Des Moines – The Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently announced that 26 Iowa communities have received low-interest water quality loans totaling more than $82.8 million through the State Revolving Fund. Among the communities to receive the loans, is Shenandoah, which received $833,000 for Sewer treatment improvements.

State Revolving Fund Construction Loans are a low-cost construction financing option available for Iowa cities and municipalities for water quality initiatives. Planning & Design Loans are zero percent loans that assist with the first-phase of project expenses.

The State Revolving Fund has awarded Iowa communities and municipalities with more than $2.8 billion in Construction Loans and more than $175 million through Planning & Design Loans since the program’s inception.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides annual capitalization grants to states. Leveraged bonds and loan repayments expand the reach of the federal investment. More than $3 in assistance has been leveraged for Iowa water quality projects for every $1 of federal funds. More information is available at IowaSRF.com.

Officials with the Atlantic Community School District are pleased to report Atlantic Hy-Vee Manager Jon Johnson recently presented a check in the amount of $5,262.50 to the District. Johnson explained how the fundraiser worked. He said they sold muffins, cookies, Angel Food cake, etc., in an effort to help the school out. He said the funds will be used for a variety of purposes associated with the School District. The money will be used for student activities and food services.

Washington Elem. Principal Stacy Hornung receives box tops from Hy-Vee’s Steph Dagel.

Assistant Hy-Vee Director Stephanie Dagel, also presented Washington Elementary with 10,000 box tops.  Atlantic was one of three stores to win a General Mills contest. The box tops can be cashed-in by the District to purchase whatever supplies the schools may need. Superintendent Steve Barber extends a big Thank You to the Atlantic Hy-Vee, for their donations!

(Left to right) — Atlantic School District Food Service Director DeeAnn Schreiner, Hy-Vee Mgr. Jon Johnson and AHS Asst. Principal/A.D. Matt Alexander.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies today (Wednesday), arrested a man from Henderson. 55-year old James Scott Malmquist was taken into custody at around 9:35-a.m. on a warrant for Violation of Probation. His cash bond at the Montgomery County Jail was set at $4,000.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies responding to a residence in Oakland, Monday night, arrested a man for Domestic Assault. Authorities say 59-year old Michael Todd Donaldson, of Oakland, was taken into custody at around 6:55-p.m. at the residence located in the 300 block of Hill Street, in Oakland. A neighbor called Police and reported a 51-year old woman came to her home and frantically asked her to call 911. The woman claimed she had just assaulted by a man she knows, at their residence. Deputies arrived a short time later. The alleged victim suffered apparent, minor injuries.

Sheriff’s officials said also, 27-year old Anthony James Featherstone, of Council Bluffs, who was being held in the Pott. County Jail on another charge, was served with an arrest warrant Monday afternoon. The warrant was for Violation of Probation. Featherstone was read the charge against him and returned to corrections officials.

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — La Crosse, Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip is planning to make a $300 million capital investment to support its convenience store chain. Plans by the retailer include a $113 million bakery plant, expanding its dairy manufacturing facility, kitchen operations and transportation fleet. The investment is expected to create more than 300 jobs in the La Crosse area over the next five years. Construction of the new bakery is expected to be completed by late fall of 2018.

Gov. Scott Walker’s office says the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has authorized up to $21 million in state income tax credits over the next five years for the expansion. Kwik Trip owns and operates more than 600 retail convenience stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. The company is building 56 new stores this year, including 36 in Wisconsin.

ADEL, Iowa (AP) — A Polk County prosecutor has been charged with child endangerment, accused of striking a child. Court records say 35-year-old Joseph Crisp pleaded not guilty Monday in Dallas County Court in Adel.  A criminal complaint says Crisp acknowledged striking the child Nov. 15. The complaint says Crisp used an open hand to strike the child across the back as punishment for defecating in a diaper. The records say Crisp lives in West Des Moines.

Polk County Attorney John Sarcone told The Des Moines Register that Crisp is “presumed innocent” and remains on his staff of prosecutors.

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency reports a bridge over Silver Creek is currently closed through the winter months. The bridge is located in the 1100 block of 1300th Street, west of 1113 1300th, between Westphalia Township Section 35, and Lincoln Township Section 2. The bridge is being removed and will be replaced with a low water crossing. Area residents and emergency responders should be prepared to find an alternate route to homes and/or businesses in the affected area.

Iowa’s largest manufacturing employer is reporting a successful year. For the quarter ending October 29th, the Moline, Illinois-based Deere & Company posted earnings of more than $510 million or $1.57 per share. That compares with $285 million or 90 cents per share a year ago. Deere’s net income of more than $2 billion for the quarter bettered $1.5 billion a year ago. Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 23 percent for the fourth quarter and 12 percent for the full year. Deere says improving markets for farm and construction equipment contributed to the higher quarterly and full year results. The company also says its performance shows continued benefits from advanced products and a flexible cost structure.

(Radio Iowa)

Iowa’s largest pork producer is launching a program in all 99 Iowa counties that aims to feed protein-packed sandwiches to needy children. Allyson Ladd is marketing specialist for Iowa Select Farms which is starting what it’s calling the Power Snack program. Ladd says, “How it works is, we work with local school officials, principals, lunch coordinators, and we give all children that are on the Free & Reduced Lunch Program coupons that can be used four times throughout the school year.”

The program is now going statewide after it had been tried as a pilot program in several Iowa communities and Ladd says the coupons were a success. “Those coupons are for $5 for a pound of shaved ham and a $3 coupon that will get them a loaf of whole wheat bread,” Ladd says, “so kids will be able to prepare their very own power snacks.” She says recent studies find one in eight children in Iowa are food insecure, meaning they’re not sure where their next meal may be coming from. “This year, more than 18,000 K-through-12 Iowa students are going to benefit from the Power Snack program,” Ladd says, “which will be about 72,000 coupons total. We’re bringing a lot of nutrition to Iowa children in need.”

Learn more at the Iowa Select Farms Facebook page or at www.iowaselect.com.

(Radio Iowa)

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce reports businesses in Atlantic will participate in the 7th Annual Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25th), to support small businesses. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said “We’re excited to partner with all the Atlantic Area businesses to create shopping incentives and activities to celebrate Small Business Saturday.” Earlier this month, Atlantic was recognized as a Neighborhood Champion. American Express recognizes communities that have strong participation. The on-going Shop Local Initiative and Passport Program, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, and overall community support has helped Atlantic achieve the national recognition.

Smith said “It’s a great opportunity for Atlantic to receive positive, national exposure. Atlantic has everything you need and this day is just an added reminder for the community how important their support and participation in shopping local is to keeping Atlantic a vibrant place to live.” Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. This Saturday, shop these participating businesses:

• Akin Building Center
• Howard’s Clothing
• Aunt B’s
• Renew Ag Supply
• Bonnesen’s
• Rex Pharmacy
• Brown’s Shoe Fit
• Robinsons True Value
• Brymons Interiors
• Something For You
• Cappel’s Ace Hardware
• Steffens Cycle Shop
• Complementary Care Health & Wellness
• The Picker’s Parlor
• Hanson’s Fine Jewelry
• The Uppercut & More Boutique

Bring your receipts from participating businesses to the Rock Island Depot between 11-a.m. to 4-p.m. Saturday, to be entered into a drawing for $250 in AtlantiCash. Receive double stamps on your Shop Local Passport at participating business, found at www.atlanticiowa.com.

The Holiday Ice Skating Rink, presented by Megan Roberts, State Farm will also be held this weekend. Community members will get to enjoy a skate on the Ice Skating Rink in front of the Historic Rock Island Depot with skates provided at a low cost. The Ice Skating Rink will be in town Saturday from 11-a.m. until 9-p.m., and on Sunday from 11-a.m. until 4-p.m. You can also enjoy free Carriage Rides Saturday from Noon until 3-p.m., with Granny’s Kettle Korn available for purchase. Admission Fees and other details can be found at www.christmasinatlantic.com.