(Radio Iowa) – Iowans in almost every county can now get instant messages about threatening weather, missing persons, and other emergency situations unfolding nearby. Tracey Bearden, the 9-1-1 coordinator for the Polk County Emergency Management Agency, says Iowa’s most populous county is upgrading from Code Red to the new Alert Iowa system starting today (Wednesday).

“We are going to be using it for weather alerts, for warnings to include severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings, flood warnings, blizzard warnings, flash flood warnings, and extremely high wind warnings,” Bearden says. “Citizens can go to our website and an opt in for that.” Iowans can pick how they’d like to be notified, whether it’s by voice on a landline phone, by text to a cell phone, or by email. Bearden says it’s important to stay connected, especially if there’s a missing child or adult, dangerous storms, search-and-rescue, or an active crime scene. 

“We’ve had in the past where citizens have called and wondered why they didn’t receive information,” Bearden says. “One case was, they had to shelter in place because of an armed suspect inside a home and they didn’t know what was going on.” There’s no charge for the service and if you don’t opt-in, she says you could miss important safety information.

“So if you go to the Iowa Emergency Management Homeland Security website, you can see which counties have opted in and which have not,” Bearden says, “but the majority, I think there’s only four to six that have not opted into the Alert Iowa system. So that’s a good thing. You need to opt in for each individual county.”

The alerts will tell users what’s happening, what local officials are doing to protect the community, and what users need to do to remain safe. Bearden says a follow-up alert will be sent to inform users when the emergency is over.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office recently responded to three separate accidents that left four people hurt. Two of the accidents happened last Saturday.

Authorities say that at approximately 8:09 p.m., Saturday, 32-year-old Logun Hughes, of Red Oak, who did not possess a valid driver’s license, was driving a 2009 Pontiac southbound on 370^th Street at an unknown speed in Mills County, when the vehicle entered the east ditch. After traveling approximately 227 feet in the ditch, the Pontiac struck a field entrance, causing the vehicle to go airborne for approximately 60 feet. Once the vehicle landed back on the ground, it struck a tree, which caused the vehicle to roll over on its side and catch fire with Hughes trapped in the vehicle.  First responders were able to get Hughes out of the burning vehicle and into a safe location. He was suffered critical, life-threatening injuries and was transported by Lifenet to the UNMC  in Omaha. Authorities say based on an investigation, alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident.

And, at around 11:54 p.m., Saturday, 29-year-old Dalton Kaufman, of Glenwood, was driving a 1998 Honda northbound on 221^st Street when he came across a deer in the roadway, causing him to take evasive action and swerve to miss the deer. After Kaufman swerved, he lost control and the vehicle entered the east ditch where it rolled and struck a tree. The vehicle came to rest on its wheels. Kaufman was transported to Jennie Edmundson Hospital by Silver city Rescue.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18th, Sheriff’s Deputies in Mills County responded to a collision that occurred at around 5:40 p.m. at 310th Street and Noyes Avenue. Authorities say 64-year-old Rosemary Gordon, of Sidney, was driving a 2017 Toyota southbound on 310^th Avenue and approaching a T-intersection. 58-year-old Gary Cowan, of Malvern, was driving a 2010 Ford, and had stopped at the stop sign on Noyes.

Cowan then pulled onto 310^th Avenue in front of Gordon’s vehicle. Gordon was unable to stop in time and struck the Ford in the driver’s door. Gordon was transported to the UNMC by Malvern Rescue. Cowan was transported to UNMC by Lifenet.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Sheriff’s Officials in Mills County report five arrests occurred from Oct. 13th through the 19th.

• At around 9-a.m. today (Wednesday), Deputies arrested 56-year-old Christopher Allen Vanderloo, of Council Bluffs at the Pottawattamie County Jail. He was wanted on a Mills County warrant for Criminal Mischief 2^nd and Burglary 3^rd. Vanderloo’s bond was set at $10,000.
• There were two arrests on Oct. 16th:
  • 43-year-old Kim Jack Douglas Trost, of Omaha, Nebraska, was arrested for Driving While Barred. Bond was set at $2,000. and
  • 35-year-old Rogelio Luna, of Council Bluffs, was arrested for OWI/1st Offense. Bond was set at $1,000.
• On the 14th, Deputies in Mills County arrested 37-year-old Anna Kristine Kite, of Council Bluffs at the Pott. County Jail. She was wanted on a warrant for Failure to Appear on an original charge of OWI. Bond was set at $1,000.
• And, 36-year-old Ruben Rodriguez, of Aurora, Colorado, was arrested October 14^th for OWI/1st Offense. Bond was set at $1,000.

Des Moines, Iowa – State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald recently awarded a $10,000 College Savings Iowa contribution to the Smith family of Council Bluffs. Two-year-old Oliver was randomly drawn as the winner of the 2022 September College Savings Month Giveaway. “College Savings Iowa is all about helping families save for higher education,” said Fitzgerald. “Through giveaways such as these, we emphasize the importance of investing in our youth and their future. College Savings Iowa is a great way to help you do that.”

College Savings Iowa joined other 529 plans in September to celebrate College Savings Month, which is a national campaign designed to inform family and friends about the importance of saving for higher education. As part of the College Savings Month festivities, College Savings Iowa hosted a giveaway in which one participant was eligible to win a $10,000 College Savings Iowa.

The Smith family received their College Savings Iowa contribution during a check presentation with Treasurer Fitzgerald on Wednesday, October 19 at Iowa Western Community College. Nick, the winning participant, was accompanied by his wife, Sloane, and two their sons, Oliver and Tate. “As educators, my wife and I will always stress the importance of education to our children,” said Nick. “We are extremely grateful for this gift that will help open more opportunities for Oliver’s future. We appreciate how easy the College Savings Iowa 529 plan has been to set up and contribute to so we can help relieve some of the financial burden higher education can pose for our children, nieces and nephews.”

College Savings Iowa is a tax-advantaged way for families to save for education-related expenses. Earnings in an account grow deferred from state and federal taxes, and qualified withdrawals are tax free. If a participant is an Iowa taxpayer, they can also deduct up to $3,522 per beneficiary account from their 2022 state income taxes.

Read Program Description at CollegeSavingsIowa.com for details about the Plan. Connect with the Plan on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on current events and upcoming giveaways.

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon School District’s Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting Monday evening, during which there was a public hearing with regard to Expending funds from the District Flexibility Account. Superintendent Eric Trager explains…

The Board passed a Resolution to expend the funds for any General Fund purpose. In this case, the Board decided to upgrade the District’s school bus fleet with those funds.

Mr. Trager said also, the Certified Enrollment numbers they submit to the State, show a decline.

He said the Board voted to continue with the District’s participation in the Instructional Support Program, as most other districts in the state have also done.

There will be a public hearing during the Board’s regular November meeting, and then act on a Resolution to put an ISL in-place. The Levy, he says, generates about $320-to $330,000 per year, and can be used for any General Fund purpose. It’s paid through a combination of Property AND Income Tax payers. Mr. Trager says that’s to make sure everyone pays their fair share, not just the property owners.

Des Moines, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Insurance Fraud Division report a Ringgold County woman, 44-year-old Lesa Darrah, from Redding, pled guilty on October 3, 2022, to one count of Forgery (Aggravated Misdemeanor) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau. The investigation began in May of 2022 after the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau received information indicating Darrah had forged information on an insurance document presented to the local police department following an accident investigation.

Darrah was arrested on July 3, 2022. Following her guilty plea, Darrah was placed on supervised probation for two years. Darrah was also ordered to pay a civil penalty of $855.

Lesa Darrah photo courtesy of the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

Atlantic, Iowa (October 19, 2022) – After one of the most well-attended summer farmers markets seasons, Produce in the Park is now accepting vendor applications for this year’s holiday markets. Holiday markets have been scheduled for the following days: Harvest Market (Nov. 21, 2022, the Monday Before Thanksgiving), Christmas Market (Dec. 22, 2022), Sweetheart Market (Feb. 11, 2023), and Spring Celebration Market (April 6, 2023).

Cass County Farmer’s Market Coordinator Brigham Hoegh says “These farmers markets are scheduled just before holidays, so customers can pick up local produce, baked goods, and meats to enjoy at their holiday meals. The markets also offer seasonal decorations, candles, soaps, and gifts by local crafters and artisans, in addition to the chance to grab dinner from favorite food trucks.” Vendors can find the application for all holiday markets at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com, or pick up a printed copy of the form at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Vendors who register for all four holiday markets receive a discount. Vendor and food truck fees start at $25 dollars per market.

Hoege says while Harvest Market has been a long-standing tradition, Christmas Market, Sweetheart Market, and Spring Celebration Market were introduced in 2020. The additional holiday markets have seen strong sales and positive customer feedback. Shoppers have been delighted to find local produce available year-round, appreciate the chance to stock up on other local foods throughout the winter, and enjoy incorporating local products into winter holiday celebrations. Also, based on positive customer feedback, Produce in the Park will again be offering online pre-ordering at all four holiday markets this season. 

This year, Harvest Market and Spring Celebration Market will be held at the Cass County Community Center and Christmas Market and Sweetheart Market will be held at the Nishna
Valley Family YMCA.

Holiday farmers markets are sponsored by annual sponsors Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, First Whitney Bank and Trust, Cass Health, Deter Motor Co., and Cass County
Tourism. Harvest Market is also being sponsored by Cass County Farm Bureau, and Christmas Market is being sponsored by Meyer & Gross. Produce in the Park continues to welcome
additional sponsors for Sweetheart and Spring Celebration Markets. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship should contact Market Manager Brigham Hoegh at
produceintheparkatlanticiowa@gmail.com or 712-249-5870.

A full list of holiday market event details, vendors, and information on pre-ordering will be available online at the Produce in the Park website www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com
closer to the market dates. Follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram
(https://www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/) for the latest information.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday), approved a Courthouse snow removal bid from Jason Brewer, in the amount of $225 per snow event. That was the only bid that was submitted. The Board agreed to sign-on to the ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties’) Soil Compaction Project. Auditor Mandy Berg explains what the agreement entails.

(The study looks at moisture content in soil around pipeline construction. It will determine when construction has to stop on pipelines based on the moisture content of the soil. The analysis will be done by the State of Iowa and the cost of the project is $51,098. ISAC is looking for $600 from each county to pay for the study.)

There are currently plans for three companies to build carbon sequestration pipelines across 70 counties in the state. And again, the study could help reduce damage to property from construction equipment when the soil has too much moisture in it, regardless of what type of project is involved.

The Adair County Supervisors acknowledged and approved the 2022 Weed Commissioner’s Annual Report from Nathan Jensen. And, they approved a 28-E agreement for the maintenance and repair of primary with the Iowa Department of Transportation. The agreement is renewed every 5-years, or whenever there are major changes to the agreement. County Treasurer Brenda Bird said the agreement, which was looked over by Adair County Attorney Melissa Larson, has very little changes this year.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Auditor Kathy Somers has issued information with regard to the November 8, 2022, General Election. Somers says the Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on that day. Voters may vote absentee by mail. Absentee ballot request forms may be requested from the Cass County Auditor’s Office by calling 712-243-4570 or by visiting https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/absenteeinfo.html. All absentee ballot request forms for a mailed ballot must be received in the Cass County Auditor’s Office before 5:00 p.m. on October 24, 2022. Requests received after that time will be rejected in accordance to the state law.

Voters may vote absentee in-person at the Cass County Auditor’s Office, 5 W 7th Street Atlantic, IA, during regular business hours through November 7, 2022. The Cass County Auditor’s Office will also be open for General Election business Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pre-registered voters are required to provide an approved form of identification at the polling place before receiving and casting a regular ballot. Voters who are not pre-registered – such as voters registering to vote on Election Day – and voters changing precincts must also provide proof of residence. A voter who is unable to provide an approved form of identification (or prove residence if required) 1) may have the voter’s identity/residence attested to by another registered voter in the precinct, 2) prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration documents, or 3) cast a provisional ballot and provide proof of identity/residence at the Cass County Auditor’s Office by November 14, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Election Day Registrant attesters must provide an approved form of identification. For additional information about providing proof of identity and/or residence visit: https://sos.iowa.gov/voterid or phone 712-243-4570.
CASS COUNTY POLLING PLACES
Precinct/Polling Location

• Atlantic Ward 1: Zion Lutheran Church, 811 Oak St, Atlantic
• Atlantic Ward 2: Atlantic Public Library, 507 Poplar St, Atlantic
• Atlantic Ward 3: Cass County Community Center, 805 W 10th St, Atlantic
• Atlantic Ward 4: United Church of Christ, 1607 Hazel St, Atlantic
• Atlantic Ward 5: Heritage House, 1200 Brookridge Circle, Atlantic
• Bear Grove Twp/Cass Twp/ City of Lewis*: Lewis Community Center 400 W Main St, Lewis
• Benton Twp/Franklin Twp/Grant Twp/ Lincoln Twp/City of Anita/City of Wiota*: Anita Community Center 805 Main St, Anita
• Brighton Twp/Grove Twp/Pymosa Twp/Washington Twp/City of Marne: Cass County Community Center 805 W 10th St, Atlantic
• Noble Twp/Pleasant Twp/City of Griswold: Griswold Community Building 601 2nd St, Griswold
• Union Twp/City of Cumberland: Cumberland Community Building 200 W 2nd St, Cumberland
• Edna Twp/Victoria Twp/ Easterly Portion of Massena Twp: Massena Public Library 122 Main St, Massena
• Westerly Portion of Massena Twp/City of Massena*: CAM Middle School 207 E 6th St, Massena
  *Notice of polling location change: the precincts noted are listed with their new permanent polling location, voters in those precincts will vote at the listed polling location.

Absentee and special voter ballots will be counted at the Cass County Courthouse, 5 W 7th Street, Atlantic, Iowa 50022. Voting equipment will be used at the election. Public test of election equipment will be Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in the courthouse and continue until completion of the required test. Voters can find sample ballots on the Cass County Elections website: https://www.casscountyia.gov/county-government/elections/general-elections/. Any voter who is physically unable to enter a polling place has the right to vote in the voter’s vehicle.

For further information, please contact the County Auditor’s Office at the telephone number or e-mail address listed below:
Telephone: 712-243-4570; E-mail address: auditor@casscoia.us

Information regarding Iowa’s election security:

• Iowa uses paper ballots, which are the official record of the votes cast.
• Precinct election officials are members of the community – neighbors, friends, family – and are party balanced.
• Iowa conducts post-election audits. Randomly selected races are hand counted to verify the accuracy of tabulators.
• Election equipment is not connected to the internet and undergoes vigorous logic and accuracy testing prior to the election.
• Our voter registration database is protected by a firewall and other protective measures and is secured through an Access Control List and multi-factor authentication.
• All 99 county auditor networks have End Point Protection with 24/7 monitoring.

The public is hereby notified that the post-election audit for the 2022 General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 14, 2022 at 1:00pm in the Cass County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room. A listing of the candidates that will appear on the ballot are listed below. Please note that this is only one rotation and each precinct will have their corresponding ballot with their rotation posted as a sample ballot at the precinct.

(Radio Iowa) – A small toy manufacturing company in eastern Iowa plans to devote its entire shift on Friday to building and packaging several hundred race car kits that will be donated to local Toys for Tots campaigns. Amy Belding, spokeswoman for Blu Track, says the Anamosa factory makes flexible two-lane racetracks that allow kids to race two cars at once, side-by-side. “In each of these boxes that are going for Toys for Tots, there are two cars that have been donated, so two race cars, and 15 feet of track, and what we call an anchor bar, so that can help hold whatever design the kids are trying to make, and then a suction cup.”

The dual tracks are also being used in school science and physics labs for basic force and motion lessons and even complex roller coaster designs. The goal for Friday is to produce 500 kits for Toys for Tots, all of which will be destined to be placed under Christmas trees across eastern Iowa during December. “Two-hundred units will go to Jones County and then 300 units will go to Cedar Rapids,” Belding says, “and then their local contact person will decide based on previous needs where those might be distributed.”

Blu Track has seven employees and Belding says Friday’s special shift will also include volunteers from a local bank, a veterans’ group and the Anamosa Chamber of Commerce. “We’ll have staff and partners working side by side,” Belding says. “We’ll have people folding the boxes, we’ll have people putting cars in and sorting cars. We’ll have people putting in the other things that go in, and then we’ll have people pack those out and put them into case boxes for shipping.”

Blu Track was founded in Pella more than 20 years ago and ships the race track kits to individuals as toys — and to schools as learning tools — all across the U-S and as far away as Germany and Greece.