The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, held a public hearing on a sale of real estate identified as five Warehouse lots. Following the hearing, during which there were no objections, the Council approved the agreement, during which Gary Richter would swap land with the City, with the ultimate goal of constructing a new building on land identified as “The old rock pile,” which the City has no economic interest in. Part of the agreement stipulates the City would accept an additional $5,000 for the land swap and the remained to be sold at fair market value. The Personnel and Finance Committee had reviewed and recommended the sale.

A public hearing was also held on the Proposed FY 2018 Five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), as required by the Code of Iowa. And, a Resolution adopting the CIP was approved. The Council also heard and approved upon the third reading, an Ordinance Amending the City’s Code of Ordinances, with regard to adopting of New Zoning Regulations which have simply been updated over the past five-years and were finally approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Council also held the second reading of an Ordinance Amending the City Code with regard to “Separation Distances,” for those properties locating along a section of E. 3^rd Street Place. Property owners in the affected area will not be allowed to use pesticides or other toxic chemicals on their land as part of an agreement with the EPA with regard to their PCE contamination mitigation processes. The intent is to protect AMU wells from toxic chemical intrusion during the mitigation process. The affected property owners were notified by mail and during a public hearing.

And, Animal Control Officer Kris Erickson made her annual report to the Council, during which she said they issued 242 animal tags last year. Already this year, 202 tags have been issued. She also spoke of the donations the shelter has received, both in terms of food and monetary contributions, everything from monthly dog and cat food from Wal-Mart, to a simple one-dollar donation from some kids who found the money on the street. Erickson thanked all those who have contributed in any way, and the “Heroes,” such as a couple who rescued a dog that was struck and dragged by a car that did not stop, and local veterinarians. The shelter took in over 100 animals last year, 40 were claimed by their owners thanks to microchips, tags and other means, 54 were adopted, 20 were surrendered, seven were rescued and only two had to be euthanized, which is the last resort. They’ve also made lighting upgrades over the past year and some office improvements.

WINTERSET, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a second teenager has been arrested in connection with a fire that destroyed an iconic covered bridge featured in the best-selling novel “The Bridges of Madison County.”

Madison County Sheriff Jason Barnes tells Des Moines television station KCCI that  18-year-old Joel Davis, of Norwalk has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson for the fire that destroyed the Cedar Bridge near Winterset. On Tuesday, officials announced charges against 17-year-old Alexander Hoff, of West Des Moines.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office believes the fire that burned the covered bridge was set early Saturday morning. The bridge was also featured in the 1995 movie adaptation of “The Bridges of Madison County,” starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. The novel was written by Robert James Waller, who died in March.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports 28-year old Aaron Wade Opdyke, of Emerson, was arrested early this (Wednesday) morning following a traffic stop. Opdyke was taken into custody on two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance, Driving Under Suspension, and Failure to Obey Stop Sign and Yield Right of Way. His bond was set at $3,300.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Steve King is toasting the deportation of a man whose attorneys say is the first known person who qualifies for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to be removed from the country by President Donald Trump.

Juan Manuel Montes has sued the federal government over his deportation to Mexico. The 23-year-old says he’s entitled to stay in the U.S. under DACA, which shields people who came to the country as young children.

King, of Iowa, posted a picture on Twitter of a filled U.S. Border Patrol mug Tuesday. The post read: “First non-valedictorian DREAMer deported. Border Patrol, this one’s for you.” King told Newsmax in 2013 that for every young immigrant that becomes a valedictorian, another 100 are smuggling drugs.

The Harlan Police Department, today (Wednesday) issued an arrest and incidents report. Officials said on Tuesday, 19-year old Justin Dickinson, of Harlan, was arrested after officers were called to the 2100 block of Lincoln Avenue for a disturbance. Dickinson was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with Violation of a No Contact Order, Domestic Abuse Assault, Burglary Third, False Imprisonment, and Obstruction of Emergency Communications.

On Monday, 33-year old Jeremy Theron Harriman, of Avoca, and 38-year old Paula Jean Burnison, of Harlan, were arrested following a call about a possible domestic situation in the 1100 block of Willow. Following the investigation, Harriman was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with Disorderly Conduct. Burnison was also transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Contraband.

Last Saturday, Harlan Police arrested 36-year old Bryan Christopher Heller, of Westphalia and 36-year old Jeremy Lynn Petersen, of Atlantic, following a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Pine Street. Heller was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Petersen was also transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was cited with Dark Windows, and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Prohibited Acts Penalties.

Last Friday, Harlan Police arrests 19-year old Bailey Simone Schechinger, of Portsmouth and 20-year old Brittany Rose Chapman, of Harlan, following a report of a possible underage drinking party in the 1200 block of Durant Street. Schechinger was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Chapman was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

And, on April 12th, 41-year old Aaron James Nelson, of Harlan, was arrested after officers were called to a report of a possible physical domestic.  Nelson was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault.