The Griswold Community School District’s Board of Education will meet in special session Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st, both days at 5:00 p.m., for the purpose of conducting interviews for the position of Middle School/High School Principal. Following Public Input and discussion about the interview process, the Board will consider entering into closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)i, for the purpose of evaluating the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring,performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.

A separate closed session will be used for each candidate.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A suspect in the Iowa slaying of a 27-year-old man has been captured in Illinois. Authorities say Todd Jenkins was spotted at a hotel in Aurora, Illinois, and arrested Thursday as he tried to flee. He faces charges of first-degree murder and going armed with intent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  A criminal complaint says he drove Oct. 30 from Davenport to Cedar Rapids and, outside his former girlfriend’s apartment, confronted Reginald Ward Jr. Ward was fatally shot later at a convenience store. Ward lived in Moline, Illinois.

(Radio Iowa) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says the targeted proclamations she’s issued over the past couple of weeks are equivalent and, in some cases, may be more stringent than the “stay at home” orders 22 other governors have issued.  “Even in Minnesota’s order that was put in place, 78% of the jobs in their economy are exempted from the Minnesota governor’s ‘shelter in place’ (order),” Reynolds says.

On Thursday, Reynolds ordered more retail businesses to close, including those that sell clothes, shoes, furniture and flowers. More than half the NATION’S population is living in a state where a governor has made some sort of “shelter in place” or “stay at home” directive. Last week, Reynolds asked Iowans not to gather in groups of more than 10 — to limit the spread of COVID by people who have the virus, but do not show symptoms.  “We are Iowans. I shouldn’t have to issue an order that says you need to stay home and be responsible if you’re not sick,” Reynolds says.

President Trump has asked governors to classify the counties within each state, based on whether the risk level for the coronavirus is high, medium or low. The ratings could be used to loosen restrictions or reopen some regions within states.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrested at around 2:30-p.m. Wednesday, of 34-year old Joshua John Weeks, of Lorimor. Weeks was charged with OWI 3^rd, possession of a dangerous weapon while under the influence, and felon in possession of a firearm. He was being held in the Union County Jail on $11,000 bond.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce is launching a gift certificate stimulus campaign to support local retail businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith says “With the new State mandated retail closures that were announced yesterday (Thursday), and slower foot traffic for retailers still open, we wanted to do something that would bring money into their business right now and allow shoppers the ability to come into stores later.” Participating retailers are listed on www.atlanticiowa.com. Gift certificates will be available for purchase online in increments of $5 – $50. Purchases must be paid by debit or credit card. The Chamber will mail the gift certificate to the shopper and the business will be reimbursed for the amount immediately. Certificates expire December 31, 2020, giving shoppers plenty of time to use them.

Smith says “With these certificates, residents are able to support local retailers while complying with government mandates. We encourage residents to purchase certificates to use at a later date, give as gifts or save for Christmas shopping.”

Participating retailers include: Advanced Computer Graphics & Solutions (ACGS), Akin Building Center, Atlantic Motor Supply (NAPA), Atlantic Locker Service, Aunt B’s, Boes Repair, Inc., Bonnesen’s, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Brymons Interiors, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Choice Printing & Supply LLC., Deter Motor Company, Dvorak Tire & Service, Hanson’s Fine Jewelry, Henningsen’s Processing Plant, McAtee Tire, Olsen’s Outdoor Power, Orschlen’s Farm Supply, Something For You, The Fish Store, The Franklin Market (excludes Coffee Girl), The Picker’s Parlor, The Uppercut & More Boutique and Unique Salon & Spa.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — More than three dozen more Iowa Army National Guard members have been activated to join the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The guard says soldiers from the 67th Troop Command have established an operations and planning cell at the Iowa City Readiness Center. They will prepare and coordinate guard support to agencies in the eastern half of Iowa. Other guard members have been delivering medical supplies in support of the Iowa Department of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The guard says more than 90 guard members are on duty to handle coronavirus response missions across Iowa.