(Atlantic, Iowa) – The trial for an Atlantic man charged in connection with a stabbing incident during the late night hours on April 3rd, is set to take place June 28th at 9:30-a.m.. According to online court records, arraignment for 19-year-old Michael Gehling will be held May 2nd and a Pre-Trial Conference on June 6th. Both begin at 9-a.m. His preliminary hearing is set to take place today (April 14), at 2-p.m.

Authorities last week said Gehling faces a Class-B Felony charge of Attempted Murder, and a Class-C Felony charge of Willful Injury-Causing Serious Injury. He’s pleaded not guilty. Gehling was arrested without incident, following an investigation that began with a 9-1-1 call at around 12:03-a.m., on April 4th. The call came in from a local resident requesting medical attention for a man who had a stab wound. Officers learned the incident happened in the area of 6th and Pine Streets.

The victim (whose name was not released) was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital (Cass Health), in Atlantic, and was later transported to the UNMC in Omaha, for treatment of serious injuries.

(Radio Iowa) – The third annual “Build My Future” event was held Wednesday on the grounds of the Iowa State Fair. Chuck Gassman, vice president of Iowa Skilled Trades, says recruiting young people into his line of work hasn’t been easy. “Twenty-seven years ago, if we could get 10 people here to an event like this, it was a major win,” Gasman says. “Today we have over 5100 students here and I get choked up because of that. That is awesome!”

The day is designed to give students a chance to see the opportunities there are for welders, electricians, carpenters and others in the construction and manufacturing industries. More than a dozen high school students participated in a signing ceremony, pledging that they intend to work in the skilled trades after graduating from high school. Governor Kim Reynolds signed each student’s letter of intent.

Build My Future students. (RI photo)

Governor Kim Reynolds signed each student’s letter of intent. “The world is your oyster, I’m telling you. There is such a need. Together you’re really helping and I think that’s what’s so great about this, too. Kids see so many other kids here who are excited and fired up about these careers, that they’re not alone in doing this, so thanks for helping us drive the momentum across the state,” Reynolds said. “…Congratulations! We appreciate you being here. Now we want you to stay in Iowa.”

Seventy-six Iowa high schools are working with local businesses and community colleges to set up apprenticeships for teenagers while they’re still in school, many with the promise of a full-time job after graduation.

(Radio Iowa) – The legislature has voted to add 14 new opioid compounds to the state’s list of illegal drugs that have a high potential for abuse. All 14 drugs include fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Senator Brad Zaun, of Urbandale, says it’s sadly become a yearly requirement to add new synthetic drugs to the state’s controlled substances list.  “This is necessary for us to make sure these illegal, despicable drug dealers can’t sell this in our communities,” Zaun says.

Representative Michael Bergen of Dorchester says all 14 substances are on the federal government’s list of illegal drugs. “Iowa’s crime lab has seen a 130% increase in different compounds over the past five years,” Bergen says. “The DEA reports seeing a new substance about every three weeks.”

The bill passed the House in February and the Senate gave it final approval this week. The bill’s written to take effect as soon as the governor signed it into law.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department, today (Thursday), said a woman reported on Tuesday, that her vehicle had been struck in the 300 block of N. Russell Street. The damage was estimated at $8,000. And, a woman residing in the 100 block of N. Division Street, in Creston, reported Wednesday afternoon, that her vehicle keys were stolen from her residence. The loss was estimated at $50.