An Atlantic civic organization is holding an event February 3^rd to raise funds for the Christmas Box Program, that was previously organized by the Atlantic Jaycees. Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith said the upcoming event is being hosted by “Atlantic Rising” as part of their community service projects. Atlantic Rising was formerly the Young Professionals of Atlantic. Their mission, according to Smith, is to connect, engage and attract young leaders into the community, and take steps to volunteer and help the community and surrounding area.

As part of that mission, their “Trivia Night Fundraiser” takes place Saturday, February 3^rd at 7-pm., at The Venue. Atlantic Rising is encouraging people of all ages to join them in supporting the Christmas Box Program.This past year, the Christmas Box Program served over 50 families during the holidays. In years past, the program has reached over 100 families yearly in the area. You can register teams of six-to 10-people for $150. You may also register as an individual for $25. You will then be assigned a team. For more information or to register a team, visit www.atlanticiowa.com, call the Chamber at 712-249-3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. All of the profits from registrations fees will go directly to the Christmas Box Program. Atlantic Rising has partnered with Olsen Fuel Supply to provide pizzas for teams who are interested. Upon registration, people can order their pizzas and they will be waiting for you at your table. You can order a large, single-topping pizza for $10 or a large Supreme Pizza for $12, no limit. Complimentary popcorn will also be available all night as well as a cash bar. As an added fundraiser, Atlantic Rising will be selling raffle tickets for $1 or 6 for $5. Items will be raffled off throughout the evening. All sales will go towards the Christmas Box Program.

Another service project Atlantic Rising is in charge of, takes place in late March. They’ll handle the Easter Egg Hunt March 31^st, in the Atlantic City Park. There are about 15,000 eggs that will be filled with candy. Smith said on average, about 500 kids participate in the event, and the eggs are generally found within about 10-minutes. She recommends parents bring their kids early, as they start at 10:30-a.m.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A man who was severely injured when three Des Moines teenagers stole his car in 2013 has died. Joan Namachemo told The Des Moines Register that her husband, 41-year-old Mike Wasike, died Monday after years spent in care centers. Wasike was driving home in February 2013 when the teens stood in the middle of a street, forcing him to stop. As Wasike got out of his car, one of the teens struck him in the head with a handgun before stealing the vehicle. The injury left Wasike unable to speak, feed himself or walk.

The three teenagers were convicted on charges related to the attack and remain in prison. Wasike moved from Kenya to Des Moines in 2009 and worked as a credit analyst at Wells Fargo before the attack.

Fremont County Sheriff’s Deputies, acting on tips from the public and law enforcement sources, arrested two people Tuesday following an incident at the Shenandoah Orschlen Farm and Home Store. Deputies arrested 24-year old Elizabeth Ann Harvey, of Clarinda, and 46-year old Robert Shelton White, Omaha, at an address in Clarinda. Both were arrested for Theft 3^rd, Degree and Assault on a Police Officer. White and Harvey were being held at the Fremont County Jail, without bond, waiting for initial appearance with a magistrate.

Elizabeth Ann Harvey

Surveillance still frame image

Robert Shelton White

Authorities say on Tuesday, authorities in Fremont County received a report of a theft and assault that occurred at the Orschlen Farm and Home Store, located in Shenandoah. A male and female were observed attempting to steal items from the store by an off-duty Page County deputy.  The deputy identified himself and the male engaged in a physical confrontation with the deputy and was able to escape with stolen items, with the help of the female.

The Sheriff’s Department had posted still frame images of the suspects on their social media page and asked for the public’s help late Tuesday in identifying the suspects. The Clarinda Police Department, Page County Sheriff’s Office, Shenandoah Police Department, and Nebraska Law Enforcement Authorities assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with the arrest.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:05 a.m. CST

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge has granted a temporary injunction that will allow a conservative Christian student group to be reinstated at the University of Iowa. The group sued after the state’s flagship university in Iowa City revoked the group’s campus registration in November, citing the group’s denial of a leadership position to a gay student.

BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP) — A Bettendorf counselor has been charged with a felony after police say she engaged in unwanted kissing and touching of an adult who was her patient. The Quad-City Times reports that 45-year-old Aracely Schutters was arrested Monday and charged with sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist. An arrest affidavit says the incident happened Dec. 4 when Schutters invited the patient to her home via text messages to talk about the patient’s problems.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The daughter of the late heavy metal band Slipknot’s bassist Paul Gray has won a settlement in a lawsuit against a doctor and other health care providers for the loss of her father’s companionship and support. A document filed Monday in the Iowa court case says it’s settled.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers are sending a voluntary water quality bill to Gov. Kim Reynolds that doesn’t require comprehensive monitoring of water pollution. The Republican-controlled House voted 59-41 Tuesday for the legislation, which already passed in the GOP-majority Senate. Iowa has faced water pollution issues for years, and research shows it’s tied in part to farm runoff. It’s estimated that effectively addressing the issue will cost billions of dollars. The bill generates $282 million over 12 years.