(Radio Iowa) – While many Iowa retailers are already offering holiday-themed bargains, the Black Friday shopping blitz is two weeks from today (Friday), followed immediately by Small Business Saturday. Jayne Armstrong, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Iowa District Office, says 97-percent of Iowa’s businesses are small businesses and it’s vital for our economic livelihood to support them all year, not just on November 26th.

“It’s always important because it really is a significant sales period for a lot of small businesses, particularly our retailers, as we go into the holiday season,” Armstrong says, “but we still have a lot of small businesses that are struggling.” The worst of the pandemic may be behind us, but it left significant scars for some merchants which continue to need the routine patronage of Iowa consumers. Armstrong says COVID taught many of us a lesson about how much we rely on the neighborhood mom-and-pop businesses.

“I really do think that America woke up,” Armstrong says. “When something’s not there that you’re used to and that a lot of people tend to take for granted, and then when we were shut down or businesses were struggling coming back, I think people kind of woke up to just how local all this is.” She notes, there’s an obvious advantage for consumers to “Be Loyal, Buy Local,” instead of shopping online, since when you find and buy an item at a brick-and-mortar store, there’s no worry about it being delayed or lost during the shipping process.

www.sba.gov

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s largest manufacturing employer is using this Veterans Day to announce a new partnership targeting those who’ve served. Quad Cities-based Deere & Company is signing an agreement with the U.S. Army Reserve Private Public Partnership Office. Deere says it will help service members and their families access career opportunities as they transition to civilian life.

A news release says the agreement enables Deere to provide active-duty soldiers, who are transitioning into the Reserves, meaningful education and skills that will make them top candidates for future potential employment. The new agreement builds upon the Department of Defense’s “SkillBridge” program, which helps to place active-duty military members in civilian jobs during their final six months of military service.

A labor department report says U-S Army Reserve members are facing unemployment rates two to three times the national average.

https://www.deere.com/MilitaryCSP

(Radio Iowa) – The new executive director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs gave the keynote speech during a cold, windy Veterans Day ceremony today (Friday) at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Todd Jacobus is a veteran, and says service members entered the military in different ways.

He says that the oath was to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Jacobus says that service makes our world a safer place.

Iowa Veterans Affairs Director Todd Jacobus

Jacobus says without Americans willing to volunteer for service, our diplomatic rulers would not be in a position to engage in the diplomacy required to prevent armed conflict.

Jacobus was appointed by the governor to lead the Veterans Affairs Department, and he is also the commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. He is a retired Colonel of the United States Army and Iowa Army National Guard, serving 33 years and taking part in three overseas missions.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A Judge presiding over the case of an Atlantic man facing multiple felony charges, has approved a continuation of the proceedings until January, 2023. 53-year-old Edward Allen Davenport had been set to go to trial on Nov. 29th. Davenport faces Class-D Felony charges that include Assault while participating in a felony, Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, and Going Armed with Intent, and a Class-B Felony charge of Burglary in the 1st Degree. A Pre-trial conference will now take place Jan. 9, 2023, at 9-a.m. in Atlantic, with trial on Jan. 24th at 9:30-a.m.

Authorities say at around 2:20-a.m. on Sept. 5, 2022, Atlantic Police were notified an assault had occurred at a residence in the 800 block of Walnut Street, in Atlantic. During an investigation, officers made contact with the victim, who stated they had been assaulted by being struck multiple times with an object.

The victim said shortly after she arrived home, there was a knock at the door. A man entered the residence and began assaulting the victim. An investigation determined the suspect was Edward Davenport. On Sept. 6th, Officers made contact with Davenport and arrested him in connection with the incident that occurred the previous day. He was being held in the Cass County Jail on a $60,000 cash-only bond.

Davenport was previously arrested August 21st on two felony drug charges, along with one aggravated misdemeanor and a serious misdemeanor drug charge. He plead not guilty to those charges and was released on a $25,000 bond the day he was arrested on the assault charges. In August 2021, as part of a plea agreement, Davenport plead guilty to an aggravated misdemeanor charge of Operating a Vehicle without owners consent. He was facing a felony charge of Theft in the 1st Degree.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Here’s a final reminder for you to get a kick start to your holiday shopping, by purchasing discounted AtlantiCash, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust. The opportunity takes place this Saturday only at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. “This has become one of our favorite events to host every year. AtlantiCash is money that has to be spent at local businesses in our community, so not only does it boost Local Option Sales Tax, but it also supports all of our incredible businesses who have so much to offer this holiday season. Last year, we sold $30,000 in about an hour so our goal this year is to sell $35,000,” Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said.

From 9 AM – 12 PM Saturday, November 12th only, AtlantiCash will be available in packs of $100 for $80, a 20% discount. Community members can purchase up to three packs. Payment must be made at time of purchase in the form of cash or check only. There is a first-come, first-purchased basis with only a limited amount of AtlantiCash available. “We wouldn’t be able to pull this promotion off without the help of our amazing sponsors. Their partnership helps us support local merchants and put money back into Atlantic,” mentioned Smith.

Discount AtlantiCash is brought to you by First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cappel’s Ace Hardware and the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission. The Holiday Open House will also be taking place Saturday beginning when retailers open. Businesses will be offering a holiday sneak peek as well as treats, giveaways and special promotions. Participating locations include: Aunt B’s, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Brymons Interiors, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, CoffeeGirl, Fareway, Hanson’s Fine Jewelry, Hy-Vee, Jazzercise, Randy’s Computers and SHIFT ATL.

Pick up your Christmas Brochure from area retail businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com. Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017.

(Red Oak, Iowa) -Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius has announced she recently received two letters of resignation from City Administrator Brad Wright, and City Clerk, Mary Bolton. Both are planning on retirement after a number of years serving the City. Brad Wright has been with the City of Red Oak for 21 years. His resignation in effective December 30^th. Mary Bolton has served in the Clerk’s Office for almost 39-years. Her last day is December 31^st.

Silvius says she looks forward to moving forward together with the council, department heads and staff; and working directly with the council to establish a plan of action, timeline and delegation of tasks to immediately begin the search to fill these positions while maintaining proficient business operations. Silvius stated “This is a great time to start fresh and focus on moving the community forward with positive momentum.”

Mayor Silvius has called a Special Meeting of the Red Oak City Council to be held Tuesday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Fire Station located at 1904 North Broadway Street, Red Oak, Iowa to discuss how the Council will proceed moving forward. This meeting is open to the public. The Special Meeting Agenda will be published Monday morning.

(Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa) – Getting into the holiday spirit is easy in the Danish Villages (Of Elk Horn and Kimballton). Celebrated the weekend after Thanksgiving, the 44th Julefest offers visitors a way to kick start the Christmas season. For forty four years, this magical festival has warmed hearts and provided a way to celebrate all things Danish. Julefest promises an array of traditional Danish food and tasty treats such as pastries, wine, glögg, and pebbernødder. Search for unique Christmas presents and decorations at craft fairs, gift shops and specialty stores, in both towns.

Drink a glass of wine at Danish Countryside Vines and Wines and dine at Julefest sponsored restaurants such as The Kringle Man, Grace on Main and Norse Tavern and new this year come brunch with Santa Friday morning 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elk Horn Fire station and enjoy the traditional ӕbleskiver and medisterpølse.  Make the most of a winter’s day – tour the 1848 Danish Windmill, enjoy the latest exhibits at the Museum of Danish America and go back in time at the 1908 Bedstemor’s House. 

Saturday morning cheer on the Naughty or Nisse 5 k Polar Runners from the Mermaid to the Windmill. Enjoy the annual Julefest Concert and dancing around the Christmas tree Saturday evening at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Relish in the festive atmosphere of the villages – both towns will be decorated for Christmas and the streets lined with Danish and American flags. Pick up a brochure with a map of the local merchants and happenings at any of the Danish Villages businesses. Schedules will be subject to change.

This year’s Julefest® celebration means the fabulous craft fairs are back! The Main Street Country Boutique will be at the Elk Horn Town Hall on Friday, November 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be vendors and crafters from all over Iowa set up with their specialties. Some of the items offered at this craft fair will be woven rugs, homemade candies and baked goods, stockings, angels, snowmen, wooden furniture and items and much more. You’ll find something for everyone on your Christmas list or add to your own collections.

A Hometown Christmas, the annual boutique and quilt sale will once again occupy the Kimballton Town Hall on Friday, November 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Folk artists will provide an array of homemade giftware and Jeanne’s famous candies and cookies and so much more. This is the place to start your own traditions! Take yourself to the country and visit Rustic Rooster/Two Chicks located 1 mile west of Kimballton on highway 44 and 1/4mile north. They are open Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will be featuring vintage Christmas such as antiques, Christmas décor and taking orders for your Christmas baking (call 515-229-0078). They invite you for cider and good cheer.

For more information about these or any events happening Thanksgiving weekend during the 44th Danish celebration of Julefest®, please call the Danish Windmill at 800-451-7960 or visit www.Danishvillages.com. A brochure with all vendors and events can be picked up from any local Elk Horn or Kimballton business. To visit the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa, take Exit 54 from Interstate 80 and drive six and nine miles north.

(Radio Iowa) – More than two years after being demolished by hurricane-force winds, the Marion Public Library has opened the doors to its new facility. When library director Bill Carroll was first hired, there were still walls missing, following the powerful derecho in August of 2020. Carroll says Thursday was a day to celebrate, as the new 18-million dollar facility debuted.) Carroll says, “Our primary library facility was damaged beyond repair during the derecho, so for us to be opening today, literally right across the street from our old location, is a momentous occasion for our community.”

While the facilities are fully accessible, the library is calling this week’s event a “soft opening,” promising a celebration at a later date. The library is part of the Metro Library Network, a consortium that includes the Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha public libraries.

(reporting by Zachary Oren Smith, Iowa Public Radio)

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Health and Human Services officials are starting the process of significantly updating the state’s child welfare system. The state’s contracted with the Change and Innovation Agency to extensively review and update the state’s policy and procedures along with working to completely replace the I-T system. Janee Harvey, an administrator with Iowa H-H-S, says the current I-T system is so outdated, it’s causing workforce retention issues. “You have to use F7, F12, F1 buttons to navigate through the system,” Harvey says. “We literally have had staff see it, try and learn it and they’re like, ‘I can’t. I want to do this work. I can’t learn the technology you’re telling me to learn.’”

Harvey says they’re updating everything to best serve Iowa children and families. “Quite simply, the question that we need to be able to answer is, are families better off because HHS knocked on their door,” she says, “and unfortunately too often the answer is no.” The system overhaul comes as Iowa has seen several high-profile child abuse cases highlighting failures in its current system.

(reporting by Natalie Krebs, Iowa Public Radio)

(Atlantic,Iowa) – One person was transported to Cass Health in Atlantic, following a three-vehicle accident at 7th and Walnut Streets. The collision occurred at around 7:34-a.m.  Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue….

Photos by KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

Chief Hogue says the male driver of the red HHR, which came to rest against a tree on the IWCC property, was taken to the hospital. The three individuals in the Chevy Malibu did not appear to be injured. They left the scene in a personal vehicle following the initial investigation. The driver of the vehicle who was waiting at the light, was not hurt and left the scene in their vehicle, following the initial investigation.

No names were released. Atlantic Police were assisted at the scene by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Atlantic Fire an Rescue, and Cass EMS.