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Atlantic School Board selects Facility Assessment firm, & approves Classified Support Staff Contract

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School District’s Board of Directors, Wednesday evening discussed an assessment of District facilities, and then selected the Iowa Construction Advocate Team (ICAT) to conduct the assessment.  Board President Kristy Pellett said the District Facilities Advisory Committee has confidence in the IASB (Iowa Association of School Boards) and their program focused on educational facilities. The IASB collaborates with Estes Construction to offer the Iowa Construction Advocate Team (ICAT).

ICAT services include, but are not limited to:

  • Facilities evaluation service to determine the district’s course of action with a full report and recommendations to present to the board
  • Assistance with selecting architects and other construction professionals
  • Master planning
  • Radon detection
  • Construction site and schedule evaluation, problem solving and recommendations, and
  • Guidance on soliciting qualified contractors for competitive bids

The Board also approved a Classified Support Staff Union Contract for the 2024-25 School Year. Board Vice-President Laura McLean explained they ended-up with a “pretty straight forward six-percent increase for almost all the staff, but those who are working Nutrition are getting 7.5-percent, because as we looked at comparisons to other districts that are comparable size, we thought that those salaries in particular needed to be boosted a bit.”

The Bargaining Unit had brought the matter to the attention of the District’s Negotiating team, because they felt those salaries needed to be increased. McLean said, “In particular I think we had a goal we wanted to make sure that everybody is making at least a 15-dollar hourly rate, who’s working [in] our buildings.”

Board member Gini Jordan “It was good negotiating. I thought we went back and forth quite a bit. I felt like everybody was heard and listened to.” Lisa Jones, District Director of Finance said “We have not set the rates for Admin or Directors or some of those other pieces, but…the Certified Supplemental Pay [was] approved through the teacher’s contract Union.” She said while they did go up in salaries, “It didn’t kind of change our overall plan, as far as overall spending.”

Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said she “received a nice e-mail from our head negotiator, and they were very pleased and happy of just the whole process and appreciate of just the increase.”

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved a staffing recommendation for Summer School.  And, they received a presentation from District Director of Nursing, Kelli Evans.

The Board’s next regular meeting is at 5:30-p.m. on June 12th.

Iowa State Patrol confirms 4 fatalities & numerous injuries from Greenfield Tornado

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

ADAIR COUNTY, Iowa – Officials with the Joint Unified Command said Wednesday evening, they were sad to announce that “four fatalities and at least 35 injuries were the result of the tornado that impacted the Greenfield, Adair County, Iowa area during the afternoon hours of Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

“The names and ages of those killed in the severe weather event are not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.

“It should be noted that it is believed that the number of those injured is likely higher, but these numbers reflect only those patients treated for their injuries at designated alternate care sites. At least 14 patients were transported to out-of-county medical facilities by various EMS Services.

“If you believe that a friend or loved one is still unaccounted for, please call the Iowa Department of Public Safety Storm Lake State Communication Center at 712-732-1341.

Atlantic Parks & Rec Advisory Commission receives Harl Holt Park & Sunnyside Pool updates

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Members of the City of Atlantic’s Parks Advisory Commission gathered this (Wednesday) afternoon at the Parks and Recreation Department office, to discuss several matters. The Commission received first, an update from Frank Saddlemire, of Atlantic, with regard to new signs for the Sunnyside Park Disc Golf Course. Saddlemire reminded the Commission he had applied for a grant in January of 2023 to create the new signs.

J&J Custom Graphics & Design took the time and custom built the signs, which will be installed as his time allows. Saddlemire  was instrumental in bringing the sport of Disc Golf to Atlantic. Since it’s inception, it’s been used for numerous tournaments and area residents alike.

Frank Saddlemire shows one of the new Disc Golf course signs by J&J Graphics and Design

The Board received an update also, from Parks and Rec Coordinator Jeff Christensen, who said the person who was hired to install the “Pour and Play” playground safety material, will be in Atlantic this week to lay and level the rock base. If it holds up…keeping the weather in-mind…the people who will install the rubberized fall material should be in this Friday. “By Saturday, that playground should done.” Earlier this week, the playground equipment was installed.

Christensen mentioned also, the sand container apparatus for the pump at Sunnyside Pool was emptied. The equipment he said, had been “Duct-taped together. It hasn’t been filtering the water correctly for years,” apparently. New sand was installed for the filter, some gutting that was decayed. “So our pool is right now full of water. It went from looking like you could take a drink, to a farm pond brown, to a very yellowish color right now.” But it’s nearly filtered. The pool is running off of the old pump, he said, “We’re waiting for a strainer to come in with the new pump (That’s been ordered). And then when the new pump comes in, they’ll install it.”

Nishna Valley YMCA Director Dan Haynes said Vanessa Proehl has been hired as Manager for the Sunnyside Pool. Additional information with regard to the pool is expected to be released soon. In other business, the Parks Commission discussed wood chips for the Schildberg Playground equipment, the planting of various types of trees in the area of the Schildberg RV park. Volunteers with the assistance of Parks Department staff, will plant 32 trees as part of commitment to the Trees Forever organization. Local Trees Forever representative Dolly Bergmann said they would like more people to help with the project. Bring your shovels and a pair of gloves.

If you’d like to volunteer, call Dolly Bergmann at 712-249-9275.

 

IANG aids 12 soldiers in obtaining U.S. citizenship & recognizes them heading into the Memorial Day weekend

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Johnston, Iowa) – The Iowa National Guard, in collaboration with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced, the success of 12 soldiers from 8 different countries in obtaining their U.S. Citizenship. This initiative, facilitated by their service within the Iowa National Guard, provides a streamlined path to citizenship, enhancing both the diversity and strength of our military community in Iowa.

In acknowledgement of this remarkable achievement, Maj. Gen. Osborn will preside over a Command Retreat taking place at Camp Dodge, where these 12 Soldiers will be celebrated for their unwavering commitment and perseverance. This ceremony, occurring on the eve of Memorial Day weekend, serves as a poignant tribute to the enduring sacrifices of past and present service members. The Adjutant General will deliver is Memorial Day address and commend members of the command team for their exceptional performance.

The Command Retreat will take place at the Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion Parade Field on Friday, May 23rd, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Gov. Reynolds orders flags lowered to half-staff in honor of DOT worker Matthew Dickerson

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in honor of Matthew Dickerson, an employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation who was killed on May 16 while working on I-80 near Council Bluffs.
 “We honor the memory of Matthew Dickerson and his service to the state of Iowa as he is laid to rest this week,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Kevin and I pray for his wife, daughters, parents, and extended family during this difficult time.
“This senseless tragedy never should have happened. I urge all drivers to be alert when approaching any work area at any time. The workers on our interstates and roadways deserve our full attention and respect. Please be vigilant and reduce your speed whenever you’re near work areas to keep everyone safe on Iowa’s roads.”
Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flags at half-staff for the same length of time.

Gov. Reynolds issues Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for 17 additional counties impacted by severe weather

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

 DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster emergency proclamation for 17 additional counties in response to severe weather that occurred on May 21. The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program for the following counties: Black Hawk, Buena Vista, Butler, Cedar, Clinton, Dubuque, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Mills, Muscatine, O’Brien, Polk and Story. A disaster proclamation was previously issued on May 21 for Adair, Adams, Cass, Clay, Hardin, Harrison, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Montgomery, Page, Palo Alto, Pottawattamie, Tama, and Warren Counties.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local community action agency or visit iowacommunityaction.org.
The proclamation also waives fees for issuance of replacement motor vehicle registrations cards, plates and driver licenses. It also temporarily suspends regulatory provisions of the Iowa Code that pertain to procurement of goods and services, hours of service for disaster repair crews, and various requirements for the transportation of loads related to disaster repairs.
You can find a copy of the proclamation here.

Iowa To Play 2 Friday Football Games in 2024

Sports

May 22nd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa football team will play two Friday games (UCLA and Nebraska) during the 2024 season. The announcement was made by the Big Ten Conference on Wednesday.

Iowa’s road contest at UCLA will kickoff at 8 p.m. (CT) on Friday, Nov. 8, from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The contest will be televised nationally on FOX. It will be the Hawkeyes’ first game against the Bruins in Pasadena since 1986 and first visit to Pasadena since the 2016 Rose Bowl versus Stanford.

This will be Iowa’s third Friday night contest over the last five years: 2020 (35-7 win at Minnesota) and 2022 (51-14 victory at Maryland).

Iowa and Nebraska will continue their annual traditional of playing on Black Friday. The Huskers and Hawkeyes will meet on Friday, Nov. 29. Game time and television information for this contest, along with select other Hawkeye games, will be announced by the conference next week.

Heavy rainfall leads to discharges at multiple wastewater treatment facilities, public advised to avoid floodwaters.

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES (Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources) – Following days of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and Tuesday’s severe storms, multiple Iowa wastewater treatment plants have reported discharging untreated or partially treated wastewater.  These discharges can result from heavy precipitation, power outages and storm damage, among other things.

Since April 1, the Iowa DNR has received reports of 131 discharges at wastewater treatment facilities due to heavy precipitation, with 44 of those being reported in the last five days. Heavy rain can overload wastewater collection systems, which are underground sewer pipes that carry sewage to a treatment plant. Aging or poorly maintained sanitary sewer systems are particularly vulnerable to influxes of storm water.

Jasper County EMA photos

With sewage pipes overwhelmed, excess water has nowhere to go, and can back up into basements through floor drains. Bypassing can lower the water level in the collection system, keeping sewage from backing up into basements, which could present health risks.

DNR staff continue to monitor these situations and will provide assistance to impacted communities.

It is highly recommended people and pets avoid these areas and stay out of flooded and elevated waterways due to safety concerns.

For more information on wastewater discharges and flooding updates, contact your local DNR Environmental Field office. You can find the office for your region at: https://www.iowadnr.gov/fieldoffice

Heavy rain pushes back planting while flooding threatens just-sown crops

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – All the recent rain in northeast Iowa is tightening the planting deadlines for farmers and already-planted crops are being threatened. Parts of the region have gotten more than six-inches of rain since Tuesday morning, flooding many cornfields and making planting impossible. Iowa State University field agronomist Terry Basol says if the rainfall continues, farmers may have to ask some tough questions.

“We’re getting close to the end of May, and so the next question is: How late is too late to plant corn to make sure we can be able to get it to the end of season?” Corn planting is already behind the state’s five-year average, and the deadline is around the end of the month. More heavy rain is expected Thursday night and into the weekend. Basol says concerns are mounting as far as corn that’s already in the ground.

“For that that has been planted, in that scenario, what’s the case for that as far as longevity and survivability with the storms that we’ve had so far.”

Monthly rainfall totals for northeast Iowa already exceed ten inches. Basol says farmers will need four days after flooding recedes to check on corn health.

Deadly East Nishnabotna fertilizer spill referred to attorney general

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The State Environmental Protection Commission voted today (Wednesday) to refer the case of the New Cooperative fertilizer spill on the East Nishnabotna River near Red Oak to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. Bradley Adams, the attorney for the E-P-C, told commissioners the referral is justified after 265-thousand gallons of fertilizer got into the river. “A 50 mile stretch of the river became uninhabitable for aquatic life,” he says. He says frogs, snakes, mussels and fish died due to the contamination.

“D-N-R’s fishery staff estimated that in excess of 749-thousand fish were killed in Iowa’s portion of the East Nish. The kill extended into Missouri and only ended once the river met at the confluence with the Missouri River,” Adams says. Adams says the D-N-R penalty for this would be capped at ten-thousand dollars and that is why he recommends referral to the attorney general.

“A fish kill of this size equates to a high dollar restitution total, the state must ensure full financial recovery to mitigate the harm that was caused to East Nish,” Adams says. “Ongoing needs also include monitoring and sampling which the Attorney General’s Office can secure on more favorable terms the Department. In short, a higher amount of leverage is required to ensure that efforts to mitigate the release and restore the East Nishnabotna progresses at a satisfactory rate.”

New Cooperative spill

The valve was left open and that was not noticed as the hose was clogged, but the material came out after the clog broke. New Coop general manager Dan Dix spoke to the Commission before the vote. “Our company has always operated under the philosophy we strive to do the right thing, for the customer, the employee, and they want you to know that this is the first time in 50 years company has been in existence that we’ve dealt with this type of issue. Unfortunately, it was simply due to a mistake,” he says. Dix says the Fort Dodge-based company did everything it could to mitigate the damage after discovering the issue.

“We take this matter very seriously and hope that our actions during the cleanup show everyone our dedication to doing the right thing,” Dix says. Michael Schmidt of the Iowa Environmental Council also spoke. “We believe this is the type of case that should be referred for elevated enforcement action through the agency’s office because the Department of Natural Resources administrative cap of 10-thousand dollars in penalties has not changed since 1992, and that level of penalty would not reflect the seriousness of this case,” he says.

DES MOINES – Following days of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and Tuesday’s severe storms, multiple Iowa wastewater treatment plants have reported discharging untreated or partially treated wastewater.
These discharges can result from heavy precipitation, power outages and storm damage, among other things.
Since April 1, the Iowa DNR has received reports of 131 discharges at wastewater treatment facilities due to heavy precipitation, with 44 of those being reported in the last five days. Heavy rain can overload wastewater collection systems, which are underground sewer pipes that carry sewage to a treatment plant. Aging or poorly maintained sanitary sewer systems are particularly vulnerable to influxes of storm water.
With sewage pipes overwhelmed, excess water has nowhere to go, and can back up into basements through floor drains. Bypassing can lower the water level in the collection system, keeping sewage from backing up into basements, which could present health risks.
DNR staff continue to monitor these situations and will provide assistance to impacted communities.
It is highly recommended people and pets avoid these areas and stay out of flooded and elevated waterways due to safety concerns.
For more information on wastewater discharges and flooding updates, contact your local DNR Environmental Field office. You can find the office for your region at: https://www.iowadnr.gov/fieldoffice

“Ultimately the enforcement action taken by the A-Gs office must reflect the grave impact of the fertilizer spill and the effects on the East Nishnabotna River,” Schmidt says. The E-P-C voted unanimously to refer the case to the Attorney General.