CRESTON, Iowa – July 12, 2024 – You may notice a delay on eastbound Interstate 80 near Van Meter (exit 113) overnight from 10 p.m. on Monday, July 15 until 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, weather permitting. The Iowa Department of Transportation needs to close the roadway overnight at the Van Meter interchange (exit 113) to allow the contractor work on concrete paving.

While the roadway is closed, you will follow a marked detour route that will use the ramps at Van Meter interchange (exit 113). Flaggers will also be present to assist those traveling on Dallas County Road R-16 who want to travel on I-80.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic RAGBRAI® Committee is ready to entertain cyclists, visitors and community members alike, at “AtlantiPalooza” on Monday, July 22, 2024. AtlantiPalooza takes place as riders participating in Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa roll into the City on the 22nd.  Atlantic RAGBRAI Executive Chair Bailey Smith says “Our Atlantic RAGBRAI Committee is made up of 20 committee chairs and numerous volunteers who have worked tirelessly the last 6 months to put together a full day of music, entertainment, good food, and much more. We hope both riders and community members come Downtown and enjoy all their hard work.”

The Atlantic RAGBRAI Committee consists of: Bailey Smith, Executive Chair; Devin Hogue, Executive Chair/Public Safety Chair; Jodie Hogue, Hospitality Chair; Anne Quist, Budget Chair; Kelsey Beschorner, Publicity Chair; Jessie Shiels, Entertainment Chair; Tom Cappel & Tim Cappel, Beverage Garden Chairs; Kirk Knudsen, Campground Chair; Brad Strouth, Electricity Chair; Sheryl Dusenberry, Food & Vendor Chair; Marsha & Randy Watts, Housing Chairs; Dolly Bergmann, Information Center Chair; Mark Lander, Shuttle Service Chair; Nicki & Jason Ball, Volunteer Recruitment Chairs; Mike Kennon, EMS Communication Chair and Darci Young, Medical Chair.

Chestnut Street, along with several side streets and city parking lots, will be closed for parking beginning at 6 AM on Monday, July 22nd, for Atlantic RAGBRAI routes and festivities. The Atlantic RAGBRAI Committee asks residents to have their vehicles removed from the following areas or the vehicle will be towed at the owners’ expense.

Below is a list of street closures approved by the City of Atlantic.

• Chestnut Street: from the Court House Driveway access in the 700 BLK to 2nd street. (Used for stage/entertainment area, and vendors.)
• Chestnut Street from 6th to 4th will be closed beginning Sunday, July 21st at 6 PM
• 6th Street: from Locust to Walnut. (Used for entry to the entertainment area, Bike parking, and vendors.)
• Poplar Street: From 7th Street to 5th Street. (Used for bike parking and portable bathrooms)
• 7th Street *already approved by the Iowa DOT*: From Poplar to Walnut Street. (Used for entertainment area and crowed area while the bands play.)
• 10th Street: At intersection with 7th street for Eastbound, traffic. (Only during peak times of riders getting to and leaving town.)
• 14th Street: From Olive to Plum. (On Tuesday the 23rd while riders are leaving town.)

Bailey Smith says “We are thankful for cooperation and partnership amongst residents and businesses throughout Atlantic. We know it’s an inconvenience, but it helps make this event run a lot smoother when we all work together to welcome thousands of guests to our community.”  The official Atlantic RAGBRAI website, www.atlanticragbrai.com, is the hub for all Atlantic RAGBRAI information including an interactive map with extreme detail of street closures, campgrounds, vendors, entertainment locations, and more. This website is the hub for local community members and for RAGBRAI riders to get information about entertainment, maps, volunteering and more. If you are interested in lending a helping hand during the event, call the Atlantic Area Chamber at 712-243-3017 or visit www.atlanticragbrai.com to sign up.

Smith encourages everyone to look at the interactive map. She says “It will be the most up-to-date place to find information and will be extremely useful the day of as you navigate street closures. We encourage residents to enjoy the accommodations in place and take a shuttle ride downtown to help lift the burden of vehicle traffic.”

For a full list of activities happening throughout the day, visit Atlantic RAGBRAI on Facebook, “like” them on Instagram, or visit www.atlanticragbrai.com.

Atlantic RAGBRAI is sponsored by: Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Cass Health, Elkhart Plastic, Henningsen Construction, Atlantic Rotary Club, A.M. Cohron & Son, Gregg Young of Atlantic, NISHNANET, Richter & Son Towing, Meyer & Gross Real Estate, Community 1st Credit Union, Rush, CPA & Associates, Lindeman Tractor and JJ Design.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report the arrest at around 5:20-p.m. Thursday, of 57-year-old Christian Payne Daugherty, of Creston, on charges of Disorderly Conduct by loud raucous noise, and Assault. Daugherty was transported to the Union County jail, and later posted at $2,000 bond before being released.

Creston Police said also, no injuries were reported following an accident that took place at around 5:20-p.m. Thursday, on 160th Street, in Creston. A 2011 KIA Sedona SUV driven by 17-year-old Jack Alan Butler, of Creston, was traveling east on 160th, when the vehicle left the road to the south and struck a tree before coming to rest. Authorities say the accident happened when Butler failed to negotiate the turn correctly, and failed to maintain control.

Police said also, Butler was driving too fast for conditions. He was cited for Failure to Maintain Control, and Failure to provide proof of financial liability (insurance)/accident related. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $7,000.

And, Police said no injuries were reported following an accident Thursday afternoon, in Creston. According to their report, a 2008 Chevy Impala driven by 16-year-old Elizabeth Elaine Sprague, of Creston, had just backed out of a parking spot at the Casey’s Store off Townline Street, and was heading south in the parking lot toward the street. A 1996 Ford pickup driven by 53-year-old Douglas William Wilson, of Afton, was in a parking space and backing out. Wilson told police he had only looked in the mirror, and did not see the car until it was too late.

The police report said damage from the accident amounted to $3,100 altogether. Authorities say starting or improper backing by Wilson contributed to the collision, but there were no citations issued.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Red Oak Police Department reports a woman was taken into custody Thursday night, on an Assault charge. Officers arrested 27-year-old Destiny Jill Anderson, of Red Oak, at around 9:20-p.m. in the 100 block of W. Elm Street, on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault. Anderson was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held without bond.

STRAWBERRY POINT, Iowa (KCRG) – At approximately 8:45 pm, Thursday, the Strawberry Point Fire Department in eastern Iowa, ceased to exist. In a message on their Facebook page, the department said the unanimous decision was influenced by a lack of support from the city council and the mayor.

The department says that they have not made the decision lightly, and that they have contacted surrounding agencies to provide coverage during this time as part of their 28E agreement.

The message posted by the Strawberry Point F.D. is as follows:

“It’s with a heavy heart that the Strawberry Point Fire Department has voluntarily made the unanimous decision to turn our pagers in effective immediately. Our decision has been influenced by the continued lack of support from the city council and mayor. This has had a devastating effect on member recruitment, retention, day-to-day operations and morale.This decision has not been made lightly as many of us have friends and family who live, work and visit the City of Strawberry Point and we genuinely care about all of our citizens. Certain members of City Council have placed our department under tremendous strain, and it is imperative that the lack of support, failure to communicate and personal bias be addressed promptly. The safety of our citizens and the effectiveness of our emergency response team depend on it. We are contacting our 28E agreement surrounding agencies to provide coverage during this time.”

(Radio Iowa) – Two of the Iowa Democrats running for congress are calling on President Biden to end his bid for reelection. Christina Bohannan of Iowa City is the Democrat running against Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks. Bohannan says it’s time for Biden to pass the torch to a new generation of leadership. Sarah Corkery of Cedar Falls is the Democrat runninng against Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson. Corkery says now is the time for Biden to pass the torch to Vice President Harris. State Auditor Rob Sand — the only Democrat elected to state office — and Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart have not responded this week to Radio Iowa messages seeking comment about Biden’s candidacy.

Ryan Melton of Nevada, the Democrat running against Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra, issued a statement on social media last wek. Melton said it’s fair to question whether Biden or Trump are fit to serve a second term. Radio Iowa also has reached out to several Iowans who’ll be delegates at next month’s Democratic National Convention. Only one responded, noting by party rules he is a committed Biden delegate. One Democrat serving in the state legislature has called on Biden to end his campaign.

Christina Bohannan of Iowa City, the Democratic nominee in Iowa’s first congressional district, pictures as she delivered her nominating petitions for the June 2024 Primary. (RI file photo)

Representative Austin Baeth of Des Moines posted a statement on social media on Monday, saying Biden did follow through on his Build Back Better agenda, but Baeth said to ensure the durability of his handiwork, Biden must pass the wrench to the next generation.