Sixteen employees of the 1st Whitney Bank and Trust in Atlantic braved the cold air and rode on a flatbed trailer to Robinson True Value Hardware in downtown Atlantic, Monday afternoon. Their mission, to spend at least $20 given to them by their boss, in an effort to promote shopping in Atlantic.

Employees of the 1st Whitney Bank and Trust arrives on a flatbed trailer in front of Robinson True Value Hardware, as part of the 1st “Cash Mob” in Atlantic.

Paul Gude, President of the Bank, said the “Cash Mob” is a twist on the impromptu “Flash Mob.” The idea is to give his employees the cash to spend at one location anyway they see fit. It’s something that’s been in the works for some time now, and is the first of many such events planned through the end of the year.

He said they planned on stopping at several several businesses over the year, and found out the Chamber was interested in conducting a similar program, so bank teamed up with the Chamber to make the first Cash Mob event a success. Gude said his bank will hold a couple of more such events, and one at Christmas, as well.

The idea is also a spin-off of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’ “Plus 5” campaign, which encourages residents to shift 5-percent of spending on outside purchases, back to Atlantic. Chamber Director Megan Roberts said 1st Whitney Bank and Trust is a great example of local businesses striving to help each other by encouraging their employees to spend locally. She challenged other business to jump on board the band wagon. She says it visually gives the people of Atlantic a chance to see that “Shop local” is more than just a catch phrase.

Megan said Gude read an article about another bank that did something similar, and other area Chambers of Commerce have commented about how successful the “Cash Mob” has been, so it was a natural fit for Atlantic.

1st Whitney employees check out all the store has to offer before making their purchases.

She said a little bit of spending by employees at each business, along with residents of the community, can make a big difference in keeping Atlantic a vibrant place to live and work.
Jack Jensen, owner of Robinson True Value Hardware, said having 1st Whitney Bank and Trust spearhead the effort, is “Priceless.”

Jensen said the bank is a landmark and has been in Atlantic for decades. He said the store “Couldn’t do without them.” Jensen said the bank’s employees were spending more than the $20 allotted them, but the exact dollar amount is not currently available. Employees could be seen lining up at the cash register with kitchen appliances, household utensils and Spring cleanup tools and supplies.

The cash register at Robinson’s was busy ringing up the sales Monday afternoon.

And, while there were 16 employees from the bank in the store Monday afternoon, a total of 21 employees of the bank were given the cash to spend, and some had already visited the store, while others were planning on stopping in later in the week.

A public hearing will be held Thursday evening in Walnut over a proposed Loan Agreement in a principal amount not to exceed $1.06-million, for the purpose of paying the cost of refunding the outstanding balance of the City’s General Obligation Water Improvement Bond, series 2007, and Water Revenue Bond, Series 2007. The hearing takes place as part of the Walnut City Council meeting, which begins at 5-p.m., and will be followed by the possible adoption of the loan agreement.

The Walnut City Council will also discuss a possible Streetscape Enhancement project, and a request for Christmas Walk funds and Tourism funds. The Council will also act on a recommendation for Justen Tooley to serve a two-year term as Fire Chief, and discuss a budget amendment for the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget.

The Harlan Police Department reports one-person was injured in a two vehicle accident in Harlan last Thursday. Officials say a 2005 Ford driven by Cassie Voge, of Portsmouth, was traveling westbound on Highway 44 and stopped at the intersection with Highway 59 in Harlan. A 2004 Chevy driven by Shane Vandervort, of Council Bluffs, was traveling northbound on Highway 59 and also came to the same intersection.

Voge continued westbound into the intersection at the same time Vandervort proceeded to travel north. Officials say the front end of Vandervort’s vehicle hit the rear driver’s side door of Voge’s vehicle,  in the middle of the intersection. Voge was transported by Medivac Ambulance to Myrtue Medical Center. Vandervort was cited for failure to yield the right of way and driving under suspension. The accident caused $6,500 damage to the vehicles.

The Harlan Police Department says an investigation into an accident that occurred March 22nd resulted in a citation. In their report released today (Monday), officials said 29-year old Gabriel Brown, of Harlan, was arrested on charges of Striking Fixtures on a Highway, and Having No Insurance, after officers were called to a residence in the 800 block of Market Street, where a mailbox had been hit and destroyed. Brown was cited for the offenses and then released.

The following day (March 23rd), 26-year old Kevin Gaudette, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. Gaudette was charged with OWI/1st offense, and cited for having an insufficient number of headlamps. The man was brought to the Shelby County Jail and later released on $1,000 bond. His preliminary hearing was set for April 11th.