Cass County Public Health reports the department is hosting a 3-part parenting series just for dads and kids (up to age 18) called “Building Up Dads” beginning on Tuesday, November 14th. Nancy Gibson, Parents as Teachers Coordinator said “Being a parent isn’t easy, However, research shows that dads who spend time with their children increase self-esteem, confidence, and life skills in their children.

Each of the three sessions will include dinner, separate activities for dads and kids, and then time together. The series is free for families to participate in thanks to grants from Boost 4 Families and DECAT. Gibson says “We are really excited about this opportunity for families. Our goal is to give dads the tools and confidence they need to be a great parent, while also giving them time to build their relationships with their children.”

As an added bonus, participants who attend all three sessions will have their name entered in a drawing for a free family zoo membership to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. The first session is November 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, and the topic is “Resiliency.” To reserve your place, please call 712-243-7475.

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers reports his officers were kept busy late Wednesday evening into early this (Thursday) morning, making several drug-related arrests. All the drugs were discovered during traffic violation stops. During the first traffic stop a little after 6-p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of 19th and Nodaway, officers arrested 19-year old Hannah Madeline McCormick, of rural Clarinda, for possession of marijuana & possession of drug paraphernalia.

Just after 2:30-a.m. today (Thursday), Clarinda Police arrested 54-year old Jeana Marie Walker, and 62-year old Denise Diane Neville, both of rural Clarinda. The women were arrested for possession of marijuana. Walker and Neville were arrested at the intersection of 16th & Essie Davison Drive.

McCormick, Walker and Neville are being held in the Page County Jail on $1,000 bond, each. Police reports have been submitted to the offices of Page County Attorney Carl M. Sonksen for review regarding the filing of formal charges.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reports, Beginning Sunday night, Nov. 5, drivers may encounter interstate closures in Council Bluffs when road construction crews close portions of interstates 29 and 80. Southbound I-29 between Ninth Avenue and Nebraska Avenue will be closed from 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, to 5:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, for demolition of part of the Union Pacific Railroad’s bridge. Drivers are encouraged to use I-480 as a detour.

East- and westbound I-80 will be closed at the I-80/I-29 interchange (exit 1) from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 7-9, for bridge construction.
For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit the program website at www.CouncilBluffsInterstate.IowaDOT.gov. You can also contact the program office at 712-216-3339.

(Update 8:52-a.m: The traffic lights are now working properly)

The traffic signal lights on 7th Street in downtown Atlantic are not working properly. Please be cautious and remember the rules of the Right-of-Way at intersections.