Officials have been working on an agreement to take over a bridge that links northeast Nebraska and northwest Iowa. The bridge carries Nebraska Highway 51 traffic east and Iowa Highway 175 west over the Missouri River.

Bridge manager Clark Beck told the Sioux City Journal that rising maintenance bills and costly repairs have taken a toll on the bridge commission’s bottom line. He says bridge tolls probably wouldn’t keep up with the future costs.  Nebraska and Iowa officials say the agreement is still being finished and that no date has been set for the ownership transfer.

Two people were arrested over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, in Atlantic, and one accident was reported. The Atlantic Police Department says 28-year old Amy Jo Kern, of Atlantic, was arrested Saturday, on a charge of OWI/2nd offense. And, on Sunday, 50-year old Tamera Hall, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Cass County warrant charging her with Theft in the 5th Degree. Both women were booked into the Cass County Jail.

And, no injuries were reported following an accident Saturday evening at 8th and Oak Streets, in Atlantic. The A-PD says a vehicle driven by Nicholas Renner, of Atlantic, was traveling west in the 500 block of East 8th at around 7:45-p.m., when his vehicle hit a legally parked car registered to Joseph Wagoner, of Atlantic. Damage from the accident amounted to $4,700. Renner was cited for Striking an Unattended Vehicle.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce invites area residents to enjoy the lighted parade on Saturday, December 1st, through downtown Atlantic. The parade is an annual tradition and competition. For many years the parade theme has been “Just Believe.” The judges’ favorite float is awarded a two-foot traveling trophy and year-long bragging rights. The top three floats receive AtlantiCash prizes. Past parade winners include Heritage House, Red Oak Fire Department, Optimist Club of Atlantic, and Richter & Son Towing.

Entry forms can be submitted just prior to the parade to officials at the corner of 6^th & Chestnut. Line-up will be on Walnut Street by 5:45 p.m. The parade starts with a bang at 6 p.m. as fireworks are set off above the Rock Island Depot. Led by the Scrooge Contest winner, the parade will proceed up Chestnut Street starting at 6^th Street.

Other activities planned

Many family-oriented activities will take place before and during the parade starting off in the morning with a 5K Jingle Jog by the YMCA at 8 a.m.

The BPO DOES Cookie and Candy Walk will be from 9 a.m. to noon. at the Elks Lodge (6^th and Poplar streets) through the bottom northwest door.

The Festival of Trees will be open for viewing at the Catholic Parish Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Santa will be in the Atlantic Rotary Club’s cabin in City Park under the newly-lit trees from 3 to 5 p.m.

Free horse-drawn wagon rides will trot through town from 3 to 5 p.m. starting at the north end of City Park. The rides are sponsored by First Whitney Bank, Wells Fargo, Atlantic Animal Health Center, and Audiological Services of Iowa.

A mainstay of hometown holiday celebrations, living windows will be featured throughout the downtown area from 5 to 6 p.m.

The Lullabye Foundation’s Bedtime Stories with Santa’s Helpers will also be from 5 to 6 p.m. at 405 Chestnut Street.

From soup to cider, spectators will find refreshments offered along Chestnut Street before the parade by several community organizations.

All of Atlantic’s holiday activities can be found on ChristmasinAtlantic.com. Events can be submitted to the calendar by e-mailing chamber@atlanticiowa.com.