(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon reports there will be a countywide burn ban in Cass County effective at noon today (Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024) and until further notice. There are currently 27 active countywide burn bans in Iowa.

Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Guthrie, Adair, Mills, Monona, Crawford, Carroll and Greene are other area counties with active burn bans in place.

Kennon says a burn ban does NOT prohibit the following:  supervised, controlled burn for which a permit has been issued by the fire chief of the fire district where the burn will take place, the use of outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, properly supervised landfills, or the burning of trash in incinerators or trash burners made of metal, concrete, masonry, or heavy one-inch wire mesh, with no openings greater than one square inch.

Please contact Mike Kennon (712-254-1500) or your local fire chief if you have further questions on the subject of open burning.

Iowa Code Section 100.40 Marshal may prohibit open burning on request.
1. The State Fire Marshal, during periods of extremely dry conditions or under other conditions when the state fire marshal finds open burning constitutes a danger to life or property, may prohibit open burning in an area of the state at the request of the chief of a local fire department, a city council or a board of supervisors and when an investigation supports the need for the prohibition. The State Fire Marshal shall implement the prohibition by issuing a proclamation to persons in the affected area. The chief of a local fire department, the city council or the board of supervisors that requested the prohibition may rescind the proclamation after notifying the state fire marshal of the intent to do so, when the chief, city council or board of supervisors finds that the conditions responsible for the issuance of the proclamation no longer exist.
2. Violation of a prohibition issued under this section is a simple misdemeanor.
3. A proclamation issued by the state fire marshal pursuant to this section shall not prohibit a supervised, controlled burn for which a permit has been issued by the fire chief of the fire district where the burn will take place, the use of outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, properly supervised landfills, or the burning of trash in incinerators or trash burners made of metal, concrete, masonry, or heavy one-inch wire mesh, with no openings greater than one square inch.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with Cass County ISU Extension say the anticipation is building for this year’s National 4-H Week, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni across the country will celebrate everything 4-H. Cass County 4-H will observe National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers and highlighting the remarkable 4-H young people in our community who work to positively impact those around them. October 13th the community is welcome to join the Cass County 4-H Clubs with carnival games and learn more about 4-H at Fall Fest on the Fairgrounds from 2:00-4:00pm.

The 2024 National 4-H Week theme is Beyond Ready, which celebrates the program’s dedication to building a generation equipped for the future while being met where they are today. This year, 4-H is focused on helping youth be ready to lead, ready to serve, ready to build, and ready to conquer.

4-H believes that young people, in partnership with adults, can play a key role in creating a more promising and equitable future for youth, families, and communities across the country. Through hands-on learning experiences in areas such as agriculture, communication and the arts, leadership and civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM, 4-H members are equipped with the skills they need to be Beyond Ready and make a difference in the world.

Katie Bateman, County Youth Coordinator with Cass County Extension, says “We equip youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. Through 4-H, we offer opportunities and experiences that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future.”

In Cass County, more than 300 4-H youth and 50 volunteers from the community are involved in 4-H. For over 100 years, 4‑H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, please contact the Cass County Extension office or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.