Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce report Young Professionals of Atlantic will host its next Lunch and Learn on Thursday, July 24th . The topic will be on hiring, firing, and employee relations.  Kent Gade, President of Gade Insurance, and Don Johnson, Asst. Administrator of Human Resources at Cass County Health System, will be on-hand to discuss processes and best practices related to handling employee issues in regards to hiring, firing, keeping employees productive, and complying with employer regulations.

The Lunch & Learn will begin at Noon on the 24th, at the Chamber’s Depot Meeting Room. Cost of lunch is $10 for Atlantic Area Chamber Members and $15 for non- members. Any questions, please contact YPA Professional Development Committee Chair Tom Welchans at 712-350-0075 or the Atlantic Chamber. You can also reserve your place at www.atlanticiowa.com or by calling the Chamber.

Iowa home sales decreased by 3.4 percent over the first half of this year compared to the first six months of 2013. That information comes from new data released by the Iowa Association of Realtors (IAR). Sales picked up in the month of June, however, according to IAR President Kathy Miller. “We sold 4,047 homes in June 2014 and 3,905 homes in June 2013. That’s an increase of 3.6 percent,” Miller said. Home prices in Iowa “rose slightly.” The average sale price (rose 1% from June 2013 to June 2014) as opposed to the median sale price.

The median sale price of a home sold in Iowa last month was $145,000. That’s down just one-percent compared to June of 2013 when the median price was $146,500.  “Now’s a great time to take advantage of the affordability in home ownership,” Miller said. “Interest rates are still good.” The report shows the average days on the market for a home sold in Iowa dipped to 81 days, down from 85 days in June 2013.

(Radio Iowa)

Authorities investigating a report of persons tampering with a lawn mower at a residence just outside of Red Oak early this (Wednesday) morning, arrested two men. Bobbie J. Bruce, of Red Oak, and Jason R. Aherns, of Council Bluffs, were taken into custody at around 3:30-a.m. on a charge of Trespassing (a simple misdemeanor).

Bruce and Aherns were brought to the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center and held pending an appearance before the magistrate. Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies were assisted by officers with the Red Oak Police Department in handling the incident.