Clayton Saeugling, Garrett Schwanke, Nate Moen, Lexi Freund, Haley Carlson, Emily Saeugling, Cale Pellett

The Atlantic FFA loaded up seven members and one advisor and headed off to Louisville, Kentucky this past week to attend the 88th National FFA Convention and Expo! The group which included seniors Haley Carlson, Clayton Saeugling and Garrett Schwanke, Juniors Nate Moen and Lexi Freund and sophomores Emily Saeugling and Cale Pellett along with advisor Eric Miller left Tuesday, October 27th to head down. With a 13 hour drive over, the chapter went out to eat and explored the hotel before turning in for the night.

Wednesday marked the first day of the National FFA Convention and the Atlantic FFA started it off at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Here, members toured the factory and learned the history, evolution, and even processing of these bats. Members were also able to witness history as fresh bats were carted by to be shipped off to be used in the World Series! Everyone received a miniature baseball bat of their own after the tour.

Finally the time had come where the Atlantic FFA made its appearance at the 88th National FFA Convention around mid-afternoon. There, the chapter attended the first general session where officers gave reflections on the convention.. During this session, FFA members heard from an inspirational speaker that goes by the name of Rick Rigsby. Dr. Rigsby speech entailed many humorous, but also sad stories that all incorporate leadership and doing what’s morally right. This motivational speaker was a great way to end the first general session.

Thursday morning the FFA members spent the day at the Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. The Atlantic FFA took a tour of the racetrack and learned about derby history. Inside the museum FFA members got to see all different types of derby wear and history. Also a oval room was set up to watch a movie about a day at the derby.

The morning continued to expo center, which is the size of five football fields and filled with 450 exhibitors that represent colleges, agriculture, US armed services, auto & truck companies, and fundraising. At noon, the Atlantic FFA gathered for the Iowa picture. This picture is a group photo of all the FFA members that attend national convention from the state of Iowa. Also Atlantic FFA attended the second round of the talent competition where 15 solo or group acts performed their musical talents. The chapter also stayed for the third general session, where the main event was the Stars of America pageant. The pageant includes special “Star” recognitions such as American Star Farmers or Stars in Agribusiness. These are individuals who have exceeded the expectations of others in the various categories.

On Friday, the group created their own tour in a way, for the reason that a tour through one of the many caves in Kentucky was cancelled due to excessive rain. After driving around for a short amount of time, one member suggested driving through the Burnheim National Forest and exploring it for themselves. In the forest, there were many “nature trails,” and walking paths to see the beauty of the landscape. After exiting the forest, the Atlantic FFA made their way to the Jim Beam distillery, where another self-given tour was presented to the group by their own advisor, Mr. Miller. The last place the Atlantic FFA went was the General George S. Patton Museum on Fort Knox. After touring the museum and taking a picture in front of a tank used in the Army, members went back to the convention center to hear Caleb Gustin give his retiring address, as well as listen to Brad Montague, creator of the series “Kid President” on Youtube. His speech was about promoting the world to do awesome things through easy and fun ways.

Haley Carlson, Lexi Freund, Emily Saeugling, Nate Moen, Cale Pellett, Garrett Schwanke, Clayton Saeugling

Saturday at the 8th session 4 Atlantic FFA members earned their American FFA Degree. Kristin Johnk, Chancey Richards, Wyatt Saeugling and Tucker Sager each walked across the stage to receive the Golden Key of the FFA, the highest award ever granted in the organization. After waving goodbye to Louisville around 10:30 a.m., the journey home had begun. Two stops were made along the way for food plus one at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, which is currently being renovated. Some members decided that five minutes of swaying 630 feet in the air from the wind was enough, so everyone packed up and got back on the road again.

The Atlantic FFA returned home at about 10:30 p.m. full of memories and fresh ideas on how to better their chapter. All members and even advisor Mr. Miller can agree in the saying that they took something very positive away from this event.

Senior, Haley Carlson said, “The 88th National FFA Convention continued to fuel my passion for agriculture in hopes of achieving my goals of state office someday. I got to reconnect with old friends and make many new ones. My favorite part was getting the chance to talk with state and national officers before sessions. I learned about the agriculture opportunities around the country. What sticks with me the most is that anyone, no matter who you are or where you come from, can wear the blue and corduroy jacket.”

Sophomore, Emily Saeugling said, “My first national convention was a really cool experience. I’m excited for the opportunities in FFA and I am really glad I had this experience.”

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports a traffic stop Saturday, resulted in two people being arrested on drug charges. 28-year old Denise Jean Chamberlin, of Atlantic, was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana 3rd/Subsequent offense, and OWI 1st Offense. 29-year old Randy Wayne Fredericksen, of Atlantic, was arrested on a charge of Possession of Marijuana 2nd Offense. Both individuals were taken to the Cass County Jail and released on bond, Sunday. Chamberlin’s bond was set at $3000, while Fredericksen’s bond was $1000.

And, on Friday, Deputies in Cass County arrested 56-year old Robert John Rasmussen, of Massena. He was taken into custody on two District Court warrants for Failure to Appear. Rasmussen was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released Saturday, on his own recognizance.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office says a rollover accident that took place at around 9:45-a.m. Sunday, remains under investigation. Authorities say 65-year old Wynette Elsine Grote, of Brayton, was driving a 2009 Chevy Impala near the right shoulder of the road as she was heading west on 330th Street, about one-miles east of Brayton, when she turned the wheel and her vehicle began to fishtail.

The car slid sideways, partially entered the left ditch and flipped onto its top. Grote, who was trapped in the vehicle until she could be extricated by rescue crews, was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, by Exira Rescue. Her car sustained about $4,000 damage.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today (Monday) announced two influenza-related deaths. The two middle-aged (41 to 60 years of age) males were from central Iowa. IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk said “These deaths are an unfortunate reminder the flu virus is circulating in Iowa, and does have the potential to cause severe illness and death.”

The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. The most current surveillance shows three states in the nation have the highest estimated influenza activity – Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island. Based upon CDC’s national estimates, an average of 300,000 Iowans get the flu every year and together, flu and its complication of pneumonia cause an average of 1,000 deaths yearly in Iowa. The flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza; however, it is also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.

Anti-viral medications are an important second line of defense to treat the flu in persons at highest risk of developing more severe illness. Anti-viral medications can make flu illness shorter and reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital or dying from influenza. Antivirals work best if started as soon as, or within 48 hours of when symptoms begin, so it is important to contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of influenza. Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days.

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu comes on suddenly and may cause severe illness or even death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions. Both the current influenza deaths in Iowa occurred in individuals with underlying health conditions.

The “stomach bug” which causes diarrhea and vomiting is not caused by the influenza virus but usually by norovirus; thus, the flu vaccine will not protect you against this illness. Influenza is not a ‘reportable disease’ in Iowa, which means doctors are not required to notify IDPH each time a patient tests positive for influenza; however, IDPH conducts year-round influenza surveillance through the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network. This surveillance indicates what types of influenza viruses are circulating and how widespread influenza illness is. For more information about where and what kind of influenza is in Iowa, go to https://idph.iowa.gov/influenza/reports.

Contact your health care provider or local health department to find out where the vaccine is available in your community or use the Flu Vaccine Finder at www.flu.gov/.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is expanding its “Highway Helper” program. Scott Marler, director of the DOT’s Office of Traffic Operations, says two safety patrol trucks have been in operation in Des Moines. Four more trucks were added in metro areas of eastern and western Iowa today (Monday). “We’re expanding the program into the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids metro area, as well as the Council Bluffs metro area,” Marler said. “So, we’re putting two trucks in Iowa City-Cedar Rapids and two trucks in Council Bluffs.”

Iowa DOT Hwy Helper truck

The Highway Helper vehicles assist motorists with flat tires, jump starts, fuel, and transports free of charge. Marler says the ultimate goal is to improve highway safety. “It really is about keeping traffic moving because we know that traffic backups can lead to very dangerous conditions,” Marler said.

The two trucks added in eastern Iowa will mostly operate on I-80 through Iowa City and I-380 between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. “For the Council Bluffs area, we’ll mostly be focused on Interstates 29 and 80,” Marler said. The patrol vehicles will be in operation on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. and during select high-traffic holidays, according to Marler.

(Radio Iowa)

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson. Delayed post due to internet issues

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The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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The Farragut Community School District will have to find a new superintendent if it manages to survive this week’s State Board of Education meeting. The Board is expected to act Wednesday on a proposal to dissolve the district. A report given to the state board in October indicated that enrollment is down 28 students from last year’s 167 students. The district has also exceeded its spending authority.

Superintendent Tom Hinrichs has told state and local boards that he’s leaving at the end of the school year. The Daily NonPareil reports that Hinrichs says his decision to leave is being made for personal and family reasons, citing his 75-mile commute from west Omaha.

The Creston Police Department reports the arrest on Saturday, of 55-year old Robert Fleharty, of Creston. Fleharty was taken into custody just after 6-p.m. in the 200 block of E. Montgomery Street, on an OWI 1st offense charge. He was later released from the Union County Jail on $1,000 bond.

And, a Macksburg man reported to the Creston P-D Sunday morning, that someone had stolen a utility box containing miscellaneous tools. The box was taken from a truck parked at his business on S. Mulberry Street in Creston, sometime between 1-p.m. Saturday and 9:30-a.m., Sunday. The loss was estimated at $300.