Representatives from Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) along with developers and city officials in Woodbine and Glenwood came together to celebrate progress on Disaster Recovery housing projects on Tuesday, August 22nd. These projects are the fruit of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery funding from the 2019 floods in Southwest Iowa.

From Left to Right Back: Jacob Levang- IEDA, Jeff Geerts – IEDA, Ashley Hayes – SWIPCO, Steven Stransky – IEDA, Kevin O’Neill – HUD, Anderson Stoute -HUD, Brian Sullivan – IEDA, Steve Eggleston- HUD, Todd Heistand – NuStyle Development Corp, Mitch Scanlan- NuStyle Development Corp. Front: Jared Morford – IEDA, Teresa Yeung – HUD, Katie Shelton – IEDA, Hayley Krozier – IEDA, Abbey Lukehart – USDA, Jenna Tennant – USDA, Carrie Murdock- NuStyle Development Corp, Aaron Koontz – SWIPCO, Erin Hudson – SWIPCO, Greg Rothermel, NuStyle Development Corp.

The group first met in Woodbine to get a look at a 40 new home project that is nearing completion by NuStyle Development Corporation. These new homes and supporting infrastructure will allow displaced flood victims an opportunity to return to an area they prefer to live at an affordable price. It will also benefit low to moderate income families that want to put down roots in the community. Non-flood impacted households can also apply.

The initial funding was available for communities and counties to apply for to support building new homes, rehabbing homes, and rebuilding vital infrastructure. The cities of Woodbine and Glenwood applied and then took bids for projects from developers. They then selected developer projects that they felt best represented the communities’ needs and got to work after project approval. Malvern, Tabor, Logan, and Hamburg also have active projects.

After their morning visit to Woodbine, representatives from SWIPCO, HUD, and IEDA traveled to view some projects in Glenwood with city officials and representatives of developer Mark Hughes Construction. Glenwood has multiple projects underway including 40 new homes in the Arbor Hills Development with Mark Hughes Construction and the Burr Oak Apartment Complex being developed by Travis Overhue.

From Left to Right Back: Sandi Winton – Jim Hughes Real Estate, Steven Stransky – IEDA, Jacob Levang- IEDA, Amber Farnam- Glenwood City Administrator, Brian Sullivan- IEDA, Jeff Geerts- IEDA, Dave Smith, Mark Hughes Construction Front: Mark Hughes – Mark Hughes Construction, Jared Morford- IEDA, Katie Shelton – IEDA, Hayley Krozier – IEDA, Ashley Hayes- SWIPCO, Aaron Koontz – SWIPCO, Brad Taylor- Mark Hughes Construction, Jennifer Hughes- Mark Hughes Construction, Nate Bolte- Mark Hughes Construction

SWIPCO Disaster Recovery Coordinator Ashley Hayes said “It is so rewarding to see these projects making progress to give individuals that were displaced by the flood a chance to move back to a small town. Many individuals that have applied have told us they had no choice but to move somewhere they didn’t really want to and they are so happy to return to the area they love.”

Hayes said it takes community support to make these projects happen, “It’s also so great to see the pride these communities have and their future vision for growth.”

Over half of the homes in Woodbine have qualified families in the process of purchase. Developers receive a $100,000 reimbursement to build the homes valued at around $275,000 so they can be sold at a more affordable $175,000 price tag. Hayes said some individuals have also worked with USDA to secure loans, which has been very helpful. Many of the spots in Glenwood also have buyers ready, as do some other smaller projects in Tabor.

If you or anyone you know has an interest in new homes being built in Woodbine, Logan, Glenwood, Malvern, Tabor, or Hamburg. Or if you are interested in new rental opportunities in Glenwood visit www.swipco.org and follow the link on the home page for more information. If you have additional questions call 712-243-4196. SWIPCO is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Monday, August 28th was the first day for local candidates to file papers to run for local city and school board elections.  On the first day, three candidates files nominations papers for city of Atlantic seats.

Linda J. Hartkopf filed to run for re-election to Atlantic’s 4th Ward council seat and Pat McCurdy filed for re-election in Atlantic’s 3rd Ward.

Also, for Atlantic Parks and Recreation Board, Mary Strong filed her papers on Monday for one of the two available seats.

During this year’s Iowa State Fair, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau partnered with the Iowa State Patrol to survey fair goers about mobile device and seat belt use in vehicles. Iowans from nearly every county were polled and represented in the data. The results show lower seat belt use in the backseat, an alarming number of drivers holding cell phones, and broad support for hands-free legislation.

Results from the survey of 1459 Iowans show cell phone use behind the wheel is prevalent with 51% of drivers admitting to always or sometimes having a mobile device in hand. Despite high usage, 85% surveyed support hands-free legislation.  Bills limiting cell phone use by mandating hands-free technology have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature since 2019, all attempts at passage have been unsuccessful.

Over 55% of Iowa’s passenger vehicle traffic fatalities are unbelted/unknown. While 91% of Iowans polled reported always buckling up when driving, only 66% always wear a seat belt in the backseat. This statistic comes on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announcing a proposed rule to require front and rear seat belt warning systems for drivers in most new vehicles manufactured in the United States. Iowa has a primary seat belt law for front seat passengers only. Passengers over 18 in rear seats are not required to wear a seat belt.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.

Governor Kim Reynolds today (Monday) announced that the schedule of unemployment insurance rates used to tax Iowa employers will remain at the lowest possible level allowed by law. This marks the second consecutive year at the current rates, and only the second time Iowa’s rates have been at this level during the past 25 years.

“Today’s announcement will be welcome news to any Iowa business that may be fearing the impact of the uncertainty in the economy on a national level,” said Governor Reynolds. “We have done everything possible to insulate Iowa employers from ongoing inflation and other rising costs and our efforts have ensured that the tax burden for employers in Iowa will be the lowest possible rate for the second time in the last 25 years.”

“Under the leadership of Governor Reynolds, Iowa’s wise investments and prudent stewardship of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund have allowed us to provide stability to Iowa’s employers,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director, Iowa Workforce Development. “Additionally, the positive impact of returning Iowans to work in the shortest time possible through the efforts of the Reemployment Case Management program have helped to keep the UI Trust Fund healthy and well-funded.”

Iowa law requires Iowa Workforce Development to establish a table each year to determine the impact of unemployment tax rates on eligible employers. The trigger for deciding which unemployment insurance rate table to implement is derived from a formula based primarily on the balance in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, unemployment benefit history, and covered wage growth.

The latest calculations based on this formula mean contribution rates in calendar 2024 again will be drawn from Table 8. Last year, the switch to Table 8 from Table 7 saved employers an estimated $72.20 per employee (based on employee wages totaling $36,100 or more with employers paying the median tax rate and remaining in the same tax rank).

Iowa was able to make the switch to Table 8 in 2023 due to decisions by Gov. Reynolds that helped keep the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund in a strong position following record benefit payouts during the pandemic. In 2021, Gov. Reynolds invested $237 million in ARP funds into the trust fund. In 2020, Reynolds previously had directed that $490 million of Cares Act coronavirus relief funds be used to backstop the trust fund during record unemployment.

A Greenfield man faces charges from a traffic stop in April.  28 year old Aaron Joseph Pearson was charged with Operating While under the Influence 1st Offense, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana) 1st, and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs.

The charges were filed after toxicology reports came back from the state lab.

The original incident began with a traffic stop on April 25 when deputies clocked his sedan on Stuart Road in Adair County doing 79 mph in a 55 mph zone.  The deputy reported smelling marijuana and Pearson admitted to smoking recently.  A search of the vehicle uncovered a grinder and pipe, 2 glass meth pipes, a sealed plastic bag with a crystalline substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, An orange prescription bottle with no label that contained green leafy plant material and two prescription pills.  A urine sample revealed meth in Pearson’s and that the crystalline substance was meth.

Pearson was cited and released.

On August 26th, 28 year old Rebecca Labertew of Des Moines was charged after a traffic stop in Stuart.  When questioned, Labertew admitted to deputies that she had marijuana.  A marijuana pipe was found during a search of the vehicle.  Labertew was released after being charged for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and was given a written warning for Unlawful use of a License. The driver of the vehicle, 32-year-old Justin Fitzmier, of Mound City, Missouri, admitted to possessing THC wax and a glass pipe with plastic on the outside that had residue on it consistent with smoking THC wax.  Fitzmier was released after being charged for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and given warnings for Not having a Valid Driver’s License, Open Container and Improper Rear Lamp.

Also, on August 21st, 62 year old Joseph Skiles of Ardmore, Oklahoma was arrested for Theft 5th Degree.  Skiles is charged with taking a bottle of vodka from the Caseys General Store in Adair.  He was held on $300 cash or surety bond.

If you travel on U.S. 30 near Woodbine in Harrison County you need to be aware of a bridge replacement project that may slow down your trip beginning on Monday, Sept. 11 through Oct. 2, weather permitting.  While construction crews work on this project, you will be detoured around the work zone using Iowa 37, Iowa 191, and Harrison County Road F-32.  Help keep everyone on the road safer. Drive with caution.

On August 28^th, 2023, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kenneth Williams, 36, of Lanesboro, IA, on a warrant for OWI 1^st Offense.  Williams was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held.

On August 27^th, 2023, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kelsea Lyons, 29, of Carter Lake, on the charge of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.  Lyons was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on bond.

Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis says negotiation is the way to resolve property disputes over developing privately-owned projects — like carbon pipelines.

DeSantis held two town hall meetings in northern Iowa this weekend and fielded questions about carbon pipelines at both events. In Algona, a woman asked DeSantis if a government agency should let a for-profit company use eminent domain to force landowners to sign property easements.

At a town hall forum in Garner, a man told DeSantis the carbon pipeline debate is tearing the state apart.

The forums DeSantis held in Garner and Algona were in counties where the proposed Summit Carbon Capture pipeline would pass through.

Produce in the Park is a weekly farmers market and community gathering held every Thursday evening from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM in the Atlantic City Park, now – October 12th.

This week, Sarah Selders will be providing live music and fresh, gourmet pizza will be on site from Hungry Spartan Pizza. Numerous vendors will be in attendance offering sweet treats, plants, crafts, baked goods and produce, produce, PRODUCE!

This week you can look forward to the following vendors:

Bridgewater Farms: wide assortment of produce
Brun Ko Farms: assortment of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, eggs, pork, lamb & chicken
Frosting, Inc.: gourmet cupcakes
Sue’s Country Garden: assortment of plants, produce, baked goods & jams/jellies
Cake’s, Cookies & Confections: assorted pastries & desserts
CJ Treats: baked goods & candles, soaps, body scrubs & oil diffusers
CK3 Farms: wide assortment of produce including watermelon
Harrisdale Farmstead: assortment of produce
Holaday Baking Company: assortment of baked goods & concession items
Imagine Garden Gifts: unique garden gifts including antique, vintage, and repurposed planters.
Johnna Joy Designs: wide selection of handmade jewelry & art
Kringleman: assorted Danish pastries
Neighborhood Bakehouse: sourdough, baguettes, sandwich bread & mini chocolate baguettes
Noble Provisions: homegrown ribeyes, beef snacks (jerky, summer sausage, beef sticks), beef brats, patties, pork brats, Italian sausage, & ground pork
Oak Hill Honey: home raised raw packaged honey
Piper’s Brae: assorted produce, jams/jellies, syrups & eggs
Ter-Bear Honey: home raised raw packaged honey
The 11th Acre: wide assortment of produce, baked goods, cottage foods & crafts

Our featured kids activity will be ‘Art in the Park’, featuring fun artistic crafts for kids to do, provided by YOUR FORTE. Visiting organizations include Zion Recovery and Cass County Cats. Yard games will also be on hand, provided by Atlantic Parks & Recreation.

All vendors accept cash, with many accepting credit cards and Venmo. All qualifying food vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps) with all fresh produce vendors accepting Double Up Food Bucks–coupons given for SNAP/EBT purchases of fresh produce.

For updates and information on Produce in the Park or how to sign up to participate, visit www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com. ‘Like’ or ‘follow’ Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/).

Today (Monday) is the first day to file nomination papers for the upcoming City/School Election. Last day to file is Thursday, September 21, 2023.

Nomination papers may be circulated prior to first date for filing as well as during the filing period. Nomination papers and candidate information are available at the office of the county auditor and from the secretary of state:www.sos.iowa.gov

Signature requirements for Cities are as follows:
City of Atlantic (Runoff Provisions)
• Council At Large Position-21 signatures
• Wards 1-2-3-4 Positions-10 signatures
• Park & Recreation Board-25 signatures

All other cities in the county require 10 signatures for each position

Signature requirements for School Districts are as follows:
Atlantic School District Positions- 50 signatures
CAM School District Positions- 20 signatures
Griswold School District At Large Position- 16 Signatures
Griswold School District Director 1- 10 signatures
Griswold School District Director 2- 10 signatures
For more information contact the Cass County Auditor’s Office at 712-243-4570 or email to auditor@casscoia.us.

The city positions to appear on the Cass County ballot for the 2023 City/School Election are:

Anita:
• Council Member- 2 Positions
• Mayor

Atlantic
• City Council At Large
• Atlantic 1st Ward Council Member
• Atlantic 2nd Ward Council Member
• Atlantic 3rd Ward Council Member
• Atlantic 4th Ward Council Member
• Park & Recreation Board-2 positions
• Park & Recreation Board-Vacancy Position

Cumberland
• Council Member-2 positions
• Mayor

Griswold
• Council Member-3 Positions

Lewis
• Council Member-3 Positions
• Mayor

Marne
• Council Member-3 Positions
• Mayor

Massena
• Council Member-3 Positions
• Mayor

Wiota
• City Council-2 Positions
• Mayor

The school positions to appear on the Cass County ballot for the 2023 City/School Election are:

Atlantic School District
• Board Member At Large-3 Positions

CAM School District
• Board Member North District
• Board Member South District

Griswold School District
• Board Member-At Large
• Board Member District 1
• Board Member District 2