(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors hosted Barb Jorgensen, owner of The Little Cobbler, at the Rock Island Depot on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, to celebrate her career and retirement.

The Little Cobbler was established by Barb’s father in 1946 and was originally located at 417 Chestnut Street. Barb started working for her father at a young age and she shared memories of shining shoes for $.50 using a shoeshine stand that her father made. The Little Cobbler has been a long-standing source for shoe, boot, leather, zipper repair and alterations but even more, the business has provided a place to reminisce and share ideas. As much as Barb has enjoyed her career, she looks forward to spending time on her acreage with her granddaughters and horses.

Left-to-right: Atlantic Chamber Exec. Director Bailey Smith, Barb Jorgensen, Chamber Programs Dir. Kelsey Beschorner; Behind Barb is Chamber President Brian Ruge.

During the visit, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce presented Barb with a retirement award in appreciation for her many years of dedicated work to the Atlantic and surrounding communities. The Atlantic Area Chamber wishes Barb all the happiness during her well-earned retirement.

Des Moines, Iowa – Following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, a Jasper County man and woman have pled guilty to insurance fraud. Officials with the IID report 44-year-old Jarod Hirbar, of Kellogg, pled guilty on April 17, 2023, to one count of Fraudulent Submission to Insurer (Class D Felony) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.  42-year-old Latisha Hribar, also of Kellogg, pled guilty on April 18, 2023, to one count of Fraudulent Submission to Insurer (Class D Felony) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.

The investigation began in August of 2022 after the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau received information indicating the Hirbars provided false statements and fraudulent documents to an insurer in connection with an insurance claim. The investigation determined that the Hribars fabricated and submitted thirty-four receipts to an insurer purporting to be from a bed and breakfast that did not actually exist and to which no payments were made. The Hribars submitted the receipts while they were displaced from their home due to storm damage and stayed with family at no cost. The Hribars received $39,330 in insurance benefits due to these fabricated receipts. The Hribars were arrested on October 5, 2022.

Following his guilty plea, Jarod Hribar received a deferred judgment and was placed on supervised probation for a period not to exceed three years. Hribar was also ordered to pay $39,330 in restitution as well as a civil penalty of $1,025. Following her guilty plea, Latisha Hribar received a deferred judgment and was placed on supervised probation for a period not to exceed three years. Hribar was also ordered to pay a civil penalty of $1,025.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Police officials in Glenwood report the arrest today (Friday), of 33-year-old Dontavious Easley, from LaVista, NE.  Easley was arrested for OWI/1st offense. He posted a $1,000 cash or surety bond, before being released.

(Creston, Iowa) – In an update to our previous post, a family member of Alexia Fannon, of Creston, reports the girl was found safe. Additional information was not immediately available.

Earlier in the day, Friday (Today) officials with the Creston Police Department posted on social media they were requesting the public’s assistance in locating the missing juvenile.

Alexia Fannon

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A student from the Atlantic High School, Wednesday, signed a Letter Of Intent to pursue a skilled trades career after graduation. Officials with iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates) say the event occurred during a special ceremony known as ‘Signing Day.’  Josh Hass has committed to participate in an apprenticeship program with the Allensworth Heating & Cooling starting in May. Hass was accompanied by his future employer and family.

The ceremony was held during “Build My Future,” an annual event that provides more than 100 hands-on learning activities related to welding, plumbing, HVAC, electrician work and other skilled trades. The event is held annually by Iowa Skilled Trades at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Hass was one of more than 1,600 “iJAG” students that participated in Build My Future.

Signing Day. Photo submitted by iJAG.

Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) is a nonprofit organization that delivers year-round career education and programming to select middle school and high school students statewide. iJAG helps students discover their purpose and passion while contributing to increased graduation rates and transitions to postsecondary education. “Build My Future” is one of several events that iJAG students can participate in throughout the year.

CORNING, Iowa — According to a report published in the Creston News Advertiser, a Principal for the Southwest Valley High School has resigned. Anthony Donahoo, who is also a football coach, will step down at the end of this year.

The news follows an incident of a threat of violence that was known two-weeks before school administrators and law enforcement were made aware of the alleged threat. The student in question is no longer allowed at the school.

Deputies with the Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office are providing extra security at the school for the rest of the year, as a precaution.

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston report the arrest at around 5-p.m., Thursday, of 40-year-old Mark Anthony Weems, Jr., of Creston.  He was charged with 2-counts of Fraudulent Practice/2nd Degree. Weems was being held in Union County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

And, Thursday night, 41-year-old Jamie Neubauer, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston Wal-Mart store, for Theft in the 4th Degree. Neubauer was cited and released from the scene on a Promise to Appear.