The Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton School Board, Monday, approved the hiring of a 6th through 12th grade Principle. Superintendent Trevor Miller told KJAN News they selected Mary Bleth-Harris, who is currently an Instructional Coach at Treynor. She has a background as a middle and elementary school teacher. She was offered the position and has accepted. She’ll start her new position with Exira-EHK in August.

The Board also approved the 2019-20 budget, Monday, following a Public Hearing. Miller said there was no input from the community during the hearing, most likely because the tax rate is going DOWN about six-cents. The rate for 2019-20 will be $12.03/$1,000 valuation. The Exira-EHK School Board also approved Certified Teachers’ salaries. They’ll receive a total package increase of 3.28%. Support and administrative staff received a 3.49% increase. The Board also approved the purchase and installation of a new Outfield fence for the Baseball Field from Devore Fencing, in Atlantic. It’ll be set-up in mid-July.

In other business, the Board discussed the Wrestling Program, but took no action on a sharing agreement. And, they approved new hires/or transfer of personnel.

There were no resignations.

(SIOUX CITY) – The Iowa Department of Corrections report 28-year old Nicholas James James, who was convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree and other crimes in Woodbury County, left the Sioux City Residential Treatment Facility without permission last (Tuesday) night.  James is a Native American, 5’9″ tall, weighing 162 pounds. He was admitted to the work release facility on April 9, 2019. Persons with information on James’ whereabouts should contact their local police.

Nicholas James

Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Brian Hamman reports thanks to a generous donation from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the Montgomery County EMA has received a new utility terrain vehicle (UTV) valued at more than $24,000. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It’s mission is to impact the lifesaving capabilities, and the lives, of local heroes and their communities. (for more info.: https://firehousesubsfoundation.org/about-us/)

Hamman said the UTV will allow them “To rapidly respond to emergencies and disasters faster and more effectively when time is critical, and conditions warrant the use of smaller vehicles.” The new UTV will also be available for use at local events by local first responders to respond to emergency incidents and situations, in a quick and timely manner. Hamman said the Montgomery County EMA continues to seek additional funds to purchase a medical slide-in unit to transport sick and injured persons to awaiting ambulances, as well as a dedicated trailer for the UTV. The Montgomery Community Foundation and Casey’s General Stores have contributed towards this phase of the project, with more grants and donations pending.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Mason City woman has pleaded guilty to theft and four counts of insurance fraud. Cerro Gordo County District Court records say 34-year-old Amber Griffin entered the written pleas Monday. The records say that in return for her pleas prosecutors will recommend three years of probation, suspended five-year prison terms and that Griffin pay restitution. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 20.

Criminal complaints say Griffin submitted two fraudulent claims in October 2016 and one each in November and December that year. Each said a family member had been treated at a local medical facility. The complaints also said she submitted false medical records with the claims.