AMES, Iowa – Oct. 10, 2023 – The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved $2.69 million in funding for two rail infrastructure and related rail development projects under the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant (RRLG) Program. The projects are expected to support the creation and retention of 129 jobs within three years of project completion.

The Shenandoah Clean Sugar Plant Rail Spur project in Fremont County received a $424,000 loan and a $144,000 grant from the ITC. And, in Clinton County, the Commission awarded a $715,000 loan and a slightly more than $1.4-million grant for the New Horizons Switching Track project and additions. The total loans awarded amounts to $1.39-million, and the total grants amount to $1.548-million.

ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa – Oct. 10, 2023 – Today, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved $2,753,115 for seven State Recreational Trails Program projects. The State Recreational Trails Program was created in 1988 with the purpose of developing and maintaining recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized trail users. This funding is available to cities, counties, state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations through an annual application-based program.

Among the projects and approved funding is $462, 868 for “Ballpark to Ballpark,” Shelby County Trail project, Phase 2, in Shelby County.

Other projects and funding amounts are include:

• Raccoon River Valley Trail to High Trestle Trail Connector Phase VI
  (Dallas County Conservation Board)                                                                  $ 675,000
• Red Rock Prairie Trail: Prairie City to Mitchellville
  (Jasper County Conservation Board)                                                                 $ 499,800
• Fontana Park Learning and Discovery Trail
  (Buchanan County Conservation Board)                                                            $ 238,534
• Hoover Trail Bridge #2 (Cedar County Conservation Board)                        $ 130,000
• Copper Creek Mountain Bike Park (Polk County Conservation Board)      $ 400,000
• Little River Scenic Pathway Phase 2
  (Decatur County Conservation Board)                                                                $ 346,913

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  The final edition of Produce in the Park takes place this Thursday, Oct. 12th, in Atlantic. Produce in the Park is a weekly farmers market and community gathering held every Thursday evening during the harvest season (June through October), from 4:30-p.m. until 6:30-p.m., in the Atlantic City Park. This week, local musician Jenna Nau will be providing live music and fan favorite food truck, Zemog’s, will be on site one final time, from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. As an extra treat, patrons can look forward to trick-or-treating amongst the vendors. Grab your costumes and head to City Park this Thursday!

This week also, you can look forward to the following specialty items with numerous other vendors and community organizations in attendance:

Aubrey’s Bows: assortment of bows including new Halloween bow collections
Bridgewater Farms: wide assortment of produce including sweet potatoes
Brun Ko Farms: honey, snap peas, spring mix, onions, peppers–including a 3 lb bag for freezing
CK3 Farms: wide assortment of produce including watermelon
Frosting, Inc.: assortment of gourmet cupcakes
Harrisdale Farmstead: butternut squash & potatoes
Imagine Garden Gifts: unique garden gifts including antique, vintage, and repurposed planters.
Kringleman: assorted Danish pastries
Neighborhood Bakehouse: sourdough, baguettes, sandwich bread & pumpkin spice sourdough

All vendors accept cash, with many accepting credit cards and Venmo. All qualifying food vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps) with all fresh produce vendors accepting Double Up Food Bucks–coupons given for SNAP/EBT purchases of fresh produce.

For updates and information on Produce in the Park or how to sign up to participate, visit www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com. ‘Like’ or ‘follow’ Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/).

Produce in the Park is sponsored by: First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cass Health, Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Gregg Young of Atlantic, Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Atlantic.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report a rural Red Oak man was arrested early Monday afternoon. 55-year-old Roger Dean Cook was arrested on a Montgomery County Bench warrant for Violation of Probation, with bond set at $1,000. Cook was also arrested on an Adams County warrant for Harassment in the 3rd Degree, and was being held without bond on that charge.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Police in Atlantic report six people were arrested or cited over the past few days. Most recently, on Sunday (Oct. 8), 32-year-old Julie Peters, of Atlantic, was cited into court for Animal Neglect. She was subsequently released at the scene.

There were two arrests in Atlantic last Saturday (Oct. 7): 45-year-old Rachel Boggs, of Atlantic, was arrested for OWI/1st offense. And, 31-year-old Anthony Asay, of Omaha, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for Flight to Avoid Prosecution.

There were two arrests in Atlantic also, on Oct. 5th: 31-year-old Tiffany Rice, of Adair, was arrested for Simple Assault and Disorderly Conduct. And, 29-year-old Alex Pleis was arrested for Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, and Harassment in the 2nd Degree.

On Oct. 3rd, 24-year-old Aubree Schwartz, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for Violation of Probation.

With the exception of Julie Peters, each of the aforementioned subjects were transported to the Cass County Jail, and booked-in.

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston report two people face Contempt of Court charges. 44-year-old Brady Gale Richert, of Creston, was arrested at around 12:40-p.m., Monday, for Contempt-Violation of No Contact/Protective Order. Richert was taken to the Union County Jail where he was being held without bond until seen by magistrate. At the same location, 38-year-old  Jennifer Lyn Ham, of Creston, was arrested at around 12:50-p.m. Monday. She was charged with Contempt-Violation of No Contact/Protective Order. Ham was also arrested on a Union County Warrant for Violation of a No Contact Order-Simple Misdemeanor. She was taken to the Adams County Jail and was being held while serving mandatory court time.

(Calmar, Iowa) – The President of Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) was placed on administrative leave, Monday. According to KCRG-TV, the College didn’t indicate a specific reason President Herbert Riedel was place on on administrative leave. College officials however, stated that the school would maintain its normal operations.

NICC Vice President David Dahms released the following statement:

“We understand the importance of stability and leadership during this time and will provide more information in the coming days. We want to assure our students, partners, and the community that NICC is dedicated to providing high-quality education, superior workforce training, and a supportive learning environment.”

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) — The Price is Right Live is coming to Cedar Rapids next year. KCRG reports the popular TV game show comes to the Paramount Theatre as an interactive live show at 7:30 p.m. on March 13, 2024. Tickets go on sale starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 13.

During the show, contestants will be randomly selected to compete in games like Plinko, Cliffhangers, The Big Wheel and the Showcase. Additionally, some audience members will even win prizes from their seats.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Two sisters from central Iowa are being awarded a medal and cash award for college tuition, as a reward for their selfless efforts to save two young boys from drowning in an icy pond. Fifteen-year-old Jasmine and 17-year-old Jacora Morris, of West Des Moines, didn’t think twice when they jumped into the pond on Feb. 25 to save two young boys.

The sisters noticed the boys struggling under the freezing water when they looked out their third-story window at the Sun Prairie Apartments. Wearing only shorts and tank tops, the girls ran to the pond and jumped into the water before pulling the boys to safety prior to the arrival of medics.

Now, nearly eight months later, the sisters have learned they are receiving the Carnegie Hero Medal. The national prestigious award is considered the highest civilian honor for people who risk their lives to save others. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission heavily vets the recipients and spends months verifying the lifesaving situation.

The Morris sisters will receive the medal in person at a later date, as well as $7,500 each to use toward tuition.

Le Mars, Iowa (KCAU) — Authorities in Plymouth County have released the identity of a juvenile male who died from injuries he suffered during a dirt bike crash Saturday. According to a release from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, 11-year-old Jace Terreault, of Sioux City, was allegedly turning from a private drive onto C38 at the same time that a semi-tractor was traveling east on C38. The motorcycle crashed into the side of semi’s trailer. The crash happened at around 10:40-a.m., Saturday.

The 45-year-old truck driver was not hurt. A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for Jace’s burial. As of Monday evening, nearly $6,000 has been raised.