The Atlantic Public Library experienced a fire alarm on Monday night that prevents the Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning system and the elevator from working properly until it is repaired.  At this time, the library will NOT be open on Tuesday, August 22.  Library Director Michelle Anderson thanked the Atlantic Fire Department for their quick response and expertise in responding to the alarm.  Keep updated on the library’s Facebook page as they hope to open as soon as the issue is resolved.

DES MOINES — U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Don Davis (NC-01) Monday introduced legislation to support rural communities by restoring land quality after devastating natural disasters. The bipartisan Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act would expand the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Watershed Protection Program to enhance long-term protection of our nation’s watersheds and rural communities.

“Our country is fed and fueled by the hearts, hands, and hard work of Iowa’s farmers. When natural disasters happen, though, rural communities and farmers are often hit especially hard,” said Rep. Nunn. “Floods and other natural disasters devastate livelihoods in Iowa and have a ripple effect on our nationwide food and fuel supply chain, which is why I’m working to ensure Iowa’s farmers have the tools to extend the health of their land after natural disasters.”

One third of all crop losses over the last twenty years have been due to flooding or storms. In 2019, Midwestern farmers lost $6 billion in crop sales due to rain. After the 2020 Derecho, Iowa farmers experienced crop losses that cost more than $490 million.

Currently, the USDA Emergency Watershed Protection Program provides farmers and rural communities with assistance to recover from natural disasters; however, the program will only allow for restoration efforts that return an area to its pre-disaster condition, even if that condition was previously degraded, limiting the success of the program.

The Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act will allow for restoration efforts above pre-disaster conditions if the restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and protection of the watershed.

Rep. Nunn introduced the legislation during a tour of the American Flood Coalition’s flood prevention research site in Guthrie Center, Iowa.

The National Weather Service-Des Moines has announced that hot conditions will dominate our forecast throughout this work week. Daily highs from 95 to 105° are expected for all of Iowa with heat index values topping out from 105 to 115 during the afternoon and early evening hours each day. Overnight lows in the 70s to around 80° will provide little relief from the heat.

With this heatwave expected to last through the work week, Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon says facilities in Cass County have opened their doors this Monday thru Friday to people who need a break from the extreme heat. Libraries throughout Cass County will be available as cooling stations during their regular operating hours. In Atlantic, the Nishna Valley YMCA at 1100 Maple Street is open until 8:30pm thru Thursday and until 6:30pm on Friday. SWITA will also be available to transport individuals to and from these facilities by calling 712-250-1200 or 712-243-4196 for rural residents.

The extreme heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses so be sure to take precautions to protect yourself from the heat by staying hydrated and limiting your outdoor activities, especially during peak heating hours of the afternoon into early evening.

Heat related deaths are preventable. Protect yourself and others from the impacts extreme heat. Heat stroke is an emergency…call 9-1-1.

***UPDATE***

The clogging quartet of Nelley Pelzer, James Brown, Kylie Templeton and Drayce Moore of Atlantic placed fifth in the senior division, winning $750.

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A group of Atlantic  youngsters will compete in the Sunday finals of the Bill Riley Talent Search at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.  The quartet, “Happy” includes Nelley Pelzer, Kylie Templeton, Drayce Moore and James Brown.  They perform a clogging routine.  The group is the first from Atlantic to make it into the finals of the show since John Jorgensen made it to the finals of the Bill Riley Talent Contest in 1973.  The finals will air at 8:00 pm Sunday on Iowa Public Television.

Photo provided

A Des Moines Register N-B-C News Iowa Poll shows former President Donald Trump has the support of 42 percent of likely Iowa Republican Caucus-goers.

The poll was conducted last week, from Sunday through Thursday. Pollster Ann Selzer says the fourth indictment filed against Trump helped him, as the polling shows an uptick in Trump’s support after the Georgia indictment was announced.  Trump’s closest competitor is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who had 19 percent in the Iowa Poll.  No other candidate had double digit support.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott was in third in this latest Iowa Poll.  Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence tied for fourth.  Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has not campaigned in Iowa, but Christie registered in fifth place.  Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy was in sixth place with four percent support.

Sixty-five percent of likely Iowa Republican Caucus-goers surveyed said it’s most important to pick a candidate who shares their views on issues, while 29 percent said the most important thing is for Republicans to pick a candidate who can beat President Biden.

This could be the hottest week Iowans have endured in years, as near-record to record heat is likely. Forecasters say highs through Thursday will range from 95 to 105 degrees, with heat indices as high as 115. If the forecast holds, National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Ansorge (an-SORE-ghee) says it will be the first time in a decade that August has had four or more consecutive days this hot in Des Moines.

Triple-digit temperatures are common in August, but he says highs are typically in the 80s by this late in the month. Southern California was just hit with its first tropical storm in more than 80 years, though it was a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean for a while. Ansorge says that’s one of the reasons temperatures will be near or above 100 degrees in Iowa most of this week, as the low pressure system is pushing record high heat from the Southwest to the Midwest.

All of Iowa is under an excessive heat warning through at least Wednesday night, and relief may not come until Friday. The National Weather Service says this may be Iowa’s hottest string of consecutive days since 2013. The service predicts above-normal temperatures until September.

Montgomery County Memorial Hospital & Clinics (MCMH) is pleased to announce its decision to bring all Emergency Department providers under its direct employment. In a significant move, the hospital has on boarded six new providers, comprising of medical doctors and advanced practice providers. This move assembles an eight-member team of experienced emergency medicine providers. These providers are seamlessly integrated into the MCMH Medical staff, embodying a dedication to providing top-tier care to our patients.

Under the leadership of Dr. Angela Kerchner, Medical Director of Inpatient & Emergency Medicine, the newly formed team comprises both familiar faces and new faces, all of who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the ED. The team is comprised of Angela Kerchner, MD; Scott Hoffman, DO; Steve Lapke, MD; Chris Lindgren, MD; Tu Anh Luong, MD; David Owens, MS, ARNP (Lead Hospitalist & Emergency Medicine); Leah Rowell, PA-C, and Tom Schmadeke, PA-C (Primary Care & Emergency Medicine).

CEO Ron Kloewer expressed his enthusiasm for the latest development stating, “We are thrilled about the addition of MCMH employed providers in our Emergency Department. Dr. Kerchner has done a wonderful job assembling a team of dedicated physicians and advanced practice providers. This marks an important step in our continued commitment to our patients and community.”
This strategic shift from previously contracted ED providers to an MCMH employed team represents MCMH’s dedication to ensuring continuity, stability, and a high level of medical care. Perhaps most notably the transition will create an enhanced relationships and strong communication between the ED providers, the hospitalist team, primary care providers, and our patients.

“The inclusion of both familiar faces and new talent signifies our unwavering commitment to building long-term relationships with our staff, patients, and community members,” Dr. Angela Kerchner explained. “This approach will allow us to have a much closer connection between the providers in the Emergency Department, our inpatient providers and primary care providers creating a seamless continuum of care across all stages of our patients’ medical journeys.”

With the addition of these dedicated providers, MCMH remains steadfast in its commitment to being a trusted resource within the community. The hospital’s pursuit of excellence in patient care and outcomes continues to be a driving force in its operations.

On Saturday, 8-19-23 at 10:24 pm, 19 year old Jordyn Marie Gonzales of 1303 Clayton Road was arrested in the 1300 block of North Cherry.  Gonzales was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense (Other scheduled I,II,III,IV and V CS).  Gonzales was taken to the Union County Jail where she was later released on $1,000 cash or surety bond.

On Sunday, 8-20-2023 at 3:39 am, 42 year old  Faustino Reyes of Texas was arrested at Supertel.  Reyes was charged with Assault causing bodily injury.  Reyes was taken to the Union County Jail where he is being held on $1,000 cash or surety bond.

Also, on Sunday at 8:38 pm, 36 year old Brandon Hurshel Whitfield of 813 North Sycamore was arrested at his residence.  Whitfield was charged on 2 Union County Warrants.  1st warrant is Violation of Probation original charge Domestic Abuse Assault a serious misdemeanor.  2nd warrant is Violation of Probation original charge Eluding an aggravated misdemeanor.  Whitfield is being held on no bond.

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Harlan area residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Pioneer Park in Harlan.

The Alzheimer’s Association and its volunteers and walk participants are fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today, for more time, for treatments. Alzheimer’s research is closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s, but to get there, the Alzheimer’s Association needs Northern Iowa to join them for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

There is no fee to register for Walk, however, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with Promise Garden flowers which signify our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers – purple, yellow, blue and orange – represent the different reasons why people walk to end this disease.

“We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s,” said Walk Manager, Jessica Duncan. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

In Iowa alone, there are more than 66,000 people living with the disease and 98,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk.

AMES, Iowa – All Iowa Department of Transportation business locations will be closed Monday, September 4, in honor of Labor Day.

Iowa DOT driver’s license service centers
All Iowa DOT driver’s license service centers will be closed Monday, September 4. The service centers will resume operations Tuesday, September 5, at 8 a.m.

Many people, including commercial driver’s license holders, may be able to complete driver’s license business online at www.iowadot.gov.

If you need to come to see us, the quickest way to get your driver’s license business done is to schedule an appointment https://iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/service-selector. Walk-in customers will be served as time allows.

Special note to motor carriers
The Iowa DOT recommends that commercial vehicle operators plan ahead if they will need services from the Iowa DOT immediately following the Labor Day weekend. Commercial vehicle operators who need oversize/overweight permits for travel in Iowa Tuesday, September 5, should obtain them prior to 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 1.

No movements of oversize/overweight loads will be permitted in Iowa from noon Friday, September 1 until 30 minutes prior to sunrise on Tuesday, September 5.

Because the permit center typically experiences a heavy workload on the day following the holiday, customers are urged to submit applications for oversize/overweight permits, especially those more than 156,000 pounds, several days before needing the permit.