DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa governor and the organization that sets workers’ compensation rates are disputing whether a new law influenced a recent rate reduction in premiums for employers. The Des Moines Register reports the National Council on Compensation Insurance announced an 8.7 average premium reduction for Iowa employers that’ll begin January 2018. In a statement last month, Gov. Kim Reynolds said the decrease is a “direct result” of reforms that took effect in July.

The Legislative Services Agency says the legislation cuts benefits for injured workers, makes it more difficult for injured workers to claim lump sum payments and limits attorney legal fees. Council officials say the legislation played no part in the lower rates. They say the reduction was based on data from premium years 2014-15 and a decrease in claims.

Officials with the City of Atlantic say the next “Atlantic 150” Committee meeting, which was scheduled to take place Tuesday, September 19th at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, has been rescheduled to Oct. 11th at the same time and place. All interested persons are invited to attend.

During their meeting last month, the Atlantic 150 Committee, which is planning activities for the City’s Sesquicentennial Celebration that will take place in 2018, it was determined the events will kick off on December 2, 2017 at the city’s Lighted Christmas Parade with the Mayor proclaiming 2018 as the City’s Sesquicentennial Year.

Organizers say rather than one large celebration, the city will be celebrating each month in 2018. Each month has been assigned a theme in order to assist individuals/groups/organizations/businesses in creating ideas for activities they may want to sponsor throughout the year. The Calendar of Events will also be made available on the atlanticiowa.com website, as well as found on the Sesquicentennial Facebook Page – Atlantic Sesquicentennial.

Sheriff’s officials in Audubon County report two people were injured in a head-on collision Saturday afternoon, about three-miles west of Audubon. Authorities say a 2009 Chevy Malibu driven by 17-year old Andrea Leigh-Marie Stevens, of Audubon, was traveling east on 200th Street at around 3:30-p.m., at the same time 23-year old Tray D. Anderson, of Audubon, was traveling west in a 2008 Pontiac. The vehicles collided at the crest of a hill and came to rest on the road.

Stevens, along with a passenger in Anderson’s vehicle, 22-year old Ashley Anderson, of Audubon, were transported by Audubon Rescue to the Audubon County Memorial Hospital. Damage from the collision amounted to $9,000. Anderson was cited for Failure to Yield half of the roadway.

The Pottawattamie County (IA) and Sarpy County (NE) Sheriff’s Offices today (Monday) asked on their social media page, for help in finding 21-year old Jennifer K. Palmisano, who has been reported to be in the Pottawattamie County area. More specifically, the Council Bluffs area.

Palmisano has Sarpy County warrants for felony theft by receiving, operating a vehicle to avoid felony arrest, and possession of a controlled substance. She’s described as being 5-feet 6-inches tall, 130 pounds, with brown hair, and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about Palmisano’s whereabouts, please call Sarpy County Crime Stoppers at 402-592-7867. All reports are kept anonymous.

Palmisano 1

Palmisano 2

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a woman was arrested early Saturday morning for OWI/2nd offense, following a traffic stop. 46-year old Kathleen Rene McMartin, of Carson, was pulled over on Highway 59 just before midnight, Friday, after he vehicle was seen crossing the centerline, twice. She was arrested at around 12:20-a.m., following a brief investigation.

A Nebraska man was arrested Sunday afternoon for Eluding, Assault on a Peace Officer, and reckless driving. 58-year old Keith Douglas Pumala, of Omaha, was driving a Ford Ranger pickup, and refused to yield to the Sheriff’s Deputy. The assault charge is with regard to an incident involving a Deputy Sheriff.

A woman from Honey Creek was arrested at around 8:20-a.m. Sunday for allegedly Contributing Alcohol toward the delinquency of a minor. 36-year old Michelle Renae Pylund was arrested after allegedly providing booze at a residence in Pott. County, to several female minors, two of whom were transported to Jennie Edmundson Hospital for treatment.

And, 33-year old David Michael Graham, of Silver City, was arrested late Sunday morning, for Preventing Apprehension via False Pretenses/swindle/con game. His arrest followed a traffic stop at 240th and Highway 92 in Pottawattamie County.