AMES, Iowa – July 25, 2017 – The Iowa Department of Transportation is conducting a planning study of Interstate 80. The study is being developed and released through a series of technical reports that identify the existing condition of I-80, the way the system is performing, short- and long-term issues, and strategies to improve the route. Each report will be accessible online as it becomes available on the Iowa DOT’s I-80 Planning Study website at: www.iowadot.gov/interstatestudy.

The second online meeting is now available to view on the website. To view the meeting, navigate to https://iowadot.gov/interstatestudy/public-meetings, or select the “PUBLIC MEETINGS” tab on the home page, and then select “Meeting 2.” The meeting was recorded allowing persons to view it anytime and will be available on the website throughout the duration of the planning study. Three new technical reports have been included on the website, these include:

Truck Accommodations.
Diversion Strategy (Evaluation of Viability of Alternate Route Improvements).
Automated Corridors.

The Iowa DOT is asking interested parties to take a few minutes to view the online public meeting and review the information on the website. The website also offers a way for those interested to receive future emails or text messages regarding the study. Use the “STAY CONNECTED” link on the I-80 Planning Study website to subscribe.

Neighborhoods and partners throughout Red Oak and Montgomery County are invited to join over 38 million people in over 16,000 communities from all 50 States, US Territories, Canada, and Military Bases worldwide, next Tuesday, August 1st, for National Night Out.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes public safety-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our communities safer, better places to live and work.  From 6-until 8-p.m., neighbors throughout Red Oak and Montgomery County (and across the nation) are asked to lock their doors, turn on porch and yard lights and spend the evening with officials at Fountain Square, in Red Oak.

National Project Coordinator/Founder Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for America to stand together and promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity.” The event is nationally sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), Dietz and Watson, ADT, King’s Hawaiian, Associa, Ring and co-sponsored locally, by the Red Oak Police Department, Red Oak Fire Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Emergency Management.    

There will be lots of free food and fun.  Planned for the evening are kid’s games with many prizes, water fights/dunk tank, a coloring contest (get your entry form now and turn in).  Fantastic stands with sno-cones, popcorn, candy, etc. While this will be a Public Safety event the theme this year will be Safety of the Public, with that will be numerous exhibits and promotions:  bicycle helmet giveaways, farm and agriculture safety, school bus safety, internet, phone, Dig Safe and distracted driving presentations.

Authorities say they plan on having participation from LifeNet Helicopter, MCMH Mobile Clinic, Iowa Army National Guard, BNSF Police and Public Safety Unit, and many other partners. Numerous law enforcement, fire, ems, first responders and court officers – that serve Red Oak/Montgomery County will be on hand.  Meet and greet and photo opportunities with our local public safety personnel and their vehicles.  Plan on attending and registering for adult and children give-aways.

The night’s event literally has something for everyone and they need your help and attendance to make it a success.  Your participation at Fountain Square Park in Rd Oak August 1st, from 6-until 8-p.m., will show your support for public safety and the ongoing need for safety of our community!

Questions may be directed to Chief Justin Rhamy with the Red Oak Police Department.

Officials with the Atlantic Food Pantry say they are in need of donations of money and/or grocery items, because their funds and shelves are running low. The Atlantic Food Pantry was started in March, 1982, by the Ministerial Association and Church Women United. It has relied solely on cash and food items donated from the community. In the beginning, the Pantry helped 170 individuals/families per year. The Pantry now serves an average of 15-25 individuals/families per week with a limitation of one visit per month for senior citizens and one visit every other month for all others unless they have an emergency and a referral from someone who is aware of their problem.

For years, area farmers donated beef, pork and deer meat, as well as eggs to be distributed to those who visited the pantry. In 2011, an FDA inspector came to the pantry and immediate changes were enforced. Meat products could not be accepted unless they had the FDA inspection seal. Any broken eggs in a carton required the entire carton to be thrown away. Due to those changes, each year the expenses have increased as the number of individuals/families served also increased. Pantry officials say they receive weekly donations from the Atlantic Walmart. Most of their donations include chicken, produce, and some bakery items. And, while that is helpful, there is never a guarantee as to what will be received.

Since it began, the Pantry has rarely requested monetary donations due to the lack of funds, but at the current rate, the Pantry cash account will be extremely low by the end of summer.  Grocery items we could use are cereal, canned meat and other canned food items, toilet tissue and soap. Anything citizens and businesses can donate, will be greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions, you may contact Atlantic Food Pantry Treasurer, Florence Burrows at 243-1363 or Ken Burkhart at 243-1820.