Two people were arrested recently, in Mills County, and one accident was reported. Sheriff’s officials say 32-year old Tristan Aaron Bonilla, of Glenwood, was arrested Saturday night for OWI/1st offense. His bond was set at $1,000. And last Thursday, 54-year old Kathy Ann Johnson-Hart, of Pacific Junction, was arrested on a warrant for being a Fugitive from Justice. Her bond was set at $2,000.

And, no injuries were reported following an accident Saturday afternoon near 195th and Hilman Road, in Mills County. Sheriff’s officials say a 2007 Nissan driven by Gale Clark, of Red Oak, was traveling west when the vehicle began to hydroplane on the road at around 2:25-p.m. As the vehicle spun 180-degrees and traveled in reverse, the driver’s side hit a steel guard fence on the north side of the road. The vehicle then went across the roadway and came to a rest in the median, facing west.

An Atlantic woman was arrested Sunday on a Cass County warrant for Operating a Vehicle without the Owner’s Consent. 18-year old Selena Hansen was booked into the Cass County Jail.

Two people from Pottawattamie County were arrested today (Monday), in Cass County. The Sheriff’s Office reports 19-year old’s Russell Logan Barker and Emily Shelby Green, both of Council Bluffs, were arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine/1st offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Green also faces a charge of Possession of Marijuana/1st Offense. Both individuals were taken to the Cass County Jail. Barker later released on his own recognizance, while Green remains held on a Pottawattamie County warrant.

The Iowa Dept. of Natural resources reports a citywide power outage in Audubon caused an estimated 200,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater to discharge to Bluegrass Creek south of Audubon, Sunday night. The city lost power about 5:30-p.m. Sunday and a backup generator at the wastewater treatment plant failed to start. Although city crews restored power about 10-p.m., the discharge continued until an electrician made repairs at the treatment plant Monday morning.

Officials say residents should keep children and pets away from Bluegrass Creek for the next 48 hours. The DNR is working with the plant operator to determine why the backup generator failed and will continue to monitor the situation.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Department of Transportation says it plans to spend a record $700 million on construction on state and interstate highway projects this year. The Des Moines Register reports the department spent $656 million on road projects in 2014. A 10-cent-per-gallon tax gasoline tax increase, which took effect March 1, will provide about $200 million annually to cities and counties across the state. There are statewide plans to fill potholes, repair aging bridges and install new concrete and asphalt pavement.

Des Moines Public Works Director Jonathan Gano estimates the city’s budget will receive an additional $3.7 million annually because of the tax increase. Officials say that up to 500 work zones will be set up statewide from now until the end of the road construction season in November.

The Iowa District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration has named the City of Manning as the recipient of its 2015 Iowa SBA Small Business Community of the Year. This is the inaugural year for the award, which highlights community efforts to support small business. Communities (defined as a city, town, county, regional economic development or planning district) were invited to submit nominations to the SBA’s Iowa District Office showcasing their efforts to support small businesses. Submissions were judged on the following criteria:

• Key programs and incentives implemented to attract and retain small businesses.

• Leveraging of community resources with other federal, state, county and local programs to benefit the small business community.

• Examples of how the community directly contributed to the success of a local small business.

Manning, a community with a population of about 1,500 in Carroll County, was selected for demonstrating an ideal collaborative environment for small business success, utilizing revolving loan funds, TIF financing, Main Street program, Iowa Challenge Grants, tax abatement policies, funding from local utilities, Community Block Grant Programs and local community foundations.

Manning’s leveraging of federal, state and local government, higher education and community resources was also recognized for helping the community create an ideal small business culture. The city also identified cultural, health care and education initiatives as critical resources for small business success.

Jayne Armstrong, district director of the SBA’s Iowa District Office, says “The SBA is honored to recognize Manning as the inaugural winner of the SBA Iowa Small Business Community of the Year. The city has leveraged a large number of programs and partners to create an ideal environment for small business.”

The award will be presented to Manning at the Iowa Smart Conference in Des Moines on May 7th. The SBA also plans to re-present the award at a special ceremony in Manning at a later date this spring. Manning was selected among 11 nominations from small towns, larger cities and regional economic corridors from throughout the state.

The Atlantic Ambassadors recently celebrated the 95th Anniversary of the Atlantic Rotary Club and the 110th Anniversary of the International Club. This year’s Rotary Auction will be held on November 21, 2015. The Rotary Auction has provided funds back to the community for many organizations since the first auction in 1983.

Pictured: Dave Chase, Ted Robinson, Dolly Bergmann, Kellie Jimerson, Brian Harris, Sue Muri, Nedra Perry, JoAnn Runyan, Sara Nelson, Megan Roberts, Jolene Roecker, Carole Schuler, Arlene Drennan, Lana Westphalan, Debbie Leistad, Kathie Hockenberry, Janet Cappel, Dianne Gipple, Pat McCurdy, Russ Joyce, Steve Tjepkes, Melissa Inhan, Todd Hudspeth, Chrystal Christensen, Lucas Moiser, Melanie Petty, Dr. Keith Leonard, Dr. Jim Kickland, Rich Perry, Dr. Mitch Peerbolte, Dan Rossell, Dr. Haley Kickland and Donnie Drennan.

An effort to find photos of all 851 Iowans who died in the Vietnam War is almost complete. Iowa Newspaper Association executive director Chris Mudge says last May the search began for the last 47 photos. “We have located all but one,” she says. “David LeRoy McCombs served in the Army. He died on October 11, 1969 at the age of 26. He was from Oskaloosa. We hope to find a picture of David so he can be placed next to his 850 comrades who, along with David, made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The photos are part of the “Faces Never Forgotten” project. A virtual wall of soldiers’ faces will be featured in the education center next to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. Governor Terry Branstad asked Mudge to speak at his weekly news conference to issue what Branstad referred to as a “call for action” in hopes of finding someone who knew McCombs.  “As a Vietnam era veteran and the governor of Iowa, I want to ensure that every Iowan who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation is recognized and honored,” Branstad said.

A fire destroyed key military records and officials do not know what race McCombs was, or where he may have attended school. They have found his birth certificate and know his hometown was Oskaloosa. His last known address was California. Branstad says anyone who may have information about McCombs should contact the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs.

(Radio Iowa)

Strong winds early this week across western Iowa have prompted the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency to ask participating businesses and fire departments in the County, to move their Fire Danger placards into the “Moderate” danger category, through Thursday. The winds are expected to be problematic for those who may have been considering burning brush or fields. Exercise extreme caution.

Officials say if you have a large burn, please notify your Fire Chief, prior to ignition. Call the Emergency Mgmt. Agency at 712-755-2124 for assistance, if needed.

The Young Professionals of Atlantic (YPA) have announced the 2015 nominees for the second annual YPA Awards Gala presented by the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Megan Roberts State Farm. The event is designed to celebrate the achievements of young professionals who demonstrate excellence and innovation in his/her profession and community.

In addition to recognizing the success of area young professionals, one Chamber business will be recognized as the YP Choice Workplace of the Year. The YP Choice Workplace Award recognizes companies who effectively attract, retain and develop young professionals. Nominations were received in the following categories: YP Newcomer, YP Business Leader, YP Entrepreneur, YP Public Servant and YP Choice Workplace. The nominees are as follows (name/employer):

• Newcomer: Dan Mehmen/Principal Financial & Darryl D. Smith Company; Dr. Ojash Raval/Cass County Health System, and Anthony Smith/1st United Methodist Church.
• Business Leader: Dr’s. Pat & Kate Hoffmann/Atlantic Animal Health Center; Ryan Legg/Rehab Vision at CCHS; Kevin Wieser/Brown’s Shoe Fit Company, and Jenny Williams/Lindeman Tractor.
• Entrepreneur: Tricia Brosam/Eastside Salon; Brandi Eckles/Lou Lou’s, and Adam Nelson/Snipers Smokin BBQ.
• Public Servant: Cate Christensen/Wells Fargo; Lora Kanning/Cass County Conservation; John Lund/City of Atlantic; Jessica Nichols/Wells Fargo, and Ouida Wymer/Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Choice Workplace: Cass County Health System and Deter Motor Company.

The 2015 award winners will be announced at the YPA Awards Gala on April 29, starting at noon. The event will take place at the Atlantic Golf & Country Club. Special thanks also goes out to Awards Partner, Renew Ag Supply. Visit www.atlanticiowa.com to register on the Events Calendar page or call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017.

The Young Professionals of Atlantic is an organization focused on connecting, engaging and attracting young leaders into the community while promoting greater Atlantic. Any interested individuals can contact chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712-243-3017 for information.