The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports a water main break in Adel has resulted in a water boil advisory being issued for the northern half of the city. The boil advisory is for the portion of the city north of Green Street, also known as old Highway 6. The repair on the water main was expected to be complete by early Thursday evening, but since water pressure was lost during the break and repair, the boil advisory is being issued. The southern half of the city is not affected.

Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, it is being recommended that the water be boiled before using for drinking or cooking or that an alternative source such as bottled water be used. Two sets of samples need to be taken to determine the water is safe so it is likely that Saturday will be the earliest that the boil advisory can be lifted. It is recommended not to drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The water may be used for bathing and other similar purposes.

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.

The Atlantic Police Department reports the arrest of two people on Wednesday.

Twenty-year-old Alex Garside of Atlantic was arrested for domestic abuse simple assault.  He was transported to the Cass County Jail and booked.

Twenty-one-year-old Joshua Peters of Atlantic was also arrested Wednesday for driving under suspension.  He was transported to the Cass County Jail and booked.

Atlantic City Councilman Chris Jimerson is using the power of social media to poll residents of the community about a proposed speed reduction ordinance on 22nd Street. Jimerson posted a Facebook question asking for residents’ opinion on whether the speed limit on two different sections of 22nd Street should be reduced from 45-to 35-miles per hour. If the ordinance is approved, the speed limit would be reduced on East 22nd, from Highway 71 to Olive Street, and on West 22nd, from Chestnut to Highway 6.

As of 6:30-p.m. Thursday, 87 people said they were opposed to reducing the speed limit, 18 were in favor of it. Jimerson, who was elected to the Council last Fall, is the first known local government official to post such a poll on a social media website.

Governor Terry Branstad today (Thursday), announced the appointments of individuals to Iowa’s various boards and commissions.  Several western and southwest Iowans were among those appointed. Their terms begin on May 1st, 2012, unless otherwise noted and are subject to Senate confirmation.   Here are the Boards and/or Commissions, and those from our listening area appointed to them:

Accountancy Examining Board: Robert Snodgrass, Creston; Evelyn Rank, Clarinda

Alcoholic Beverages Commission: Tami Doll, Council Bluffs

Board of Barbering: Gwendolyn Ecklund, Denison

Commission on Community Action Agencies: Kelly Busch, Creston

Credit Union Review Board: Timothy Marcsisak, Atlantic

Early Childhood Iowa State Board: Jean Stadtlander, Manning; Robert Ockerman, Adel Michael Bunde, Denison

Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa Board (HAWK-I): Mary Mincer Hansen, Panora

Landscape Architectural Examining Board: David Fjare, Council Bluffs

Board of Medicine: Julie Perkins, Carroll

Mental Health and Disabilities Service Commission: Suzanne Watson, Council Bluffs

Board of Pharmacy: Susan Frey, Villisca

Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Examining Board: Rodney Schultz, Council Bluffs; Patricia Weese, Bedford

Board of Podiatry: Sarah Kleffman, Harlan

Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology: Jon Schuttinga, Denison

Commission of Status of Women: Brian Mueller, Winterset

Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission: Kathleen Kohorst, Harlan

Commission of Veterans Affairs: Mickey Williams, Harlan

 Free women’s health screenings are still available from the Cass County Health System and Cass County Home Care.  Karla Akers, Care for Yourself Coordinator of Cass County Home Care says the screenings are made available through the Iowa Care for Yourself program and a grant from the Iowa Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Screenings include mammograms, clinical breast exams, and pelvic exams with or without pap smears.

Some age, income, and insurance guidelines apply, but Akers encourages women to call about availability.  Enrollment numbers are limited and services must be completed by the end of March.  Women interested in accessing the women’s health screenings should contact Karla Akers at 712-243-7443.