DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Reynolds today (Monday) announced the launch of a new Iowa Small Business Relief Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000 in addition to offering Iowa businesses a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest.

“Small businesses are the source of thriving main streets and community pride across Iowa,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The Small Business Relief Grant Program is another way we can support our small businesses during this unprecedented time.”

Iowa Small Business Relief Program Grant:

To be eligible for a small business relief grant, eligible businesses must:

• Be experiencing business disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Have employed between 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020

The Small Business Relief Grants will assist eligible businesses in maintaining operations or reopening business following the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds may not be used to pay debts incurred prior to March 17, 2020.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority will review grant applications for eligibility and will determine the grant amount by the level of impact including loss in sales revenue and employees. Notification of award decisions and disbursement of grant funds will be expedited.

Tax Assistance:

The Iowa Department of Revenue will review each application as applicable, to determine if it is appropriate to grant a deferral of the eligible taxes and waiver of penalty and interest.

The dual application for grant assistance and tax deferral is available at iowabusinessrecovery.com. The deadline for applications is March 31 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). The program may be restricted due to funding availability.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests and one incident of snack theft.  A woman from Creston reports on March 4th, that sometime between the 4th and March 6th, someone got in to her storage unit in Creston. The thief got away with 15 cases of Little Debbie snacks, valued at $300.

Authorities said also, 23-year old Wesley Richard Oliphant, of Creston, was arrested March 10th at the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office. Oliphant was arrested on a Union County warrant for driving while barred. He was later released on $2,000 bond. Also arrested March 10th, was 21-year old Tommie Lynne O’Neall, of Creston. She was taken into custody at the Union County Sheriff’s Office on a Union County Warrant for Theft in the 4th degree. O’Neall was released from jail after serving the balance of her time.

The Atlantic Fire Department and Medivac Ambulance were called a little after 12-p.m. today, to Hubbard Feeds at 60260 Marne Road, where a fire was reported in the basement of the mill. All personnel were out of the building at last report. The fire appeared to be out by around 12:20-p.m. Additional details are currently not available.

Photo’s by Chris Parks

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports numerous recent arrests. AT around 11:45-p.m. Sunday, 25-year old Donald Wayne Doebelin was arrested for OWI/1st offense, following an investigation into a property damage accident. At around 7:30-p.m. Sunday, 31-year old Kyle William Tearney, of Minden, was arrested following a reported disturbance in Minden. Tearney was arrested for felony Child Endangerment w/substantial Risk, and Domestic Abuse Assault w/bodily injury – 2nd offense.

At around 10:55-a.m. Sunday, a 17-year old male was arrested for Assault Causing Serious Injury (without Intent). A 17-year old male also was arrested at around 1:40-a.m. Sunday, following a traffic stop that escalated into a pursuit. The teen was charged with Eluding while exceeding the speed limit by 25 mph or more, and Reckless Driving. Friday night, 34-year old Trafonia Massenberg was arrested for Driving While License suspended or revoked, and OWI/1st offense, following an accident on I-80 at mile marker 38.

Friday afternoon, 33-year old David William Wicker, of Council Bluffs, was arrested on valid Pottawattamie County warrants and numerous other charges, stemming from a vehicle pursuit. His charges include: Assault (with a dangerous weapon) on Persons in Certain Occupations; Eluding (Plus participating in a felony or resulting in serious injury); Reckless Driving; Theft in the 5th Degree, and on a hold for another law enforcement agency. His bond was set at $5,300.

The Pott. County Sheriff’s Office said also, 40-year old Karre Christine Odell, of Council Bluffs, was transported from the Cass County Jail in Atlantic, to the Pott. County Jail, to address warrants in Pott. County for Violation of Probation.

The Montgomery County Auditor’s Office is still temporarily closed to the public. Any candidates still needing to file their paperwork before the Primary Election deadline (March 25 at 5:00 p.m.) MUST CALL 712-623-5127 to set up an appointment to do so. The office is still available to answer all calls and emails.

Candidates Filed as of March 23 for the June 2 Primary Election:

• Auditor: Stephanie Burke – Republican, Incumbent
• Sheriff: Jon Spunaugle – Republican
• Supervisor District #3: Bryant Amos – Republican, Incumbent; Randy Cooper – Republican
• Supervisor District #5: Donna Robinson – Republican, Incumbent

Officials with the City of Atlantic, Monday (today), said effective Tuesday, March 24th, the Main (shared) lobby for City Offices and the Police Department (at City Hall), will be closed until further notice. If you need to speak with a Police Officer, please call 243-3512 for assistance. To speak with City Office personnel, please call 243-4810. Leave all payments, permits and all other paperwork in the drop box.

The City appreciates your understanding.