The 2019 edition of the Cass County Fair begins later this week, in Atlantic. Activities start Wednesday, with 4-H Static Exhibit Judging (9-a.m. – 2:30-p.m.), and the Clover Kids Showcase (9-a.m. until Noon). The food sale at the Cass Community Center starts at 10-a.m., Wednesday.  Preparation work begins at 6-p.m.

The full-event and activities begin in earnest Thursday morning, and includes the Swine Weigh-In from 7:30-to 9:30, Rabbit Check-in from 8-to 9:30-a.m., Poultry Check-in 10-a.m. to 11-a.m. At 10:30-a.m., the Meat Goat and Dairy animals will be checked-in. The rest of Thursday’s schedule is as follows:

• Sheep Weigh-in: 3-p.m. to 4:30-p.m.
• Horse Check-in: 4:30-p.m. to 5:30-p.m.
• 4-H Exhibits open at 5-p.m.

At 7-p.m., there’s the Little Miss and Little Mister Contest, followed at 7:30-p.m. by the King and Queen Contest, and Senior Recognition at 8-p.m. Entertainment for the night is an outdoor movie slated for 8:45-p.m.  During the day also, there is Chain Saw Artistry, with multiple shows per day, with  times to be determined (TBD), Midway Carnival rides and entertainment (Times TBD). The carnival opens at noon each day, and punch cards are available: $20 for 24 punches, or $1/punch if purchased individually. Games/attractions cost anywhere from 1-5 punches.

Iowa-based Gotcha Games will provide some fun entertainment, including: A gyroscope, mechanical bull, Laser Tag, and a 24-foot “rock” climbing wall. Other upcoming attractions at the 2019 Cass County Fair include:

• Mutton busting (6:30-p.m., Friday) and the Bull Ride (8-p.m., Friday)
• Youth Water fights (4-p.m. Saturday), and the Tractor Pull (6-p.m. Saturday)
• The All-American Lumberjack Show (7-p.m., Sunday)
• The Parade of Champions (5:45-p.m., Monday), and Grand Champion Beef Selection (6:30-p.m., Monday)

The Fair concludes Tuesday (July 30th) with the Livestock Sale at 8-a.m. For a full Fair Schedule, click here: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/sites/www.extension.iastate.edu/files/cass/2019%20Fair%20Schedule.pdf

The Iowa Department of Transportation has posted a photo of a semi, whose driver found out the hard way yesterday (Sunday) morning, that barricades and “ROAD CLOSED” signs aren’t just suggestions to stay away from certain areas. (See the photo below) The driver ignored the signs and barricades posted on Highway 2 at the Missouri River, where the road was completely torn-up. Their rig ended-up being tilted, with the tractor section partially off the road and the trailer jackknifed onto the shoulder. Officials ask motorists to “Please pay attention and don’t go around traffic control devices. They are in place to keep you safe.”

Photo from the IA DOT Facebook page (Click on the image to enlarge)

An accident at around 1:35-a.m. Saturday, in Griswold, resulted in the arrest of a man from Lewis. The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports 18-year old Nicholas James Freund was driving a 2005 Chevy Silverado pickup near 16958 525th Street, when the truck crashed into two power poles, causing major damage to the utility lines. Freund fled the area, but was located and stopped at Highway 48 and Osage Road, in Cass County. Authorities say he showed signs of being impaired, and failed three of four consent Field Sobriety tests. He was arrested for OWI/1st offense, and cited for Failure to Maintain  Control, as well as leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

At around 4-a.m. Saturday, 31-year old Hunter James Carruthers was arrested in Pottawattamie County, in the 18500 block of River Road, or just north of N. 25th Street and I-29. He was pulled over for having a burned-out registration plate light, and subsequently arrested for OWI/2nd offense. And, at around 11:45-p.m. Sunday, 23-year old Chase Hunter Keul was arrested, after deputies were notified of a fight in progress at Westfair. Keul was taken into custody for Assault with intent to inflict pain or injury. His victim was a 24-year old male.

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

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MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — Some veterans are complaining about a new, more restrictive policy regarding smoking at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. The Times-Republican reports that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has required the Iowa home to implement VA policy limiting where residents can smoke. The VA provides a substantial amount of the funding to the Iowa facility for facility construction and maintenance, resident care and other activities.

The hospital commandant, Timon Oujiri, says the policy is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents who smoke as well as the safety of staffers and other residents. State Rep. Mark Smith is a longtime volunteer at the hospital, and he says he’s received several calls from World War II and Vietnam War veterans who do not agree with the new policy.

The Creston Police Department reports four arrests and one incident of vandalism. Authorities say two people were arrested Friday: 48-year old John Pace, Jr., of Creston, was arrested for Driving While Barred. He was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond; and, 60-year old Terri Adamson, of Creston, was arrested outside of her residence, for OWI/1st Offense. Adamson was released from the Union County Jail on a $1,000 bond.

Two Creston residents were arrested Saturday: 38-year old Timothy Hudek was arrested at his home on a Madison County warrant for Violating a No Contact/Protective Order – Contempt of Court. He was transferred to the custody of Madison County; and, 29-year old Alex Cunningham was arrested Saturday for Driving While Revoked. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.

Creston Police said also, a Creston woman residing in the 1100 block of W. Mills Street, reported Saturday that sometime overnight Friday into early Saturday morning, someone slashed her rear, driver’s side tire, and took a large amount of gift cards and a wallet from inside the vehicle. The damage and loss was estimated at $825.

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:06-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — Another defendant has taken a plea deal in the slaying of a 26-year-old man in southeast Iowa. The Hawk Eye reports that Andre Harris pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges Friday. His deal calls for him to testify against the three remaining defendants. Five men were charged with killing Demarcus “Peanut” Chew on Sept. 10, 2017, outside his mother’s apartment in Burlington.

One of the five, Antoine Spann, also took a deal and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He, too, must testify against the three remaining defendants: Caesar Davison, Derrick Parker and Emmanuel Spann. Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 26.

MOUNT VERNON, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have identified a man believed to have drowned while swimming at Palisades-Kepler State Park near Mount Vernon in eastern Iowa. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office identified him as 31-year-old Jairo Mejia Jimenez, of Cedar Rapids. A search began Saturday night after it was reported that a man swimming near the dam went under and didn’t resurface. The search continued Sunday along the Cedar River.

At least two RAGBRAI riders were injured, Sunday, when they fell off their bikes in Cass County. One incident happened at around 10:30-a.m. near 7th Street and Sunnyside Lane, when a 79-year old male fell and hit his head. Another incident happened near Marne on the Marne Road near Jefferson Street, where another, elderly male fell and was knocked unconscious for a time. Both riders were treated by medics. Their injuries did not appear to be serious, according to dispatch reports. In Pottawattamie County, Iowa State Patrol spokesman Sgt. Nathan Ludwig said medics treated about a dozen participants for minor injuries. He said the rain made it difficult for some riders to stop and navigate in heavy traffic.

One person was injured this (Monday) morning in a bicycling accident. According to dispatch reports, a rider suffered a head laceration on Highway 6, just past Highway 71. There was also a report of a rider possible having cardiac issues, about one-mile west of Anita, but the Ragbrai Ambulance responded to the scene. No other details are available on any of the incidents.

In a separate note, a man was arrested Sunday evening in Atlantic, after the vehicle he was driving, was involved in a property damage accident at 8th and Chestnut Streets. The man, whose name was not officially released, was reportedly taken into custody for OWI.