(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County 4-H’ers and their families, volunteers and supporters gathered on Sunday, November 12th to celebrate the 2022-2023 4-H year at the 2023 County Convention. Cass County 4-H Youth Coordinator Katie Bateman says 4-H leaders reaching milestones were recognized at the convention, for their service.

Receiving ten-year recognition were Jeff Anderson of Washington GEM, Tarah Anderson of Washington GEM, Beth Henderson of Benton Franklin, Eva Jensen of Grant Guys & Gals, Kristy Pellett of Pymosa, Windy Smith of Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids. Recognized as a club leader for five years was Troy Retallic of Bear Grove Blazers.

The 4-H Alumni Award, given to 4-H alumni that have stayed active in supporting the local 4-H program, was presented to Dawn and Donnie Dreager. Dawn and Donnie are long-time supporters of the 4-H program who always encourage youth to do their best. Donnie is instrumental in the Swine Department at County Fair supporting the superintendent and helping wherever needed. Both are alumni of the Pymosa Club, who have continued to contribute time in support of Cass County 4-H.

Dale and the late Pam Kuehl were recognized as Honorary Members; an award given to non-4-H members that offer support and assistance to the local 4-H program. They have been long-time contributors to the fair livestock sale. Dale is a former fairboard member and Pam was a leader of the Brighton Bluebells 4-H Club. They have helped many youth with livestock projects over the years.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to NISHNANET. The team at NISHNANET work hard to provide free Wi-Fi on the fairgrounds during fair week. This service allows data to be entered quickly for shows after weigh-ins, networks to live stream county fair events, and communicate throughout the grounds. 4-H and FFA members, staff, and everyone who comes to the fair is grateful for the services that NISHNANET provide. They are quick to respond to the need and move on a moment’s notice to help all throughout the year.

Youth Council installation (Photo courtesy Katie Bateman

Members and leaders of all eleven 4-H clubs in Cass County were presented on stage to receive recognition for club activities throughout the year and project awards. Intermediate and Junior 4-H members who completed a record book received project awards based on leaders’ recommendation. High school members turn in their record book at the club level to be reviewed then leaders nominate records to be reviewed again at the county level. Record books are rated on organization, appearance, goals and learning, spelling and grammar. Senior project awards were also presented. These project records should be well organized, neat, and show evidence of solid Citizenship, Communication, and Leadership activities. Points received determine if platinum, gold, silver, or bronze awards are given.

Awards given by clubs are as follows:

Bear Grove Blazers: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, 4-H Endowment Donation, Silent Auction Item, Banner Club

Project Awards:

Elizabeth Anderson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Photography: Platinum

Catherine DeBord: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Rabbit, Swine

Aly Dreager: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Food & Nutrition, Sheep, Swine

Dylen Dreager: Project awards in Swine: Silver

Keagen Dreager: Sheep, Swine, Woodworking

Walker Gary: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Sheep, Swine, Woodworking

Michael Hocamp: Overall Record: Star.

Maggie Jacobsen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Home Improvement, Visual Arts

Hunter Kardell: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Photography, Rabbit, Swine

Lynsie Kardell: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Photography, Sewing, Swine, Visual Arts

Macie Kloewer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Rabbit, Visual Arts

Maggie Kloewer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Rabbit, Visual Arts

Mia Kloewer: Project Awards: Rabbit: Silver

David Retallic: Overall Record: Gold. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition: Bronze, Rabbit: Bronze, Swine: Silver

Sophia Retallic: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition, Rabbit, Sewing, Swine

Nolan Sunderman: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Visual Arts

Carter Witzman: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Swine: Platinum

Benton Franklin: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, Silent Auction Item

Project Awards:

Brock Henderson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Beef: Platinum

Ada Nichols: Overall Record: Silver.

Brookelyn Steffen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Swine

Brylee Steffen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Sewing, Swine, Woodworking

C&M Champions: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, 4-H Endowment Donation, Silent Auction Item, Swine Herdsmanship

Cowpokes: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, 4-H Endowment Donation, Silent Auction Item

Project Awards:

Shelby Hansen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Horse

Garret Stetzel: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog

Kaylee Stetzel: Overall Record: Gold. Project Awards: Horse: Gold

Kayedance Sturm: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Horse

Grant Guys and Gals: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, 4-H Endowment Donation, Silent Auction Item, Rabbit Herdsmanship, Sheep Herdsmanship

Project Awards:

Kinsey Burg: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition, Photography, Sewing, Visual Arts

Macy Burg: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Home Improvement, Photography, Sewing

Brayden Dawson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Woodworking

Ashton Hagen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Meat Goats

Graham Hagen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef

Tiana Hagen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Sheep

Ada Hansen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Citizenship, Clothing, Food & Nutrition

Isaac Hansen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Food & Nutrition, Health, Swine, Woodworking

Jenna Jensen: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Health, Home Improvement, Leadership, Photography, Swine, Visual Arts

Emma Meyer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Sheep

Kennedy Meyer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Sheep

Eden Ohms: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Food & Nutrition, Photography, Sewing, Sheep, Visual Arts

Leah Ohms: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Food & Nutrition, Health, Photography, Sewing, Sheep, Visual Arts

Kylee Wessling: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Leadership, Photography, Rabbit

Griswold Clubsters: Club Awards: Silent Auction Item, Goat Herdsmanship

Project Awards:

Raylea Amos: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Visual Arts

Josie Millikan: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Consumer Management: Gold, Food & Nutrition: Gold, Health: Silver

Grove H.O.T.: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, Silent Auction Item, Top Community Service Poster

Project Awards:

Parker Brock: Overall Record: Gold. Project Awards: Dog: Platinum, Meat Goat: Gold.

Conner Johnson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Photography: Platinum, Poultry: Platinum

Lily Johnson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Clothing: Platinum, Communications: Platinum, Dairy Goat: Platinum, Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Poultry: Platinum, Sewing: Platinum

Rio Johnson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Clothing: Platinum, Communications: Platinum, Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Photography: Platinum, Poultry: Platinum, Sewing: Platinum, Visual Arts: Platinum.

Claire Schroder: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Sewing: Gold

Pleasant Noble United: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, Silent Auction Item

Project Awards:

Conlan Amos: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition, Poultry, Veterinary Science

Zoey Amos: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Photography

Emma Ritter: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Visual Arts

Gage Ritter: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Dog, Woodworking

Kailey Swain: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Meat Goat: Platinum, Rabbit: Platinum, Swine: Platinum.

Trista Swain: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Meat Goat: Platinum, Rabbit: Platinum, Swine: Platinum

Pymosa: Club Awards: Silent Auction Item, Beef Herdsmanship

Project Awards:

Makayla Atkinson: completed a record book.

Dayna Dreager: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Swine: Platinum

Keira Olson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Leadership: Platinum

Olivia Olson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Photography: Bronze, Woodworking: Bronze

Callee Pellett: Overall Record: Gold.

Claire Pellett: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Beef: Platinum, Dog: Platinum, Food & Nutrition: Platinum, Health: Platinum, Home Improvement: Platinum.

Oakley Skow: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition

Miraylie Stuart: Overall Record: Gold. Project Awards: Beef: Gold

Teague Stuart: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Beef, Sheep

Union Leaders: Club Awards: Silent Auction Item

Project Awards:

Oliver Becker: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Sewing

Rachel Becker: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Beef: Silver

Reilly Becker: completed a record book.

Tristan Becker: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Beef: Silver

Bay Erickson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Photography, Rabbit, Visual Arts

Bryson Lee: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Food & Nutrition, STEM, Woodworking

Lane Mills: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Meat Goats

Washington GEM: Club Awards: 4-H’ers for 4-H, Silent Auction Item, Top Secretary Book, Top Treasurer Book, Top Historian Book

Project Awards:

Colton Anderson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Swine

Maddy Anderson: Overall Record: Platinum. Project Awards: Swine: Silver.

Natalie Boose: Overall Record: Star.

Bentley Bruck: Overall Record: Star.

Jacquelyn Freund: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Child Development, Home Improvement, Sewing

Macy Freund: Overall Record: Star.

Gracelyn Larsen: Overall Record: Star.

Grant Petty: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Swine

Lane Robinson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Swine

Quincy Robinson: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Swine

Gentry Waters: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Visual Arts

Paxton Wickard: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Woodworking

Zach Zellmer: Overall Record: Star. Project Awards: Rabbits and Swine

Senior 4-H’ers could also apply for County-Level awards, which required a special application and information regarding their overall 4-H experiences. Receiving county level award recognition were Lily Johnson of Grove H.O.T – Merit Award, Parker Brock of Grove H.O.T – Achievement Award, Maddy Anderson of Washington GEM – Citizenship Award, Claire Pellett of Pymosa – Leadership Award, Kailey Swain of Pleasant Noble United – Learning through Livestock Award, Rio Johnson of Grove H.O.T. – Danforth “I Dare You” Award.

Bear Grove Blazers was recognized for the top window display during National 4-H Week and as the Banner Club winner for all the activities completed this past 4-H program year. Grove H.O.T won top community service project poster. Club officers keep records throughout the year and turn in books to be reviewed. Top books in the county are selected for Secretary, Treasurer and Historian. Washington GEM took home all three of these officer book awards.

The afternoon concluded with the installation of fifteen senior level 4-H’ers onto the 2023-2024 County 4-H Youth Council. Members are: Maddy Anderson of Washington GEM, Makayla Atkinson of Pymosa, Parker Brock of Grove H.O.T., Alyson Dreager of Bear Grove Blazers, Jacquelyn Freund of Washington GEM, Ada Hansen of Grant Guys & Gals, Brock Henderson of Benton Franklin, Lily Johnson of Grove H.O.T., Leah Ohms of Grant Guys & Gals, Olivia Olson of Pymosa, Callee Pellett of Pymosa, Claire Pellett of Pymosa, Claire Schroder of Grove H.O.T., Miraylie Stuart of Pymosa, and Kailey Swain of Pleasant Noble United.

For more information about joining the Cass County 4-H program as a 4-H member or adult volunteer, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass, call 712-243-1132, or email kbateman@iastate.edu to contact the Cass County Extension office.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports a woman from Shenandoah was arrested this (Tuesday) morning, on a Mills County warrant. 31-year-old Shelby Lynn Ross was arrested at the Fremont County Jail, on the warrant for Failure to Appear. Her bond was set at $25,000.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowans are urged to take steps to avoid becoming fraud victims and to prevent the misuse of public funds in their own communities. As part of International Fraud Awareness Week, State Auditor Rob Sand wants residents to check that their local community puts a second set of eyes on finances. Sand says one common form of fraud is when a city or county clerk writes checks to pay themselves more or to buy personal items. He says the best prevention is having more than one person oversee financial statements. “We want people to understand that we trust them, and so there’s a tension there that sort of stops us from doing the work that we’re supposed to do to be a check and a balance on them,” Sand says. “Just remind them that you don’t want them to feel tempted.”

Sand says his office has uncovered 29-million dollars in fraud with public funds since he took office in 2019. That includes more than 20-million dollars in misused pandemic relief funds from the federal CARES Act.

Tammy Simpson leads the Des Moines chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Simpson says advances in technology have only made it more difficult to prevent identity theft online. “Watch your financial accounts, especially if you recently got scammed, if you answered a phone call that was suspicious and gave out financial information,” Simpson says. “Then you know you are a target.”

Simpson says consumers should even be careful to protect their voices. She says even a short exchange over the phone can be used to replicate a person’s voice to try to gain access to their accounts. She says Iowa consumers should take extra precautions to protect their bank accounts. According to the Federal Trade Commission, American consumers lost 8.8 billion dollars to fraud in 2022.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Angel(s) of Christmas, sponsored by Cass Health. The Angel of Christmas is a tradition in Atlantic, recognizing and thanking area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long – putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet. Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith says “Sometimes we forget the true meaning of the season and I think celebrating people who put others first and spread holiday cheer all year long deserve to be recognized.”

In 2022, Tom McLaren and Steve & Sue Anderson were named Angels of Christmas. Those three individuals were awarded for their generosity towards others, volunteering their time for numerous organizations and putting others before themselves time and time again.

You’re asked to nominate the Christmas Angel you know, to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce by November 22nd. Nominate by submitting comments about this person to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. You can find a nomination form on www.atlanticiowa.com.

Don’t forget to pick up your Christmas Brochure and Holiday Punch Card from area retail businesses. “Like” the Chamber on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities at www.atlanticiowa.com.

Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook or Instagram (@AtlanticIowaFan) page. Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at 712-243-3017. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The American Legion Building in Atlantic – known to most as the Old National Guard Armory – sustained damage on December 15, 2022, due to a Derecho that blew out several windows over the Drill Floor and caused other damage. Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (A.R.I.S.E) President President Steve Livengood says irreplaceable artifacts are in danger of being damaged or destroyed.

The boarded-up windows, he says, won’t prevent damage from weather extremes.

The American Legion Building (Photo taken before the 12/15/22 Derecho damage)

The windows aren’t easy to get to. Livengood says they are on the second floor or above, and are they’re not accessible from the outside. Fortunately, Atlantic Glass will take on the project as soon as possible, at an estimated of about $80,000. The cost was estimated at around $60,000 previously, but the cost of materials has increased exponentially since then. Livengood that’s why it’s important to get the work done as soon as possible.

The historic building – which is nearly 100-years-old, has served as the center for many community events and presentations since it was retired as an Armory.

The building currently houses two museums.

It’s a meeting site for many groups and organizations. Steve Livengood says the ARISE Board is asking for your help in helping to defer the cost of the window replacement and related repairs. Insurance won’t cover all of the cost. You can donate to the cause by sending your check, payable to ARISE, to: ARISE, P.O. Box 1, Atlantic, Iowa, 50022.

Your donation is tax-exempt.

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University has requested an additional $9.2 million to begin the second phase of construction on CyTown. WHO-TV reports the first phase of construction on CyTown is halfway done and workers are hoping to begin phase two in the near future, but the university first needs the approval of the Iowa Board of Regents to increase the project’s budget to do so.

Phase one consisted of building underground infrastructure, replacing the entire existing 40-acre parking lot between the Iowa State Center and Jack Trice Stadium, raising the project site to five feet above the Ioway Creek’s 100-year flood plain, and the building of a corridor for the entertainment district. Phase two would finish the work started in phase one and includes the relocation of the CyRide Transit Hub.

In Nov. 2022 the Iowa Board of Regents approved $28.5 million to start the construction, but now university leaders are requesting the board to approve a budget increase of 32% — bringing the total revised budget to $37.7 million, according to a regent’s document. According to the regent’s document, the additional funding would come from the ISU Athletics Department, private donors, and university funds. The second half of phase one is scheduled to be complete in Aug. 2024 and phase two is scheduled to be finished in Aug. 2025.

The Board of Regents is set to discuss the budget revision at its upcoming meeting from Nov. 15 to 16.

LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU) — One person was hit by a vehicle in northwest Iowa Sunday night, and police are looking for the driver. Officials with the Le Mars Police Department said that officers were called around 7:24 p.m. to the intersection of 6th Avenue and 4th Street SW for a hit-and-run. The police said in an updated release that a 45-year-old woman was walking westbound into the north crosswalk when she was hit by the vehicle

The victim was taken to a local hospital and then airlifted to a Sioux City hospital for serious injuries. The vehicle then left the scene. It is described as a newer model red, four-door pickup.

An investigation is ongoing.

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – The Guthrie Center Community School District’s Board of Education will hold an organizational and regular meeting beginning at 7-p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15th, at the AC/GC High School Media Center. Their session begins with the Annual Meeting of the Retiring Board, followed by an Organizational meeting of the new Board, and a regular meeting of the Board. The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

I. Annual Meeting of Retiring Board
A. Call to Order/Roll Call
B. Approve Meeting Agenda
C. Action Items
1. Board Meeting Minutes (10/18/2023 & 11/01/2023)
2. Bills
a. Prepaid
b. General Fund
c. Management Fund
d. PPEL/SAVE Funds
e. Student Activity Fund
f. Nutrition Fund
g. VISA Credit Card
3. Little Charger Early Learning Center Land Improvements
4. Abstract of Votes – 11/07/2023 School Election
5. Early Retirement Policy
D. Recognition of Retiring Board Members
E. Retiring Board Adjourns

II. Organizational Meeting of New Board
A. Call to Order (Board Secretary presiding)
B. Administer Oath of Office to Newly Elected Board Members
C. Roll Call
D. Approve Meeting Agenda
E. Election of Board President & Vice-President (Oath of Office)
F. Appoint Board Treasurer & Board Secretary (Oath of Office)
G. Appoint Guthrie County Conference Board Representative
H. Appoint Title IX/Equity Coordinator
I. Adopt Rules & Procedures for Conducting Board Meetings
J. Set Regular Meeting Date, Time & Place of Board Meetings
K. Resolution – Name Official Publication
L. Resolution – Appoint Legal Counsel
M. Adjourn Organizational Meeting

III. Regular Meeting
A. Call to Order/Roll Call
B. Approve Meeting Agenda
C. Welcome Visitors/Public Comment
D. Principal Reports
E. Superintendent Report
F. Board Report
G. Financial Reports
1. Cash Balances & Bank Reconciliation
2. Nutrition Fund Monthly Report
3. Student Activity Fund Monthly Report
4. All Other Funds Monthly Report
5. General Fund: Line Item Budget Monthly Report
6. General Fund: Year-to-Date Revenue/Expenditure Summary
7. General Fund: Salaries & Benefits Comparison Report
H. Consent Items
1. Open Enrollment
a. IN- Adair-Casey CSD- Kindergarten
2. Special Education Contracts
a. Adair-Casey Special Education Contract
3. Resignations
4. Contract Recommendations
5. Gifts, Grants & Donations
6. Approved Fundraisers
I. Discussion Items
1. Early Retirement Policy
J. Upcoming Dates
1. IASB Annual Convention & Trade Show – November 16th
2. Thanksgiving Break- November 22-27
3. Regular Board Meeting- December 20th
K. Action Items
1. 2023-24 Depository Limits
2. Resolution Authorizing Payments
L. Adjourn Regular Meeting

[CORRECTION TO MEETING TIME: 5:30PM….NOT 4-P.M.; ERROR ON THE AGENDA!]

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic will meet Wednesday, beginning at 4-p.m., in their Council Chambers, at City Hall. On their agenda is approval of a permit request to close certain streets for the Lighted Christmas Parade on December 2nd. Line-up for the Parade begins at 5-p.m., at 6th and Walnut Streets. The parade gets underway at 6-p.m.

The Council will also discuss and act on an Order to approve termination of tenancy at 11 Locust Street, in Atlantic. City Administrator John Lund notes the City entered into a lease agreement with Dick Cook (dba as Cook Hauling & Tree Service), for the property, on Dec. 21,2010. Since then, he says, the City has had to go through legal counsel to obtain the delinquent rent which to date, amounts to $3,219.39. In addition, Code Enforcement records show the City began receiving complaints about garbage/junk on the property since Aug. 17, 2019. The complaint said the accumulated junk produces an odor. Since the City is pursuing a formal eviction of the tenant at 11 Locust Street, the City Attorney says formal action is required by the Council to proceed further within the legal system.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council will act on an Order to approve the 2023 Street Finance Report (as required under the Code of Iowa), and the second reading of an Amended Ordinance regarding a section pertaining to the duties of the City Administrator.