(This article is another in a series from Healthy Cass County):

Healthy Cass County strives to improve the health of Cass County residents, which includes helping people move towards a more healthy weight.  Activity, including walking, is a method for helping control weight.  Some of the opportunities for an enjoyable walk in the county are:

• Walk the paths at Schildberg Recreation Area in Atlantic.  This can be an individual or family activity, even the dog can join.  An organized walk is planned at Schildberg’s on October 4, 2017 from 11:00- 1:30 as part of Iowa’s Healthiest State Walk. Area schools and businesses are encouraged to plan walking events on their campuses for this date as well.
• Enjoy the paths around Lake Anita or walk through the camping and picnic area at Cold Springs Park in Lewis.
• Follow the walking maps of downtown Atlantic.  Maps are available at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Atlantic City Hall.
• Walk the school tracks in the county.
• Enjoy the walking paths in Atlantic, including the outdoor fitness stations at the Heritage House Campus.
• Join Live Healthy Next Step Challenge that runs through October 20 (LiveHealthyIowa.org).
• Check out the 18 hole Frisbee golf course located at Sunnyside Park.
• Join Nishna Valley YMCA, Anita Wellness Center, Anytime Fitness in Atlantic or 712 Fitness in Griswold.

Having a walking buddy or making a set time for family walks help make this activity a reality by holding everyone accountable. Good Nutrition is also part of the equation for moving toward a healthy weight.

•  Plan a grocery list and meals ahead of shopping and stick to your list.
•  Set a goal of cooking more family meals at home. Make cooking a family event to teach your children important kitchen skills.
• Learn to read labels-following portion sizes and limiting added sugars.
• Enjoy the fresh produce which will be available at the county Farmers Markets through the end of September.  The markets offer a variety of fresh, local fruit and vegetables. All of which are low in fat and calories and high in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.
• Watch for upcoming Farm to School activities in each of the school districts.

Many of the work places in the county have wellness programs, which help their employees engage in healthy lifestyles, see what your worksite is willing to do for you.  Cass County women have the opportunity to get a snapshot of their health by attending the Women’s Health Fair this Saturday, September 16 from 8:00-10:30am.  The fair is sponsored by Cass County Health System and will be located in the hospital cafeteria and Healing Garden.  Call Public Health for more information 712-243-7546.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office today (Wednesday), released a report on recent arrests. Officials said 48-year old Karen Ann Wilburn, of Oakland, was arrested Tuesday night for Child Endangerment without injury, after a Pott. County Deputy was called her home on Oakland, to check on the welfare of Wilburn’s 17-year old autistic son. The woman was determined to have been intoxicated and placed under arrest. The boy’s father was notified and picked-up the 17-year old.

A man from Carson was arrested for OWI 1st offense, late Tuesday night, after a deputy responded to a reported suspicious vehicle in the area of 251 Christy Lane. In the area of 246 Christy Lane, the Deputy found a car high-centered on a berm at that location. The driver of the vehicle, 19-year old Jonathan Allen Johnson, of Carson, admitted he had been drinking, and was placed under arrest.

At around 3-p.m., Tuesday, 23-year old Michael Timothy Mortensen, of Blair, NE., turned himself-in to the Sheriff’s Office. Mortensen was wanted on a warrant out of Mills County. He was being held at the Pott. County Jail pending return to Mills County.

37-year old Jason Allen Byers, of Council Bluffs, who was already being held in the Pott. County Jail, was charged under the authority of a warrant, with Dominion/control of firearm or offensive weapon by a domestic abuse offender. Byers was read the warrant and returned to the custody of corrections department staff.

Members of the Atlantic School District’s Board of Education will meet 5:30-p.m. today in the High School Media Center, for a regular session. On their agenda is a report from Brielle Cerven, with regard to the English Learner (EL) Program, and, Superintendent Steve Barber will report on enrollment as well as the Line Item Budget.

Action items on the Board’s agenda include the second reading of a revised Board Policy for Purchasing and Bidding. Among the revisions is two pertaining to Goods and Services. One part states “For goods and services costing at least $10,000 and up to $100,000, the superintendent shall receive proposals, quotations, or bids for the goods and services to be purchased prior to board approval. The quotation process will require written quotations.”

The second part states “For all purchases of goods and services over $10,000, the district will provide public notice to possible bidders via the local newspaper, the district’s website and/or local radio.” In past bidding experiences, the Board has been inconsistent in accepting a local bid higher than the lowest provided, which has created some consternation among local business owners.

The Atlantic School Board will also act on approving an Atlantic FFA trip for 12-to 14-students, to Indianapolis, IN., Oct. 24th through the 28th, for the National FFA Leadership Conference. All students must be in good academic standing in order to attend. School administrators have the final say in who is permitted on the trip.

Several contracts and/or Letters of Assignment will also be approved tonight, including: Ryan Henderson as Head Varsity Track Coach and Freshman Volleyball Coach.