(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Libraries Association has been accepted as a local affiliate for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Atlantic Public Library Director Michelle Andersen says the Dollywood Foundation covers the overhead costs of the program, while local affiliates raise funds to pay for books sent to participants in their coverage area.

She says the books are always high quality and age appropriate, and there are some excellent titles.

Andersen said the Cass County Libraries Association had been looking for a county-wide project community members and others in the area would be willing to support. As an accepted affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, their job now is to raise money to send the books.

The Association is accepting donations to fund the start of the program. It only costs $25 to send one child a book every month, for a year. There’s an added incentive for you to donate, according to Andersen.

The Association is also reaching out to businesses and community organizations who are known for supporting local initiatives of this type, as well as literacy in education initiatives. Any size donation is appreciated, and/or you can sponsor a month, and be recognized on the mailing label.

You can make your donation at any Cass County Library. For more information, call Michelle Andersen at 243-5466, extension 3, or your local library. Additional information about the Imagination Library can be found at www.imaginationlibrary.com.

The Creston Police Department reports two people were arrested Wednesday for Violation of a Protective Order. 33-year-old Samantha Diane Meek, and 35-year-old Skylar Allen Rufenacht, Sr., both of Creston, were arrested at their respective residence’, on outside agency warrants, and Violation of a Protective Order. Both were transported to the Union County Jail, before Meek was transferred to the jail in Adams County. They were being held without bond, until seen by a judge.

And, Wednesday night, 38-year-old Nicki Renee Jones, of Creston, was arrested on an outside agency warrant. She was transferred to the Adams County Jail. Creston Police said also, a man residing in the 700 block of W. Mills Street reported that two of his vehicles had been broken into. The loss was estimated at $15.

(Des Moines) – A federal judge has ordered a Dallas County man arrested in connection to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots, to remain behind bars. KCCI-TV reports the order came during a detention hearing, Wednesday. 37-year old Kyle James Young, of Redfield, is accused of being part of a group that assaulted D.C. Metropolitan police Officer Michael Fanone and attempting to take a weapon from an officer.

In ordering Young to remain in custody, the judge cited, among other reasons, Young’s past drug abuse and five prior felony convictions, which include burglary and felon in possession of a firearm. Young now faces a litany of federal charges. Young’s next hearing is set for Friday morning. Authorities will determine when and how he’ll appear in D.C. district court.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa bars and restaurants that are still struggling to stay open will soon be able to apply for grants through a new program being offered by the U-S Small Business Administration. Jayne Armstrong, director of the S-B-A’s Iowa District Office, says just because thousands of Iowans are getting vaccinated doesn’t mean the pandemic is over and many restaurants in the state remain desperate for patrons. “A lot are still just hanging on, just barely, barely hanging on. We’re not through this yet,” Armstrong says. “We always talk about ‘be loyal, buy local,’ and we’ve got to make sure those local businesses all across Iowa still have their lights on as we come out of this pandemic, so, absolutely, it’s critical.”

The S-B-A’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund will make 28-point-6 billion dollars available nationwide to the hardest-hit small restaurants. “There’s so many different industries that are eligible for this,” Armstrong says, “everything from restaurants and bars, and wineries, distilleries, brew pubs and tap rooms, coffee shops, ice cream shops and food trucks.” There is not yet a launch date announced for the program but Armstrong says it’ll be within a few weeks. Restaurant owners can get on the S-B-A website now to learn more about the program and see if they’ll qualify. “There’s grants up to $5-million per location,” Armstrong says, “and it can be for anything from payroll costs to utility payments, any type of business expense with protective equipment and cleaning, and construction of outdoor seating related to the pandemic.”

For the first 21 days the program is open, she says the agency will prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. After that, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications.

Learn more at www.sba.gov/restaurants