The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Cass County Health System on Sunday, presented the Angel of Christmas award, a surprise honor bestowed upon a community member who symbolizes the true Christmas spirit.This year, the winner was Steve Livengood, who was nominated by several community members for his service to the Atlantic area.

Steve Livengood (file photo)

Chamber officials say Livengood was the lifeblood behind the Cass County Honor Flight, with countless hours devoted to organizing and planning 150 local veterans first class trip to Washington D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. When the logistics of this trip hit a snag, this angel found a way to fix it each and every time.

The Chamber says Steve Livengood is the true meaning of the season, always spreading his generosity today and every day. He hand built a remarkable oak chair for Santa and his visitors at the City Park. Livengood serves many hours at the armory and coordinates the Salvation Army bell ringer program. His joyful and generous spirit light up the people he passes each day. One of the people who nominated him for the award said “I can think of no other that has his commitment to Atlantic and its citizens.”

The “angels” are nominated via written letters of recommendation to the Atlantic Area Chamber. The presentation happens in front of a large audience at the annual free Holiday Concert hosted at the First United Methodist Church, sponsored by Bonnesen’s Five & Ten.

Sheriff’s officials in Union County say no injuries were reported following a rollover accident early Sunday morning. Authorities say the accident happened at around 1:20-a.m., when 25-year old Lucas John Smith, of Maryville, MO., fell asleep at the wheel of the 2007 Ford F-150 he was driving.

The pickup left eastbound Highway 34 as it entered a curve at about mile marker 79, and went into the east ditch, where it rolled over and came to rest on the driver’s side. The truck sustained about $8,000 damage. No citations were issued.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Sarah Palin will appear at a conservative event in Iowa in January. Congressman Steve King and Citizens United President David Bossie announced Monday that the 2008 vice presidential candidate will participate in the “Iowa Freedom Summit.” The event will be held in Des Moines on January 24.  King and the conservative group are co-hosting the summit.

Other confirmed guests include Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and Utah Sen. Mike Lee.

Palin served as governor of Alaska from 2006 through 2009. Since leaving office, she has been a best-selling author, public speaker and Fox News contributor.

A public hearing will be held this evening in Harlan, with regard to a roof replacement project at the Harlan Community High School. The hearing will be held during the regular December HCHS Board of Education meeting that begins at 4:30. Recent high winds damaged the gym roof and two sections of the family consumer science area. Total cost of replacing the entire gym roof and family consumer science area would be approximately $242,000 with the insurance company covering about $195,000. It is estimated the cost of replacement to be $42,000 with money to replace the roofs coming from the PPEL fund.(KNOD)

Area and State news from Ric Hanson.

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A man from Union County was arrested Saturday on a warrant out of California. Creston Police say 27-year old Christopher Harris Schell, of Creston, was taken into custody at around 1:18-p.m. on a warrant charging him with Theft in the 2nd degree. Schell was being held in the Union County Jail without bond while awaiting extradition to California.

With KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Members of the Griswold and Atlantic Community School District’s Boards of Education will hold their regular, separate meetings this (Monday) evening. The Griswold Board will gather for a 5:45-p.m. meeting in the Central Office at the Middle School/High School Building.

On their agenda is action on: an Early Retirement Policy; Nutrition Funds;s Allowable Growth with regard to Drop Out Prevention; and the 2015-2016 School Calendar.

The Atlantic School Board meets at 7:30-p.m. in the High School Media Center. During their session, the Board will receive a special presentation from Ginger Bechtold and the Atlantic Middle School Student Council. They’ll also act on approving Jim Swanson as Volunteer High School Wrestling Coach.

The Atlantic Board of Education will also hear from Gary Sinclair from the Financial Planning Program, with regard to district participation in the program, and they’re expected to act on approving an SBRC (School Budget Review Committee) Spending Authority Request for Bilingual/LEP Allowable costs for Fiscal Year 2012, Fy 2013 and FY 2014.

Discussion items include 2015-16 Supplemental State Aid/Tax Rate, and Legislative Activities.

DES MOINES, Iowa – For the hundreds of thousands of unpaid family caregivers across the state, the best gift this holiday season may not come wrapped in a bow. Many caregivers already may be overwhelmed with their daily responsibilities on top of helping keep loved ones at home and independent. And Ann Black, associate state director for communications for AARP Iowa, says during this busy time of the year, that stress is magnified even more.

“While they’re the first to say they wouldn’t have it any other way, caregivers really have an overwhelming, 24/7 job,” she stresses. “So offering to assist your neighbor or a coworker or a friend during this busy time is one of the best gifts you could ever give.”

Black says that assistance can include running errands, doing household chores or taking over the care-giving responsibilities for some time to give them a respite. For those who are caregivers, Black says they need to understand that it is OK to take the time out for themselves to manage their stress and to reach out for help and support.

“So that’s why AARP is launching a new initiative called I Heart Caregivers to help caregivers get the support they need and have a forum to share their stories and connect with others who are on this same journey of caregiving,” she says.

Currently, there are about a half-million people statewide providing care for a loved one, and that number continues to grow.

(Iowa News Service)

Sheriff’s officials in Adams County say a Corning man was arrested Saturday afternoon on alcohol and assault charges. 41-year old Carroll Flowers was taken into custody at around 3:30-p.m, after deputies in Adams County were called to 808 Adams Street in Corning, with regard to a domestic issue. Upon arrival, they found Flowers standing in the street. A further investigation determined the man was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Flowers was placed under arrest and charged with Domestic Assault, as well as Public Intoxication. His bond was set at $500.