SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A Sioux City high school band director who abruptly resigned last week has been arrested and charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee. Authorities say 34-year-old Lucas Sursely texted a 15-year-old female student in one of his classes about having sex with her and sent the girl a picture of himself in his underwear.

The Sioux City Journal reports (http://bit.ly/22d9Xu8 ) that Sursely was arrested Thursday and booked into the Woodbury County Jail. He was released after posting $500 bond. Sursely resigned from his position as Sioux City North High School band director on Dec. 11.

The Trevor Frederickson Memorial Fund recently donated $1,300 worth of books to the Washington Elementary and Schuler Elementary libraries, in Atlantic. Trevor’s mom and fund spokesperson Melanie Petty, said promoting reading is important to the fund. She said “Trevor was an avid reader and we hope with our annual donation we can spark an interest in young children to read on a daily basis.”

Pictured are Janice Dickerson, school librarian and Trevor’s younger brother, Grant Petty. (Photo supplied by Melanie Petty)

A Creston woman reported to Police Thursday, that someone had stolen a 3 1/2-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ from her yard in the 500 block of W. Prairie Street. The incident happened sometime between Dec. 15th and 17th. The loss was estimated at $200.

Creston Police said also, a man from Illinois was arrested recently on a charge of OWI/1st offense. 48-year old Cory Williams, of Cameron, IL, was later released on $1,000 bond.

And, a Clearfield man said his wallet was taken while he was shopping Dec. 10th at the Creston Wal-Mart. The loss was estimated at $70.

Officials with Atlantic Municipal Utilities (AMU) and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce have announced the winners of the 2015 Holiday Christmas Lighting Contest “Deck the Homes”. The contest encouraged the community to nominate their favorite merry & bright home.

Deck the Homes Contest Winners (Chamber supplied photo)

First place winners of AMU’s Annual Christmas Lighting Contest are Kevin & Amanda Maier, whose outdoor light display can be seen at 206 E. 9th Street in Atlantic. The Maier’s received a $100 credit toward their AMU utility services.

The second place winner is a resident at 1700 Lomas Circle in Atlantic. Congratulations to Tara Peterson for her spectacular outdoor light display. Peterson was awarded a $75 credit to her AMU utility services.  Third place winners are Ruth & Suzanne Meyer, residents at 1004 Chestnut Street in Atlantic. The Meyer’s will receive a $50 credit for their light display.

Delta Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Donation Picture

The Chamber thanks AMU for its continued support of the Annual Holiday Christmas “Deck the Homes” lights contest. Thanks also to the Delta Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi for their donation of $200. The money will be used to maintain downtown lighting. The 2016 Atlantic Area Chamber Image Builders committee will also be up-cycling the existing poles on Walnut and Poplar Street.