If you have items that you would like listed on the “Daily Diary”, please e-mail them to us at kjandesk@metc.net.
The service is free for any NON-PROFIT group or organization.
NOTICES:
Exira 4th Of July Carnival Ticket Fundraiser: This year’s carnival will feature several attractions, including a rock wall, mechanical bull, octopus ride, swings and a small merry-go-round to name a few. Rides range from 3-6 tickets per ride. Purchase not through July 2- 1 sheet of 24 tickets for $18 or 2 sheets for $30. Wristband Voucher is $20 and can be used on July 4 from 3-7pm only. (Regular cost July 3-5 is $20 per sheet and $25 for wristband.) Get your tickets and vouchers at Exira Public Library, City Clerk’s Office, RNW Law Office and Hairbenders. By purchasing tickets in advance, you will not only save money but also support our community club’s efforts to fund local events.
The Anita Food Pantry will not be open on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The pantry will resume its regular hours on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
AtlanticFest, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, will be held Saturday, August 8 rain or shine. The annual community celebration serves as a fundraiser for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and brings together families, businesses, organizations, and visitors from across the region for a full day of activities and entertainment. Preregistration for the Car Show, Motorcycle Show, Fun Run, and Bags Tournament is open now, with day-of registration also available. Registration for craft and food vendors is also currently being accepted until August 3rd. To register for any activity or learn more about the event, visit https://www.atlanticiowa.com/atlanticfest/, email chamber@atlanticiowa.com, or call the Chamber office at 712-243-3017.
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Cass County Grow Another Row begins on Friday, May 1 with 11 stands in communities throughout Cass County. Locations are:
Atlantic Cedar Park @ 204 Cedar St.; Atlantic Library @ 507 Poplar; Midtown Apts @ 1209 E 8th St.; and Mollett Park @ 1020 E 3rd st.
Anita Food Pantry @ 208 Chestnut St
Cumberland @ 121 Main St
Griswold Methodist Church @ 100 Cass St
Lewis Library @ 412 W Main St
Marne Masonic Lodge @ 418 2nd St.
Massena Historic Gas Station @ 203 Main St
Wiota @ 108 Pioneer St.
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The Gathering FREE Community Meal takes place every other Monday from 5-7pm at the United Church Of Christ in Atlantic. Serving Cass County Neighbors. Everyone is welcome…no questions asked. Contact 712-249-7709…text or leave a message. Dine-in. Carry out. Delivery.
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Goodnews Concerts are a non-profit of The Gathering Place located at 102 SW Kent St in Greenfield on the 1st Sunday of every month at 5pm. Freewill donations are taken to help the groups out.
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Adventure Pass Program Expands with Audubon Rec Center Partnership. A Community for Kids and the Atlantic Public Library are excited to announce a new addition to the Adventure Pass program: the Audubon Recreation Center. This partnership brings even more opportunities for families to stay active, connect, and create meaningful memories together. Through this new Adventure Pass offering, families can enjoy a free game of bowling for up to six people along with complimentary access to the Audubon Rec Center gym space—all with the use of a library card. The Audubon Rec Center offers 8 lanes of bowling, featuring cosmic bowling on Friday and Saturday nights. Located within the bowling alley is a soft play area for young children, an arcade, and full service restaurant and bar. Within the same building is a gym space with a walking track and batting cage. Adventure Passes allow patrons to “check out” experiences just like books, turning ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. Instead of reading a story, families get to live one—laughing together, moving together, and exploring local fun in a way that’s accessible to all. The addition of the Audubon Rec Center strengthens the Adventure Pass mission of removing barriers to family-friendly recreation while supporting local destinations. It’s a win-win: families discover new places to play, and community partners welcome new visitors through the doors. Adventure Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Atlantic Public Library. Any adult with a library card in good standing may check out a pass, and families will have seven days to use it after checkout. A Community for Kids is grateful for the Audubon Rec Center’s commitment to supporting families and enriching the lives of children throughout the area. This exciting new partnership ensures that even more families can bowl, play, and move their way into unforgettable memories. For more information about Adventure Passes and participating locations, visit acommunityforkids.com or stop by the Atlantic Public Library.
A Community For Kids and The Atlantic Public Library are excited to announce the newest addition to the Adventure Pass: The Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn. Patrons who check out this pass will enjoy free admission for up to four people to explore the rich history, traditions, and culture of Danish Americans. The museum features engaging exhibits and artifacts, a “kids zone” lego wall and building area, a 30 acre prairie with trails, equipment, and community fire pit, and stories that bring Danish-American heritage to life. The museum provides a welcoming space to learn, connect, and discover something new for everyone.
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Free Radon tests are available at Cass Health in Atlantic for Cass County households. One per household. Contact Cass Health for more information. 712-243-3250
CASS COUNTY FOOD PANTRIES:
Atlantic Food Pantry: 704 W. 7th St. Hours: Thurs., 12:30 – 3 pm (or until all food sacks are distributed) Drive-through pantry (For safety reasons, there will be no access to the Pantry from 7th Street (Highway 6) during Thursday afternoon food distributions. Pantry Client vehicles will approach the Pantry from the East on 6th Street, turning South on Palm Street, then West on the access road directly in front of the Pantry to receive food. Cars will then exit north on the alley next to the Pantry. Traffic markers will guide the cars before and during food distribution.) Food Referrals are not needed. There is a pick-up limit of 3 households per vehicle. Pantry phone: (712) 243-5019 from 9-11 AM Mon. and Thurs. only
Anita Food Pantry: 208 Chestnut St. Drive-through pantry. Phone: (712) 250-0410 Hours: 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 8-10 am
Cumberland Care & Share Pantry: Methodist Church, 317 Monroe St. Phone: (712) 774-5818 Hours: 1st & 3rd Wed., 4:30pm- 5:30pm
Lord’s Cupboard of Griswold: Methodist Church, 100 Cass St. Phone: (712) 778-4178 Hours: 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 11am – 2pm
Adair-Casey Food Pantries are available to those living in the Adair-Casey School District on the second Thursday 6-8pm and the fourth Saturday 9-11am each month.
Locations – Adair United Methodist Church – in alley on north side of church, and
Casey United Methodist Church.
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MONDAY, JUNE 29
Writers and Poets Gathering takes place on Monday, June 29 at 3:30 p.m. at the Atlantic Library. All are welcome. Aspiring to Accomplished!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
Free Audubon Merchant Movie…Curious George (G) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Wednesday, July 1 at 10am. Doors open at 9:30. Concessions are available for cash only and thanks to the many Audubon sponsors, attendees will also get free popcorn and a bottle of water.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
The Kiwanis Club of Atlantic will meet on Thursday, July 2nd, noon, at the Pizza Ranch. Duane Weirich is program chairman.
Produce in the Park is celebrating America’s 250th Birthday on Thursday, July from 4:30-6:30pm in the Atlantic City Park. Special Attending Organizations: Civil Air Patrol, ARISE, VFW Post 3415, Honor Guard, Color Guard, American Legion Post #43, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and more. You’ll find fresh produce; local meats (lamb, chicken, pork, and beef); farm-fresh eggs; local honey, breads including sourdough; baked goods and desserts (cookies, cupcakes, kringle, cinnamon rolls, and more); art; crafts; fresh flower bouquets; soaps, lotions, sugar scrubs, and beard oils; candles and wax melts; decorations, gifts, potted
plants. Food Trucks: Pim’s Thai, Firehouse Foods, Lucky Wife Wine Slushies. Extra Fun: Live music by cajun band The Prairie Gators, sponsored by Rolling Hills Bank, face painting, free YMCA bounce house, and more! Thanks to Farmers Market Sponsors: City of Atlantic, First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cass Health, Atlantic Hy-Vee, Cass County Tourism, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Gregg Young Chevrolet of Atlantic, Nishna Valley YMCA, Community First Credit Union, REM Iowa.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Exira’s 161st Fourth Of July Celebration begins on Friday, July 3 in Exira. The Fun Run 5K and 10K begins at 7:45 am in the City Park. The Mason’s breakfast at the old fire hall begins at 8:00 am. Starting at 5:00 pm, enjoy the carnival, community BBQ, entertainment in the park and the beer garden. The Kiddie Parade begins at 5:30 pm in the city park. Then street dance featuring SUEDE will be held at TJ’s Pourhouse from 8:00 pm – 12:00 am. Visit Exira Community Club facebook page for a schedule of events.
The Riverside Oakland 4th of July Celebration begins today with Smokin’ Good Times in the Park from 12:00 pm – sold out with s’mores by Dance Atlantic and glow sticks. A Music Bingo Fundraiser from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Oakland Community Building to benefit the Oaklawn Cemetery. Fireworks will be held at dusk.
The Massena Spark the 4th of July Celebration begins with a 4-person golf tournament at Crestwood Hills in Anita at 9:00 am with lunch sponsored from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm by the Historical Society. The Kid’s Parade will begin at 6:00 pm followed by the meal served by Economy Food Market at 6:30 pm. A beer garden and music at Main Street Bar & Grill begins at 6:30 pm. There will be face painting, pony rides and a kid’s dance party, trivia contest and a family glow fun run begins at 8:45 pm.
The Cass County Conservation Board is holding a “Dutch Oven Cooking- Dinner Program”! The public program will be held at the Campground Shelter at Cold Springs Park in Lewis, IA on July 3rd 2026 at 6:00 PM! Learn how to make a Meatball sub bake in a dutch oven! Please bring your own place setting for samples. Free will donation for supplies will be accepted. You DO NOT have to be a registered camper to attend the program!
The Manderolian & Grogu (PG-13) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Sunday matinee is at 2pm and doors open at 1:30. All seats are $4 cash. Concessions are available for cash only.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Atlantic’s 4th Of July Flight Breakfast takes place on Saturday, July 4 from 7-11am at the Atlantic Airport. All you can eat pancakes, sausage and drinks for $10. Breakfast is free for pilots who fly-in Proceeds support Atlantic Rotary Service Projects.
2nd Annual Freedom Festival takes place on Saturday, July 4 in Atlantic. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, face painting, pony rides, spray foam, water fights, a pickleball tournament, volleyball, National Guard rock wall and obstacle course, Paul Bunyon hammer swing, splash pad, live music with Dirt Road Divide and fireworks! The Burger Battle is from 5-7:30. Coloring contest is from 6-7pm and a wing eating contest begins at 6pm. Parking for all events except fireworks will be held at lower Sunnyside Park. Fireworks parking is at the Little league Field. Check out more on Freedom Festival facebook page.
The 161st Exira 4th of July Celebration continues with foot races at 9:00 am and the carnival opening at 10:00 am. The parade begins at 10:30 am with registration and line-up at the Legion Ballpark. There will be entertainment for children and adults in the city park after the parade featuring Roger Burger, Jo Beane and Zephyr Mitchell. The Bags Tournament begins at 2:00 pm, the kids pedal tractor pulls start at 4:00 pm. The Grand River Rodeo begins at 6:30 pm at Kickapoo Park. The grand fireworks display at the Spartan Football Field begins at 9:45 pm.
The Massena Spark the 4th of July Celebration continues with breakfast at the Massena Fire Station from 7:30 am – 9:30 am. Look for plenty of food vendors all day. The parade begins at 10:00 am. There will be carnival games throughout the day with the beard, pig tail and mullet contests beginning at 1:00 pm. Bingo begins at 2:00 pm and the adult scavenger hunt starts at 3:30 pm. The alumni reunion is from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A bags tournament will be held at the fire station at 6:30 pm and the Massena Fire Department Street Dance featuring Alexis Curran is from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. And, look for fireworks at dusk.
Massena, CAM and C & M Fourth Of July Alumni Reunion takes place on Saturday, July 4 beginning at 5pm in the Massena City Park. Register at the north shelter to be united with classmates. Bring lawn chairs and refreshments. The Cass County Cattlemen will have steak sandwiches available for purchase. For a full list of activities, visit cityofmassena.org. Visit Massena Chamber Of Commerce on facebook for a list of activities.
The Riverside Oakland 4th of July Celebration continues with a full day of activities centered around Chautauqua Park. The Pancake Feed will be held at the Fire Department from 7:00 am – 10:30 am. The Car & Tractor Show will be from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm with music from Turning Gears. The Kids Bike Parade begins at 11:00 am. Plenty of family activities in the park from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The Parade will be held on Main Street beginning at 5:00 pm. After the parade there will be a Cornhole Tournament with food trucks available all day. The Riverside Rust Market will be held from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. The Nishna Heritage Museum will be open all day with the silent auction drawing at 6:00 pm. The band “Whiskey River” will perform at the amphitheater from 8:00 pm to midnight.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
The 161st Exira 4th of July Celebration continues with the Ecumenical Church service at 10:00 am in the City Park. A talent show will be held in the park from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm and the carnival begins at 12:30 pm. The Exira Alumni Coffee will be held at 2:00 pm at the Exira Lion’s Building. The Exira Public Library Foam Party will be from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the City Park.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
Free Audubon Merchant Movie…BAD GUYS 2 (PG) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Wednesday, July 8 at 10am. Doors open at 9:30. Concessions are available for cash only and thanks to the many Audubon sponsors, attendees will also get free popcorn and a bottle of water.
Cass County Mobile Food Pantries take place on Wednesday, July 8. In Atlantic from 4-6pm at the Cass County Fairgrounds. In Massena from 4:30-5pm in the Massena City Park. A mobile food pantry is a travling food pantry that delivers food to families in need for a one day distribution. No documentation is required and cars can take food for up to 2 households at a time. Call 712-250-8170 o visit foodbankheartland.org for more information.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
The Breadwinner (PG) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Sunday matinee is at 2pm and doors open at 1:30. All seats are $4 cash. Concessions are available for cash only.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
Memorial Motorcycle Ride for Wynn Winston will be held on Saturday, July 11. Meet at Derailed Bar in Marne. Kickstands up at 10:30 am. All vehicles are welcome. Silent auction with proceeds to Cass County Beef Producers for cancer patient support in Wynn’s name.
MONDAY, JULY 13
Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, July 13 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Mental Wellness: Community Awareness & Resources” is this month’s topic. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Pressure (PG-13) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Sunday matinee is at 2pm and doors open at 1:30. All seats are $4 cash. Concessions are available for cash only.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
Free Audubon Merchant Movie…Babe: Pig In The City (G) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Wednesday, July 22 at 10am. Doors open at 9:30. Concessions are available for cash only and thanks to the many Audubon sponsors, attendees will also get free popcorn and a bottle of water.
IowaWORKS will be having a hiring/resume writing event at the Atlantic Public Library July 22, 10am – 2pm. We will have three employers holding open interviews, Fortrex (sanitation for food production plants in Oakland, Harlan, and Council Bluffs), Care Initiatives (an elder care in Avoca), and Elm Crest Senion Living (a retirement home in Harlan). This event is free, and open to everyone.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Toy Story 5 (PG) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Sunday matinee is at 2pm and doors open at 1:30. All seats are $4 cash. Concessions are available for cash only.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
The 49th Annual Carson Rodeo takes place Wednesday, July 29 through Saturday, August 1. A Kick Off Supper will be held on Wednesday. Thursday is Kids Night. Friday is the Street Dance. The Carson Rodeo Parade is at 10:30am on Saturday with another Street Dance Saturday night. Mutton Bustin will take place each night. Advanced tickets are $15 and $20 at the gate. Get your advanced tickets at the Country Store, Bar N’ Grill and Rolling Hills Bank in Carson. In Oakland at Keast Motors and in Macedonia at Agrivision Equipment and Back 40 Bar & Grill. For more information visit carsoncommunityrodeo.com, see Carson-Community-Rodeo on facebook or call 402-689-5622
FRIDAY, JULY 31
Young Washington (PG-13) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Sunday matinee is at 2pm and doors open at 1:30. All seats are $4 cash. Concessions are available for cash only.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, August 10 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Local Food & Healthy Eating” is this month’s topic. Nutrition, access and health promotion. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, September 14 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Health Promotion Through Collaboration” is this month’s topic. Building partnerships that strengthen Cass County’s well being. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info
EXTRAS ….
CITY OF ATLANTIC YARD WASTE SITE HOURS:
The compost near the Schildberg Recreation Area is open seven days per week from 7:30-a.m. until dusk. The site is monitored by camera to catch illegal dumping. If the gate happens to be locked during those times, please call 243-3512 and tell them that the gate to the yard waste site is locked and a police officer will be out shortly to unlock the gate. The brush pile is offered to citizen within the city limits only.
*** City of Atlantic officials remind citizens to bring ONLY trees, branches, grass, garden waste, and/or leaves. ***
BINGO / GAMES
Heritage House Games: The 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month the community is invited to play cards or dominoes. Come as a group or as a single. Playing starts at 1 pm
Anita Sunset Club meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 11:30am at the Anita Congregational Church. Enjoy lunch, special guests and programs and card games. Call 712-249-4996 for more information.
Atlantic Elks Bingo is every Thursday at the Atlantic Elks Lodge, 411 Walnut St in Atlantic. Doors open 5:45 pm bingo starts at 6:30 pm.
Anita American Legion Bingo is held every Saturday night 6:30 to 10:00pm at Anita American Legion Hall. Doors open at 4:30. Dinner available for purchase.
Coon Rapids American Legion Bingo is every Tuesday. Doors open at 5:30, bingo starts at 6:30 pm. Prizes, jackpot $599 weekly. Games range from $20-$40.
Irwin Bingo is every Thursday at the Irwin Community Building (404 Front St) beginning at 7pm. Food will be served beginning at 5:30pm and Early Bird Bingo starts at 6:30pm with a progressive jackpot.
Join the Firehouse Flames for bingo every first Monday at the Memorial Building in Audubon. Doors open at 5:30 pm with a light lunch available, early bird bingo at 6:30 and regular bingo at 6:45 pm.
Shenandoah Eagles Bingo will be held on Sunday, December 12th from 2:30-5:00 pm at Shenandoah FOE Club Located at 709 West Thomas St Shenandoah, IA 51601. Shenandoah FOE Auxiliary #3849 has restarted their Sunday Bingo. Currently Bingo will be held bi-weekly starting November 14th, 2021. Holiday weekends are TBD. Early Bird starts at 2:30pm. Bingo starts at 3:00 pm. CASH PRIZES! Family Friendly event. Check the event page on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/eagles3849/
MUSEUM / CULTURAL CENTERS
American Legion Memorial Building, also known as the Armory, will be open for tours Saturday afternoons through October and by request through Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. See the web site at Arise Atlantic for more details.
Cass County Historical Museum in Griswold is now open Wednesdays-Sundays from 1-4
Audubon County Historical Society Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 10 am (alternating meetings in Audubon and Exira). This is open to the public, the Historical Society is looking for volunteers!
Hitchcock House – During the season, the Hitchcock House is open for tours beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays May 1st through September 4th. The same fee schedule listed above applies. The last tour each day begins at 4:15 p.m. Tours at other times and groups of 10 or more are encouraged to schedule a tour time by calling 712.769.2323.
Space to Play at Jens Jensen Landscape Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Visit the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park to find native plants, explore outdoor exhibits, play on innovative Danish-designed outdoor fitness equipment, gather around the council rings, and enjoy thirty acres of tallgrass prairie. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend events hosted by the Museum of Danish America. If you are an individual who requires accommodation, please email info@danishmuseum.org. Museum of Danish America 2212 Washington Street Elk Horn 51531
The Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center in Stanton is open Wednesday-Saturday from 1-4pm April through October.
SUPPORT GROUPS / OUTREACH SUPPORT
Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 2nd Thursday of the month at 719 Benton in Corning at 5:00 p.m. No registration is required…just pop in. This group is open to anyone who is now, or ever has been, a caregiver for someone with dementia.
FREE: Furniture and other items. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 107 Cedar Street in Atlantic. If you need something, take it at no charge. If you have items that are in good shape and clean, donate them!
DISASTER RELIEF AT THE GREENFIELD MAINTENANCE BUILDING IS EVERY TUESDAY FROM 2-6PM.
2nd Hand Rose is open Monday’s 1:30-3:00 and Friday’s 9:30-11:00 at the Heritage House in Atlantic.
Grief Share meets Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm in the Heritage Hall at the Heritage House in Atlantic. No charge, donations for Grief Share are welcomed. Call Heidi 712-243-5492. This is sponsored by the Roland Funeral Home in conjunction with Grace Point Church.
NAMI Support Group meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month at 2pm and the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 6:30pm at the United Church Of Christ in Atlantic.
H.E.A.L… Hope. Empathy. Acceptance. Love…meets the second Wednesday each month at 10am at the Exira Public Library in the meeting room. Their mission is to connect those living with incurable, chronic medical conditions with community that supports, educates and empowers them to improve their quality of life. Call 712-304-5779 with questions and for more information. follow them at www.facebook.com/groups/healiowa/
Creating Hope Together meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 5-8pm at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in the Community Health Center, 1st floor. Enter at south door entrance. For more information call Peter Youngren at llrspprt@gmail.com
Public Health HCCMS Family Services is located at 1408 E 10th St. Call 712-755-4422 or visit www.shelbycountyclinics.com. Clinic will also be held in Irwin, Earling, Westphalia, Shelby, Avoca, Defiance, Panama, Portsmouth and Elk Horn. Appointments are not needed for these clinics.
HCCMS Family Planning is a program available for men and women of all ages, offering reproductive and other health services to help you get and stay healthy. They serve anyone requesting family planning services regardless of residency, household income or gender. In Cass County, your HCCMS office is located at Cass County Home Care, 1500 E 10th St., Atlantic, IA. For more information or to make an appointment call 712-243-7551 or 1-800-993-4345.
The Atlantic Lions Club takes used eye glasses and hearing aids. You can drop them off at these Atlantic locations: Hy-Vee, W & S Appliance, Fareway, or any Lions Club member.
WIC CLINIC- Call for information at 1-800-338-4129
