Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald has directed all Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare and benefits facilities to hold town-hall events to improve communication with, and hear directly from, veterans nationwide.  McDonald said “Caring for veterans is a calling, and our first commitment is to provide veterans and their families the timely, quality care and benefits they have earned and deserve through their service to our nation.

He went on to say “As we seek continual improvement and to rebuild trust among veterans, it is critical that we continue to listen and learn directly from those who use our system.” The meetings are designed to allow feedback from Veterans, family members and other beneficiaries. Each facility will also welcome input from Congressional stakeholders, Veteran Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other community partners.

One of the meetings will take place in Des Moines from 6-to 8-pm Dec. 15th, at the VA Medical Center, Canteen (3600 30th Street). The event will be hosted by Des Moines VA Medical Center Director and the Des Moines VA Regional Office Director.  If you would like more information, contact the hospital’s public affairs office at 515-699-5588.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Monday, reported the arrest on Saturday of 50-year old Roger Lee Wimer, of Council Bluffs. Wimer was taken into custody at around 5:30-p.m at Highway 34 and Ingrum Avenue,  on a charge of OWI/1st offense, His bond was set at $1,000.

Sheriff’s officials said also, there were two accidents over the holiday weekend. At around 6-a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, a 2011 Malibu driven by Kaviona Freerman of Omaha,was traveling south on 221st Street and around a corner towards Deacon Road, when she lost control of the car after she was blinded by the bright lights of an oncoming vehicle.  When Freerman’s car went onto the right shoulder of the road, she over corrected. The vehicle crossed the center line went into the east ditch and collided with the embankment. Freerman was transported to Jennie Edmundson Hospital, by Glenwood Rescue.

And at around 8:35-a.m. Friday, a woman lost control of her 2005 Chevy, after it hit a patch of ice on a Highway 34 bridge, just east of 295th Street, in Mills County. The car, driven by Andrea Weston of Red Oak, was traveling westbound on State Hwy 34 east of 295th Street when  it started sliding. A witness stated that after hitting the frost, Weston over corrected, sending the vehicle across the center line before it made contact with guard rail on the south side of the bridge.Weston was also transported by Glenwood Rescue to Jennie Ed. for treatment.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) – A new report shows sales of wholesale liquor in Iowa increased by $7.7 million in the last fiscal year. The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division’s annual report also shows alcohol revenue topped $300 million in the state. That includes totals from beer tax revenue, license fees and wine taxes.

The report’s numbers on wholesale liquor shows flavored liquor and craft beer helped drive sales. Still, well-known brands also sold very well. The total alcohol revenue was a 3 percent jump from the previous fiscal year, which was substantially less than the 9.5 percent increase seen in the fiscal year that ended in 2012. Division Administrator Stephen Larson says he expects modest percentage increases in revenue in the future.

Officials with Deter Motor Company, in Atlantic, and The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, have announced the deadline to nominate individuals for 14th annual ATHENA Award in Atlantic, has been extended until Dec. 5th. The award will be presented on Saturday, Jan. 17th, 2015 at the Cass County Community Center.

It is given to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business profession, has served the community in a meaningful way and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.

Those interested in nominating an individual can pick up a nomination packet at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Chestnut Street, or by visiting www.AtlanticIowa.com. Nominations are due by December 5th, 2014

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports an Exira man was arrested Friday night. Officials say 26-year old Brock Daniel Knapp was taken into custody at around 6-p.m. for allegedly Violating a Protective Order. Knapp has since posted bond, and was released. He’s scheduled to appear before the magistrate on Thursday.

The Office of Governor Terry E. Branstad today (Monday) announced that United States Senator-elect Joni Ernst has submitted her formal resignation from the Iowa State Senate. Ernst, who was elected to the United States Senate on November 4th, 2014, delivered the letter of resignation on Friday, November 28th, 2014. Her resignation was effective immediately on Friday, November 28, 2014.

The Governor has ordered a special election for Iowa State Senate District 12 to be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. Senate District 12 includes Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Ringgold and Taylor counties. (To view a PDF of the district, click here: senate district 12) 

Iowa Code 69.14 outlines the authority given to the governor to set a special election. For more information on the Special Election, go to: http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/ss12special.html

No injuries were reported after a vehicle went off the road and struck a sign in Glenwood, Sunday morning. The Glenwood P-D says 27-year old Zane Fourney, of Treynor, was driving a 2003 Chevy Malibu southbound on RedBud Avenue, just north of Marian Street, when he spilled coffee onto his lap.

When Fourney took his eyes off the road, his car crossed the center line and hit the median before hitting a City of Glenwood Street sign. The collision caused significant damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle, which was driven to the 100 block of Linn Street before it stopped running. Damage from the mishap amounted to $2,100. No citations were issued.

The Glenwood P-D reports also, the arrest on Thanksgiving Day of 32-year old Matthew West, of Glenwood, for allegedly violating a Protection Order. His bond was set at $300. And, on Friday, 19-year old David Barrett, of Glenwood, was warrested for Domestic Abuse Assault and Possession of a Controlled Substance. His bond was set at $1,000.