Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department Director presented a proposal to the Parks Board, Monday, for a Sports Complex Master Plan where the Little League Park and Soccer practice fields currently are of the east side of North Olive Street, across from the KJAN Studios. The concept plan would be created by Snyder and Associates Engineers, at a cost of $13,000. A steering committee comprised of various organizations who currently help to maintain and furnish the complex would be formed that would give those persons the resources and tools they need to begin fundraising efforts for improvements.

Staashelm says a cohesive plan guided by the committee would allow them to pursue grant opportunities that they might not otherwise been able to accomplish on their own. The funds for the plan would come from the FY 2018 Parks and Rec Budget. A steering committee will be formed within the next couple of weeks.

In other business, Staashelm said the Sunnyside Park Block Party is set for Friday, June 2^nd. Plans call for live music, free hot dogs, drinks. popcorn and snowcones, courtesy the Kiwanis. There’ll be inflatable playground equipment, lawn games. The Lions Club will open up the old School House at Sunnyside and offer ice cream inside.

The Atlantic Animal Shelter will be on-hand with pets up for adoption, and a chance for kids to walk the dogs possible, with the signing of a waiver. In addition, Atlantic Public Library staff will be on-hand to offer some programs and fun activities. Booths will be available to show visitors the plans for the Schildberg Recreation Area and Sunnyside Pool renovations, and much more.

Another way for the family to have fun, is Movies in the Park (At Sunnyside), beginning June 23^rd with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” McCurdy Pumpkin Patch will help sponsor the events and provide popcorn. The last movie will be shown August 11^th.

And, Staashelm says the City Pool in Atlantic is set to open 1-p.m. May 27^th. For more information on all the activities, follow the Atlantic Parks and Rec Department on their Facebook page, or at atlanticiowa.com on the web.

The City of Atlantic’s Parks and Recreation Department Board, Monday, heard a proposal from Atlantic Girl Scouts Troop 40116, with regard to the entryway to Sunnyside Park near the Fairgrounds. The girls want to fix the two pillars by power washing them, filling cracks and chips with mortar, and painting the pillars white, as they are now. They also wanted to add a mural.

Girl Scout Troop 40116 presents their idea for cleaning up and reviving the Sunnyside Park entryway.

The mural, designed by the girls and painted by Bill Casteel, would represent the various uses for and activities at, the Park, and serve as a sort of map to the park. The Girl Scout Troop also wants to add landscaping around the pillars, and a decorative iron fixture across the entryway. Something similar was in-place years ago, but only the pillars stand today. Central Western Fabricators, in Atlantic, is providing the two metal tube cross-members. The girls will pay for the lettering.

Parks and Rec Member Charlene Beane wasn’t receptive to the idea of a mural on each pillar. Beane said she’s in favor of giving the entryway a “Tune-up,” but she’s not keen on the mural part. She prefers just plain white pillars. Her reason for being opposed was that the murals would have to be pretty small, and they would not read clearly as motorists pass under the arch and between the pillars. She said “Unless it’s really well done, it’s going to look like graffiti.”

Parks and Rec Director Seth Staashelm gave the girls credit for their creativity with regard to the mural, and suggested if they aren’t painted on the pillars, they can be used elsewhere nearby. Charlene Beane agreed. He suggested a kiosk near the entrance with their art work would be much better.

The Board gave its approval for the girls to begin the project as soon as they are ready.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A special election has been scheduled to fill the Iowa House seat left open by the death of Rep. Greg Forristall. Gov. Terry Branstad signed a proclamation Monday directing a special election on June 27 for House District 22. The district covers Pottawattamie County in southwest Iowa.

Forristall, a Republican from Macedonia, died earlier this month during his sixth term as a lawmaker. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer said the 67-year-old Forristall had been battling cancer. The elected individual will finish the remainder of Forristall’s term, serving through 2019.

The Republican-majority House had 59 GOP lawmakers this session and 41 Democrats. The Senate is also controlled by Republicans.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports a man from Orient was being held in the Adair County Jail on $150,000 bond, following his arrest on drug charges Thursday night. 20-year old Garrett Allan Herrmann was arrested by Greenfield Police on charges that include Possession with the Intent to Deliver/Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp while possessing 42.5-grams of marijuana.

Sheriff Vandewater said also, 31-year old Amanda Leigh Mohr, of West Des Moines, was charged with OWI/2nd offense, Thursday, after her car was observed speeding on Interstate 80 eastbound near the 83 mile marker. Her car was clocked by and Iowa State Patrol Trooper doing 84 mph. When the Trooper got behind her car and pulled her over, her vehicle entered the median and nearly hit a culvert. Mohr was cited for open container and speeding. Her Breath Alcohol Content tested at .183% according to the report. She was brought to the Adair County Jail and later released on $2,000 bond.

21-year old Cody Allen VanOtterloo, of Stuart, was arrested Saturday night by Greenfield Police, and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Possession of Prescription drugs. His bond was set at $1,000. And, 28-year old Brian Keith Cunningham, of Greenfield, was arrested Saturday evening in Greenfield, for Domestic Abuse Assault/2nd offense (Allegedly Shoving his girlfriend to the ground), 5th Degree Criminal Mischief (for alleged intentional damage of a pair of handcuffs during the booking process) and Contempt of Court/Violation of a No Contact Order. He released the following day on his Own Recognizance.