The Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton School Board, Monday, approved the hiring of a 6th through 12th grade Principle. Superintendent Trevor Miller told KJAN News they selected Mary Bleth-Harris, who is currently an Instructional Coach at Treynor. She has a background as a middle and elementary school teacher. She was offered the position and has accepted. She’ll start her new position with Exira-EHK in August.

The Board also approved the 2019-20 budget, Monday, following a Public Hearing. Miller said there was no input from the community during the hearing, most likely because the tax rate is going DOWN about six-cents. The rate for 2019-20 will be $12.03/$1,000 valuation. The Exira-EHK School Board also approved Certified Teachers’ salaries. They’ll receive a total package increase of 3.28%. Support and administrative staff received a 3.49% increase. The Board also approved the purchase and installation of a new Outfield fence for the Baseball Field from Devore Fencing, in Atlantic. It’ll be set-up in mid-July.

In other business, the Board discussed the Wrestling Program, but took no action on a sharing agreement. And, they approved new hires/or transfer of personnel.

There were no resignations.

(SIOUX CITY) – The Iowa Department of Corrections report 28-year old Nicholas James James, who was convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree and other crimes in Woodbury County, left the Sioux City Residential Treatment Facility without permission last (Tuesday) night.  James is a Native American, 5’9″ tall, weighing 162 pounds. He was admitted to the work release facility on April 9, 2019. Persons with information on James’ whereabouts should contact their local police.

Nicholas James

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Brian Hamman reports thanks to a generous donation from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the Montgomery County EMA has received a new utility terrain vehicle (UTV) valued at more than $24,000. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It’s mission is to impact the lifesaving capabilities, and the lives, of local heroes and their communities. (for more info.: https://firehousesubsfoundation.org/about-us/)

Hamman said the UTV will allow them “To rapidly respond to emergencies and disasters faster and more effectively when time is critical, and conditions warrant the use of smaller vehicles.” The new UTV will also be available for use at local events by local first responders to respond to emergency incidents and situations, in a quick and timely manner. Hamman said the Montgomery County EMA continues to seek additional funds to purchase a medical slide-in unit to transport sick and injured persons to awaiting ambulances, as well as a dedicated trailer for the UTV. The Montgomery Community Foundation and Casey’s General Stores have contributed towards this phase of the project, with more grants and donations pending.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Mason City woman has pleaded guilty to theft and four counts of insurance fraud. Cerro Gordo County District Court records say 34-year-old Amber Griffin entered the written pleas Monday. The records say that in return for her pleas prosecutors will recommend three years of probation, suspended five-year prison terms and that Griffin pay restitution. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 20.

Criminal complaints say Griffin submitted two fraudulent claims in October 2016 and one each in November and December that year. Each said a family member had been treated at a local medical facility. The complaints also said she submitted false medical records with the claims.

The Creston Police Department reports two arrests took place Tuesday. 33-year old Trel Peterson, of Massena, was arrested for Driving While Barred. He was subsequently released from the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond. And, 35-year old Nichole Rinehart, of Creston, was arrested for Theft in the 5th Degree. She was cited and released on a Promise to Appear in court.

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:06-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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(Radio Iowa) — The Iowa Department of Transportation is going to being taking bids soon on some of the flood repair projects. D-O-T Engineer Mark Dunn talked with the Transportation Commission about the work, Tuesday. “As you look at all of the repairs the total package is around, we think 70 to 90 million dollars,” Dunn says.

He says they hope to start taking bids today (Wednesday). Dunn says they will be doing emergency lettings weekly, and may not always have projects ready weekly, but will be ready to do them when necessary.

Dunn say the goal is to do as much as they can in the next 180 days to take advantage of the federal emergency funding guidelines. “In the first 180 days where it is related to restoring essential traffic — that’s reimbursable at a rate of 100 percent,” Dunn says. “When we move beyond that, that’s reimbursable 80 or 90 percent, depending on the type of roadway,” Dunn says.

He told the Transportation Commission the work should not impact their regular construction budget.

OGALLALA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska trial of a Kansas man charged with the traffic deaths of four Iowa motorcyclists has been delayed until August. Keith County District Court records say the trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday for 23-year-old Jeser Cisneros-Hernandez, of Liberal, Kansas. He’s pleaded not guilty to four counts of vehicular homicide, one of reckless driving and one of failing to drive in his lane.

The records say the judge last week granted the delay because the attorneys have not completed the pretrial discovery process. The new starting date is Aug. 6. Prosecutors say Cisneros-Hernandez’s vehicle hit two motorcycles carrying two people each on July 1, 2017, near Ogallala. Authorities say 54-year-old Sheila Matheny and 61-year-old James Matheny, from Bedford, Iowa, were on one motorcycle. The other motorcyclists were 58-year-old Michal Weese and 59-year-old Jerolyn Weese, who lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Atlantic Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts will be out and about this Saturday, from 10-a.m. until Noon, Scouting for Food. They’ll pick up your non-perishable food donation items for delivery to the Atlantic Food Pantry. If you’re accidentally missed and would like to make a donation, call Melissa Ihnen at (712)-254-2689.