Atlantic School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein reports there will be no classes in Atlantic on Monday due to the extreme wind chill conditions. The district had planned to start 2-hours late as of last Friday, but administrators changed their minds once it became clear how dangerous and life-threatening the bitterly cold conditions are expected to be Sunday night through Tuesday morning. Man y other area school districts have also cancelled classes on Monday. For a full list of cancellations, see the “Cancellations” tab under the Community Hub on the front page at www.kjan.com.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Pet owners are being encouraged to bring their animals inside during the bitter cold snap. Temperatures are predicted to fall to at least 15 degrees below zero Sunday night and Monday morning in Nebraska and Iowa. Then strong winds will make it feel 30-to-60 degrees below zero. The Nebraska Humane Society says it’s best to bring pets inside during periods of extreme cold like this.

But if pets must remain outside, it’s important to make sure they have a solid structure to protect them with hay or straw inside for insulation. Dogs also need constant access to water, so pet owners should use heated bowls during freezing weather.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowans are preparing to deal with bitter cold temperatures over the next few days, and some schools have cancelled classes as a precaution. The National Weather Service says temperatures will fall as low as 15-to-25 degrees below zero Sunday night and Monday. And strong northwest winds will create wind chills of 35-to-60 degrees below zero across the state. The coldest temperatures are expected in northern Iowa, but all of the state will experience the artic blast.

Many school districts around the state have cancelled classes for Monday because of the frigid forecast, including Atlantic. School officials don’t want children to be standing outside waiting for buses during the dangerous cold. For a list of the cancellations and late starts, go to the Community Hub on the front page of www.kjan.com and click on the Cancellations category.

The Audubon Chamber of Commerce held its annual Community Banquet and awards program Saturday evening at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center. During the event, President Trish Nielsen gave a review of the past year’s activities and accomplishments, including the hosting and continued support f various events. Nielsen then turned the gavel over to 2014 President elect Dave Witt.  New CHamber Board of Director members this year include Vicky Robinson, Ashley VanAernam, Ann Wood-Randeris and Shane Lange.

The Audubon Chamber then presented its Citizen of the Year award to Roger Malmberg. Malmberg is a native of southwest Iowa who enlisted in the National Guard after high school and served two periods of enlistment. He graduated from college and moved to Audubon in 1964 while continuing to study for his Master’s Degree. He and his wife raised four girls in Audubon. During his years in the community, Malmberg has been active in the Knights of Columbus and teaches Christian education classes. He’s also served on the Conservation Board.

Junior Citizen of the Year awards went to Madelyn Christensen and Megan Deist, both of whom have been actively involved in high school sports, youth groups and community and other school-related activities.

And, the Community Service Award was presented to the Audubon County Memorial Hospital for their dedicated commitment and outstanding care provided to the community, and in recognition of the The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellance Award, along with 100 Great Community  Hospitals list and Top 20 Critical Access Hospital accolades.

Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report the arrest early Sunday morning of 40-year old Dereck Wayne Freshour, of Villisca. Freshour was taken into custody at around 4:38-a.m. on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault. He was brought to the Montgomery County Jail and held without bond.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The federal health care law is now in effect, but many Iowa residents are still trying to figure out their new insurance plans or are continuing to seek health coverage. Jan. 1 marked the first day for many provisions of the new law, including insurance coverage for those who signed up for private plans on the federal enrollment website. Iowa’s modified Medicaid expansion — which uses federal dollars to offer coverage to some low-income Iowans — also started that day.

Experts at insurance companies, health clinics and enrollment centers say they’ve been busy fielding questions from people who either have coverage or need it. And some Iowa residents who thought they might be getting Medicaid coverage remain in limbo due to processing delays by the federal government.