The Atlantic Area Chamber’s 15th Annual Scrooge Contest, sponsored by Hockenberry Family Care and Longaberger Consultant – Dolly Bergmann, gets underway during the month of November. Eleanor Hoover organized the contest back in 2002 just one year after the inaugural Lighted Parade.

Hoover said the Scrooge title is used because, “Contestants find the meaning of Christmas, by giving to others. That is the real honor of being named Scrooge. Therefore, I am hoping that together as a community we will assist the contestants to provide many neighbors and friends the same joy of having a meal to celebrate the holidays.”

Scrooge contestants raise money and collect non-perishable food items for the Atlantic Food Pantry. The 2015 candidates include: Tony Schimdtki, Fareway; Alli Bruckner, Cass County Health Systems; Rich & Nedra Perry, Geis Perry Jewelry; and Ted Robinson, First Whitney Bank. Hoover says “Candidates can choose any method they want in collecting their points. In the past, candidates have hosted soup suppers, and put pictures and boxes in local businesses to collect food donations.”

According to Hoover, contestants are responsible for collecting and submitting their points to the Chamber by December 2nd at Noon. The contestant with the most points will be named Scrooge, and all proceeds will benefit the Atlantic Food Pantry. Winner of the Scrooge Contest serves as the Grand Marshal in the Lighted Parade on Dec. 5th at 6 p.m. in Downtown Atlantic. Cash donations are worth one point on the dollar and two non-perishable items earn the contestants one point.

Past Scrooge titles have been awarded to: Mary Ann Moorman 2007, Dana Halder 2008, Tammy Wise & Janet Huey 2009, Ritchie Anderson 2010, Janet Cappel 2011, Melanie Petty 2012, David Miller 2013 and Mark McNees 2014.

The contest will run from November 1st to December 2nd. Donations to a contestant can be made by delivering food or funds to their drop off locations or the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information call the Chamber at 712-243-3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

(Updated 4:45-a.m.) – Kayla was found in the area of her home and was returned safely to her family, unharmed.

Police in Council Bluffs are asking for your help in finding a missing girl. 11-year old Kayla M. Skipton, of Council Bluffs, was last seen by her parents leaving for the Kirn Junior High School in Council Bluffs, Wednesday morning. Kayla was last seen by the public Wednesday, evening between 7- and 7:30, in the area of Benton Street and McGee, walking east up a hill. She’s described as being 5-feet tall, about 80 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Kayla Skipton

Kayla was wearing blue jeans and a black shiny jacket with pink on the inside. Anyone who has seen Kayla Skipton or knows of her whereabouts, is asked to call 712‐328‐5737 (the Pottawattamie County 911 Center) or 712‐328‐STOP (Crime Stoppers).

Authorities say since Kayla’s disappearance does not currently meet Amber Alert standards, no Amber Alert can be issued.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

FARRAGUT, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Department of Education has announced it will recommend dissolving the Farragut Community School District. The Daily Nonpareil reports primary concerns appear to be declining enrollment in the Fremont County district as well as another year of exceeding a state spending limit. The state has also told school officials to address shortcomings of accessibility to students.

CLARION, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say they’re investigating reports of hazing at a high school in northern Iowa. Clarion Police Chief Steve TerHark says at least six people have reported being victims of some type of incident at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School. Officers received an initial report alleging three football players assaulted a younger player. He says the players called it an initiation. The report led to other people contacting authorities. TerHark says the football players, two seniors and one junior were involved in the alleged incidents.

SHELLSBURG, Iowa (AP) — The death of a woman whose body was found near a stolen truck in eastern Iowa has been ruled a homicide. The body of Sabrina Hustad was found with multiple stab wounds Sunday near a stolen truck in Benton County.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is spending $100 million to help install nearly 5,000 additional ethanol fuel pumps in 21 states. The agency said Wednesday that matching grants bring the total public-private investment to $210 million to increase the availability of the corn-based fuel. The USDA says a typical gas pump delivers 10 percent ethanol, but the grants will help install pumps that offer higher blends of ethanol for more recently made vehicles.

FARRAGUT, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Department of Education has announced it will recommend dissolving the Farragut Community School District. The Daily Nonpareil reports primary concerns appear to be declining enrollment in the Fremont County district as well as another year of exceeding a state spending limit. The state has also told school officials to address shortcomings of accessibility to students.

Department spokeswoman Staci Hupp said in an email that the recommendation has not been made officially, but that she expects it to be on the State Board of Education’s meeting agenda on Nov. 18. The decision will ultimately be made by the board.

The Farragut school board announced Monday that it will hold a community meeting next Wednesday to give an overview of the situation and allow Farragut and Hamburg residents to ask questions.