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Atlantic High School celebrates National FFA Week

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Jim Field

National FFA Week runs from Saturday to Saturday. This year, the week kicked off on Feb. 18 and ended on Saturday, Feb. 24  National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the National FFA Organization’s role in developing future leaders in agriculture and the importance of agricultural education.

FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. As the nation’s top school-based youth leadership development organization, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by encouraging members to develop their unique talents and explore their interests in various career pathways. FFA members are our future leaders, food suppliers, innovators and more!  Atlantic FFA members participated in a variety of different events and dress up days as the week continued.

On Monday, Atlantic FFA members began Carhartt/Western Day where students recognized harding individuals that make our community strong.  Monday was also FFA Bingo during a seminar where winning teams were given healthy, nutritious snacks that represented a variety of agricultural crops.  Hudson Goff said, “Bingo was a great way to kick off FFA Week and spread the message of FFA.”

Tuesday FFA members celebrated Dress Like your Favorite Teacher day to give a shout out to our favorite teachers who work hard every day.  FFA members also looked around the building for miniature pigs and turned them in to Mr. Miller for a fruit snack prize. “It was super fun to go around and look for the mini pigs with my friends, and I’m happy there was a prize.” Said Maggie Cohrs.

Wednesday is a favorite for Atlantic FFA members, Tractor Day.  This year 16 FFA members drove a variety of tractors. “We had modern tractors all the way to antique tractors this year,” said Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller.  “Thank you to all of the families that participated this year.” Also, FFA members had Anything but a Backpack Day where students showed off their imagination and brought unique items to carry around their school supplies that are used every day.  Charli Goff said, “It’s a great way to showcase Iowa agriculture and a fun experience for our FFA members.”

Thursday was American/Pattorict Day at AHS. Students and Staff dressed in Red White and Blue to celebrate America.  Thursday morning, the Atlantic FFA Chapter Officer Team cooked breakfast for the staff at AHS.  The morning began by FFA members cooking Butterbraids in the FCS kitchen.  Chapter President Colton Rudy then used a Blackstone griddle that was purchased with a giftcard from Tractor Supply in Atlantic to cook sausage links, bacon, eggs and finally pancakes.  FFA Officers Charli Goff, Lola Comes, Lily Johnson and Claire Pellett kept Colton supplied with food for the griddle and set everything up in the Ag room.  The meal was a success and Atlantic History Teacher Terry Hinzman said, “The FFA is very visible in the school district thanks to Mr Miller and the do a lot behind the scenes stuff at the school.”

Atlantic FFA members wrapped up the week wearing their FFA Tee Shirt day to celebrate the Atlantic FFA.  Each FFA member also took an individual photo with the FFA emblem.  These photos will be used on the Chapter Website and Chapter Scrapbook.  FFA members also played Ag Olympics that were run by Colton Rudy and Charli Goff.  Colton Rudy said ”It’s a great to get kids moving in class and showing some of the skills that agriculturist need on a daily basis.”

— article provided

Untreated groundwater discharge reaches Boyer River

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources was notified of an untreated water discharge into the Boyer River in Crawford County.

At 12:30 p.m on Feb. 26, the DNR Atlantic Field Office received a call from the City of Denison Water Plant regarding a discharge of untreated groundwater. At approximately 10:00 a.m. crews from the water plant were conducting a routine maintenance inspection to the raw main located at Hwy 39 and C. Avenue in Denison when the line overflowed.

Approximately 60,000 gallons of raw untreated water were discharged and flowed approximately 235 yards on the surface and into the Boyer River. DNR staff say the Boyer River has a slight red tint likely due to the iron content of the raw groundwater.

There are no risks to the public. No dead fish have been observed.

Lawmaker launches conversation about cutting Iowa casino taxes

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A bill under consideration in the Iowa House would lower the state tax rate for Iowa’s state-licensed casinos to be at or near the tax rate for casinos in Nebraska and Missouri. Illinois casinos have variable tax rates, based on the size of the market and the games offered.

Mark Joyce, a lobbyist for the company that operates the Diamond Jo casinos in Northwood and Dubuque, said lowering taxes would be a welcome move. “It’s a very mature industry in Iowa and the newer casinos in surrounding states, in particular in Nebraska, are going to be brand new,” Joyce said. “They’re going to be taxed at 20% so for us to be able to have extra capital to put back in the properties and better compete for your business, that’s why.”

Lobbyist Doug Struyk represents the Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington, which he said is facing competition from new casinos in Illinois. Struyk also represents Caesars Entertainment which owns the Horseshoe and Harrah’s casinos in Council Bluffs that soon will be competing with a new casino in Omaha. “Tremendous amount of pressures on the industry, so we appreciate you taking a look at this,” Stryk said during a House subcommittee hearing today.

Gaming revenue from the three Council Bluffs casinos began to dip when the WarHorse Casino in Lincoln opened in September of 2022 and Harrah’s opened in Columbus, Nebraska in June of last year. Struyk said that has slowed the flow of gamblers from Nebraska into Iowa. “So it will to take additional investment in the facilities in Iowa to continue to be bright, shining new attractions to keep people wanting to come over and utilize the Iowa facilities instead of the Nebraska facilities,” Struyk said.

Another WarHorse Casino is expected to open in Omaha by August of this year. Representative Jane Bloomingdale is sponsoring the bill to gradually lower Iowa’s casino taxes over a three year period. She’s from Northwood. The state-licensed Diamond Jo casino is nearby.

“We’re lowering taxes for individuals, we’re lowering taxes for corporations, but we’re not lowering taxes for casinos. It just doesn’t seem fair,” Bloomingdale said. “If we’re going to lower taxes for everyone across the state of Iowa, we maybe need to look at everyone.”

Bloomingdale’s bill has cleared a House subcommittee, but one member of the panel said she’s concerned cutting casino taxes will lower the amount of money deposited in the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund. Money from the fund is used on a variety of projects, from lake dredging to constructing or repairing state-owned buildings.

MICHAEL CRIGGER, 59, of Greenfield (3-1-2024)

Obituaries

February 26th, 2024 by Jim Field

MICHAEL CRIGGER, 59, of Greenfield died February 23rd, in Creston.  A Memorial Gathering for MICHAEL CRIGGER is underway until Noon today (FRIDAY, 3/1/24) at the Powers Funeral Home of Creston.

The family invites you to the Eagles Lodge in Creston following the gathering, for a time of remembrance.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

MIKE CRIGGER is survived by:

His wife – Michelle Crigger.

His son – Michael (Emily) Crigger, of Greenfield.

His daughter – Myranda (Kurt) Danielson, of Greenfield.

His brothers – David (Carolyn) Crigger, of Creston, Donald Cavner, of Adel, and James “Jim” Cavner, of Waukee.

And 7 grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.powersfh.com.

Adair County Auditor’s Office releases Primary Election information

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Auditor’s Office reports the next scheduled election for which candidates can file is the June 4, 2024 Primary Election. State and County Democratic and Republican candidates must run in the June 4th Primary, with the winners moving on to the General Election ballot.

County offices appearing on the June 4, 2024 Primary Election Ballot are as follows:

  • District 1NW Supervisor
  • District 3SW Supervisor
  • District 5GF Supervisor
  • County Sheriff
  • County Auditor
  • County Recorder (To Fill Vacancy).

The filing period for these offices is March 4 – March 22, 2024 (5:00 p.m.).

Information for candidates is available at the County Auditor’s Office and website https://www.adaircounty.iowa.gov/auditor/elections_and_voting/ and the Iowa Secretary of State’s website: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/candidates/index.html

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office: Middle School Teacher arrested for Sexual Abuse

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The following is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office via the Iowa Dept. of Public Safety:

Samantha Meyer-Davis (Booking photo)

CHERYL LAMB, 62, of rural Diagonal (Private family Svcs.)

Obituaries

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

CHERYL LAMB, 62, of rural Diagonal, died Sunday, February 25, 2024, at her home.  Private family services for CHERYL LAMB will be held in Ohio.  The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements.

CHERYL LAMB is survived by:

Her husband – Doug Lamb, of rural Diagonal.

Her mother and step father: Phyllis and Paul Henry, of West Virginia.

Her sons – Eddie Cornelison, Jason Cornelison (Dusty) and Joey Cornelison, all of Ohio.

Her step-children: James Lamb and Alicia Lamb.

Her sister – Sandy Oliver, of Ohio.

Her brothers – Michael (Louise) Casto, and Rob Henry, all of Ohio.

7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, Other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Large fight at the Ames Middle School

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Ames, Iowa) – Officials with the Ames Police Department report that at around 8:46-a.m. today (Monday, Feb. 26), the Ames Public Safety Communication – 911 Center received a call from the Ames Middle School, with regard to a large fight in the cafeteria. It was reported juveniles were fighting with each other and adults on scene. Officers arrived on scene and separated the involved parties. Officers restrained one student who was acting violently. Juvenile referrals for disorderly conduct and interference with official acts have been issued. This case remains under investigation and additional charges are pending.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ames Police Department at (515) 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line (515) 239-5533. You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at (515) 223-1400. Online anonymous tips may be submitted to www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and defendant(s) are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Opening day for filing nominating petitions for June Primary

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Three of the Iowa Republicans who serve in the U-S House have filed their nomination papers for the June Primary on the opening day the lists of petition signatures are being accepted. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion collected far more than the 17-hundred-26 minimum required for U-S House candidates to qualify for the primary ballot.

“I am submitting more than 7500 signatures today which I think is a strong showing of our level of grassroots support and the network we have built in the second congressional district,” Hinson told reporters. Republican Congressman Zach Nunn of Bondurant submitted more than 10-thousand signatures on his nominating petitions for the third congressional district race and Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who’s seeking reelection in Iowa’s first congressional district, submitted her nominating papers, too.

Secretary of State Paul Pate is Iowa’s top election official. He says Nunn was the first candidate to file when the office opened at 8 a.m. and several candidates for the state legislature have submitted their paperwork this (Monday) morning. “They’ve got ’til March 15 to get their petitions filed here and I encourage people to do it earlier not late because things can happen,” Pate says. “Our staff now will be reviewing the petitions to make sure they have the right count.” Candidates with the bare minimum number of signatures run the risk of having a rival campaign review the petitions and challenge the validity of some signatures.

In 2018, Ron Corbett — a Republican candidate for governor — was ruled ineligible for the June Primary due to a lack of signatures. In 2022, a challenge of Abby Finkenauer’s nominating petitions for the Democratic party’s U-S Senate Primary went all the way to the Iowa Supreme Court.

Burn ban in effect for Union County

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials in Union County have placed the county under a burn ban (effective today [Feb. 26] at noon). No open burning will be allowed outside of the specific conditions found in Iowa Code 100.40 without a permit until further notice.