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MARTY MILLS, 84, formerly of Cumberland (Mass of Christian Burial 5/10/24)

Obituaries

May 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

MARTY MILLS, 84, of Lee’s Summit, MO (formerly of Cumberland), died Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the St. Lukes Hospice Home in Kansas City, Missouri. A Mass of Christian Burial for MARTY MILLS will be held 10:30-a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at  St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, in rural Cumberland. Lamb Funeral Home in Massena is in charge of the arrangements.

The family will greet friends on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Massena from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Burial is in the St. Timothy’s Catholic Cemetery.  A luncheon will be at the church hall following the burial. 

Memorials may be directed to the Marty Mills Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

MARTY MILLS is survived by:

His sons – Derek (Pam) Mills, of Raymore, MO, and Mark (Michele) Mills,  of Lee’s Summit, MO.

His daughter –  Andrea Schaap (& David Peterson), of Conifer, CO.

His step-children: Shari Exceen, of Cumberland, and David Powell, of West Palm Beach, FL.

12 twelve grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

RON DANT, 88, of Atlantic (Graveside Svcs. 5/11/24)

Obituaries

May 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

RON DANT, 88, of Atlantic, Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Caring Acres in Anita. A portion of RON DANT‘s cremated remains will be placed next to each of his wives.  He will be laid to rest next to Norma at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 11th in the Atlantic Cemetery.  Immediately following, at approximately 11:30 a.m., he will be laid to rest next to Helen at Oaklawn Cemetery in Oakland with military honors performed by the Atlantic Color Guard. Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic is handling the arrangements.

RON DANT is survived by: his daughter – Cindy Blair, of Wiota; 4 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Report of shots fired results in the arrest of a Griswold man Saturday night

News

May 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – (Corrects location of incident to Elliott)  A report of shots fired at a residence in the 100 block of Oak Street, in Elliott, Saturday night, resulted in the arrest of a man from Griswold. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports Deputies responded to the scene at around 10:16-p.m., in Elliott Upon investigation, Deputies arrested 42-year-old Justin Michael Strong, of Griswold, for: Assault with a dangerous weapon – an Aggravated Misdemeanor; Reckless Use of a Firearm – a Simple Misdemeanor; Possession of a firearm by a Prohibited Person – a Class-D Felony; Dangerous weapon used in a Crime – an Aggravated Misdemeanor, and Interference with Official Acts – a Simple Misdemeanor.

Justin Strong was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

Kentucky Derby watch party raises funds for an Iowa City hospital’s nurses

News

May 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A Kentucky Derby watch party in Iowa City on Saturday was about more than horses and hats—it was a fundraiser to support nurses in a field with a lot of burnout and turnover. KCRG says specifically, the money raised will support the nurses who work on the 11th floor of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital with pediatric oncology patients. It’s a tough job, and so the money goes to keeping up morale.

The American Nurses Association said a 2020 survey indicated almost two-thirds of nurses experience burnout. According to the most recent staff engagement survey at Children’s Hospital, 33% of staff reported that they have an unreasonable amount of job stress.

The nurses on the 11th floor face particular intensity and stress. Crystal Walter, with Northwestern Mutual, said, “The turnover rate because of—pediatric oncology is very difficult. And with COVID, there was just a lot of burnout and stress. And so it was very difficult for them to keep nurses on that floor particularly.”

The company started the fund after winning a grant.

Griswold man arrested Saturday in Red Oak

News

May 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak report a man from Cass County (IA) was arrested Saturday, on an Assault charge. 39-year-old Michael Scott Stafford, of Griswold, was arrested just before 7-p.m., at 3rd and Elm Streets, in Red Oak. Stafford was charged with Domestic Assault/2nd Offense-causing bodily injury – an Aggravated Misdemeanor. Stafford was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held without bond.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Weather

May 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Sunny, with a high near 67. E/SE winds 5-10.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow: Partly sunny & windy, w/a 40% chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms. High near 73. S/SE winds 15-30 mph.

Monday Night: A 90% chance of showers & thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 52.  New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tuesday: Thunderstorms ending in the morning; Becoming mostly sunny & breezy. High near 73. W/SW winds 10-25 mph.

Wednesday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, otherwise mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Saturday’s High temperature in Atlantic was 62. The Low was 37. Last year on this date, the High was 62 and the Low was 56. The Record High set on May 5th in Atlantic was 96 in 1909. The Record Low was 28 in 2021. Sunrise: 6:12. Sunset: 8:22.

Letter from more than 5 dozen Iowans asks for formal investigation into SW IA fertizler spill

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – A letter to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from more the five-dozen Iowans from 18 counties, are asking state agencies for a formal investigation of an “unprecedented” fertilizer spill that in March killed 750,000 fish in a Southwest Iowa river. The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reports 63 people signed onto the letter asking for the DNR to pursue “penalties and civil actions,” including referring enforcement to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, which can pursue bigger fines.  Signers of the letter include people from Cass, Clayton, Crawford, Dallas, Guthrie, Greene, Johnson, Linn, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscatine, Page, Polk, Pottawattamie, Story, Warren, Wayne and Winneshiek counties.

(View a copy of the letter HERE)

Around March 9, someone at the NEW Cooperative in Red Oak left open a hose valve that leaked about 265,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer into a drainage ditch that went to the East Nishnabotna River. An employee noticed the spill March 11 and alerted the Iowa DNR.

The Gazette reports Neil Hamilton, a Drake University emeritus professor of agricultural law, wrote in the letter dated April 29th, “The extent of this pollution event is unprecedented and requires the attention of all Iowans. The devastation of life in over 50 miles of the river, including the death of 750,000 fish as reported by your dedicated staff, is difficult to even comprehend.”

New Cooperative spill (File photo from the Iowa DNR)

Enforcement action was still being considered by the DNR. The agency can pursue civil penalties of up to $10,000, but the Iowa Attorney General can pursue penalties of up to $5,000 per day, per violation, for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit holders.

In addition to seeking higher penalties for offenders, the letter asks the Iowa DNR to work with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to review rules about agricultural chemical storage to see if they are adequate to protect waterways.

Pottawattamie County storm damage assessment (updated 5/4/24)

News

May 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Pottawattamie County, Iowa – Assessments on damage across Pottawattamie County continue, following the severe weather events of April 26th. Assessments are a continual process but are beginning to validate the full scope of the tornado damage.

Current estimates (as of May 4th, 2024) include some level of damage experienced by owners of 302 homes and businesses in the county. Early projections estimate the destruction as totaling approximately $20,916,438 worth of damage, with an estimated $12,213,237 worth of property damage in Minden, including some estimates to county or municipal infrastructure.

Property damage by the numbers, excluding public infrastructure (As of 5/4/24):

Pottawattamie County, Iowa – Assessments on damage across Pottawattamie County continue, following the severe weather events of April 26th. Assessments are a continual process but are beginning to validate the full scope of the tornado damage.

Current estimates include some level of damage experienced by owners of 302 homes and businesses in the county. Early projections estimate the destruction as totaling approximately $20,916,438 worth of damage, with an estimated $12,213,237 worth of property damage in Minden, including some estimates to county or municipal infrastructure.

Property damage by the numbers, excluding public infrastructure (As of 5/4/24):

 

Multi-Agency Resource Center Brings Service Providers Together for Disaster Survivors

Over twenty human service agencies came together in Minden on Saturday, May 4th, for the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). The MARC operates as a one-stop shop assistance center for disaster information and service delivery. Assistance is available for a variety of needs including health and mental services, temporary housing, legal services, and more.

The MARC is open to all Pottawattamie County residents impacted by the tornado outbreak, and will operate again on Sunday, May 5th.

  • LOCATION: United Church of Christ, 106 Lincoln Street, Minden, Iowa
  • WHEN: Sunday, May 5th, 1:00PM to 4:00PM

Efforts to establish future MARCs are being coordinated, with possible locations in Crecent, Treynor, and Council Bluffs.

Infrastructure Stabilization Continues in Minden

Power has been restored to all homes and businesses capable of receiving in Minden. The State of Iowa partnered with the City of Minden to obtain contract services for a temporary water treatment plant and a debris removal contract that will expedite recovery.

Installation of the temporary water treatment plant began Friday, May 3rd. Officials are hopeful the plant is fully operational in the coming days. State contracted work for debris removal in Minden will begin Monday, May 6th.

Other Resources Available to County Residents

Free tree debris drop-off site. Only vegetative debris will be accepted. Loads including scrap metal, lumber, and other material will be denied.

  • LOCATION: 145th Street & Rosewood Road; formerly known as the ‘KOA Campground’
  • DATES: 5/4/2024 to 6/2/2024 (Seven days a week, closed Memorial Day)
  • HOURS:  8:00AM-4:00PM

Currently, all communities in the county have received sufficient donations of household items. Disaster survivors can access these resources from multiple locations.

  • Crescent City Hall, 102 W Florence Street, Crescent, Iowa
  • Neola Area Community Center, 110 4th Street, Neola, Iowa
  • Charles E. Lakin Foundation, 705 N 16th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa
  • Treynor City Hall, 11 West Main Street, Treynor Iowa

How Can I Help?

Officials continue to express gratitude for the incredible support received since the disaster. Volunteer groups have offered an incredible resource over the last week. To place volunteers where they’re most needed, officials are asking individuals interested in assisting to use the volunteer portal at sharegoodiowa.org. Agency partners will connect with volunteers and orchestrate efforts.

Needs for individuals and families vary greatly as they navigate the process to recovery. Monetary donations allow flexibility in meeting these needs. The Community Foundation for Western Iowa has established a Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund to support areas impacted throughout the region. A separate fund has been established for the community of Minden. Avenues to give to these funds are available at GiveWesternIowa.org.

Report Damage

With the governor’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration, Pottawattamie County officials are emphasizing the importance of residential and business property owners submitting their damages to the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management website. The reports provide vital information that support the request for federal assistance to homeowners and business owners. The damage reporting portal can be accessed at pcema-ia.org. survivors can access these resources from multiple locations.

  • Crescent City Hall, 102 W Florence Street, Crescent, Iowa
  • Neola Area Community Center, 110 4th Street, Neola, Iowa
  • Charles E. Lakin Foundation, 705 N 16th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa
  • Treynor City Hall, 11 West Main Street, Treynor Iowa

DONALD WINTER, 93, of Fontanelle (Celebration of Life 5/11/24_

Obituaries

May 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DONALD WINTER, 93, of Fontanelle, died Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa.  A Celebration of Life for DONALD WINTER will be held 11-a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle.

Visitation at the funeral home is on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 2-until 6-p.m., with the family visitation at the funeral home on Saturday, from 10-until 11-a.m.

Burial is in the Fontanelle Cemetery.  Full military graveside rites will be conducted by the Fontanelle American Legion Carlson Post No. 247.  A luncheon will be held at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle following the burial.

Memorials may be directed to the Donald Winter Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

DONALD WINTER is survived by:

His stepdaughter – Carmen (Larry) Buell, of Urbandale, Iowa.

2 granddaughters, other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Motorcycle-SUV collision in Creston…No injuries

News

May 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston say no injuries were reported following a collision between a motorcycle and an SUV Friday evening. Authorities say a 2006 Jeep Liberty SUV driven by 66-year-old Debra Jean Hunderaker, of Creston, had pulled into a parking lot off of Sumner Street, then began to exit. Hunderaker said the sun was in her eyes, and she didn’t see a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by 67-year-old Rickie Allen Klos, of Afton.

The SUV then turned back into the driveway, and as it was pulling in, was struck on the driver’s side door, by the motorcycle. The accident happened at around 6:50-p.m., Friday.

Klos told Creston Police he saw the SUV pull out, then thought it was stopping on the side of the road. When he attempted to pass the SUV, the vehicle turned in front of him towards the driveway.

Damage to the SUV was estimated at $1,000. The motorcycle sustained $5,000 damage. No citations were issued.