(Atlantic, Iowa) –  An official with Vision Atlantic, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, says the organization is at the forefront of driving economic development within Atlantic. With a strategic focus on housing, childcare and quality-of-life enhancements, the organization operates under the guidance of a seven-member board. The late Bob Camblin serves as co-founder and honorary board member. Vision Atlantic Board President Christina Bateman, says “Our mission is to empower growth, enhance lives and create a thriving community together. We’re poised to transform Atlantic for generations to come.”

Bateman said after thorough research with community partners over recent years, Vision Atlantic has identified three critical areas that are pivotal for stabilizing and enhancing Atlantic’s population: expanding housing, childcare facilities, and amenities. Collaborative efforts with community stakeholders, generous donors, and foundational support channel an estimated $75.5 million into these vital projects. This includes $48 million directed towards new housing, $11.5 million for a state-of-the-art childcare center and $16 million for the expansion of the current YMCA facility.

Contributions towards a $30 million fundraising goal have been robust, with over $7.6 million pledged by local donors. The Charles E. Lakin Foundation has committed a remarkable $8.6 million, significantly supporting the childcare center and YMCA expansion. An additional transformative pledge of $23 million from the Foundation will serve as the catalyst, igniting the rapid development of new housing in the community.

Steve Wild, President of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, says “Atlantic isn’t just waiting for a brighter future, they’re building it. Our investment and Vision Atlantic’s bold leadership are the catalysts propelling this community into an era of prosperity.” Bateman said “We are extremely grateful to the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and all our local businesses and residents who have already committed financial support to help make this once-in- a-lifetime project a reality.”

Under the leadership of President Christina Bateman, Vice-President Nick Hunt, Secretary Melissa Ihnen, Treasurer Debbie Waterbury and directors Keith Harlan, Jessie Shiels and Liz Hunt-Reid, Vision Atlantic has established a project committee. The team of community leaders has worked diligently over the past year to bring the project to fruition. The committee chairs include: Christina Bateman, Dan Haynes, Nick Hunt, Paul Gude, Duane Acker, Bailey Smith, Bob Sharp, Keith Harlan, Liz Hunt-Reid, Billie Hoover, Debbie Waterbury, Ted Robinson, Brad Henningsen, Jill Euken, Ardith Gillepsie, Dianna Williams, Jackie Sampson and Nick Zimmer.

The committee is currently looking for volunteers to join this transformative project. If you are interested in contributing to the growth and development of Atlantic, please contact Christina Bateman at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Your involvement can make a significant difference.

Vision Atlantic remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a vibrant future for Atlantic, fostering a community where economic growth and quality of life go hand in hand.

(Radio Iowa) – Several dozen veterans from 55 Iowa counties will board a chartered jet for a trip to Washington D-C next week on the region’s latest Honor Flight. Mary Lou Walker, who serves on the Brushy Creek Honor Flight committee, says they’ll spend the day visiting memorials. “The first ones that we’ll go to will be Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam. Then they will arrive at the World War Two Monument. They will also visit Arlington National Cemetery, observe the changing of the guard, and then go for Iwo Jima Monument after that point. They also will visit the Air Force Memorial.”

Walker says they’ll have 163 people on the trip, including all of the veterans, medical personnel and support staff. She notes many of the veterans who will be on this flight served in one of two conflicts. “We have Korean veterans, and people that are in between Korea and Vietnam, and Vietnam veterans,” she says, “so we’re talking anybody between June of 1950 through May 7th of 1975.”

Image from honorflight.org.

The charter will fly out of Fort Dodge Regional Airport early on the morning of May 22nd and return home late that night. The group’s next Honor Flight is scheduled for September 18th.

(Lincoln, NE) – The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) reports a man from Harrison County was arrested Saturday following a traffic stop and a pursuit. Authorities say at around 9:15-p.m., Saturday, a Trooper with the NSP observed a motorcycle speeding on West Dodge Road in Omaha, near 192nd Street. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the operator – later identified as 28-year-old Brandon Kellar, of Woodbine – refused to yield. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

As the motorcycle reached 204th Street, it accelerated and continued westbound. The vehicle exited Dodge on Skyline Drive and began driving through Elkhorn. NSP pilots were monitoring from overhead in the NSP helicopter. After a short time, the motorcycle’s engine failed, and the rider came to a stop on 204th Street. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Brandon Kellar was booked into the Douglas County, Nebraska, Jail, for willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, and traffic violations.

(Corning, Iowa) – The Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Monday (May 13) issued reports detailing accidents and arrests stemming as far back as March 25th. Last Friday (May 10th), the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a report at around 6:50-p.m., about an accident with unknown injuries at 270th Street and Ironwood Avenue. Upon investigation, deputies found Dylan Dalton, of Imogene, was operating his vehicle “in a reckless manner,” before it collided with a vehicle driven by Blake Pritchard, of Corning. Dalton’s vehicle was a total loss. Damage to the Pritchard vehicle was estimated at $10,000. Dylan Dalton was charged with Child Endangerment, Assault, Reckless Driving, and Failure to use a seat belt. He later posted bond and was released from the Adams County Jail.

On May 7th, Deputies in Adams County conducted a traffic stop in Corning, and upon further investigation, arrested 49-year-old Jeanakay Gray, of Corning, for Driving While License Suspended (DUS). The woman was released with a summons to appear in court.

At around 12:50-a.m. May 5th, Adams County Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle not maintaining its lane, and was fluctuating in speed. The traffic stop occurred at 260th and Sycamore Avenue, but the vehicle did not stop, and a pursuit ensued, that entered into Taylor County. The chase ended at 110th and Idaho Avenue, when the vehicle went out of control and entered a ditch. The driver – later identified as Brad Allen Larson, of Bedford, took-off on foot, but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. Larson was charged with Eluding, OWI/2nd offense, Interference with Official Acts, Reckless Driving, Failure to obey a stop sign, speeding, and having no proof of insurance. He was booked into the Adams County Jail and held until seen by a magistrate.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports that on April 19th, 25-year-old Noah Wardlow, of Corning, was arrested on a charge of Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree. His bond was set at $2,000. A traffic stop March 29th in Adams County resulted in the arrest of 46-year-old Chad Hill, of Red Oak, for DUS. A passenger in the vehicle, 45-year-old Crystal Mack, of Creston, was arrested for Possession of a controlled substance and poss. of drug paraphernalia. Hill was released on a promise to appear in court, while Mack held on a $1,300 bond.

And, on March 25th, Deputies in Adams County conducted a traffic stop at 12:47-p.m. on Highway 34, near Brooks Road. They arrested 49-year-old Robert Greenwood for Driving While Barred, and issued a citation for running a stop sign. Greenwood was later released on a promise to appear in court.

Sheriff’s office disclaimer: **Any potential criminal charges identified above are merely allegations, and any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law**

NEWTON, Iowa [WHO-TV] — Two Newton teens have been accused of stealing a car and leading police on a chase that resulted in a crash on Monday.

On Monday morning the Newton Police Department received a report of two vehicles being stolen from a business. At around 8:58 a.m. officers were called to the northwest side of town after a report claimed one of the stolen vehicles was spotted in the area.

Officers located the vehicle and tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled westbound on Highway 6, the police department said. A pursuit ensued as the vehicle continued westbound. The vehicle finally stopped when it crashed at the I-80 159 mile marker on-ramp, police said.

The occupants were two 15 year-old males who both suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash.

According to the police department, both juveniles were charged with second degree theft. The juvenile who was driving the vehicle was also charged with eluding.