Authorities in Montgomery County report two arrests early this (Tuesday) morning. Officials say 30-year-old Stephen Ray Adams was arrested at around Midnight, for obstruction of emergency communications. Adams was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $300 bond.

And, officers with the Red Oak Police department arrested 48-year-old Michelle Marie Adams on a domestic abuse assault charge. Adams was brought to the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center and held on $300 bond.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety reminds Iowans home fires spike in the winter months of December through February. The noticeable increase in home heating fires and fatal fires follows the cold temperatures. Many home heating fires could be avoided with an ounce of prevention.  State Fire Marshal investigators report placing heaters too close to combustible objects like furniture and blankets as well as leaving heaters unattended are the primary reasons for portable heater fires.

YOU CAN PREVENT MOST HEATING FIRES WITH A FEW HEATING SAFETY TIPS.

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Remember always turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel and be sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarms installed in your home.
• Portable heaters provide localized heat to an area and should not be used as the only source of permanent home heat.
• If you smell gas, immediately leave your home and call 911.
• Be sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.  Always use metal containers for ashes and keep them far from your home.

If you have questions about portable heaters contact the State Fire Marshal Division at 515-725-6145 or email at fminfo@dps.state.ia.us

The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education Monday night adopted on the second reading an amendment a Board Policy pertaining to the Licensed Employee Early Retirement Incentive. Superintendent Mike Amstein said the policy should help the district attract as many candidates as possible, for any positions that become available. 

He said it’s difficult to find quality teachers during the Spring, early Summer, and over the Summer. Amstein recommended the Board adopt the amended policy because providing an incentive to those who are considering retirement or resignation, would allow the district to make those positions known to prospective candidates earlier.

The amendment stipulates that any licensed employee who announces their intentions to resign in January will receive a $500 stipend, $300 if submitted in February, and $100 if turned in by the end of March. Those who turn in their notices after March, would not be eligible for an incentive. Amstein said he expects there will be a number of retirements for the upcoming school year, and the incentives should help to sway those who may be on the fence in making their decision.  

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved the hiring of Amy Robinson for a para-position at Washington Elementary, the sale of obsolete equipment to the public and a leave of absence for Hillary Hepler, who wants to get her education degree.