(Atlantic, Iowa) -Travel outside of Atlantic, especially on the southwest side of town at the City limits, is not advised due to near zero visibility, this afternoon. Here is the latest from 511ia.org. (4:10-p.m.)

(Radio Iowa) – The first round of presidential preference cards is out in the mail for Iowa Democrats. So far, more than eight-thousand Democrats have requested a card and that number is expected to increase following the party’s in-person Caucuses on Monday night. Although they no longer go first in their party’s presidential nominating process, State Party Chair Rita Hart says changing to an entirely mail-in system is the beginning of what will be the most inclusive Iowa Democratic Caucus in the state’s history.

“For the first time, a firefighter or a police officer working a third shift, or a parent who may not have childcare, or a snowbird who is spending the month in Arizona or Florida, and those in our disability community who struggle with home health care, can now make sure that their voices are heard,” says Hart. Party committee member Scott Brennan feels the same way.  “We need to make it easier for people to participate, not harder. I believe this mail in process will put us in the best position for 2028, when we will have a competitive presidential process,” says Brennan.

Hart is not concerned about some Democrats reportedly switching their party registration to vote in the Republican Caucuses for someone other than Trump. “I have not heard very many people express that desire,” she says. “I think maybe there’s maybe some idle talk about that, but I really don’t see that as a priority of many Democrats. But instead, their priority is that we’re committed to getting more Democrats elected.”

The winter weather and a non-competitive Democratic primary are expected to lower Monday’s turnout, but Hart says that’s why the new mail-in process is a good move. “If people are able and willing and can make it to the caucuses, they will go. But some people will not be able to go and so this gives them an assurance,” says Hart.

Since Iowa Democrats have re-shuffled the presidential nominating calendar, will there be less money for Iowa coming from the national party and the presidential election? “I think that there has been a significant investment,” says Hart. “We have seen some financial support from the DNC and they recognize that we are in a rebuilding process and they are very committed to helping us do exactly that.”

Democrats can continue to request a card through the party’s website or by mail until February 19.

(Radio Iowa) – Waterloo is being designated as Iowa’s only World War Two Heritage City. The designation from the National Park Service came through the collaboration of the city’s museums, economic development corporations, and former mayor Tim Hurley. The nomination process took nearly three years. Hurley says the people of his hometown made Waterloo’s contribution to the war effort special.

“By 1940, there were 55,000 people in town,” he says, “and 8,000 or 8,500 of our citizens in Waterloo enlisted, went to war or were drafted.” Hurley says part of what separated Waterloo’s story from other cities in Iowa was the doors that its manufacturing sector helped to open.

“It turned the workforce over. It reopened that pipeline from the Mississippi delta back up to Waterloo for African Americans,” he says, “and many of those families still live here, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are doing great things here.”

Waterloo is among 11 sites across the country granted the distinction. Only one community per state can be designated as a heritage city.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by DeeDee & David Kalny, with CMG Home Loans, on Thursday, January 11th, 2024. The Ambassadors joined the husband and wife in celebrating the launch of their branch of CMG Home Loans in the Atlantic/ Cass County area with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Dee Dee and David Kalny have been married for 20 years, and moved to Cass County three years ago, to be close to their son and family. DeeDee shared about her passion for personal relationships and how relationships are crucial in helping families get into the home of their dreams. DeeDee firmly believes that everyone that has the desire to own their own home, should be able to achieve that goal with the right help.

Ambassadors (Left to Right): Jake Olsen, Elaine Otte, Alex McAfee, Dolly Bergmann, Jessie Shiels, Alisha Wagner, Krysta Hanson, Sue Liston, David Kalny, BJ Hart, DeeDee Kalny, Dr. Keith Leonard, Kathie Hockenberry, Tori Gibson, Wes Anstey, Megan Sramek, Colt Doherty, Shannon Nelsen, Graydon Schmidt, Anne Quist

The couple plans to take their passion for home ownership and share their over 14 years of knowledge with the community. DeeDee and David will host quarterly “Home Buyer Workshops” to inform and empower first-time homebuyers. These workshops will be hosted at the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Office and will take on topics such as down payment assistance, home buying process, financing a home, and more.

CMG Home Loans was established in 1993 by Charles Micheal George, and has since grown the company into one of the nation’s Top 10 retail mortgage lender and the largest privately owned independent mortgage bank in nation. CMG Home Loans prides their business on delivering the right loans for the right reasons in a way that exceeds all expectations.

For more resources or questions about home buying, visit www.deedeekalny.com or call 515-480-4436.

(Radio Iowa) – As of Noon today (Friday), the Iowa D-O-T says travel is not advised on several hundred miles of Iowa roads. In addition to the thoroughfares being completely snow covered, there’s poor visibility due to blowing and drifting snow. Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Timmons says the snowfall is heavy and the winds are strong, so it’s hard for state and county crews to keep the roads clear. “They’re doing the plowing as best as they can keep up with it,” Timmon says. “Travel is not recommended. Stay home. If you get stuck, there’s a good chance we’re gonna get stuck, and we’re not going to be able to get to you, so you’re taking your life in your own hands.”

The sheriff is pleading with motorists to stay off the roads, but if they must go out, be prepared for the worst. “If you have to travel, make sure you have a rescue kit, blanket and extra food and extra coats and clothes and plenty of fuel and a charging card for your phone,” he says. “Just make sure you stay safe and don’t make us have to come get you.”

The Blizzard Warning covers much of the state through 6 AM on Saturday.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Democrats will hold Caucuses Monday, too, but they no longer go first in their party’s presidential nominating process. The party has begun mailing out presidential preference cards. “This is a new, a new animal.” And Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart says the results from that mail-in process will be announced March 5th. “It’s really important that everyone, you know, have their opportunity to have their voices heard. And I think the great thing about it is, this is going to be so easy,” Hart says. Hart says Iowa Democrats still take their role in the political process seriously.

“They recognize that their voice does matter and that it’s their civic responsibility to participate,” says Hart. Arguing over candidates in person will not be Monday night’s focus, according to Hart. She says it will be about party business.  “That’s where we choose our precinct captains,” says Hart. “That’s where we choose our representatives that go on to the national convention. That’s where we have our platform resolutions. That’s the beginning of that process, all those things are really important to the party itself.”

Like The Iowa Republican Party’s Caucuses, the Iowa Democratic Party’s Caucuses will begin at 7 p.m. Monday.