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Drive Merry, Bright, and Sober This Holiday Season: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

News

December 20th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood Iowa) – The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but the Mills County Sheriff’s Office says it is also known for being the deadliest season when it comes to impaired driving. Deputies in Mills County, and their Iowa Law Enforcement colleagues across the state, will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this holiday season to remove impaired drivers from the roads and help save lives. Between now and January 1, 2022, motorists will see an increased presence of law enforcement.

Sadly, the statistics prove that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. According to NHTSA, 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019 — one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019. This is why Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Sobering Statistics according to NHTSA:

  • 837 people lost their lives nationally in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver during the month of December, 2019.
  • During the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods in 2019 alone, there were more drunk-driving-related fatalities (210) than during any other holiday period that year.
  • An OWI can cost you $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, repairs, and lost time at work!
  • Don’t be the reason someone doesn’t get home this holiday season.

Always remember to plan ahead if you will be celebrating with an impairing substance. If you plan to indulge, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Call a taxi, friend or Uber! Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take the role seriously and do not partake in alcohol or any other drugs.

Cass County Supervisors to act on Group Health Insurance Renewal, etc.

News

December 20th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, are expected to act on an ISAC Group Health Insurance Renewal plan for Fiscal Year 2023. Their meeting takes place in the Supervisor’s Board Room at the Courthouse, beginning at 9-a.m.

The Board will also likely act on approving the employment of a Secondary Roads Department Equipment Operator who’s been offered the position after a number of candidates were interviewed.

Additional agenda items include:

  • Closing-out Willow Heights/Partnership for Progress (discussion only)
  • Discussion and possible action on the establishment of an incentive plan for property improvements to certain classes of property, in the non-incorporated portion of Cass County.
  • and, discussion on a proposed plan from the Temporary Redistricting Commission.

Lottery sale returning to more normal year

News

December 20th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Lottery is coming off a record year for sales — but the new fiscal year is unlikely to do it again. Iowa Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, says things are good for the current fiscal year which started in July. “So far in the fiscal year, lottery sales overall continue to hold at a really strong pace. As has been the case in the last several years — lottery scratch tickets continue to lead the way for us,” Neubauer says.

The sales thus far at up six-point-seven percent compared to this time last year at 178-point-five million dollars. The big driver in the record sales that happened last January is not likely to happen again. “For the first time ever, the jackpots in Powerball and MegMillions both topped the 700 million dollar mark for the first time — and they both went on to almost reach a BILLION dollars,” she says.

Neubauer says that gave a big boost to the bottom line. “Obviously, when the jackpots are huge like that, it drives not only Powerball and MegMillions — but our other products as well. I don’t think Iowa Lottery sales are going to be able to keep up once we get to January of this year,” she says. Neubauer says the year should still be strong. “We don’t think it’s going to end up being a record-setting year like last year was. It probably will still be our number two year overall in terms of the lottery’s performance,” according to Neubauer. “…it’s not that it’s not something to be proud of, but it probably won’t keep up overall with the pace that we saw in fiscal 2021 with COVID and just everything that we saw go on in the past year.”

Neubauer says they will likely return to a more normal year of sales unless the jackpots would grow very large again. But she says that is never something they can plan to happen.

Those pretty poinsettias are *not* a cause for poisoning concerns

News

December 20th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – With all of the things worrying Iowans as we approach the end of 2021, one expert says we can put concerns about poinsettias out of our minds. While there are long-standing rumors about the red-and-green flowers traditionally associated with Christmas being deadly if eaten, registered nurse Tammy Noble at the Iowa Poison Control Center, says that’s simply not true. “Poinsettias have had a bad rap over the years,” Noble says, “but we’ve found that they’re not as toxic as what we thought 50 years ago.”

One study found that a child would have to eat as many as 500 poinsettia leaves to become poisoned, but aside from that, Noble says the leaves taste terrible so no one would likely ever eat a lethal dose of them. They’re a lovely plant, she says, and they shouldn’t concern you. “We know that swallowing some of the leaves can cause mild upset stomach,” Noble says, “but it’s okay to have poinsettias in your house or to give to family members who are in nursing homes. They’re low risk.”

Other plants that may appear in your house during the year-end holidays could pose a more significant threat. Noble says to take care with holly berries and mistletoe as they -can- be poisonous. If you have a question or concern, call the Sioux City-based Iowa Poison Control Center anytime at 1-800-222-1222.

The poinsettia is native to Mexico and dates back centuries to when the Aztecs cultivated them to be more like trees that grew to be ten feet high. Seventeenth-century Franciscan priests in Mexico used poinsettias in nativity processions, the first recorded use for a Christmas celebration, though they weren’t called poinsettias then. That didn’t come until Joel Robert Poinsette introduced the plant to the U.S. in 1825 while he was the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. The plants were later named to honor him.

Miller-Meeks expects competitive contest as she seeks second term in US House

News

December 20th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks expects her bid for a second term in the U.S. House to be among the most closely watched races in the country. Miller-Meeks won her first race in 2020 by a six-vote margin. “I think that this election cycle will be different, both pros and cons. You have a congressional record — a voting record now that can be brought up, but you also have those things which you have achieved,” Miller-Meeks says. “So I think given the things that I have done, I expect to be reelected and by a much larger margin that six votes.”

During a weekend appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S, Miller-Meeks joked that her margin of victory would be at least triple what it was in 2020. Miller-Meeks also discussed running in the new first congressional district, where about 35 percent of registered voters are Democrats, 32 percent are Republicans and the rest are independents. “I in no way think that this is going to be an easy reelect,” Miller-Meeks says. “It’s going to . I’m known to be a very strong campaigner. I’m known to be out and visiting with people and I will continue to do that.”

Marianette Miller-Meeks. (photo from Miller-Meeks office.)

Miller-Meeks says she’s visited all 24 counties in Iowa’s current second congressional district four times since being sworn into office last January. Miller-Meeks says she decided to seek reelection in Iowa’s new first congressional because it covers most of the territory in her current district — but Miller-Meeks also considered running in the district that includes Ottumwa, so she could keep representing her hometown. “Wapello County was put into district three,” Miller-Meeks says. “…and so it was an extraordinarily difficult decision to make and finally came to the decision that I would run in the district which 80% of I currently represent.”

While there’s no requirement that members of congress live within the boundaries of the district they represent — they just have to live within the state — four of Iowa’s congressmen moved after district lines were redrawn in 2001 and 2011. Miller-Meeks, a Republican, won’t be selling her home in Ottumwa, but does plan to establish a residence in the new first district. “I have a variety of housing options,” Miller-Meeks says. “I’ll be able to be in the district and live within the district.”

Miller-Meeks, who is an eye doctor, has worked at a clinic in Burlington she taught in the University of Iowa Medical School in the late 1990s. She may face a G-O-P Primary in 2022. Kyle Kuehl, a Bettendorf business owner, also announced his candidacy as a Republican in the new 1st District. Democrat Christina Bohannan, a University of Iowa Law School professor who’s a member of state legislature, announced earlier this year she intended to challenge Miller-Meeks in 2022.

Villisca woman arrested Saturday afternoon

News

December 20th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

A traffic stop early Saturday afternoon in Montgomery County resulted in an OWI arrest. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports 35-year-old Stephanie Lynn Gay, of Villisca, was arrested at around 2:23-p.m. for OWI/1st offense. Gay was booked into the Montgomery County Jail and held on full bond.

Produce in the Park Announces Christmas Market Final Vendor Lineup

News

December 20th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

ATLANTIC, IA (December 20, 2021) – Produce in the Park has released the final vendor lineup for Christmas Market. The winter farmers market is stacked with homemade food and handmade craft vendors—from produce and meats to cookies and desserts, soaps and candles to art and pet treats.

Christmas Market is this Thursday, December 23 from 3-7 PM at the Cass County Community Center (805 W. 10th St. Atlantic, up the hill from the fairgrounds). Christmas market offers both pre-ordering and in-person shopping. Pre-orders will be accepted through Tuesday, December 21, and information on preordering can be found at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com. Some products—such as Miss NiNi’s pies and cheesecakes and Pomodoro Fresh Italian Food Truck’s take and bake meals—are only available pre-order.

Christmas Market is held just two days before Christmas, so shoppers can enjoy delicious local foods during holiday celebrations, and shop for handmade stocking stuffers, gifts, and decorations. Christmas Market Vendors:
All vendors offer in-person shopping, unless otherwise noted.

*Denotes the vendor offers preordering. Preordering information can be found at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.
Vendors are listed by product category, and vendors may appear in multiple categories.

Produce Vendors
• Bridgewater Farm* – spinach, beets, carrots, garlic, kohlrabi, potatoes, squash, turnips, sweet potatoes
• Erickson Foods* – carrots, potatoes, squash – acorn, butternut, spaghetti
• Harrisdale Farmstead* (Pre-order only. No in-person shopping from this vendor.) – squash, pie pumpkins, garlic
Meat & Eggs Vendors
• Bridgewater Farm* – beef, eggs
• Brun Ko Farm* – beef, pork, chicken, eggs
• Kingwood Farm* – pork, eggs, beef
• Noble Provisions* – beef
Desserts and Goodies
• Atlas Atlantic Cinema* – holiday popcorn boxes in a variety of flavors including “Christmas Crack” and “Peppermint Bark” among traditional favorites such as Kettle Corn and Classic Cinema
• Brun Ko Farm* – cookies, pies, pastries
• Frosting Inc. – cupcakes, cookies, hot cocoa bombs, and more
• Kringleman Pastries* – Danish kringle, cream horns, letters, and pastries
• Mandy’s Sweet Tooth Confections – pies, sugar cookie bars, cupcakes, cookie trays, candy barks and fudge, savory pretzels and snack mix, and other assorted desserts
• Miss NiNi’s Fine Desserts* (Pre-order only. No in-person shopping from this vendor.) – pies and cheesecakes
• TJ’s Kitchen* – wine bread pastries
Other Local Food
• Brun Ko Farm* – granola in a variety of flavors including holiday “Fruit basket”
• Erickson Foods* – syrups, fruit butters, and jellies
Homemade Food to Go
• Pomodoro Fresh Italian Food Truck* – pasta, sauces, sandwiches, salads and desserts; take and bake homemade Italian meals are available by preorder only.
Bath and Body Products
• DezaRae Farm Soaps – goat milk soaps
• Dragonfly Creations – soaps, shave soap, beard oil, and more
• Kingwood Farm* – goat milk soaps, bath shreds, lotions, and detergent
• Smudge* – soaps, shower steamers, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and more
• Sweet Sisters Vegan* – vegan products including soaps, lotions, lip balms, and more
Candles and melts:
• Smudge*
• Dragonfly Creations
More Crafts Products
• Connie’s Creations – hand-crocheted dishcloths, hats, hot pads, and more
• DeLaine’s Designs – doll clothes
• Dragonfly Creations – abstract art, coasters, and resin art
• Glossy Nacho Nails* – custom handmade press-on nails
• Hygge Cottage – children’s books and wildlife feeders
• JD Crafters – Items made using a laser and CNC router and a lathe, including Christmas and table ornaments, signage, cutting boards, coasters, serving trays and catch all trays, and more.
• Johnna Joy Designs* – jewelry & more
• The Pet Bistro* – dog and cat food and treats; cat toys and beds
• Slightly Sassy Orchid Designs – tumblers and signs
• Studio Samantha – art prints, crocheted hats, handmade bags, and more
• Wud Bi Tek – CNC laser carvings and cuttings

Christmas Market is made possible by sponsorships from the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, First Whitney Bank and Trust, Camblin Mechanical, Cass County Tourism, Cass County Farm Bureau, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Meyer and Gross Real Estate, and Smith Land Service. Produce in the Park thanks customers for masking and distancing at indoor markets.

For the latest information on Christmas Market, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/) or sign up for the Produce in the Park newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.

(Updated w/names) 2 dead, 3 injured in NE IA SUV rollover

News

December 20th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Cresco, Iowa) – IN an update to our earlier report, the Iowa State Patrol, Sunday, identified the five juvenile victims of an SUV rollover accident that took place late Friday night, in northeastern Iowa’s Winneshiek County.

Authorities say the driver of a 2000 Ford Explorer, 18-year-old Dalton Hemesath, of Ridgeway (Iowa), and a passenger, 18-year-old Karter Einck, of Decorah, died in the crash. Three other passengers were injured. They included 17-year-old’s Emmitt Stemper and Brendan Hunter, along with 18-year-old David Kfeitzer, all of Decorah. Stemper was transported by air ambulance to Gunderson Hospital in LaCrosse, WI. The other two were transported to the hospital in Cresco. None of the occupants were wearing a seat belt.

The Iowa State Patrol says the SUV was traveling north on County Road W-14 at around 10:30-p.m., when the vehicle went out of control east of Cresco and slide sideways before entering the west ditch at Pole Line Road. The SUV rolled three times in the ditch before coming to rest on its wheels.

Audubon School Board to act on Early Retirement applications, and more

News

December 19th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon School Board will gather in the High School Board Room Monday (Dec. 20), beginning at 6:40-p.m. for a Work Session. Their regular meeting will follow, beginning at 7-p.m.  Among the action items on their agenda, is:

  • A review, along with the first and final reading of Polices 506.1 & 502.8.
  • Approval of Early Retirement applications.
  • Approving an increase in Teacher Substitute pay.
  • Possible action on approving a Full-Time Elementary School Counselor
  • and, other Personnel matters.

In his report to the Audubon School Board, Superintendent Eric Trager will discuss a Head Start Mask Mandate, and the Federal Vaccine Mandate, among other matters.

Atlantic Parks & Rec to act on new Asst. Director position

News

December 19th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City of Atlantic’s Parks and Recreation Department Board of Directors will meet 5:15-p.m. Monday, Dec. 20th, at the Parks & Rec Office in Sunnyside Park. Among the action items and/or new business on their agenda, is:

  • Discussion with regard to a new Assistant Parks & Rec Director
  • An upcoming Aquatics Steering Committee meeting
  • A job description for the Sunnyside Pool Manager’s position
  • A possible wage increase for Summer help
  • and the Lions Club Pancake Supper

In his report to the Board, Parks and Rec Director Bryant Rasmussen is expected to discuss:

  • The status of the Ice Rink
  • Winter Recreation Fun
  • Trails that are marked
  • The Candy Cane HUnt
  • Rip-rap at East Ridge
  • The Lighted Parade
  • The more than 20 Rec Programs that were held in 2021, and,
  • The Sunnyside Pool Umbrella’s have arrived for use next Summer.