Students in Mrs. Leiferman’s Middle School Language Arts class performed in a mock trial recently. The “Trial” was held in the Cass Courthouse as part of the students’ unit on “The Outsiders,” by S.E. Clinton. The trial, which was presided over by Judge and Attorney at Law J.C. VanGinkel, was based on actions which occurred in the book by Clinton, with the “witnesses”  based on characters from the book.

Atlantic Middle School students report to the School Board Mon. night on their Mock Trial experience.

Some of the students took on the role of police and crime scene investigators, while others served as part of the defense and prosecution. Additional students were selected as part of the “jury,” based on an application letter they had submitted.

In preparing for the trial, students were required to research the Iowa Code, and in conjunction with VanGinkel, worked with the prosecution and defense teams. The students say the mock trial was a great experience, a chance to see the legal system at work, and gave them an opportunity to problem solve, as well as think on their feet and utilize their speaking skills. Students on the jury discussed the case and used their listening and reasoning skills.

The 2014 election season officially begins January 21st, as voters head to their party’s caucuses. Cass County Democratic Chair Sherry Toelle  says County Democrats will hold their caucus beginning at 7-p.m on Jan. 21^st. The caucus is an opportunity for local democrats to gather, discuss and adopt proposed resolutions to the county platform. They’ll also elect delegates and alternates to the County Convention, and elect Precinct Committee Persons to the County Central Committee.

Toelle says “This year, the Cass County Democratic Party will hold all caucuses for all Cass County precincts and wards in one location–at the Second Floor Court Room at the Cass County Court House in Atlantic.”

Participants must be in line or signed in by 7-p.m. Eligible voters who have not yet registered to vote or wish to change their voter affiliation can do so at the caucus. Teens who will be 18 years of age by November 4th, 2014, are also eligible to participate but must first register to vote. Teens from age 13 to 18 years of age can participate by signing up to be a youth delegate.

Police in Red Oak say no injuries were reported following a two-vehicle accident Monday afternoon, at the intersection of west Walnut and north Broadway Streets. Officials say vehicles driven by 17-year old Morgan Marie Wolford and 16-year old Chase Alan Rea, both of Red Oak, collided at around 2:45-p.m., when Rea failed to yield after stopping at the intersection and proceeding west on west Walnut. The 1990 Chevy pickup he was driving was hit by a 2011 Toyota RAV4 driven by Walford, as she was traveling south on north Broadway.

Damage from the crash amounted to $5,000. Rea was cited for Failure to Yield the right of way.

Authorities in Montgomery County report the arrest early this (Tuesday) morning, of a Clarinda woman. 27-year old Megan Diana Reynolds was taken into custody at around 1:30-a.m. on a valid warrant for Driving While Suspended. She was brought to the Montgomery County Jail and later released on $300 bond.