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Cass County searches for a new Engineer

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Auditor’s Office has posted an advertisement seeking a new Engineer for the County. Officials say Charles Bechtold, who was hiredfor the position in April 2016 and began in July of that year, has decided to seek employment elsewhere. Bechtold succeeded former County Engineer Charles Marker when he was hired for the position. He was previously the Engineer for Osceola County, in northwest Iowa. He has been serving as interim Montgomery County Engineer in addition to his duties in Cass County.

An application for qualified persons who are an Iowa licensed profession Engineer, can be found at www.atlanticiowa.com.  The position pays anywhere from $90,000 to $110,000, depending on experience.

Reynolds says she’s pushing Trump to reverse ethanol moves

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says she is pushing the Trump administration to restore billions of gallons of ethanol demand lost when the Environmental Protection Agency exempted 31 oil refineries from blending ethanol with gasoline to meet the requirements of federal law. Reynolds on Tuesday speculated that President Donald Trump may not have fully understood the impact of granting the waivers on the ethanol industry. Now, she says at least one ethanol plant in Iowa has shut down production.

Reynolds says she has calls scheduled with Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Vice President Mike Pence to talk about the ethanol industry after having already talked with Trump, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Ivanka Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Reynolds says she remains comfortable telling the president about polices that hurt Iowa and its farmers even though she’s been named a co-chair of Trump’s re-election campaign in Iowa.

Police chief accused of injuring wife pleads not guilty

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

KINGSLEY, Iowa (AP) — A northwest Iowa police chief accused of injuring his wife has pleaded not guilty. Plymouth County District Court records say 51-year-old Joseph Hoover entered the written plea Monday to a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse assault. A trial date hasn’t been set.

Hoover is chief of the Kingsley force, but he’s been suspended with pay. The records say Hoover acknowledged to sheriff’s deputies that he struck his wife with a forearm and shoulder during their altercation July 19.

Harlan Police report (8/27)

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Harlan Police Department report 22-year old Justin Andrew Dickinson, of Harlan, was arrested Aug. 21st. Dickinson was taken into custody on active Shelby County warrants, including for Probation Revocation (a hearing for which was set for Sept. 16th). Dickinson was booked into the Shelby County Jail.

And, no injuries were reported following an accident in Harlan on Aug. 22nd. Authorities say Donna Elmquist, of Kimballton, was driving a 2011 Ford F-150 pickup, and slowing to turn into a grocery store parking near 19th and Chatburn, when her vehicle was hit from behind. The other vehicle, a 2018 Chevy Equinox was driven by Vivian Storjohann, of Blair, NE. The pickup sustained minor damage, while the SUV sustained heavy front-end damage.

Atlantic Police report (8/27)

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Police Department reports six arrests. On Monday, 42-year old Amy Dole, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for Failure to Appear. There were two arrests this past Sunday: 39-year old Trevor Harris, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Shelby County warrant for Violation of Probation, and, 36-year old Serphyl Phylon, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intoxication, Theft in the 5th Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, and Burglary in the 3rd Degree. His arrest was the result of a burglary investigation at Nishna Hills Golf Course.

Last Friday, 23-year old Tyler Osborn, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intoxication. On Aug. 20th, 18-year old Jordan Frazier, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault resulting in injury, Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Aug. 16th, 84-year old Lyle Filkins, of Atlantic, was cited for Harassment in the 3rd Degree, and subsequently released. And, 18-year old Rachael Stanley, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for Failure to Appear.

With the exception of Filkins, each of the other individuals were booked into the Cass County Jail.

Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Earns Top 10 Ranking for Fourth Year; has facility in Atlantic

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

SOUTH BEND, IND. – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is ranked in the Top 10 for overall rotomolding sales in North America in Plastics News’ 2019 Rotational Molders Ranking report for the fourth year in a row. EPI ranks No. 7 in overall rotomolding sales out of 99 companies included in the report. While the company maintains its rank from last year, sales figures grew from $96.1 million to $110.2 million in just one year. Plastics News released the rankings report in August 2019 based on data from fiscal year 2018.

“I’m thankful to our dedicated employees across the country who work hard daily to drive our success,” Jack Welter, CEO of EPI, says. “Our ranking reflects the team’s dedication to providing strong customer service and producing innovative, high-quality products.” During 2018, EPI expanded its footprint by adding a facility in Atlantic, Iowa. Additionally, the company has grown its custom applications and its proprietary brands including the TUFF Series intermediate bulk containers, KONG Coolers, Connect-A-Dock, and DEF Tanks. The company also celebrated its 30th anniversary in November 2018.

“We’re proud to produce great rotationally molded products for our customers, and our sales reflect our commitment,” Welter says. “We’ve had a great year, and we look forward to continued growth in the future.” Owned and operated in the U.S., EPI has six facilities across the country. Company headquarters are in South Bend, Ind., and additional manufacturing locations are in Elkhart, Ind.; Middlebury, Ind.; Littleton, Colo.; Ridgefield, Wash.; and Atlantic, Iowa.

EPI employs more than 640 people and utilizes 52 rotational molding machines – the most machines reported among Plastics News’ top rotomolders – to design custom and off-the-shelf products for a diverse portfolio of customers.

Hepburn man arrested Tue. morning

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Sheriff’s deputies in Page County, this (Tuesday) morning, arrested 49-year old James Keith Saufley, of Hepburn. He was taken into custody for Driving Under Suspension following a traffic stop in north central Page County. Saufley was transported to the Page County Jail where he was being held on bond pending further court proceedings.

State of Iowa to recognize those 100 years or older: Event planned for Orient (Adair County) Nov. 2nd

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Des Moines, Iowa (August 26, 2019) – In an effort to recognize Iowans who are celebrating 100 years or more of life, the Iowa Department on Aging and the state’s Area Agencies on Aging are planning 6 regional Centenarian Recognition events, one of which will take place 11:30-a.m. Nov. 2nd, in Orient at the Historic Wallace Center Gathering Barn.

To assist the State of Iowa in recognizing centenarians, the public is encouraged to inform a centenarian, or the person’s family or caregiver, about this call for centenarians and where to access and submit an application. The application is posted on the Iowa Department on Aging’s website at www.iowaaging.gov or may be requested by calling (800) 532-3213 or emailing dax.oberreuter@iowa.gov.

For the purposes of this program, a centenarian is any older adult who will be 100 or older by Dec. 31, 2019, and whose primary residence is Iowa. Each centenarian will receive a certificate signed by Governor Reynolds that is suitable for framing and will be invited to attend a Centenarian Recognition event.

The Iowa Department on Aging accepts forms on an ongoing basis for centenarians to be included in the statewide Centenarian Registry, but to receive an invitation to one of this year’s Centenarian Recognition Events and a signed certificate from the Governor, applications must be received by September 6th. Please contact the Iowa Department on Aging at (800)532-3213 if you have questions.

Storm Lake Man Charged with Insurance Fraud

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Des Moines – The Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau reports 25-year old Nathan Tun, of Storm Lake, has been charged with one count of Fraudulent Submissions (Class D Felony), one count of Theft in the 1st degree (Class C Felony), and one count of Conspiracy to Commit a non-forcible Felony (Class D Felony).

Nathan Tun

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau and the Storm Lake Iowa Police Department which began in June of 2019. In criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, it is alleged Tun conspired with two co-defendants to arrange for the purported theft of Tun’s vehicle. As a result, Tun submitted a fraudulent insurance claim to his insurance carrier seeking insurance proceeds for which he was not entitled.

On August 23, 2019, Tun was arrested in Storm Lake and booked into the Buena Vista County Jail. Tun was later released after posting a $5,000 bond. Trial will be set at a future date. No additional information will be provided at this time.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-242-5304.

Journalist faces subpoena in lawsuit over lottery scandal

News

August 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa journalist who wrote a book about the lottery insider who rigged jackpots in several states has been subpoenaed to turn over notes related to his reporting. Perry Beeman received the subpoena last week from lawyers for Larry Dawson, an Iowa jackpot winner who contends that the rigging reduced his prize by millions of dollars.

Beeman co-wrote the recent book “The $80 billion Gamble” with former Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich. It tells the story of how now-imprisoned lottery security contractor Eddie Tipton altered number-picking programs on computers to win jackpots in Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas and Oklahoma.

The subpoena orders Beeman to turn over his correspondence with Rich since January 2018, including notes related to four interviews they conducted last year. Beeman says he is considering his options for responding to the request. He says he has objected to subpoenas previously because they have “a chilling effect on the reporting process.”

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that reporter’s sources, unpublished information and notes are privileged material and may be subject to disclosure only in limited circumstances.