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Cass County Supervisors to discuss/act on a 2nd amendment to an Ambulance Svcs. Agreement

News

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors will meet at 9-a.m. on Tuesday, April 2nd, in their Atlantic Courthouse Board Room. Some items on their agenda include:

  • Discuss/Approve the Second Amendment to Ambulance Services Agreement Between City of Atlantic, Cass County Memorial Hospital (Cass Health), Cass County and Midwest Medical Transport Company, LLC for April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024 and July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
  • Approve Resolution 2024-08 Setting Weed Control Program for 2024
  • Discuss an ARPA funding request for $14,000 to replace a drone for the sheriff’s department
  • Approve Resolution 2024-09 Secondary Roads Five-Year Construction Program
  • Approve Secondary Roads Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
  • Approve hiring a jail staff member

The meeting will be for viewing. Join Electronically https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2899195216?pwd=R0hSa2FOOTh0NUdra1ZSdVhVW
HpMUT09
Meeting ID: 289 919 5216
Passcode: 012064
For those who wish to Call-In, do so at 312-626-6799, press *9 to indicate you wish to speak.

TERESA RUTH PETERSON-SMITH, 65, of Boone (Memorial Svc. 4/5/24)

Obituaries

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

TERESA RUTH PETERSON-SMITH, 65, of Boone, died Friday, March 29, 2024, under hospice care at her home in Boone.  Memorial Service for TERESA PETERSON-SMITH will be held 11-a.m. Friday, April 5th, at the Anita United Methodist Church. Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Anita has the arrangements. A celebration of life gathering for Teresa’s friends will also be held in Boone, at a date to be determined.

Visitation with the family will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the service, Friday, at the Anita Methodist Church.

Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery following the memorial service. A luncheon will be held following the committal in the fellowship hall of the Anita Methodist Church.

Memorials may be directed to the Boone County Humane Society in memory of Teresa and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

TERESA RUTH PETERSON-SMITH is survived by:

Her husband – Scott.

Her brothers – Brian and Bruce.

Her sister-in-law: Sandy Kellet.

She is also survived by Grace Mackrill, who was like a second mother to Teresa, and numerous cousins.

Teresa was especially fond of the two children, Lindsay and Brandon, of her childhood friends Jean and Jeff Gregersen.

Montgomery County Supervisors to act on Courthouse Improvement Bond Resolution

News

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors are set to discuss and pass a resolution with regard to bonds for Courthouse Improvements. The matter will come before the Board during their meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m.* Tuesday (April 2nd), in their courthouse Board Room. (see the agenda below)

In other business the Board will hear from Jackie Laire, with Montgomery County E911 Communications, with regard to a Dispatch Headset Project and the use of ARPA funds.

They are also expected to set the date for a Public Hearing on a Fiscal year 2024 Budget Amendment for the Courthouse Improvement Project. Following their regular meeting (**and at around 9:30-a.m., Tuesday), the Board will hold the first Public Hearing on the FY25 Budget, including the proposed FY 25 Property Tax Levy.

Their second regular meeting begins at 9:45-a.m., Tuesday***, and includes a county employee Health Insurance update, and set the date for a 2nd hearing on the FY25 Montgomery County Budget.

*Please note, this is a public meeting; however, it may be conducted via ZOOM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411; Or, Dial by your location   +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.

**Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.

***Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85039693411

Meeting ID: 850 3969 3411

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak

Regular Meeting, 8:30 A.M., Tuesday April 02, 2024

Tentative Agenda

  1. Call meeting to order

  1. Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Roll call of members

  1. Approval of Agenda – Order at discretion of Chairman

  1. Read minutes as presented. Chairman to call for any additions/corrections to said minutes.

  1. Board chairman will ask the audience for any comments, limited to two minutes per person.

  1. Supervisors: Weekly committee/assignment updates

  1. Secondary Roads Update

  1. Nate Summers, UMB Bank- General Obligation Courthouse Improvement Series 2024

    1. Discuss and approve – Resolution 2024-16 authorizing and approving a Loan Agreement, providing for the placement and issuance of General Obligation Courthouse Improvement Bonds, Series 2024 and providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same

    2. Discuss and approve – Loan Agreement and Registrar and Paying Agent Agreement

  1. Jackie Laire, E911 Communications – Dispatch Headset project

    1. Discuss and approve PSAP Agreement with HSEMD for NG911 Shared Services RFP0917005031 MA18258 in the amount of $30,679.53 and FirstWireless, Inc. quote QTE11270 in the amount of $3,050.65 to be paid with ARPA funds.

  2. New Business

    1. Set the date for Public Hearing for FY24 Budget Amendment Courthouse Improvement Project

    2. Approve Villisca Golf Club Inc. Class C Retail Alcohol license permit

    3. Approve Family Farm Tax Applications

  1. Discuss and start agenda items for next meeting

  2. Announcements – The next 2nd regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 02, 2024, 9:45 a.m., following the 1st Hearing FY25 Budget Tax

 

Red Oak man arrested on an assault charge, Saturday

News

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak arrested a man on an assault charge, Saturday afternoon. Authorities say at around 12:30-p.m., Red Oak Police Officers arrested 26-year-old Josiah Ivan Prokes, of Red Oak, was taken into custody for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense. He was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail, pending an appearance before the Magistrate.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024

Weather

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: A slight chance of showers before 1pm, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. East northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 42. Northeast wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Breezy, with an east northeast wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 31. Blustery, with a north northeast wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a north wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Breezy.

Saturday’s High in Atlantic was 57. The Low was 34. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 75 and the Low was 31. The all-time Record High in Atlantic on March 31st, was 87 in 2012. The Record Low was 12 in 1924. Sunrise today: 7:06. Sunset tonight: 7:44.

JOSIE M. CURTIS, 98, of Atlantic (Visitation & Graveside Svcs. 4/13/24)

Obituaries

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JOSIE M. CURTIS, 98, of Atlantic, died Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Heritage House in Atlantic. Visitation for JOSIE CURTIS will begin at Noon on April 13th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, followed by a Graveside Memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at the Atlantic Cemetery.

JOSIE CURTIS is survived by:

Her son – Russell (Julie) Curtis, of Elgin, IA.

Her daughter-in-law: (wife of the late, Donald Curtis), Karen Curtis of Ames, IA

6 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralserivce.com.

Work release escape of Andrew Lee Stephens

News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Waterloo – The Iowa Department of Corrections reports 41-year-old Andrew Lee Stephens, who was convicted of Robbery 1st Degree in Black Hawk County, failed to report back to the Waterloo Residential Correctional Facility as required yesterday (Friday).

Stephens is a 6-feet tall, 227-pound white male. He was admitted to the work release facility on 2/9/24.

Persons with information on Stephens’s whereabouts should contact local police.

Andrew Lee Stephens

Public Hearing set in Atlantic for the Proposed Property Tax Levy

News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A Public Hearing will be held Wednesday in Atlantic, with regard to the Proposed Maximum Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025. The hearing takes place in the Atlantic City Council’s Chambers at City Hall, beginning at 5-P.M.

The Council will hold its regular meeting at 5:30-p.m., Wednesday, at the same location. Some of the agenda items for that meeting include:

  • The Swearing-in of Atlantic Police Sergeant Brock Thompson.
  • Public Hearing on Proposal to Enter into an Essential Purpose Loan Agreement.
  • Public Hearing on Proposal to Enter into a General Purpose Loan Agreement.
  • Resolution #22-24 “Authorizing and Combining Loan Agreements, Approving the Future Issuance of General Obligation Bonds and Providing for the Levy of Taxes to Pay the Same.”
  • Order to Approve Second Amendment to Ambulance Services Agreement Between City of Atlantic, Iowa, Cass County Memorial Hospital d/b/a Cass County Health System, Cass County Iowa, and Midwest Medical Transport Company.
  • Resolution #23-24 “Setting the Date for Public Hearing on April 17, 2024, to Adopt the FY 2025 Budget.”
  • Resolution #24-24 “Approving Contract and Bonds for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project.”
  • Resolution #25-24 “Setting the Date for Public Hearing on a Proposed Ordinance Vacating the Street Located between 3009 Palm Street and 3101 Palm Street in the City of Atlantic, Iowa.
  • Order to Terminate City Clerk Services Contract with Marne Effective May 31, 2024.
  • Order to Approve The Retail Coach Contract Extension (Tabled during the last meeting)
  • Resolution #21-24 “Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Barb Barrick to Temporarily Provide City Clerk Consulting Services for the City of Atlantic.” (tabled during the last meeting)
  • Order to Enter Exempt Session Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 20.17(3) Providing for the Strategy Meetings of Public Employers for Collective Bargaining

USDA confirms cases of bird-flu found in dairy cows

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG & USDA) – This week, the USDA announced cases of bird flu had been found in dairy cows in a few states; Texas, Kansas, and Michigan. Iowa currently isn’t one of those states, but cattle farmers are keeping a close eye it. Last year, the avian flu killed nearly 3 million birds in the state of Iowa. That ranges from commercial poultry farms to backyard flocks.

Iowa State Extension Dairy Veterinarian Phillip Jardon said cows in Texas had contracted an unknown illness, which reduced milk production in older cattle. It wasn’t until this week he said pathologists learned it was the bird flu, but they aren’t sure how it happened.

Jardon said in each of the found cases in Texas, dead birds had been found near the farm. While he said the findings are all still new and research was being done, so far, the virus doesn’t seem to be as deadly to cattle. Jardon said it would still be a good idea for farmers to be vigilant as they get closer to starting selling and moving cattle this season.

In its latest report, the USDA said ” There continues to be no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply because products are pasteurized before entering the market, or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the human food supply.

In addition, pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce for human consumption. FDA’s longstanding position is that unpasteurized, raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms that can pose serious health risks to consumers, and FDA is reminding consumers of the risks associated with raw milk consumption in light of the HPAI detections.”

Iowa man wanted by the FBI for alleged money laundering & fraud

News

March 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb.  – The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Omaha field office is seeking the public’s help in locating an Iowa man wanted for alleged money laundering and wire fraud.

The office says William Jack “Bill” Berg, 51, is wanted for allegedly defrauding over a dozen client investors in a scheme that resulted in the loss of over $1.5 million. It’s alleged that the victim investors provided Berg, a financial advisor in the Des Moines metro area, with funds for investment — only for Berg to use those funds for his own benefit.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Berg on March 19. He most recently lived in the Waukee and Adel areas and is suspected to have been in the Des Moines area as recently as Monday (March 25th).

William Jack Berg, (AKA Bill Berg) – FBI Photo

Berg is described as 5′11″, 195 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI’s Omaha field office at (402) 493-8688.