The City Council in Walnut will hold its first meeting of the year, Thursday evening. During the 5-p.m. session, the Council will discuss a possible Streetscape enhancement project, and the possible purchase of a Fire Department “Quick Attack” unit.

In other, Walnut Fire Department-related business, the Council will consider the possible adoption of a resolution extending for two-additional years, the agreement for Fire Protection Services between the City of Walnut, Layton Township, Lincoln Township, and Monroe Township. They’ll also review the Fire And Ambulance budgets.

Speaking of budgets, the Walnut City Council, Thursday, will hold its budget discussion, which includes a review of the library budget. They’ll also receive and possibly act on a recommendation for the replacement of a Zoning Commissioner, Committee Appointments, and other administrative matters.

In addition, the Council will discuss and possibly hold the first reading of an ordinance amending the City’s Code of Ordinances, by adding a section regarding the prohibiting of Compression, or “Jake” Brakes. That may be followed by the possible waving of the second- and third-readings of the ordinance.  The Walnut City Council meeting gets underway at 5-p.m. Thursday, in their chambers at City Hall.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors met Wednesday morning in Atlantic, and took care of administrative matters heading into the new year. According to Auditor Dale Sunderman, the Board elected Mark Wedemeyer as Chairman for 2013, while Frank Waters was elected Vice-Chair for the current year. Oaths of Office were administered to Sunderman, Sheriff Darby McLaren, and the Supervisors, all of whom were re-elected to serve during the November 2012 General Election.

Karen Oathoudt and Sheri Karns were once again appointed Deputy Auditors. Sheriff’s Deputies, including Bill Ayers, Ben Bartholomew, Ryan Johnson, Corey Larsen, Josh McLaren and Kyle Quist were all approved for re-appointment to their posts, as well Chief Deputy Sheriff John Westering, and Sheriff’s assistants, Billie Taylor McLaren and Joni Knudsen. Stephanie Witzman was re-appointed as Civil Process Server.

In other business, County Recorder’s Administrative Assistant Mary Ward’s employment status was changed from part-time to full-time, retroactive to January 1st, 2013, and wage adjustments were granted by the Supervisors, for Mental Health/General Assistance Assistant Director Debbie Schuler, and Vickie Adams, VA/MH/GA Assistant.  The Board also elected to continue to hold their regular sessions on Wednesday, at 9-a.m., unless otherwise specified in the previous minutes of their meetings.

Many other committee and commission appointments were made during Wednesday’s meeting, including those for township trustees and clerks. And, the  Board voted to authorize county officials to destroy records in their possession, which have been on-file for 10-or more years, and are not required to be kept as permanent records, under the Code of Iowa. The Cass County Board of Supervisors’ next meeting is at 9-a.m. Wednesday, January 9th. During the session, they will hold the first of two public hearings, on an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for change in the zoning district or districts permitted Principal uses.

Sheriff’s Officials in Mills County say three people were arrested for Operating a motor vehicle While Intoxicated, New Year’s Day, and one person was arrested for possessing drugs. Facing a charge of OWI/1st offense, is 19-year old Bradley Thomas Groepper and 33-year old Oscar Fernando Lopez, both of Council Bluffs, and 21-year old Clarise Mae Bristow, of Glenwood. All three were arrested following separate traffic  stops between midnight and 6-a.m., Tuesday. Bond for all three was set at $1,000 each.

Also arrested Tuesday morning in Mills County, was 18-year old Trevor Michael Brock, of Manilla. Brock was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following a traffic stop on Interstate 29. His bond was set at $300. 40-year old Jason Shawn Allan, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Tuesday morning for Failure to Appear on a Driving While License Revoked charge. His bond was set at $5,000. 41-year old Jesse Eugene Sump, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Tuesday night, for Driving While Barred. Bond was set at $2,000. Officials said also, Tanner Douglas Kinkade, of Manning, was cited Tuesday for Possessing Drug Paraphernalia.

And, Monday morning, 30-year old Jesse Ray Salmons-Rice, of Malvern, was arrested in Mills County for Failure to Appear/Contempt of Court. His cash bond was set at $1,000. Also arrested Monday, was 20-year old Jessica Kay Scott, of Malvern, for Possession of an Unlawful Prescription. Her bond was also set at $1,000.