(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors, today (Wednesday), approved “with regret,” the resignation of the Jefferson Township Clerk Ron Maas. They approved the appointments of: Mike Sheeder, as Jefferson Township Clerk; and Ethan Gilman, Justin Schneider and Chad Varley as Jefferson Township Trustees. They also approved the County’s Election Incident Response Plan.

That’s Adair County Auditor Mandy Berg. She said the plan covers incidents affecting elections, such as an active shooter, fire, civil emergencies, natural disasters, and a cyber security threat. The Board approved the plan as presented. The Adair County Supervisors however, voted unanimously NOT to invest in a Renodry Dehydration System. Supervisor Steve Shelley said he would rather invest in 20 dehumidifiers, to dry out the Courthouse basement and other areas.

Supervisor John Twombly and others were not convinced the company would be a good investment.

Last month, the Boards of Supervisors in Cass and Adair Counties heard a presentation from a representative with Renodry. Cass County opted to use the system, which dries out the walls and has a three-year dry-out guarantee and a 25-year warranty. The system/service costs $19,285 (in Cass County). Adair County requested an estimate of costs during their meeting, in September. The Board during their meeting today (Wednesday), agreed to look at other options to mitigate the moisture, including a future way to keep the water from coming in through the limestone outside, and getting into the basement.

The Board also discussed supplying of fuel and related components from the Adair County Secondary Roads Department, to the City of Greenfield for its vehicles, with the idea being the Department invest in a bigger tank to help transport the fuel, with there being a possible savings of anywhere from 10-to 15-cents per gallon. But there’s no guarantee. The Department already provides fuel for the Conservation Department and school. It collects 5-cents per gallon for the service to offset expenses for invoices, fuel.

County Engineer Nick Kauffman said the arrangement has “Worked out well for us.”

Kauffman said the first step is ordering a 16,000 gallon double wall tank, split for both gas and diesel. The Board approved having him move ahead with the plan to acquire the tank and necessary facilities and/or equipment.

Des Moines, Iowa – Governor Kim Reynolds today announced a new grant opportunity intended to reduce language barriers in the workforce. The Iowa Language Learners Job Training Program will help employers provide sustained programs for English language instruction to support improved communication in the workplace. “Here in Iowa, we’re focused on breaking down any barrier that may stand in the way of a successful career,” said Governor Reynolds. “As I travel the state, employers regularly highlight the importance of English Language Learner training. The Iowa Language Learners Job Training Program will provide employers with resources to offer or expand ELL training while at the same time supporting job safety, recruitment and retention efforts.”

The Iowa Language Learners Job Training Program will provide a total of $5 million in grants to support employer programs that help employees improve English language proficiency in relation to work-related duties, policies, or procedures. Applicants must be employers or groups of employers with at least 25 full-time employees who are either expanding or creating a language program.  “The ability to communicate is key to making any workplace connection successful,” said Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “This grant opportunity is another great tool to help Iowa employers find the skilled workforce they so desperately need and support employees interested in improving their communication skills at work.”

Applications are now being accepted at IowaGrants.gov and are due on December 2, at 11:59 AM. Visit this link for more information on the grant and the application process.
A webinar will take place on October 11 at 11:00 AM to provide more information on the grant and a Q&A session. Interested employers can sign up to participate by visiting (Link).

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) — Officials with the U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, Tuesday, said two of the five Cass County (Iowa) residents who were arrested for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, have plead guilty to the charges. According to documents 29-year-old Kelsi Marie Thurman, of Lewis and 19-year-old Mason Blaine Loudermilk, of Atlantic, have pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. The arrests were the result of a six-month investigation into a series of fentanyl overdose cases in Cass and Shelby Counties. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 20 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, a maximum fine of $20 million, and a 10-year to life long term of supervised release.

According to court documents, Thurman admitted that beginning at least as early as August 2019, she and co-defendant 28-year-old Chase Daniel Jahnke, of Lewis, entered an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute fentanyl — including Thurman driving Jahnke to Omaha to obtain, deliver, and collect money from the sale of fentanyl. On or around October 3, 2021, Thurman, along with Jahnke, provided fentanyl pills to two individuals, one of which was found to have died October 4, 2021 from an overdose by using half of the pills provided by Thurman and Jahnke. Thurman and Jahnke also supplied fentanyl pills to co-defendants 25-year-old Colby and 20-year-old Collin Clarken, and Thurman admitted that Colby Clarken supplied pills to an individual who died of an overdose on or around February 24, 2022.

Loudermilk also entered a guilty plea last month, and sentencing proceedings will be held on February 28th. A sentencing date for Thurman is unknown at this time.
According to court records a trial for Jahnke, Colby Clarken and Collin Clarken, both of Atlantic, is set for November 7th with a plea deadline of October 21st.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Veteran’s Affairs Director Mitch Holmes and County Recorder Mary Ward, along with the Iowa County Recorders Association, want to make all veterans are aware that recording or requesting military records is always free of charge for a veteran. In recent weeks, it has been reported that a third-party company has been charging veterans to record these documents. Please review the Iowa Code chapter and information regarding submitting copies of DD214 documents, and please remember to always contact your local County Recorder for assistance recording or requesting military records or your local Director of Veterans Affairs. 

The County Recorder’s office has on permanent record, military discharges that have been presented for recording by the veterans themselves. Those records are confidential and will not be made available for examination or copying except under certain conditions or circumstances as described below:

• To the person who is the subject of the record, to a member of that person’s immediate family, or to that person’s agent or representative duly authorized in writing.
• To a person requesting to examine or copy a record when the event that resulted in the record being made occurred more than sixty-two (62) years prior to the request. However, the recorder shall redact any social security number included in a record made available pursuant to this paragraph.
• To a person who is a funeral director licensed pursuant to chapter 156 and who has custody of the body of a deceased veteran.
• When otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
• When otherwise required by a department or agency of the federal or state government or a political subdivision. The recorder shall make these records available to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs and its employees shall be subject to the same state and federal confidentiality restrictions and requirements that are imposed on the recorder.
• Veterans are also eligible to submit legal copies of their DD214 to the County Recorder’s office in the county in which they reside. There is no fee to record the DD214. Copies of military discharge records are also free of charge. Veterans and entitled immediate family members may request in-person or complete a military discharge application. All records not recorded in your local county can be requested from the National Personnel Records Center.

For more information, please contact the Cass County Recorder’s Office at 712-243-1692 or the Cass County Director of Veterans Affairs at 712-243-6662.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports a man was arrested twice in a little more than 24-hours.  At around 3:15-a.m. Tuesday, 43-year-old Jeffrey Christopher Potter, of Elliott, was arrested in Montgomery County, on a Mills County warrant for Failure to Appear on a Driving While Revoked charge. He was transported to the Mills County line and transferred to the custody of Mills County Deputies.

Jeffrey C. Potter (Photo Courtesy the Montgomery County Jail)

Then, at around 4:35-a.m. today (Wednesday), Potter was arrested following a traffic stop in the 1100 block of 110th Street. Upon further investigation, Potter was taken into custody for Driving While Revoked. He was transported to the Montgomery County Jail in Red Oak, and held without bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – It’s another excellent week for local produce at the farmers market, and Produce in the Park will have all sorts of squash this Thursday, October 6. PiP Market Manager Brigham Hoegh says you can “Expect familiar favorites such as Acorn Squash and Spaghetti Squash, as well as lesser-known varieties such as Delicata Squash and ‘Crème Brulee’ Butternut Squash. The ‘Crème Brulee’ Butternut Squash is a smaller variety than traditional butternut squash, which makes it an appealing option for many. Visitors to the park this week will also get to sample squash chips made from dehydrated squash by Cass County Master Gardener Todd Turner. In addition to squash, produce at the market this week will include sweet potatoes, green beans, peppers, tomatoes, radishes, cabbages, a variety of onions, beets, potatoes, and more.”

Cooler fall temperatures call for warm beverages. This week at the market, look for recipes and ingredients to make your own local teas. Just a few herbs and some honey make a delicious tea. Talk with Lany of Bridgewater Farm or Emily of Brun Ko Farm about their favorite herbal teas. A simple one-part sage and one-part lemon balm with honey to taste is a go-to for Emily.
Some folks enjoy baked goods with tea, and this Thursday will not disappoint in that category. Frosting Inc. is back with cupcakes and other seasonal sweet treats, and the Kringleman will offer a variety of Danish and American pastries.

Squash at Produce in the Park this week includes Spaghetti Squash, Acorn Squash, Delicata Squash, and ‘Creme Brulee’ Butternut Squash

Hoege says “As usual, there’s a lot happening at the park this week. This week’s food trucks are Pomodoro Italian Food and Pim’s Thai. New vendor Painting Grace Creations will be selling artwork, crafts, and holiday decorations. October sponsor Atlantic Elks Lodge will have free ring toss (with prizes!). And, a number of other organizations will be at the park with information and activities, including the Atlantic Public Library, Atlantic Parks & Rec, and the Cass County Master Gardeners. Sarah Selders will be singing live.”

DETAILS for Produce in the Park October 6, 2022:

• Time: 4:30-6:30 PM
• Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W. 7th St. Atlantic, IA 50022)
• Food Trucks: Pomodoro Italian and Pim’s Thai
• Seasonal Highlight: Homemade tea with local herbs and honey
• Produce: Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Watermelon, Peppers, Tomatoes, Aronia Berries, Red Onions, Green Onions, Radishes, Cabbage, Beets, Shallots, Eggplant, Garlic, Potatoes, Kale, and more!
• Farm Favorites: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Lamb, farm-fresh eggs, honey, granola
• Desserts: Cupcakes and other sweet treats from Frosting Inc., Danish pastries, kringle, Fruit Crisps, Sweet Breads (banana and banana nut bread, chocolate chip bread), and more.
• Crafts: fall-scented candles, bath and body products, art, prints, jewelry, and more.
• Live Music: Sarah Selders!
• Ring Toss with Prizes with Atlantic Elks Lodge
• Yard Games and More with Atlantic Parks & Rec
• Visiting organizations including Atlantic Public Library, Cass County Master Gardeners
• Free drawing for a dozen eggs! Anyone age 18+ can enter for free. Winner will be drawn after the market ends and pick up at the market the following week.

Payment methods accepted: All vendors accept cash. Many accept credit cards, Venmo, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior and WIC checks. All qualifying food vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps). All fresh produce vendors both accept and distribute Double Up Food Bucks (coupons given for SNAP/EBT purchases of fresh produce).

Produce in the Park October 2022 farmers markets are sponsored by the Atlantic Elks Lodge, the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, Cass Health, Cass County Tourism, First Whitney Bank and Trust, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, and Deter Motor Co. For updates on Produce in the Park, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook or an Instagram.

(DES MOINES, Iowa) – To help address the issue of opioid misuse, the Iowa Department of Health of Human Services (HHS) is expanding their initiative to provide naloxone (the opioid overdose reversal medication) to Iowa organizations, businesses and schools, which may be in a position to render aid to a person at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose. Since February of 2022, HHS has offered eligible organizations and businesses free naloxone nasal spray kits. Now, the program is expanding to include schools. The purpose of this initiative is to equip organizations, businesses and schools, in the event that their employees, agents, or volunteers encounter someone experiencing a suspected opioid overdose.

While the hope is there would never be a need for the use of naloxone, having this medication available as part of a first-aid response could save someone’s life. Eligible organizations, businesses and schools, include but are not limited to: retail/convenience stores; libraries; public or nonpublic schools, community colleges, colleges, universities; restaurants; bars; community or social services organizations; event venues; and mobile service providers.

Click here to view eligibility information and program requirements.

HHS’ State Opioid Response office was recently awarded $9,083,075 per year for two years to provide treatment and recovery programs for an estimated 1,100 people. In addition, the program will provide prevention and harm reduction services to more than 11,000 people.

Although Iowa is considered a low-incidence state compared to many others, the increases in opioid- related deaths are concerning, with 258 official records of opioid-related deaths in Iowa for 2021, up from 157 deaths in 2019 and 213 deaths in 2020. Synthetic opioids, such as illicit versions of fentanyl, are now involved in the vast majority of opioid-related deaths in Iowa, and have increased in all age groups. Increasing instances of these synthetics being detected in combination with other drugs such as stimulants, indicate that some people who think they are taking something other than an opioid are also dying due to contamination of those substances with illicit fentanyl.

The recently announced award comes as a follow-up to previous opioid grants and will allow for continuation and expansion of the prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in the state. The free naloxone program in combination with training available around the state from local grantee organizations ensures that more Iowans have access to this life saving medicine.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – One person suffered from lacerations, following an accident southwest of Atlantic, this (Wednesday) morning. The Cass County Communications Center dispatched Cass EMS to the scene near 58882 Whitepole Road, at around 6:35-a.m., where a vehicle apparently crashed through a gate or fence. After Deputies arrived, they determined that a 2016 Jeep Cherokee left White Pole Road north of a residence, went through a fence and a bean field, before striking machinery in the yard of the residence.

The injured party was transported to Cass County Memorial Hospital and later transported by helicopter to a hospital in Omaha. Additional details are currently not available.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – In an update to our report on Tuesday, Republican Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, from Red Oak, has announced that the proceeds from her annual Roast and Ride fundraiser on October 22nd, will go toward a fundraiser set up in honor of a fallen Midwest Marine. Twenty-three-year-old Cpl. Daegan Page, who grew up in Ernst’s hometown of Red Oak, was one of 13 U.S. service members killed during an Aug. 26, 2021, bombing at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan. The attack came as thousands of people tried to evacuate the region before the Taliban took over the country. Family members set up the Corporal Daegan Page Foundation in his honor.

Daegan Page. (Photo from the FB memorial page.)

The Roast and Ride event will take place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased HERE. The link also has more information about the Oct. 22nd event.

(Radio Iowa) – Eleven organizations in central Iowa have put together a pilot project for what’s called a basic income plan. The Director of Principal Foundation, Jo Christine Miles, says they will provide 500 dollars each month to participants. “Folks who we know are tending to struggle to make ends meet. And let’s see how their health, their children’s educational outcomes, their work in housing choices are impacted by having this basic income to help them make those ends meet,” Mile says. She says the idea came from Doctor Nalo Johnson, who is the President & CEO of Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, after she saw results from other pilots across the country.

“One of the things that we look forward to establishing is the positive health outcomes that come from people believing that financial stress in being able to get better nutrition, etcetera,” Miles says. They will seek 110 low-income individuals living in Polk, Warren and Dallas Counties. She says they want to see what happens when you help people get caught up — so that they can move into higher income levels. “What changes do we see occur on the psychological mental behavioral level, on the day-to-day, you know pedestrian bits of life food choices, etc. That’s why we wanted to give the income what happens when we remove money as a barrier,? She says.

Miles says giving the participants money gives them more options compared to other supports like food assistance which has many restrictions on how it can be used. She says the data from the other pilots across the country has shown the money is well spent. “They tend to spend it on basic needs. They tend to spend it on medical care, they tend to spend it on reducing debt, that’s been a stressor for the household. And much of that debt is medical debt,” She says. They tend to spend it on food, they tend to spend it on clothes and shoes that they might not have otherwise been able to get for their families.”

Miles says the stories about people getting assistance and spending the money on things it wasn’t intended for tend to get more attention. She says that hasn’t proven to be true in these pilots. “What we’re seeing is families are taking care of necessities, they aren’t out there, you know, buying booze or drugs or anything like that. Now, out of the thousands of cases, could there be one? Possibly? I haven’t heard of one. It hasn’t been reported in the literature,” according to Miles. The other pilots across the country have been in places like Stockton, California, Baltimore, Maryland, Chicago, Atlanta, and Mexico. Miles says the Iowa project is unique.

“Most of the other ones are in an urban context. This one, since it’s in central Iowa, and covering Polk, Warren and Dallas counties, you’re gonna get urban participants, primarily from Des Moines, you’re gonna get that kind of suburban participant coming out of parts of Dallas and Warren counties,” she says. “And you’re gonna get a rural participant, primarily out of Warren and you know, the far reaches of Dallas County. No other project or pilot in the country has achieved that.”

Miles says the Iowa pilot should provide some really interesting data to add to the national conversation. Recruitment is expected to begin in late November 2022, with the first payments starting in February 2023. This project is supported in part by federal funds under the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund awarded to Des Moines, Urbandale, and Polk County by the U-S Department of Treasury. Others involved are the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, Principal Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, Windsor Heights, Bank of America, The Director’s Council, Telligen Community Initiative, and United Way of Central Iowa.