(Radio Iowa) – Combines are moving across Iowa fields harvesting corn and soybeans and they are also cutting down a lot of cover that deer have been using. Iowa D-N-R deer biologist Jace Elliot says the harvest is one reason you should be looking for deer on the move in the fall. “With these crops being removed from the landscape, that’s going to shift how deer are moving and behaving, possibly making them more vulnerable to end up in a vehicle collision,” he says. You will likely see more deer in areas where there are trees and brush where they can hide. “Deer are likely shifting from these more agricultural areas into areas with woody cover or tall grass prairie,” Elliott says.

Mating season for deer is also underway and that’s another factor that could make them run across a road into the path of your car. “Bucks are pursuing goes for much of this time, and because of that, you may see a what seems like a single deer on across the road, but always keep an eye out for others that may be behind,” Elliott says. Elliott says drivers should be alert for deer in wooded areas, and especially so at down and dusk when they are more likely to be on the move.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A pedestrian trail bridge located just west of the KJAN studios, crossing the East Nishnabotna River, was damaged recently by graffiti. The bridge connects the AMU Well head trail with the Schildberg Recreational Trail.

Atlantic Parks and Recreation Coordinator Jeff Christensen said in a video posted online, that crews were spending the morning today (Friday), power washing the bridge to clean up the mess. (Photos courtesy of Jeff Christensen)

If you have any information on this incident, contact Jeff Christensen or the Atlantic Police Department.

[Red Oak, Iowa] – An open burn ban is now in effect for all areas and jurisdictions within Montgomery County. The ban prohibits all open and controlled burning in Montgomery County, including all incorporated city limits within the county.

Montgomery County Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hamman says record high temperatures, limited to no moisture and continued drought conditions have created dangerous fire conditions throughout the entire area. The extended forecast outlooks show well above normal temperatures as well as extremely windy conditions causing concern that any outdoor fire will become large and out of control in a very short amount of time.

Citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris, grass/agricultural ground and set asides or other items during this ban. Small recreational campfires are permitted only if they are conducted in a fireplace of brick, metal or heavy one-inch wire mesh, however extreme caution should be
taken. Any campfire not in an outdoor fireplace is prohibited.

Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to criminal charges as well as civil liabilities for any damages, losses or injuries resulting from the fire. The open burn ban is anticipated to remain in effect until the county receives substantial precipitation alleviating the increased fire danger risk.

Burn bans are also in effect for the following area counties: Cass, Adair, Audubon, Guthrie, Harrison, Mills, Shelby, Monona, Crawford and Carroll.

Today:  Sunny with a high near 75. East northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight:  Mostly clear with a low around 52. Southeast wind around 10 mph.

Saturday:  Sunny with a high near 92. Windy with a south southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming south southwest 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Sunday:  Sunny with a high near 73. Breezy, with a northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Monday:  Sunny with a high near 73.

Tuesday:  Sunny with a high near 78.

(Radio Iowa) -Pure Prairie Poultry (PPP) in Charles City is closing less than two years after they began operations. In a statement, George Piechel, one of the owners of the plant, said, “While we continue to explore options, including possible buyers for our operations, our efforts to restart the plant on a limited basis have proven unsuccessful. Without a viable operating plan, we are discontinuing operations at our Charles City production plant effective immediately.”

Plant employees were notified Wednesday afternoon their positions had been eliminated. Some 138 workers are out of jobs. P-P-P had sought to reorganize under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy with liabilities between 100 million dollars and 500 million owed to between 200 and 999 creditors, including over 500-thousand dollars to the City of Charles City.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has been granted an emergency court order to take immediate care, custody and control of approximately one-point-three million broiler chickens owned by Pure Prairie Poultry. The company notified state officials they were unable to purchase feed for the chickens on 14 Iowa farms the plant contracts with to grow broilers.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon reports there will be a countywide burn ban in Cass County effective at noon today (Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024) and until further notice. There are currently 27 active countywide burn bans in Iowa.

Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Guthrie, Adair, Mills, Monona, Crawford, Carroll and Greene are other area counties with active burn bans in place.

Kennon says a burn ban does NOT prohibit the following:  supervised, controlled burn for which a permit has been issued by the fire chief of the fire district where the burn will take place, the use of outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, properly supervised landfills, or the burning of trash in incinerators or trash burners made of metal, concrete, masonry, or heavy one-inch wire mesh, with no openings greater than one square inch.

Please contact Mike Kennon (712-254-1500) or your local fire chief if you have further questions on the subject of open burning.

Iowa Code Section 100.40 Marshal may prohibit open burning on request.
1. The State Fire Marshal, during periods of extremely dry conditions or under other conditions when the state fire marshal finds open burning constitutes a danger to life or property, may prohibit open burning in an area of the state at the request of the chief of a local fire department, a city council or a board of supervisors and when an investigation supports the need for the prohibition. The State Fire Marshal shall implement the prohibition by issuing a proclamation to persons in the affected area. The chief of a local fire department, the city council or the board of supervisors that requested the prohibition may rescind the proclamation after notifying the state fire marshal of the intent to do so, when the chief, city council or board of supervisors finds that the conditions responsible for the issuance of the proclamation no longer exist.
2. Violation of a prohibition issued under this section is a simple misdemeanor.
3. A proclamation issued by the state fire marshal pursuant to this section shall not prohibit a supervised, controlled burn for which a permit has been issued by the fire chief of the fire district where the burn will take place, the use of outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, properly supervised landfills, or the burning of trash in incinerators or trash burners made of metal, concrete, masonry, or heavy one-inch wire mesh, with no openings greater than one square inch.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with Cass County ISU Extension say the anticipation is building for this year’s National 4-H Week, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni across the country will celebrate everything 4-H. Cass County 4-H will observe National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers and highlighting the remarkable 4-H young people in our community who work to positively impact those around them. October 13th the community is welcome to join the Cass County 4-H Clubs with carnival games and learn more about 4-H at Fall Fest on the Fairgrounds from 2:00-4:00pm.

The 2024 National 4-H Week theme is Beyond Ready, which celebrates the program’s dedication to building a generation equipped for the future while being met where they are today. This year, 4-H is focused on helping youth be ready to lead, ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to conquer.

4-H believes that young people, in partnership with adults, can play a key role in creating a more promising and equitable future for youth, families, and communities across the country. Through hands-on learning experiences in areas such as agriculture, communication and the arts, leadership and civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM, 4-H members are equipped with the skills they need to be Beyond Ready and make a difference in the world.

Katie Bateman, County Youth Coordinator with Cass County Extension, says “We equip youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. Through 4-H, we offer opportunities and experiences that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future.”

In Cass County, more than 300 4-H youth and 50 volunteers from the community are involved in 4-H. For over 100 years, 4‑H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, please contact the Cass County Extension office or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.