October 3, 2023 (Des Moines, IA) – Today, the Iowa Energy Center (IEC) Board awarded nearly $1.6 million in grants to six projects through the IEC Grant Program. The competitive funding opportunity enables eligible applicants to pursue projects that align with one of the key focus areas of the Iowa Energy Plan and provide a benefit to Iowa ratepayers. The program is funded by gas and eectric utilities across the state.

The IEC Grant Program received 34 pre-applications totaling nearly $10 million in funding requests. Eleven projects, requesting over $2.5 million, completed a full application. An IEC Board committee reviewed and scored applications based on alignment with the Iowa Energy Plan, the ratepayer benefit, project goals, programmatic capabilities and collaboration efforts, among other criteria.

The IEC is managed by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and overseen by a governor-appointed board comprised of representatives from academia, state government and utilities. For more information on the IEC Grant Program, visit iowaeda.com/energygrants.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, during their meeting today (Tuesday), set Oct. 24th, 2023, as the date for a Public Hearing on Budget Amendments for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The hearing will occur during the Board’s regularly scheduled session. Board Chair Steve Baier and Supervisor Steve Green explained the reason for the amendments.

Much of the changes pertain to spending authority, and where those dollars will be going. The Supervisors discussed capital project priorities and a schedule to develop a CIP (Capital Improvement Plan). Steve Baier said there have been discussions among the Board, and individual committees have met to mull over what should be done. Supervisor Steve Green said the County began setting aside money they knew would be needed for capital projects five-or six-years ago, but then the pandemic threw a wrench in plans, with regard to the supply chain and the cost of materials needed to begin those projects. He said “Hopefully they’re going to come down a little bit. At least materials-wise.”

He said a schedule to shoot for and take care of some of the issues, should be written down for the current Board or future Boards to tackle. Supervisor Mark O’Brien said some talks with regard to priorities for Secondary Roads Department needs have begun, but that the scope needs to be narrowed down a bit more, especially as it pertains to the conditions of the County Maintenance Sheds. There are also issues with the courthouse and other county property that need to be addressed. The Board hopes to have the focus of the CIP narrowed down to “need,” not “want,” by October 31st, along with cost estimates, if possible. Discussions on the FY-2024-25 Budget are expected to begin in early November.

In other business, Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken updated the Supervisors on three bridge projects.

Board Chair Steve Baier added that DOT crews are making progress on the Highway 92 bridge. Trent Wolken also reported on the Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Police Department has released a report on arrests and persons cited, from Sept. 20th through Oct. 1st.  Most recently…

On Oct. 1st, 60-year-old James Baker, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault, and 43-year-old Kary Puas, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intoxication.

On Sept. 30th, 34-year-old Brett Pryor, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intox., Interference with official acts, and Possession of/or Carrying of Dangerous Weapons while under the influence.

The previous day (Sept. 29), Atlantic Police arrested 33-year-old Tyler Mills, of Atlantic, on a Cass County warrant for Harassment in the 2nd Degree, and, 30-year-old Deion Fleming, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for Violation of Probation.

On the 28th, 64-year-old Tamra York, of Atlantic, was cited into court on a shoplifting charge (5th Degree Theft), and released. On the 26th, 27-year old Saul Vazquez Cendejas, of Atlantic, was cited into court for Driving while license denied or revoked. He was then released.

Atlantic Police arrested 42-year-old Sepio Ruben, of Atlantic, on Sept. 25th, for Public Intox. and Interference with officials acts; And, 26-year-old Brittany Asay, of Atlantic, was cited for shoplifting, and released.

Two people were arrested in Atlantic on Sept. 23rd: 23-year-old John James, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for Failure to Appear. And, 34-year-old Edward Davenport, of Atlantic, was arrested for Interference with officials acts.

On the 22nd of Sept., 26-year-old Jazlyn Visek, of Atlantic, was cited for Theft in the 5th.

On the 21st, 23-year-old Mblos Phillip, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intox.; And 61-year-old Craig Lang, of Atlantic, was cited for Theft in the 5th.

And, on Sept. 20th, Atlantic Police arrested 58-year-old Terry Lambrecht, of Atlantic, for Harassment in the 1st Degree, and Poss. of/or Carrying of Dangerous Weapons while under the influence.

(Omaha/Council Bluffs)  – Officials with the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department say the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge linking Council Bluffs and Omaha, will close on Monday, October 9th, for a 5-year maintenance inspection operation. The bridge is expected to be closed at least through Wednesday, October 18th. Parks & Recreation says the inspection is essential for the safety of the public.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian bridge; Photo credit: Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

(Radio Iowa) – Members of the U-S House and Senate now have some 42 days to reach an agreement on spending or they’ll face yet another shutdown of the federal government, what Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says would be an embarrassment. The temporary deal, known as a continuing resolution, was passed over the weekend “in the nick of time,” Grassley says, with only a few hours to spare.  “Congress needs to stop playing chicken with government funding,” Grassley says. “Government shutdowns bring terrible uncertainty, not just for federal employees, but for Americans who depend on basic government services to be up and running.”

Grassley, a Republican, says it costs a lot of money to shut down the government and even more to open it back up, creating a no-win scenario. There’s now a reprieve, but Grassley says he’s not entirely confident the 45-day extension will be sufficient. “If we can’t work together in a bipartisan way to get that done, we’ll be faced with the prospect of another embarrassing shutdown in mid-November,” Grassley says, “then Congress will be forced to eat its Thanksgiving turkey with a slice of humble pie on the side.”

Senator Grassley. (photo from Senate Budget Committee hearing)

Last week’s death of California Senator Dianne Feinstein means Grassley — at age 90 — is now the oldest serving member of the Senate — and House. He was asked if it changes his perspective, or brings an added sense of responsibility as the eldest statesman. “My perspective on serving the people of Iowa hasn’t changed since I was 47 years old and a new member of the United States Senate, or 43 years later, being the most senior member of the Senate and the senior member of the United States Senate by age.

He says “No, it doesn’t change my perspective at all the only thing I can say is, the alternative wouldn’t be as good.”

***UPDATE 10/4/23: The appeal request has been withdrawn. Therefore, the Oct. 5 special meeting / hearing has been cancelled.***

(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold School District’s Board of Education will hold a special meeting Thursday evening in the Conference Room at 20 Madison Street, beginning at 6:30-p.m. According to the agenda, the meeting is being called to conduct a hearing on “Imposed disciplinary action of a patron,” and includes action on a motion to “Affirm or overturn [the] Administration’s Disciplinary Action imposed on a patron.”

Griswold School District Superintendent Dave Henrichs told KJAN News the incident sparking the disciplinary action occurred during a football game on Sept. 22nd.

Henrichs didn’t want to elaborate prior to the School Board’s meeting on what the patron allegedly did to warrant the disciplinary action, so as to not influence their discussion, but he did speak with regard to his decision to implement the punishment for it.

Henrichs didn’t wish to comment on whether or not the Board with affirm or overturn his decision.

He was asked if this was the first time such action against a patron has place against a Griswold School patron.

The public is welcome to attend Thursday evening’s meeting, since it is not a closed session. Looking ahead to the Board’s next – regular- meeting on Oct. 16th, Dave Henrichs said they should receive information on the Griswold School District’s certified enrollment numbers that will be submitted to the State.

(Creston, Iowa) – A Union County woman was arrested Monday evening. Creston Police report 42-year-old Megan Marie Brown, of Creston, was arrested in the 100 block of Manor Drive, at around 5:15-p.m.  Brown was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Persons Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons, and Driving while Barred. She was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $3,300 cash or surety bond.

(Mt. Crescent, IA) – Pottawattamie County Conservation is developing plans for expanding four-season recreation opportunities at Mt. Crescent Ski Area near Crescent, and they want to hear from you! The hope is the Mount Crescent Ski Area will attract visitors from surrounding states all year long. There are open houses set to take place at Arrowhead Park’s Breezy Lodge this Friday, from 6-until 8-p.m., and on Saturday from 1-until 5-p.m., at the Mount Crescent Ski Lodge.

During the open houses, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about development options at Mt. Crescent and share your ideas for what you’d like to see. Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while kicking back at a bonfire or joining us for guided hikes. Participants will be entered into fun raffles for ski packages leading into the 2023-2024 season.

The Mt. Crescent Ski Area is located 15mi northeast of Omaha, Nebraska in southwest Iowa’s Loess Hills.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue is scheduled to appear before the City Council during their meeting at 5:30-p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 4th). Chief Hogue will update the Council on his department’s plans to address junk vehicle violations. In other business, the Council will act on a Resolution “Approving the dedication of [the] Redwood Subdivision to the City of Atlantic.”

During their meeting in April, 2022, the Council approved the preliminary plat for the subdivision, with the final plat having been approved in June of 2022. Both plats created nine new lots for low-density residential, single-family homes, and extended a cul-de-sac (East 20th St.) with utility service and right-of-way (ROW), west of Redwood Drive. A stipulation of the preliminary plat states “The public infrastructure improvements (streets, sewer, storm water & water main) shall be dedicated to the City of Atlantic.” The Resolution will complete the transfer of the ROW and improvements within, to the City.

Other Council action is expected with regard to “Approving the Transfer of Funds for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023-24,” which City Administrator John Lund says is a routine transfer of money for the City’s 63 separate funds, and is a critical component of making the City’s budget work effectively. It also reconciles accurate cost-accounting with the desire to create transparency on what is being spent in each line item in each fund. The transfers, Lund says, are always in accordance with State Law.

In the past, Lund notes, the City simply followed the budget on the transfers as sufficient documentation of activity, but the auditors are now requiring that a separate resolution be passed as the transfers occur.

The Atlantic City Council meeting takes place in their Chambers at City Hall.

DANBURY, Iowa (KCAU) — A state investigation has led to an arrest warrant being issued in Woodbury County. According to the Iowa State Auditor’s Office, more than $177,000 of improper disbursements were made by former Danbury City Clerk Stacy Rockdaschel, between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2022. Following the release of State Auditor Rob Sand’s investigation, Woodbury County authorities issued an arrest warrant for Rockdaschel on charges of ongoing criminal conduct and first-degree theft.

Rochdaschel resigned from her position as city clerk on May 15, 2022. The auditor’s report outlines hundreds of improper disbursements for clothing and accessories, as well as thousands of dollars in improper charges involving PayPal, social media vendors, Venmo, and Amazon. Sand also identified $26,500 of estimated undeposited collections. The auditorsaid reform is needed in order to deter people from stealing from local governments.

Stacy-Rockdaschel-Booking-photo

Right now, there’s no mandatory minimum for officials who embezzle funds from city or county coffers. Additionally, Sand is recommending the city implement procedures to ensure the city’s internal controls are strengthened.