Iowans are finishing up their lawn care for the fall with raking leaves, mulching and aerating, and as they prep for the winter ahead, one expert suggests they consider planting more than just grass next year. Botanist Paul Koch (COKE) says a flowering lawn is a good way to help the environment — as well as bees and monarchs.

Koch says these so-called “bee lawns” look nice while helping to make your property more sustainable.

Koch says just doing a “No Mow May” is not going to help bees and insects if your lawn has no flowers to help feed them.

State Banking Superintendent Jeff Plagge (PLAG-ee) says the Sac City bank he declared insolvent on Friday had heavy losses on some of its loans to commercial trucking firms.

Citizens Bank in Sac City reopened Monday as a branch of Iowa Trust and Savings Bank of Emmetsburg. An August court order identified some Citizens Bank loans to the trucking industry as higher risk than the bank had previously disclosed and Plagge says that sped up the already scheduled examination of the bank’s portfolio.

Plagge says they’re not seeing similar issues at other Iowa banks.

Trucking firms continue to face a shortage of drivers and supply chain issues, as well as high operating costs. Plagge, who was a commercial banker for 42 years, says there’s no reason to be concerned about the viability of Iowa banks in general.

Plagge has been state banking superintendent since September of 2019. Citizens Bank in Sac City was founded in 1929. Iowa Trust and Savings Bank in Emmetsburg acquired the bank’s nearly 59 MILLION dollars in deposits as well as all available loans.

The Board of Regents will hear a report from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) study group at its meeting next week. Dar Danielson reports.

The D-E-I review is required by a bill the governor signed into law in June

Another potential federal government shutdown looms in ten days, and Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley predicts there will -not- be an agreement reached by November 17th, so another stopgap measure will be required to again extend the deadline. Grassley, a Republican, says progress is being made in both chambers.

Mike Johnson was elected as the new House Speaker on October 25th, less than a month after the Senate passed the House stopgap bill to avoid a government shutdown, pushing the deadline to November 17th. Grassley is certain the budget work won’t be finished by then.

During a Radio Iowa interview in late September, Grassley said it was “idiocy” to be going through this process again, with threatened shutdowns, but an accord on spending remains elusive in November.

A government shutdown would impact millions of federal workers, though many others would be forced to work without pay. In the past, they’ve always gotten back pay once the government restarts, but Grassley says there’s no guarantee that would happen.

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Get a kick start on your holiday shopping and purchase discounted AtlantiCash, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, this Saturday only at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce says “This has become one of our favorite events to host every year. AtlantiCash is money that has to be spent at local businesses, so not only does it boost Local Option Sales Tax, but it also supports all of our incredible businesses who have so much to offer this holiday season. Last year, we sold $40,000 in about 45 minutes, so our goal this year is to sell another $40,000.”

From 9 AM – 12 PM Saturday, November 11th only, AtlantiCash will be available in packs of $100 for $80, a 20% discount. Community members can purchase up to three packs. Payment must be made at time of purchase in the form of cash or check only. There is a first-come, first-purchased basis with only a limited amount of AtlantiCash available. Smith said “We wouldn’t be able to pull this promotion off without the help of our amazing sponsors. Their partnership helps us support local merchants and put money back into Atlantic.”

Discount AtlantiCash is brought to you by First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Rush, CPA & Associates, Property Connections and Brown’s Shoe Fit, Co.

The Holiday Open House will also be taking place on Saturday beginning when retailers open. Businesses will be offering a holiday sneak peek as well as treats, giveaways and special promotions.

New this year, the Chamber has partnered with retailers to launch the ‘Holiday Punch Card’. November 11th – December 18th, when you spend $20 at a participating retailer, you’ll receive a custom punch on your card. Once it’s filled, turn it into the Atlantic Area Chamber for your chance to win $50 in AtlantiCash, which will be drawn every Friday beginning November 17th. A grand prize drawing, valued at over $1,000, will be drawn December 18th. Participating retailers include: Akin Building Center, Atlantic Treasures, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Brymons Interiors, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Eleven O Three, Farmhouse & Flowers, Hanson’s Fine Jewelry, Homebody, Lucy Mae’s Boutique, New Hope Bargain Shoppe, Randy’s Computer, Relic, Skips Home Décor & More, The Fish Store & Pet Center and Your Forte.

Pick up your Christmas brochure and Holiday Punch Card from area retail businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com.

Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Montgomery County are set to meet 8:30-a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8th, in their Montgomery County Courthouse Board Room. Here’s their posted agenda:

1. Call meeting to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll call of members
4. Approval of Agenda – Order at discretion of Chairman
5. Read minutes as presented. Chairman to call for any additions/corrections to said minutes.
6. Board chairman will ask the audience for any comments, limited to two minutes per person.
7. Supervisors: Weekly committee/assignment updates
8. Secondary Roads Update
9. Jan Norris to comment on pipeline updates
10. Planning & Zoning Update
11. Will Dougherty, Project Developer with MidAmerican Energy Update
12. 8:45 a.m. Open Sealed Bids of Forfeited Property for Sheriff Department items: (below order of vehicles may not reflect the order in which bids are opened)
a.2008 Ford F450 Super Duty King Ranch Vin# 1FTXW43R48EE32054
b.2007 Silver Saturn Vue AWD Vin# 5GZCZ63447S802424
c.2003 Silver Audi A4 Vin# WAULC68E43A179338
d.2008 Harley Davidson Soft Tail Vin# 1HD18MY152Y020038
13. New Business
a. Approve claims payable for Wednesday November 8, 2023
b. Approve Sheriff’s Report of Fees for the month of October in the amount of $4,103.96
c. Approve Recorder’s Report of Fees for the month of October in the amount of $18,430.55
d. Approve the Treasurer’s Semi-Annual Report for the month of October ending fund balance in the amount of
e. Discuss Resolution 23-27 to Extend the Existing Moratorium on C-WECS Construction Permits with action as necessary
f. Discuss railroad bridges at K Avenue, L Avenue, Q Avenue and Redwood Avenue with action as necessary
g. Discuss UHC Health Insurance Rebate Check options with action as necessary
h. Discuss new laptop for Maintenance Director with action as necessary
i. Discuss audio equipment for Board of Supervisors meetings with action as necessary
j. Discuss publications in the Villisca Review per IA Code 618.3 with action as necessary
14. Discuss and start agenda items for next meeting
15. Announcements – The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 8:30 a.m.
16. Adjournment

*Please note, this is a public meeting; however, it may be conducted via ZOOM Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86185141628
Meeting ID: 861 8514 1628
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.31