The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education Thursday night approved by a vote of 4-to 1, moving ahead with plans for a $19.8-million dollar Capital Improvements project that would include new construction and additional renovations to current district facilities. Board member Dennis Davis provided the lone no vote. The action came after discussion which lasted for about 55-minutes. The matter is expected to come before the voters in the form of a bond referendum on April 1^st, 2014.

Concept 2

The Board had two concepts to choose from before making their final decision. The first would have cost a little more than $8-million. They chose the second, more costly option, based upon a recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein, who said the proposal was based on input from faculty, staff, the administrators, school board discussions, and input from the community. 

He proposed four new classrooms on the northeast side of the Washington Elementary School, which will provide space for the two Pre-school classes currently in place at the Old Lincoln School building, as well as space for the Special Education classroom. The second part of the concept is the addition of a new Middle School building (for grades 7 and 8) next to the High School. Amstein thinks that will provide enough instructional space for both grades, and a greater opportunity for students to take exploratory classes and achieve high school credit in the 8^th grade, prior to attending high school.

The proposal also calls for the construction of eight new classrooms on the west side wings of the High School. Special Education classes would be housed in most of those classrooms, but some would serve as additional math and science space, and possibly a Career Tech Education classroom, as well as an expansion of the current art room. The concept also calls for the expansion and renovation of the Industrial Technology and Agricultural Education Lab. Plans also call for replacement of 18-year old heat pumps at the high school. Amstein says they typically have a service life of 15- to 18-years.

He says the plan would also require reconfiguration of the Schuler and Middle School buildings, but no new construction other than a possible renovation of the Level 3 Severe and Profound classroom at Schuler or the current Middle School. Amstein also recommended the Old Lincoln building house the Cass County Educational Opportunity Center (CCEOC), which was previously housed at that facility.

The earliest construction could begin if the project is approved by the voters on April 1^st, is in the Summer of 2015.

The Cass County Memorial Hospital Foundation recently kicked off its annual fundraising campaign.  Since 1968, the Cass County Memorial Hospital Foundation has supported the hospital by raising funds to provided equipment, services and education which might not be possible otherwise.  In 2013, the annual campaign raised funds to purchase equipment for the Outpatient Clinics, Rehabilitation Services, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Diabetes Center.  The 2014 campaign funded the development of the Healing Garden, located just outside the hospital cafeteria.

Dawn Marnin, CCMH Foundation Director, says “We truly appreciate the wonderful support our community has shown for our friends, family and neighbors over the years. Their support is what allows the Foundation to continue providing these important services and pieces of medical equipment, helping the hospital achieve its mission of being a center of healthcare excellence here in Southwest Iowa.

The 2014 CCMH Foundation Annual Campaign will focus on medical equipment to enhance care in the Emergency and Obstetrics Departments: 

·       A cardiac monitor for the Emergency Department that will be used to continuously monitor a patient’s cardiovascular system so that, at a moment’s notice, the medical team can respond to even the slightest change in readings.

·       Two fetal monitors for the Obstetrics Department to monitor a baby’s heartbeat during labor and delivery for early signs of distress.  This will allow staff to provide the best care possible for our newest patients.

Marnin says now is a great time to be thinking about a charitable gift to the Cass County Memorial Hospital Foundation.  A gift on or before December 31, 2013, can provide the donor with an itemized tax deduction.  There are many ways to make a year-end gift, and each gift makes a difference in the lives of friends and loved ones needing medical care.

For more information on how to make a charitable gift to the CCMH Foundation, contact Dawn at 712-243-7409.

(Press Release)

Does your child enjoy doing hands on activities, building things and discovering the how & why in an activity? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities are just what you are looking for! Cass County Extension is partnering with the Nishna Valley YMCA to offer new STEM activities and programs for Cass County youth in the upcoming months.

Join Extension and YMCA officials on January 3rd from 9AM-3PM at the Nishna Valley YMCA for a day full of Hands on STEM. This STEM event is free for 3rd-8th graders, with lunch provided. Deadline for registration is to be turned into the Extension Office or the Y by December 30th. Registration forms are available at the Y, Extension Office or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. There is a maximum of 50 participants.

The STEM activities do not end there; from January 14th through May 20th youth in grades 4-6 have the opportunity to participate in more STEM hands on activities through the whY Science afterschool program in the middle school science lab. Beth Irlbeck, Cass County Youth Coordinator, says “This year, we are very excited to offer “A World In Motion” STEM activities related to movement, gravity, and friction exploration from January 14th through March 11th. Following spring break, we will change topics and do activities related to ecosystems & the environment. Participants will design and build a live terrarium & ecosystem, then observe the environmental effects.”

Irlbeck says “We are continually increasing our STEM efforts because there is increased evidence of need and support for STEM. 4-H has done science and positive youth development programming for years and now we’ve teamed up with the Y who has also made its history supporting youth development.” These STEM activities promise lots of fun, hands-on science, opportunities to experiment and meet new friends.

Registration instructions are now available at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. Pre-register by January 8th to attend the A World In Motion sessions.

(Press Release)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers suggests that the economy will grow at a healthy pace in rural parts of 10 Midwest and Western states in the months ahead. The monthly survey’s overall index rose to 56.1 in December from November’s more moderate 54.3. But any score above 50 suggests growth. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the region continues to benefit from the strength of agriculture and energy businesses. But declining crop prices and the lack of a farm bill are concerning.

The index is based on surveys of rural bankers in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. It ranges from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. A score above 50 suggests growth in that factor in the months ahead.

The Atlantic Police Department reports the arrest on Wednesday, of 18-year old Kody Hansen, of Atlantic. Hansen was brought to the Cass County Jail and charged with Public Intoxication.