Auditor of State David A. Vaudt today (Friday) released a report on a special investigation of the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA), based in Atlantic. The report covers the period of July 1st, 2011 through June 30th, 2012. The special investigation was requested by the Office of Public Transit within the Department of Transportation (DOT) as a result of concerns regarding compliance with reporting requirements by SWITA Transit Director Steve Andersen.

Vaudt reported the special investigation identified 8,901 charter riders which were improperly included as public riders on the quarterly charter reports submitted to DOT by SWITA, which does not comply with the Code of Federal Regulations. Because charter services were not properly reported to DOT in fiscal year 2012, SWITA could potentially receive funding in fiscal year 2014 which the agency is not entitled to if the charter riders are not adjusted.

In addition, Vaudt identified $300.00 of improper disbursements for the payment of golf registration fees for employees of the Southwest Iowa Planning Council SWIPCO. The report includes recommendations to strengthen DOT’s internal controls and
overall operations, such as reviewing quarterly reports submitted in a timely manner and conducting follow-up on any variances. In addition, the report includes recommendations to strengthen SWITA’s internal controls and overall operations, such as obtaining independent approval of quarterly reports submitted to DOT, including the driver’s name and the reason for use of the vehicle on the mileage logs and providing supporting documentation for meetings and/or training attended which are included on employee timesheets.

Copies of the report have been filed with the Iowa Department of Transportation for consultation with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration. A copy of the report is available for review in the Office of Auditor of State and on the Auditor of State’s web site at http://auditor.iowa.gov/specials/1360-6450-B0P1.pdf.

The Cass County Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday (Jan. 24^th), approved an amendment to the County’s Zoning Ordinance, which changes the Business District section of the Ordinance to permit businesses that sell and repair firearms, and/or operate an indoor shooting gallery. The Commission will forward its recommendation to the Cass County Board of Supervisors, for the consideration and possible adoption of the amended ordinance.

A Massena man appeared before the Commission Thursday night at the courthouse in Atlantic, to present his plan to open a gun sales and repair shop and indoor shooting range, near Massena. Currently, that type of business is not allowed under the County’s Zoning Ordinance.

If the Supervisor’s approve the Zoning Commission’s recommendation to adopt the amended ordinance, the gun shop near Massena could be open later this spring.

Someone tried to clean-out the Red Oak Washboard Laundromat this week. According to Red Oak Police, a person or persons unknown used a blunt device to gain entry into the supply closet at the business, located in the 1400 block of North 1st Street, in Red Oak. Inside the closet, the thief or thieves removed a security system, a monitor and one of the cameras. The suspects also attempted to remove a change machine from a wall, but their efforts were stymied by some tough to remove bolts. Another change machine was tampered with, but not damaged.

The incident took place sometime between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. Thursday, and resulted in a loss to the business of about $1,055 altogether. Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Red Oak Police at 712-623-6500.