(Radio Iowa) – President Trump announced outside the White House this (Monday) morning he has OK’d federal assistance to help Iowa recover from last week’s derecho. “I just approved an emergency declaration for Iowa who had an incredible wind storm like probably they’ve never seen before,” Trump said. “It really did a lot of damage.”

Trump spoke with reporters before heading to campaign events scheduled in Minnesota and Wisconsin today (Monday) and hinted he may make a surprise visit to Iowa. “If we can get it in, we’re going to do that, but the very important thing is that we approved the emergency declaration for Iowa, so they’re in good shape,” Trump said. “They’re working as we speak. Also, FEMA is in Iowa now, full force, and helping them greatly.”

The administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency tweeted early this (Monday) morning that he was headed to Iowa to meet with Governor Reynolds, but he did not say where the meeting will take place. Reynolds has tweeted she was visiting Marshalltown and Tama early this (Monday) morning, but has not released a public schedule for the day. The governor’s request for federal help indicated storm-related losses are estimated at this point to be nearly four-billion dollars.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police say a man was arrested this weekend at the Des Moines International Airport after a loaded handgun was found in his carry-on bag. The Des Moines Register reports that the incident happened Sunday. Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said in a news release that nine bullets were found in the gun, including a round in the chamber. The man was arrested by Des Moines police and faces a weapons charge. Farbstein says it was the third loaded firearm found by TSA agents in Des Moines this year. Twelve loaded guns were found at the airport last year,

A hay bale on the road in Union County over the weekend, was struck by an SUV, causing the vehicles’ air bags to deploy. The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports a pickup driven by 20-year old Dalten Bierle, of Creston, was traveling south on Highway 25 at around 11:45-a.m. Sunday, when a bale fell off a large utility trailer being pulled by the pickup, and landed in the northbound lane. The bale was struck by a 2010 GMC SUV driven by 48-year old Melinda Kay Eslinger, of Greenfield.

Eslinger complained of pain and possible injury after her vehicles’ air bags went off, but was not transported to the hospital. There were no citations issued.

The Atlantic School Board met this (Monday) morning via YouTube and acted on a handful of matters, including the second and final reading of the COVID-19 revised school policy. During their meeting last Wednesday, the Board passed the first reading of a COVID-19 policies by a vote of 3-to 2.  One section of the Policy currently states “Non-medical grade face masks are encouraged to be worn by all individuals on school grounds, including students, employees, and volunteers. Masks will be provided to individuals who request them. Reusable masks should be washed regularly by individuals wearing them.” The Policy does NOT mandate the use of masks.

After considerable discussion, the Board finally came to agreement on an amended policy, with regard to face coverings/face shields, as read by Board Secretary Sarah Sheeder.

Prior to the Board’s unanimous approval of the revised policy, Superintendent Steve Barber said the Board had received emails from staff and the public on their thoughts with regard to the use of masks, and the Board expressed its appreciation for that input.

Board member Laura McLean said “Masks are not the solution” to the question of how to protect students and staff from COVID-19. She said it’s “Just a piece of it.”

In other business, the Atlantic School Board adopted a Transportation Request form for parents to fill-out and file with the district.Superintendent Steve Barber said they hadn’t received any further guidance from the State on that issue.

The agreement stipulates in-part, parents or guardians may to drive their student(s) to an event or events, to participate in various competitions, with the understanding that the parent or guardian “Hold harmless” the Atlantic Community School District from any and all damages and/or claims that may arise out of the transportation of the child to those activities. Rural families planning on driving their children to school rather than ride the school bus, should contact the bus garage to let them know of those plans, in advance.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved the resignation of Steve Andersen as Route Bus Driver, with the understanding he would be available as a substitute driver from time-to-time, and they approved and Contract Recommendations for: Jennifer Rumery – Food Service; Abby Becker – Volunteer Cross Country Coach; and Richard “Dick” Casady – Car driver.

The Board also approved a pay application to Henningsen Construction in the amount of $23,238.78, for work completed to date on the Middle School sidewalks. The amount is 95% of the accepted bid price. Funds for the payment will be derived from the PPEL/SAVE accounts.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports three arrests: On Sunday, 36-year old Darrell Adam Klahn, of Omaha, was arrested for Driving While Barred. And, 36-year old Khadar Adan, of Council Bluffs, was arrested for OWI/1st offense. Saturday morning, 47-year old Melissa Ann Talbott, of Malvern, was arrested for Child Endangerment and Interference with Official Acts.

SHELBY, IA – The Board of Directors of Carstens 1880 Farmstead has decided to postpone Farm Days this year until September 11 & 12, 2021,  due to COVID-19 safety considerations. The Board, at its June meeting, had decided to proceed with the Saturday evening chicken dinner/fundraiser this year.  Now plans have changed again at the farm.

During a recent Board meeting it was decided that it would be too difficult to provide physical distance for the dinner, plus the on-going COVID-19 situation could impact attendance.  The Board decided to cancel the chicken dinner plans this year.  Farm Board President Mel Hursey said “We know it is disappointing to cancel the chicken dinner.” Those who attend Carstens Farm Days know that the soil on the farm grows a large quantity of flavorful potatoes.  This year the potato harvest, or digging, will go on as planned during the traditional Farm Days weekend.

The public is invited to come to the farm and gather the freshly dug potatoes.  Gates will be open from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, September 12.  Potatoes will be on the ground and on a trailer as in past years.

Hursey says “Anyone who wants to have a supply of Carstens potatoes is welcome to come and pick them up on Sunday, September 13.” The Board is asking that a donation be made to the farm by anyone who gathers potatoes.  The donation will be used to help with the maintenance of the farm.  Hursey added, “Come out and see the farm, have some fun and get a supply of good spuds.”

LECLAIRE, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Bureau is requesting the public’s assistance with any information related to a serious crash that happened around 7:00p.m. Sunday, August 16 on the Mississippi River at LeClaire. Law enforcement investigators are asking for anyone with information that may have witnessed the crash or know anything about the crash between a large black center-console boat and a blue and white 19-foot Bayliner runabout boat to contact authorities immediately.

Anyone with information should contact DNR Conservation Officer Travis Graves at (563) 349-8953 or Travis.Graves@dnr.iowa.gov. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can do so. Further information about the crash will be released this week.

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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The Creston Police Department reports four recent arrests, with two persons arrested on drug charges. 32-year old Marrell Beaman, of Creston, was arrested at around 5:15-a.m. Saturday, for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana – 3rd or subsequent offense, Possession of (drug) paraphernalia, and Public Intoxication. Beaman was released from the Union County Jail on a Promise to Appear in court. Saturday evening, 41-year old Crystal Mack, of Creston, was arrested for OWI/2nd offense; PCS/2nd offense, Possession with the Intent to Distribute, Deliver or Manufacture, and Failure to Affix a drug tax stamp. Mack was being held in the Adams County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

Last Friday, 26-year old Austin Jones, of Creston, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, on a Montgomery County warrant for Violation of Probation. He was later transferred to the custody of Montgomery County Deputies. And, early Sunday morning, 43-year old Toby Simpson, of Creston, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Unlawful Possession of prescription pills. He was later released on a Promise to Appear in court.

Creston Police said also, a man residing in the 600 block of N. Pine Street reported Friday, that sometime between 12-a.m. and 8-a.m., Friday, someone entered his home and stole a gun safe, stun gun, and other miscellaneous items. The loss was estimated at $800.

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:05-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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