(Bettendorf,Iowa) – The operator of a tow truck who was assisting with a broken down bus, was struck and killed early this (Monday) morning, in far eastern Iowa. The Iowa State Patrols the unidentified accident victim was not in the tow truck when they were hit by a 2015 Jeep Patriot SUV. The accident happened on westbound I-80 at mile marker 302, a little after 2-a.m. The drivers the of Jeep and disabled bus were also not immediately identified.

The accident remains under investigation, and charges are pending.

(Radio Iowa) – One of the nation’s largest state gatherings of agricultural education students is getting underway at Iowa State University. Scott Johnson, executive director of the Iowa F-F-A Association, says it’s gratifying to see how membership in the organization has continued growing in recent years, and this 95th annual Iowa F-F-A Leadership Conference at I-S-U’s Hilton Coliseum promises to be the biggest yet. “I think we could be expecting an attendance record here for our conference this year,” Johnson says. “I don’t know if 7,000 is possible, but I think we’re in striking distance of that, and that would be around 200 more than our previous attendance record, which was set in 2019.”

F-F-A members can range in age from 12 to 21 and the statewide membership numbers recently reached a milestone, which Johnson says they’ll tout during the event. “We’re really excited to welcome 258 of our 260 FFA chapters, based on our online registration numbers,” Johnson says. “The 19,000 members actually represents record membership that we just set about a month ago and we’ll recognize the 19,000th member on stage as part of the conference on Tuesday.”

While there’s a focus on farming, Johnson says the organization makes a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. He says the conference provides ag-ed students the chance to take part in a wide range of career development and leadership skills-building events. “We have somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 different competitive events in a variety of structures, some things that are speaking-based, some things that are skills attainment, assessment and judging-based,” Johnson says. “What we would consider non-competitive events involves a career show that’s coordinated by the Iowa FFA Foundation. Some FFA chapters in attendance will go on tours.”

The conference opened Sunday in Ames and will conclude Tuesday night. The Iowa FFA Association was organized by delegates from 23 schools at Iowa State College on May 17, 1929.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Splash Pad Committee has officially launched its fundraising efforts, with $66,000 already committed. Fundraising Committee member Ali Pieken reports the Splash Pad committee was formed in late 2022 to spearhead the funding piece of the community-desired Splash Pad. Since then, all involved parties have been working hard to get the project to this point – funding. The Splash Pad will cost roughly $600,000, which will need to be raised through donations and possible grant funding.

Pieken says “There are many moving pieces involved with a project of this size and our committee wanted to ensure the right organizational systems were in place before starting to fundraiser, in an official capacity.” The committee is currently in the process of presenting to local groups, such as the Rotary Club, to make them aware of the project and scale, and also meeting with local businesses including 1St Whitney Bank and Ziegler in hopes to gain early momentum.

Ali said also, “We have had a great response from the public thus far. Many people within the community, including myself, are eager to see progress and this fundraising launch serves as a huge step forward. Any other business, club, or individual interested in a private presentation is encouraged to contact a committee member personally or email the group at atlanticiowasplashpad@gmail.com.”

The fundraising committee of volunteers include John Krogman, Jeremy Butler, Ali Pieken, Mallory Robinson, Bailey Smith, Jen McEntaffer, Jeff Christensen and Wyatt Adderton. Pieken says “We understand this is a busy time of the year as we enter into planting season, graduations and summer activities. Our goal is to have project updates and ways to donate easily accessible through our new website at atlanticiowasplashpad.com.” The Splash Pad fundraising committee has accepted the help of another local volunteer group, SHIFT ATL to aid with administrative duties and lend their 501c3 designation to the efforts. All donations are tax deductible and a tax exempt donation letter will be provided for gifts of $250 or greater.

Computer renditions of the proposed Splash Pad in Atlantic

Ways to donate:

• Checks: Payable to City of Atlantic (Splash Pad on memo) can be dropped off at City Hall during business hours. Payable to SHIFT ATL (Splash Pad on memo) can be dropped off at the Chamber during business hours or left in the outdoor dropbox.
• Venmo @shiftatl – Splash pad in comments with mailing address
• Online: You can donate directly from our website (through SHIFT ATL) by using your credit card or PayPal account. The website is atlanticiowasplashpad.com.

If you or your business are interested in supporting this project at a sponsorship level, donations over $10,000 include the opportunity to purchase a specific water feature on the pad and have your name, family name or business on the feature. “Generosity of business owners and community members are the reason projects like this get done in smaller towns like Atlantic. Our committee aims to be creative with fundraising efforts and we felt this could be a special opportunity for larger donors to be remembered in this way,“ said Pieken.

“The fundraising committee will be looking for support outside of monetary donations as well. We plan to organize a family-friendly fundraising event for early summer and would love the help of volunteers when the time comes to share about that.” shared Mallory Robinson. “You can also join us in being a splash pad advocate by having postcards and flyers at your place of business and by sharing our updates and progress with your friends and family. It will take a community-team effort and we believe Atlantic is up for the challenge!” Robinson added.
The committee encourages anyone wanting to view more rendering photos, read updates, learn about upcoming events, view donation tracker, volunteer or simply ask questions to please contact the committee or the email listed above.

Details will also be posted on the Facebook page @atlanticiowasplashpad.

(Radio Iowa) – A bill that has cleared the Iowa House unanimously may protect officers in Iowa police and sheriff’s departments from faulty products — and it may help an Iowa company that makes body armor. R-M-A in Centerville was formed by a retired police officer who also served as a Marine. Representative Austin Harris of Moulton toured the company about a month ago.

“They were telling us about the challenges they were facing in terms of competition from countries like China and Russia,” Harris says. “….There’s this Chinese company that had stolen their intellectual property, was re-manufacturing their product, even with their logo on it.” Harris says the ballistic plate inside the Chinese imitation is made with cheap, low quality steel that does not adequately protect those who are wearing it. The bill would require Iowa law enforcement agencies using tax dollars to buy body armor, like ballistic vests, to purchase products that meet the standards of the National institute of Justice.

“The National Institute of Justice is a research agency at the Department of Justice,” Harris says, “and this manufacturer (in Centerville) but all the other manufacturers in the United States of this kind of armament do meet that certification standard.” Law enforcement agencies have to replace bullet proof vests periodically, as the gear has an expiration date.

Experts at the National Research Institute of Justice say most standard body armor that’s properly stored and cared for has a five-year life span.

(Audubon, Iowa) -The regular monthly meeting of the Audubon School takes place 7-p.m. Monday, in the High School Boardroom. Some highlighted agenda items include:

• Approving the FY24 School Budget for Certification
• Setting the date and time for a Hearing on Amending the FY 23 Budget
• Approving the official last day of school and list of graduates.
• Approval also, of: A Phone System Upgrade, and, certain Change Orders.

The full agenda can be found in the following link:

1. April Agenda

(Elk Horn, Iowa) – A Public Hearing is set to take place Monday evening with regard to the proposed 2023-24 Exira-EHK School District Budget. The Hearing kicks-off the Exira-EHK School Board meeting, and takes place in the High School Conference Room beginning at 5:30-p.m., with action on approving the Budget a bit later on in the meeting.

Other highlights of the meeting include action on a Resolution authorizing the Redemption of General Obligation School Bonds (Series 2018), Approving a 1st Amendment to the Escrow Agent Agreement, and Levying of a Tax for FY2024 (re: Redemption of the aforementioned bonds). The Board will also act on approving the Proposed Budget, and setting the date and time for a 2022-23 Budget Amendment Hearing.

The full agenda can be found HERE.

(Griswold, Iowa) – The School Board for the Griswold Community School District will meet at 5:30-p.m. Monday to hold a Public Hearing on the 2023-24 Griswold CSD Budget. That will be followed by the Board’s Regular Meeting, and at 7-p.m. an expected closed-session with regard to an Expulsion Hearing. Both agendas are as follows:

5:30 p.m. – 2023-2024 Budget Hearing

• Call Hearing To Order

• Presentation Of 2023-2024 Budget

• Public Input

• Close Hearing

Regular Meeting

• Call Meeting to Order

• Reading of Mission Statement

• Approval of Agenda (D.R.)

• Public Input

• Superintendent’s Report:

1. Thank You Card(s) (I)
2. The Month in Review – Administration (I)
3. Board Learning Opportunities (I)

– Honor March Recipient

– Select April Recipient

• Consent Agenda (D.R.)

Approval of Minutes

Approval of Financial Statements

Approval of Bills

4. Personnel

5. Gifts, Memorials, Bequests

7:00 p.m. – Expulsion Hearing

• Call Hearing To Order

• Welcome And Delegations

• Approval Of Agenda

• Roll Call Vote To Go Into Closed Session Under Section 21.5.1E – “To Conduct A Hearing

To Determine Whether To Expel A Student”

• Roll Call Vote To Return to Open Session

• Roll Call Vote To Go Into Closed Session Under Section 21.5.1.C – “To Discuss Strategy

With Counsel In Matters That Are Presently In Litigation Or Where Litigation Is Imminent, Where Its Disclosure Would Be Likely To Prejudice Or Disadvantage The Position Of The The Governmental Body In That Litigation”

• Roll Call Vote To Return To Open Session

• Motion To Approve Or Deny Request From Administration To Expel A Student And/Or

Set Other Disciplinary Action

• Adjourn

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A regular meeting of Atlantic’s Parks and Recreation Department Board of Directors will take place 5:15-p.m. Monday, April 17, 2023, in the City Council’s Chambers at City Hall. Their agenda (as follows) is pretty light:

Call to Order

Approval of Agenda*

Public Communications Comments or questions from visitors (3 minute limit)

Approval of Minutes*

March 20th, 2023

Review of March/April Bills and March Financials – Barb

Director’s Report-

• Training/certifications update
• Park Party date change
• Sunnyside pool project update (waterslide, mural, and pool building painting)
• Mollett Park project update

Next Regular Meeting Date: May 15^th, 2023 at 5:15 pm at City Hall Council Chambers

(Ankeny & Hazelton, Iowa) – Two Iowans died during accidents in separate parts of the State, Saturday. The Iowa State Patrol reports 48-year-old William Kirkman, of Slater, was struck and killed by a semi in Story County, at around 2:19-a.m., Saturday. Authorities say Kirkman exited his vehicle and entered I-35 near mile marker 101, and was hit by a 2022 Freightliner semi, driven by 61-year-old Barbara Benson, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Kirkman died at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement personnel, Story County Sheriff’s Office, Huxley Police and Ankeny EMS.

And, at around 5:52-p.m. Saturday, in Buchanan County, a motorcycle accident near Hazelton claimed the life of a man, and resulted in injuries to his passenger. The State Patrol says the operator of a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle, 50-year-old Bradley Lee Johnson, of Hazelton, was traveling east on C-57, when the cycle went out of control for reasons unknown.

The machine entered the south shoulder and came to rest. Johnson, and his passenger, 46-year-old Sara Jean Johnson, also of Hazelton, were ejected and came to rest in the south ditch. Bradley Johnson died at the scene. Sara Johnson was transported by St. Luke’s Lifeguard helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospital.

The accident remains under investigation. Assisting the Patrol at the scene was: The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Dept. and MercyOne Oelwein Ambulance.

(Clarinda, Iowa) – The Page County Sheriff’s Office, Saturday, released a report on arrests and accident from over the past few weeks:

Arrests:

3/27/2023 Paul Nathaniel Falk (39) of Shenandoah Iowa. Arrested for public intoxication. Arrested at the Page County Courthouse, 112 east Main Street in Clarinda Iowa.
3/27/2023 Donald James Ryan (46) of Shenandoah Iowa. Arrested for violation of probation. Arrested at the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office in Sidney Iowa.
4/4/2023 David Jacob Stimson (62) of Shambaugh Iowa. Arrested for violation of probation. Arrested at 1323 South 16th Street in Clarinda.
4/8/2023 Terry Lee Williams (51) of Clarinda Iowa. Arrested on an active warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Arrested at 2000 north 16th Street.
4/8/2023 Jeremy Jack Scarpello (38) of Clarinda Iowa. Arrested at 409 east Tarkio Street. Arrested on an active warrant out of Cass County Iowa. Jeremy was later transferred to Cass County Iowa.
4/10/2023 Paul Nathaniel Falk (39) of Shenandoah Iowa. Arrested for public intoxication. Arrested at the Page County Courthouse, 112 east Main Street in Clarinda Iowa
4/12/2023 Eric Lee Skalberg (44) of Des Moines Iowa. Arrested on an active Page County Warrant. Arrested at the Page County Sheriff’s Office

Accidents:

3/27/2023 3900 block of Highway #2 in Fremont County. Deputy Logan Robert struck a deer causing minor damage to the patrol vehicle.

4/10/2023 1200 block of Highway #2. Ivan William Reents was traveling west on Highway #2 driving a 2008 Buick. Minnie Rebecca McGargill was traveling west on Highway #2 driving a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. Ivan attempted to make a U-turn in the roadway. Ivan turned in front of Minnie. Minnie’s vehicle struck Ivan’s vehicle. Both vehicles sustained minor damage. Ivan was cited for unsafe turn.

4/11/2023 2300 block of Highway #2. David Lloyd Koch was traveling west on Highway #2 driving a 2019 Toyota Camry. Calle Vivian Mace was traveling west on Highway #2 driving a 1997 C15 Pickup. David attempted to pass Calle. Calle was in the process of turning left. Calle’s vehicle struck David’s vehicle. Both vehicles sustained minor damage. David was cited for unsafe passing.

4/11/2023 1400 Block of 190th Street. Tyler Marquis Carnes was traveling east on 190th Street driving a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Tyler Eugene Lorimor was traveling west on 190th Street driving a 2021 John Deere Sprayer. Carnes went over a hill and met Lorimor in the 1400 block of 190th Street. Carnes and Lorimor collided. Both Carnes’ vehicle and Lorimor’s sprayer sustained heavy damage in the accident. Carnes’ vehicle entered that south ditch and caught fire. Carnes was transported to Shenandoah Medical Center. A passenger in Carnes’ vehicle was flown to Omaha with non life threatening injuries.