The CAM School Board is moving forward with tentative plans for an addition to the Massena Elementary School to help ease overcrowding. Board Secretary Linda Edwards said they approved the plan as presented by Snyder and Associates Engineers. She said they are moving forward with the bid process, since the goal is to be in the building by next fall.

The plan tentatively calls for a 40-by 80-foot expansion of the four-year old preschool and music room. The Board, in their brief meeting, also approved revisions to, and adopted, a Parent and Family Engagement Policy.

The policy was reworded to say “Parent and family engagement is an important component of students’ success in school. The Board encourages parents and families to become involved in their children’s education to ensure the child’s academic success.” The wording adds “and family involvement”, instead of just “parental.”

(9-a.m. News)

The Union County Sheriff’s Office recently took two reports of theft. An Afton man reported last week that sometime during the day on Oct. 10th, someone broke into his shed and took a Champion pressure washer, Stihl chainsaw, Nesco tap & die set, gear puller set and a .22 rifle.  The items were valued at $935.

And, on Oct. 8th, a woman from Creston reported that sometime between 5:30-and 6:00-p.m that day, while her vehicle was parked in the 1900 block of 180^th Street, someone broke the front side window and took several items.  Taken was gift cards, cellphone charger, billfold, purse, cash, clothing, IPad, Samsung Galaxy Note cellphone, checks and other personal items.  Those items were valued at $3,000 altogether.

(9-a.m. News)

Holiday wreaths, sprays and centerpieces are available for purchase in Cass County, from any member of Xi Beta Phi, a local women’s service organization.  The group sells the holiday greens annually, with proceeds going to various community projects.  This year’s proceeds will be donated to the Cass County Health System Foundation as part of a campaign to purchase a 3D mammography unit for Cass County Memorial Hospital.

Nancy White, project chair, says “We are very excited to support the purchase of a 3D mammography unit for our local hospital.

“Nancy White displays one of the holiday wreaths for sale from Xi Beta Phi members this month.” (photo submitted)

We know that early diagnosis is key to successful treatment, and 3D technology provides the information necessary for that early diagnosis.”

Holiday items for sale include wreaths, sprays, centerpieces, garlands and live potted evergreen and holly trees.  Prices range from $20 – $50.  Products will be delivered locally before Thanksgiving, and can also be shipped directly to friends and family out of town.

For more information or to make a purchase, contact Nancy White, 254-0471 or Bonnie Williams, 254-0997, or any other Xi Beta Phi member.  All orders must be placed by October 30^th.

This is Character Counts Week in Iowa, which celebrates the six pillars of character including Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility and Trustworthiness.  Amy Smit is with the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University in Des Moines. “We try to think of something different to do every year with it and this year we don’t have to look very far to find news stories that are kind of sad or might make us fearful or angry. You can’t ignore the negative,  that’s part of the human experience and I think sometimes that can move us to change the world around us. For Character Counts Week  we really want to be inspired by the good things that are happening out there,” Smit says.

She says they are asking people to share their good stories. “We know that there’s tons and tons of great people doing great things and those stories don’t always get the platform they deserve,” Smith says. “We’re asking everyone to find those great stories that they might stumble upon through their social media feeds or that they hear about — and we want to fill the world with those great positive stories.”

Representatives from the program went to Waterloo Monday to formally present  their School of Character award to Poyner Elementary in Waterloo so that everyone there could share in the moment. She says the often present the Character Awards in August and only a few administrators or staff get to attend that event.

You may find out more about Character Counts at www.drake.edu/raycenter.

(Radio Iowa)

The Creston Police Department is reporting three arrests. Early this (Tuesday) morning, 40-year old Shane Sanden, of Creston, was arrested for Public Intoxication. He was being held in the Union County Jail on $300 bond. Monday afternoon, Creston Police arrested 21-year old Dakota Rosch, of Creston, for Driving While Revoked. He was released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond. And, 34-year old Elizabeth Nelson, of Creston, was arrested for OWI 1st Offense. She was released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond.