DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – U.S. Census Bureau data show Iowa’s average commute is nearly 6 minutes shorter than the national average. The Des Moines Register reports that the average Iowa commute is 19.1 minutes. That ties the state with Kansas for the seventh-fastest average commute in the country. The national average is 25 minutes.The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey says North Dakota residents enjoy the nation’s shortest average commute: 16.1 minutes. 

The Iowa Transportation Department says Iowan residents travel an average of 11.5 miles to work. The census data say Madison County residents have the longest average commute: 29 minutes. Many of them work in the Des Moines area. 

In the immediate KJAN listening area, commuting times include: 17.9-minutes in Cass County; 21-minutes in Adair County; 20.2-minutes in Adams and Pottawattamie Counties; 19.3-minutes in Audubon County; 27-minutes in Guthrie County; 20.6-minutes in Montgomery County, and 17.6-minutes in Shelby County. The state’s shortest average commute is the 12.3 minutes in Sioux County.

Police in Red Oak are investigating a reported residential burglary. Carla Wickwire, who lives on East Coolbaugh Street, reported to authorities on Saturday, that someone forcefully entered her home while she was out of town, and stole several pieces of electronic equipment and related components. 

The items included a 19” LCD TV, 13 X-BOX Games, an I-POD, and a Laptop computer. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact the Red Oak Police Department at 712-623-6500, or the Montgomery County Crime stoppers at 800-432-1001.

The Atlantic School’s District’s Board of Education will hold a Certified Budget Amendment Hearing Tuesday evening in the Media Center, at the high school. The hearing, followed by a public comment period, begins at 7:30-p.m., prior to the start of the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting. 

During the regular session, the Board will hear a progress report on the Middle School project, and a report from Travis Squires, with Piper-Jaffray. In other business, they’ll act on approving General Education/Special Education, and Amended contracts, approve Letters of Assignment, Volunteer Coaches, and any resignations. 

Other action items include approval of: A 2-year agreement with Non-Certified Staff; Bread, Milk and Garbage bids; the Certified 2011-2012 Budget Amendment; Anne Wickman playground expansion at the Lincoln School, and the Lindamood-Bell Reading Program contract. 

Up for discussion prior to adjournment, is the topic of additional classroom space at Schuler Elementary.

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