State Banking Superintendent Jeff Plagge (PLAG-ee) says the Sac City bank he declared insolvent on Friday had heavy losses on some of its loans to commercial trucking firms.

Citizens Bank in Sac City reopened Monday as a branch of Iowa Trust and Savings Bank of Emmetsburg. An August court order identified some Citizens Bank loans to the trucking industry as higher risk than the bank had previously disclosed and Plagge says that sped up the already scheduled examination of the bank’s portfolio.

Plagge says they’re not seeing similar issues at other Iowa banks.

Trucking firms continue to face a shortage of drivers and supply chain issues, as well as high operating costs. Plagge, who was a commercial banker for 42 years, says there’s no reason to be concerned about the viability of Iowa banks in general.

Plagge has been state banking superintendent since September of 2019. Citizens Bank in Sac City was founded in 1929. Iowa Trust and Savings Bank in Emmetsburg acquired the bank’s nearly 59 MILLION dollars in deposits as well as all available loans.

The Board of Regents will hear a report from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) study group at its meeting next week. Dar Danielson reports.

The D-E-I review is required by a bill the governor signed into law in June

Another potential federal government shutdown looms in ten days, and Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley predicts there will -not- be an agreement reached by November 17th, so another stopgap measure will be required to again extend the deadline. Grassley, a Republican, says progress is being made in both chambers.

Mike Johnson was elected as the new House Speaker on October 25th, less than a month after the Senate passed the House stopgap bill to avoid a government shutdown, pushing the deadline to November 17th. Grassley is certain the budget work won’t be finished by then.

During a Radio Iowa interview in late September, Grassley said it was “idiocy” to be going through this process again, with threatened shutdowns, but an accord on spending remains elusive in November.

A government shutdown would impact millions of federal workers, though many others would be forced to work without pay. In the past, they’ve always gotten back pay once the government restarts, but Grassley says there’s no guarantee that would happen.

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Get a kick start on your holiday shopping and purchase discounted AtlantiCash, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, this Saturday only at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce says “This has become one of our favorite events to host every year. AtlantiCash is money that has to be spent at local businesses, so not only does it boost Local Option Sales Tax, but it also supports all of our incredible businesses who have so much to offer this holiday season. Last year, we sold $40,000 in about 45 minutes, so our goal this year is to sell another $40,000.”

From 9 AM – 12 PM Saturday, November 11th only, AtlantiCash will be available in packs of $100 for $80, a 20% discount. Community members can purchase up to three packs. Payment must be made at time of purchase in the form of cash or check only. There is a first-come, first-purchased basis with only a limited amount of AtlantiCash available. Smith said “We wouldn’t be able to pull this promotion off without the help of our amazing sponsors. Their partnership helps us support local merchants and put money back into Atlantic.”

Discount AtlantiCash is brought to you by First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Rush, CPA & Associates, Property Connections and Brown’s Shoe Fit, Co.

The Holiday Open House will also be taking place on Saturday beginning when retailers open. Businesses will be offering a holiday sneak peek as well as treats, giveaways and special promotions.

New this year, the Chamber has partnered with retailers to launch the ‘Holiday Punch Card’. November 11th – December 18th, when you spend $20 at a participating retailer, you’ll receive a custom punch on your card. Once it’s filled, turn it into the Atlantic Area Chamber for your chance to win $50 in AtlantiCash, which will be drawn every Friday beginning November 17th. A grand prize drawing, valued at over $1,000, will be drawn December 18th. Participating retailers include: Akin Building Center, Atlantic Treasures, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Brymons Interiors, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Eleven O Three, Farmhouse & Flowers, Hanson’s Fine Jewelry, Homebody, Lucy Mae’s Boutique, New Hope Bargain Shoppe, Randy’s Computer, Relic, Skips Home Décor & More, The Fish Store & Pet Center and Your Forte.

Pick up your Christmas brochure and Holiday Punch Card from area retail businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com.

Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Montgomery County are set to meet 8:30-a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8th, in their Montgomery County Courthouse Board Room. Here’s their posted agenda:

1. Call meeting to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll call of members
4. Approval of Agenda – Order at discretion of Chairman
5. Read minutes as presented. Chairman to call for any additions/corrections to said minutes.
6. Board chairman will ask the audience for any comments, limited to two minutes per person.
7. Supervisors: Weekly committee/assignment updates
8. Secondary Roads Update
9. Jan Norris to comment on pipeline updates
10. Planning & Zoning Update
11. Will Dougherty, Project Developer with MidAmerican Energy Update
12. 8:45 a.m. Open Sealed Bids of Forfeited Property for Sheriff Department items: (below order of vehicles may not reflect the order in which bids are opened)
a.2008 Ford F450 Super Duty King Ranch Vin# 1FTXW43R48EE32054
b.2007 Silver Saturn Vue AWD Vin# 5GZCZ63447S802424
c.2003 Silver Audi A4 Vin# WAULC68E43A179338
d.2008 Harley Davidson Soft Tail Vin# 1HD18MY152Y020038
13. New Business
a. Approve claims payable for Wednesday November 8, 2023
b. Approve Sheriff’s Report of Fees for the month of October in the amount of $4,103.96
c. Approve Recorder’s Report of Fees for the month of October in the amount of $18,430.55
d. Approve the Treasurer’s Semi-Annual Report for the month of October ending fund balance in the amount of
e. Discuss Resolution 23-27 to Extend the Existing Moratorium on C-WECS Construction Permits with action as necessary
f. Discuss railroad bridges at K Avenue, L Avenue, Q Avenue and Redwood Avenue with action as necessary
g. Discuss UHC Health Insurance Rebate Check options with action as necessary
h. Discuss new laptop for Maintenance Director with action as necessary
i. Discuss audio equipment for Board of Supervisors meetings with action as necessary
j. Discuss publications in the Villisca Review per IA Code 618.3 with action as necessary
14. Discuss and start agenda items for next meeting
15. Announcements – The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 8:30 a.m.
16. Adjournment

*Please note, this is a public meeting; however, it may be conducted via ZOOM Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86185141628
Meeting ID: 861 8514 1628
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.31

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Members of the Atlantic Community School District’s Board of  Education will meet 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, November 8th, in the High School Media Center. The meeting can be viewed via YouTube. Here’s the posted agenda:

1. Call to Order, Board President
2. Roll Call, Board Secretary
3. Approve agenda
4. Welcome Visitors/Communication from the Public
5. Special Presentation
a. Food Service Annual Update- Natalie Ritter
b. School Therapy Classroom Update
c. Special Education Update- SpED Staff
6. District Reports
a. Principal Reports
b. Superintendent Report
c. Board Report
d. Financial Reports
7. *Consent Items
a. Meeting Minutes for 10/11/2023 and 10/25/2023
b. Monthly Bills
c. Open Enrollment Applications
d. Resignations/Contract Recommendations/Letters of Assignment
i. Resignation: Michelle Blake, HS Volleyball Coach
ii. Resignation: Joseph Brummer, MS Track Coach
iii. Resignation: Mallory Robinson, District Communications Specialist
iv. Resignation: Laurie Parrott, HS Paraeducator
v. Resignation: Matt Best, Asst Boys Track Coach
vi. Hire: Desiree Kent, Paraeducator, Schuler Elementary
vii. Hire: William Lawson, Paraeducator, Therapeutic Classroom
viii. Hire: Rob Kirchner, Asst Archery Coach
ix. Hire: Julie Phippen, Wrestling Cheer Coach
x. Hire: Bryan Armstrong and Stephanie Kinzie, Wrestling Girls Chaperone & Drivers
xi. Volunteer Archery Coaches: Adam Roberts and Hailee Copeland
xii. Volunteer Wrestling Coaches: Cale Roller, Dillon Cox, Josh Perkins, Mike Greving, Adam Smith
and Caleb Smith
xiii. Volunteer Basketball Coaches: Jacey Hoegh and Zach Christianson
e. Gifts, Grants and Bequests
f. Fundraising request: PBIS-Casey Pelzer, Coupon Cards
8. Discussion Items
a. Review of District Enrollment Data
b. Early Retirement Incentive Plan
9. Action Items
a. Coaching List for Spring Sports
b. Second Reading of Board Policies, (new) 200.04; (updated) 210.05, 401.05 R1, 401.10, 407.02, 501.02,
604.06, 701.02, and 708
c. Second Reading of Board Policy (new) 503.08
d. Out of State Travel request
e. Volume 31 #4 Policy Updates following the 2023 Legislative Session on 06/07/2023. First Reading of
Board policies (new) 402.05, 503.07, 503.07E1, 503.07E2, 507.02E3, 507.02E4, 605.03E5, 804.05E1 and
updated policies are 104, 104.R1, 213, 402.02, 408.01, 505.04, 505.05, 507.02, 507.02E1, 507.02E2, 60101,
603.05, 605.01, 605.01R1, 605.02, 605.03, 605.03R1, 605.05, 605.07R1, 607.02, and 804.05
f. Green Hills AEA District 3 Director Ballot
g. Snow Removal Bids
h. Pay App 5 FINAL, Caliber Concrete, Washington Playground $29,117.05
i. Resolution for Washington Elementary Playground
j. Pay App 3 Sub Final, United Construction Services, Storage Shed $26,695.00
k. Early Retirement Incentive Plan
10. Upcoming Dates
a. School Board Organizational Meeting, November 29; 5:30 p.m.
b. Regular Board Meeting; December 13, 2023
c. Organizational Meeting with new Board Directors, November 29, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
11. Board Meeting Evaluation Question: Did all board members have an opportunity to be heard?
12. Adjournment
*Consent Agenda
(Please note: Any item that appears on the consent agenda may be removed from the consent agenda by a board member. If an item is removed from
the consent agenda, the item will be taken up later in the regular agenda. That item is then discussed and voted on separately, after the rest of the
consent agenda has been approved, or may be moved to a following board meeting.)

(Radio Iowa) – The son of an iconic Iowa toy maker says the farm toys his dad created came out of a need to support the family. Joe Ertl says the Ertl Company was created by his father, Fred Ertl Senior, 80 years ago in the basement of their Dubuque home following a strike at the foundry where his dad worked. “After the war, with wage and price controls went off, they went on strike in Dubuque, three foundries, there was 900 men,” Ertl says. “And it was pretty drastic strike was and it lasted 18 weeks. Dad had five boys he had to feed, so he started making things in the basement of our home.” Ertl says a friends solved the problem of creating cast iron farm toys by giving his dad waste aluminum he had picked up at John Deere and other places.

“He gave him some of that so that he could make toys out of aluminum,” he says. “And that’s really where he came to build building the better mousetrap, he made him out of aluminum.” Joe says the family would all pile into the car and sell the farm toy tractors to local implement dealers for a dollar a piece. john Deere ordered 100-thousand replicas of its tractors, which the family made in the basement of their home. There were some unique features in the first models.

“We could not get rubber tires anything after the war so we made the first toys with aluminum wheels,” Ertl says. They expanded to a small 40-by-20 foot building to serve as a factory near their home on the west side of Dubuque, with around half a dozen employees and five kids working for the company in those early years. The moved to Dyersville when they needed more space.

The Ertl Company became internationally known by the 1960s, with Joe branching out in the 1970s to start his own farm toy manufacturing company – which led to the birth of Scale Models. At 88 years old, Joe is still involved with the company. He talked about the early days in the lead up to the National Farm Toy Show this past weekend in Dyersville.

(Radio Iowa) – The corn and soybean harvest could be close to wrapping up this week. The U-S-D-A says just three percent of the soybeans remain to be harvested statewide, and around ten percent of the corn. The majority of the corn still in the fields is in south-central Iowa, where the report says only 69 percent has been harvested through Sunday.

Crop report/USDA graphic

The same area lags behind in the bean harvest as well, with 86 percent complete, while the report shows 100 percent of the beans have been harvested in the north-central portion of the state.

(Radio Iowa) Much of Iowa has seen warmer-than-normal temperatures in recent days, but autumn will soon transition to winter and the National Weather Service is encouraging Iowans to prepare now for the inevitable. Meteorologist Chad Hahn (HON) says this Thursday is Winter Weather Awareness Day, which is devoted to getting our homes and vehicles ready for the cold season ahead. The Iowa D-O-T says 75-percent of winter crashes occur with two inches of snow or less, so he says even light snowfalls need to be taken very seriously. Hahn says Iowans should be familiar with the differences between a watch and a warning, and outfit a winter survival kit for your car. The weather service will be releasing a variety of winter preparation tips on its social media pages, including at the website: www.weather.gov/dmx. We still have about six weeks of fall ahead, as winter arrives on December 21st.

(Radio Iowa) – A state panel has approved a legal settlement that will pay millions to two adopted siblings of an Iowa teenager who was abused and starved to death by a couple from Perry. Sabrina Ray was 16 years old when her body was found in a home in Perry six years ago. She weighed just 58 pounds. Her adoptive mother was convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to life in prison. A judge sentenced her adoptive father to 80 years in prison.

The Iowa Appeals Board has approved a five MILLION dollar payment to each of two children who were also adopted by Misty and Marc Ray. Three years ago, a state ombudsman’s report found the abuse Sabrina and other children suffered could have been prevented if state social workers had not dismissed 11 separate allegations against the Rays. The settlement calls for creation of a state task force to address deficiencies outlined in the report from the state ombudsman.

An attorney for the two adopted sisters of Sabrina Ray who are receiving payments from the state says his clients suffered unspeakable abuse and torture and he says the hope is that this settlement marks the beginning of a new era in Iowa’s foster care system. Misty and Marc Ray, who ran a child care center, also took in 23 foster care chidren over a 10 year period and adopted four children, including the teenager who starved to death.