The Des Moines Register is reporting Fareway plans to move its corporate headquarters from Boone to the Des Moines metro.

Fareway C-E-O Reynolds Cramer told The Register he didn’t make the decision lightly as it was his great grandparents who opened Fareway’s first store in Boone in 1938. Cramer said Fareway’s headquarters in Boone is out of space and many of the people who work there live in the Des Moines metro. According to the newspaper, Fareway is buying a building in Johnston that had been the Iowa Bankers Association headquarters and 100 employees will move into that building next spring.

In a statement provided to K-W-B-G Radio, Boone Mayor John Slight said Fareway will remain a vital corporate citizen of the city and 600 Fareway employees will still work in Boone. Slight said while disappointing, moving Fareway’s corporate headquarters to Johnston is important to Fareway’s continued expansion and that’s beneficial to Boone.

According to the company’s website, Fareway operates more than 130 stores in Iowa and six other states and has over 12-thousand employees.

Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg says a pilot project in three Iowa counties may be a way to provide quicker emergency responses in rural areas.

Beyond the ambulance crews and E-M-Ts already in place around the state, the “Iowa United First Aid” program will train new groups of volunteers in Cass, Calhoun and Van Buren Counties in what Gregg describes as “C-P-R Plus.”

Gregg got the idea for the program when he visited Israel last year and learned about a smart phone app that alerts medical professionals if there’s an emergency nearby. Earlier this week Gregg was in Keosauqua to meet with over 30 people who’re starting volunteer orientation for the program in Van Buren County.

Gregg is also urging the group to provide feedback about how the program works and if changes may be needed.

The three counties involved in the pilot program have each gotten a 50-thousand dollar state grant, which is being matched with 25-thousand dollars in local resources. Nearly all that money is being used to buy the bags and medical equipment for each of the volunteers.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – If you have ever wondered about running for and serving on a City Council or School Board, you can learn more about the responsibilities and what those positions entail, by attending “Local Office 101: Panel and Q&A,” hosted by the Cass County Democrats. The session takes place September 9th, from 9:00-until 11:00-a.m., at the Atlantic Public Library (507 Poplar Street, Atlantic, IA 50022).

Panelists sharing their personal experiences will include Atlantic City Councilmember Elaine Otte, Atlantic School Board Member Jenny Williams, and Atlantic Parks & Rec Board Member Shirley Jensen. LaVon Eblen will serve as the panel moderator.

Area residents are welcome to attend the free event to learn more about participating in local politics. Light breakfast refreshments will be provided.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Auditor’s Office, late this (Tuesday) afternoon, updated the list of candidates who have filed nomination papers for the November 7, 2023 Cass County City/School Elections.

On Tuesday, incumbent Elaine Otte filed papers to run for one At Large seat on the Atlantic City Council. Three candidates filed on Monday (8/28):

Incumbent Pat McCurdy for Atlantic City Council – Ward 3

Incumbent Linda Hartkopf, Atlantic City Council – Ward 4

Incumbent Mary Strong, Parks and Recreation Board. (2 seats open on the Board).

The filing period for the November 7^th City and School Elections continues through September 21^st.

(Radio Iowa) – With highs forecast in the 90s across much of Iowa this weekend, it won’t feel at all like fall, but an autumnal activity will kick off that’s a sure sign the cooler weather is coming soon. Nate Carr, an Iowa D-N-R conservation officer for Hamilton and Hardin counties, says two popular Iowa hunting season are opening on Friday.

Iowa’s teal season is short and runs just through September 16th, while the dove season lasts through November 29th.

Carr says hunters will need to be prepared before they head for the field this weekend.

There’s also registration needed for HIP, or the Harvest Information Program. There’s no fee associated with HIP but hunters of migratory game birds are required to fill out the brief survey. Learn more at: www.iowadnr.gov.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Varsity football team will host Glenwood this Friday night, Sept. 1st, for the 2023 football home opener!! Atlantic Community School District has designated Friday, September 1st as Military and Veterans Appreciation Night. ACSD invites all Veterans and active military members to attend the game at no cost that evening. During the halftime of the Varsity game, ACSD will honor local military veterans and active military members in attendance.

Veterans and active members will be invited to meet at the north end zone at the beginning of halftime.  After the conclusion of the ACSD Band’s halftime performance, military honorees will be escorted onto the field.  At that time Atlantic resident Mike Henningsen will do a flyover in his 1944 North American Aviation AT 6.  This aircraft was used as an advanced trainer for pilots in WWII.  After the flyover, ACSD Administrators will take a moment to invite all those in attendance to join us in honoring our local veterans and military members.

In preparation of ACSD’s Military and Veterans Appreciation Night, we invite all local businesses and residents to display American Flags at their place of business and their personal residence.

Please help the School District in letting all local Veterans and military members in the area know about this event and encourage them to attend the first home football game, free of charge. The public is invited to join the ACSD and its guests in attendance that evening, as we do their best to offer an honorable ‘Thank you!’

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Officials with the Mills County Sheriff’s Office report a woman from Nebraska was arrested twice in five days. 24-year-old Alize Savannah Torres, of Omaha, was arrested Aug. 24th at the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, on a warrant for OWI/1st offense. Torres was arrested today (Tue., Aug. 29) at the Mills County Courthouse, ona valid parole violation warrant for being an accessory to first-degree murder. She remains in the Mills County Jail while awaiting extradition/transport to Nebraska.

The sheriff’s office reports also:

• 40-year-old Nicole Blanche Farley, of LaVista, NE., was arrested in Mills County for OWI/1st offense.
• 38-year-old Breeane May Fallin, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Aug. 26th on a Mills County warrant for Violation of Probation. She was taken into custody at the Pott. County Sheriff’s Office.
• 29-year-old Cyril Nsang Ngala, of Bellevue, NE., was arrested Aug. 25th in Mills County, for Driving Under Suspension.
• And, 43-year-old Katie Susan Church, of Glenwood, was arrested for Child Endangerment, on August 24th.

(Radio Iowa) – A western Iowa man is in jail, facing charges for a stabbing during a bar fight in Carroll. Police say 41-year-old John Michael Hanson allegedly stabbed another man several times during a fight early Sunday morning at Kerps Tavern in Carroll. Benjamin Badding, the bar’s owner, was flown to a Des Moines hospital for treatment of multiple stab wounds.

Hanson was arrested and has been charged with willful injury, a class C felony that carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. A judge approved a motion this (Tuesday) morning to increase Hanson’s bond to $250,000.

The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans to their state parks and waterways.  The DNR reminds users to abide by all safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

Boating Safety

Boaters headed out to a lake, river, pond or any other waterway should follow these safety tips:

• Plan ahead and avoid peak hours and large crowds of boaters.
• Park your vehicles and trailers in designated parking spaces NOT in grass areas or they will be ticketed and towed.
• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
• The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
• Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol.
• Wear your life jacket, it floats, you don’t! Any children under the age 13 must wear a lifejacket at all times on a vessel underway in Iowa.
• Every boat or vessel must have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board; a USCG approved throw-able flotation device is also required on vessels 16 feet or longer.
• Make sure there is a charged fire extinguisher on board, as well as a horn/whistle.
• Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft.
• Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
• Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
• Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid the spread of invasive species.

Beach & Swimming Safety

Wherever you choose to swim this Labor Day weekend, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond or lake, or a public pool, please follow these safety tips:

• Keep young children at arm’s reach at all times. Never, even for a moment, leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while swimming.
• Drowning is silent.
• Learn how to perform CPR.
• Avoid alcohol use while swimming.
• Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches.
• Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.
• Stay within the roped area of the lake.
• Swim with a buddy.
• Obey posted signs and flags.
• Wear a life jacket or some kind of personal flotation device.
• Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water as needed.
• Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.
• Check for bacteria levels at state park beaches at: https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-to-do/beach-monitoring
• Because the beaches are busier this summer, staff are encouraging visitors to utilize the non-peak times and days. For the busier beaches/parks, the non-peak days usually include Sundays through Thursdays, and Fridays before 5:00 pm. If you plan to go to the beaches on Saturdays, the non-peak hours are usually before noon.

Parks staff may temporarily close parking lots when they become full and limit the number of visitors at that point. The DNR recommends visitors go to another nearby park or beach that is not as heavily populated. Visitors are reminded to only park in designated parking spaces. All violators will be cited by staff.

State Parks/Campgrounds Safety

This weekend will be another very busy one if you plan to visit a state park and campground, use these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable time:

• Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products, including hand sanitizer, to bring along for hiking and utilizing the state parks.
• Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.
• Don’t hike alone and always have some way to communicate if you get lost and need help.
• Wear proper outdoor attire for hiking.
• Plan ahead for your visit to our parks and campgrounds. If a parking lot becomes full at a park or campground, staff may temporarily close the parking lots and limit the number of visitors at that point.
• If there is no parking available, do not park in the grass areas or any other area that is not a designated parking spot. All violators will be cited.
• Utilize the parks during non-peak times, which often include mornings and evenings.
• If a park is heavily populated, find another nearby state park that is less populated.
• Don’t transport firewood, buy it locally.
• Be respectful of your neighbors camping around you.
• Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads.
• “Carry In, Carry Out”—please pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park. Be respectful and care for our natural resources.
• Campers should dispose of trash in receptacles, not burn it in the campfires.
• Check the DNR website for all of the latest closures.
• If you plan to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. You can purchase one by visiting www.iowadnr.gov/fishing, or by downloading the Go Outdoors Iowa app on your smartphone through the Google Play store or the App Store. You can also purchase your fishing license at some local retailers.

Paddling Safety

Whether it be tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams. Stay safe each time you paddle with these simple safety tips:

• With very low water levels in central and western Iowa, due to drought conditions, some waterways are not suitable for paddling, often leaving paddlers stranded.
• Always know your river conditions before you go paddling. For the latest river conditions, contact Iowa DNR Customer Service at 515-725-8200 or your local county conservation board for updates.
• Let others know where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return.
• Always wear your life jacket. Kids under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
• Avoid sandbar crowds and “rafting” up together. Tubers are reminded not to go in groups larger than 10 and don’t tie tubes to one another.
• Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler’s map at iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water.
  Find individual water trail maps, including access points at iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures.