Order to Approve The Retail Coach Contract Extension (Tabled during the last meeting)
  • Resolution #21-24 “Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Barb Barrick to Temporarily Provide City Clerk Consulting Services for the City of Atlantic.” (tabled during the last meeting)
  • Order to Enter Exempt Session Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 20.17(3) Providing for the Strategy Meetings of Public Employers for Collective Bargaining

USDA confirms cases of bird-flu found in dairy cows

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG & USDA) – This week, the USDA announced cases of bird flu had been found in dairy cows in a few states; Texas, Kansas, and Michigan. Iowa currently isn’t one of those states, but cattle farmers are keeping a close eye it. Last year, the avian flu killed nearly 3 million birds in the state of Iowa. That ranges from commercial poultry farms to backyard flocks.

Iowa State Extension Dairy Veterinarian Phillip Jardon said cows in Texas had contracted an unknown illness, which reduced milk production in older cattle. It wasn’t until this week he said pathologists learned it was the bird flu, but they aren’t sure how it happened.

Jardon said in each of the found cases in Texas, dead birds had been found near the farm. While he said the findings are all still new and research was being done, so far, the virus doesn’t seem to be as deadly to cattle. Jardon said it would still be a good idea for farmers to be vigilant as they get closer to starting selling and moving cattle this season.

In its latest report, the USDA said ” There continues to be no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply because products are pasteurized before entering the market, or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply.

In addition, pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce for human consumption. FDA’s longstanding position is that unpasteurized, raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms that can pose serious health risks to consumers, and FDA is reminding consumers of the risks associated with raw milk consumption in light of the HPAI detections.”

Iowa man wanted by the FBI for alleged money laundering & fraud

News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb.  – The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Omaha field office is seeking the public’s help in locating an Iowa man wanted for alleged money laundering and wire fraud.

The office says William Jack “Bill” Berg, 51, is wanted for allegedly defrauding over a dozen client investors in a scheme that resulted in the loss of over $1.5 million. It’s alleged that the victim investors provided Berg, a financial advisor in the Des Moines metro area, with funds for investment — only for Berg to use those funds for his own benefit.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Berg on March 19. He most recently lived in the Waukee and Adel areas and is suspected to have been in the Des Moines area as recently as Monday (March 25th).

William Jack Berg, (AKA Bill Berg) – FBI Photo

Berg is described as 5′11″, 195 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI’s Omaha field office at (402) 493-8688.

Muscatine restaurant wins Iowa’s best Pulled Pork Sandwich award

News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The experts have spoken: Iowa’s best pulled pork sandwich is made in eastern Iowa. Voters in a recent social media contest sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association picked Skinny’s Barbecue in Muscatine as winner of the annual Pulled Pork Madness contest, according to a news release.

The Pork Producers say the bracket-style competition, in its seventh year, starts with 16 contenders and follows a narrowing process similar to the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament. The public determines which restaurants advance to the next round.

From the news release:

“At Skinny’s, pork butts are traditionally slathered with mustard to bind an equal mix of salt and pepper. Owner Cord Kleist uses a thick-cut pepper to grow a bark, the flavorful black crust that forms on the outside of the meat during the cooking process. He only recently began adding a special blend of seasonings.

“The pork is then cooked on a gas-powered rotisserie smoker at a low temperature for about 14 to 15 hours, and gets wrapped for the last couple of hours to seal in the moisture and juices. Oak wood is added as the meat cooks, to enhance the taste.

pulled pork sandwich at Skinny’s BBQ in Muscatine

“Each sandwich is served on a shiny brioche toasted bun, with house-made pickles and onions on the side, along with a choice of one homemade side dish. Three flavors of house-made sauces are available — sweet, spicy, or Carolina tangy gold.

“Winning the title ‘brings a tear to my eye,’ says Kleist, who will receive $250 and a Pulled Pork Madness plaque. “It’s crazy to see how far we’ve come and adapted and changed.”

Previous winners have included:

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Saturday, March 30, 2024

Weather

March 30th, 2024 by admin

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight: A 10 percent chance of showers after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. East northeast wind 6 to 9 mph.
Sunday: Showers likely, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. East wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. East northeast wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a northeast wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: Rain showers likely before 5am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday’s High in Atlantic was 68. The Low was 37. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 72 and the Low was 29. The all-time Record High in Atlantic on March 30th, was 87 in 1968. The Record Low was 8 in 1964. Sunrise today: 7:07. Sunset tonight: 7:43.