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Panel predicts state tax revenue to top $11 billion in next fiscal year

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A state panel has made a slight reduction, but still predicts the state will collect over 11 BILLION in taxes during the fiscal year that begins July 1st. Legislators will use today’s (Friday’s) Revenue Estimating Conference report as the basis for state spending plans and it will be cited by Republicans drafting more state tax cuts. Iowa Department of Management director Kraig Paulsen, the governor’s budget chief, is chairman of the panel.

A new member joined the tax predicting panel for today’s (Friday’s) meeting. Jeff Plagge (PLAG-ee), a northwest Iowa banker, retired at end of 2023 after serving as the State Superintendent of Banking.

House Democrats say it’s time to make public schools a priority and today’s (Friday’s) financial report shows there is no reason for Republicans to keep delaying a decision on how much the state will spend on schools.

Audubon County Sheriff’s report, 3/15/24

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – Audubon County Sheriff Todd Johnson today (Friday), issued a report on arrests occurring from January 3rd through March 12th.
  • On March 12th, 40-year-old Eddie Mack, of Hamlin, was arrested on a outstanding warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault- Impeding Air/Blood Flow. He appeared before the magistrate and posted a cash bond.
  • 38-year-old Skielynn Stephens, of Audubon, was arrested March 10th on a charge of Violation of No Contact Order. She appeared before the magistrate and was released on her own recognizance.
  • Two people from Exira were arrested March 1st in Audubon County: 38-year-old Nathan Hansen Johnson was arrested  on charges of Drug Distribution to Person under 18, Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Ongoing Criminal Conduct and Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp. He appeared before the magistrate and was held; 32-year-old Amanda Hudson was arrested on a Controlled Substance Violation charge. She appeared before the magistrate and was held until she posted bond. Their charges stem from a search warrant that was executed at their residence on March 1st.
  • Sarah Beaman, age 30 of Audubon, was arrested February 18th, 2024 on charges of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations and Interference with Official Acts. She appeared before the magistrate and was released on her own recognizance.
  • On Feb. 6th, Deputies in Audubon County arrested 59-year-old Jeffery Anderson, of Panora, on charges of Eluding- Speed over 25 over limit and Interference with Official Acts. Anderson appeared before the magistrate and was held until he posted cash bond on February 10th.
  • On January 28th, 52-year-old Jerry Summers, of Kimballton, was arrested on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance- Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He appeared before the magistrate and was released on his own recognizance.
  • And, on January 3rd, Audubon County Deputies arrested 52-year-old Trent Lynch, of Sac City, on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear. He appeared before the magistrate and was held until he posted a cash bond.
Note: Criminal Charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Iowa 333 near Hamburg to close on Monday, April 1

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – March 15, 2024 – If you drive on Iowa 333 near Hamburg you need to be aware of an upcoming road closure that could impact your trip.

Beginning on Monday, April 1, weather permitting, crews will close the roadway from the BNSF Railroad to 0.6 miles east of Interstate 29 so grading and paving work can be done, according to the Council Bluffs construction office. This work will aid in flood protection and raise the grade of Iowa 333 as pavement is replaced. While Iowa 333 is closed you will follow a marked detour route using I-29, Iowa 2, U.S. 275, and Iowa 333.

Help keep everyone on the road safer. Drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, you should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

AAA offers “Tow To Go” service for St. Patty’s weekend

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowans who have too much Saint Patrick’s Day cheer can get a safe ride home tonight (Friday) through Monday morning. Triple-A-Iowa spokesman Brian Ortner says the motor club is offering its free, statewide Tow to Go service for members and non-members across Iowa this weekend.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau says during March of last year, there were 26 traffic fatalities on Iowa’s roads and almost 40-percent of those happened the week of Saint Patrick’s Day. Ortner says this service provides an alternative to anyone who may have imbibed too much.

In its 26 years, he says Tow to Go has taken more than 30-thousand impaired drivers safely home. The number to call is 1-855-TOW-2-GO.

Atlantic Area Chamber Ambassadors Celebrate with The Holistic Center

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by The Holistic Center on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new business located in Downtown Atlantic.
Kaley Clark, owner and founder of The Holistic Center, has worked for Transitional Services of Iowa and Full Circle for 10 years, and in October 2023, she decided to branch out on her own and bring holistic solutions into Atlantic to supplement the more common “talk therapy.” Kaley and her business manager, Cyndi Mitchell, are both licensed mental health clinicians and work specifically with children, adolescents, and adults offering comprehensive, personalized care ranging from marriage and couples therapy to trauma-focused care.
The Holistic Center facilitates solutions to manage emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues through scent therapy, massage therapy, sound therapy, art therapy, etc. One on one sessions and workshops are provided in a “spa-like” setting versus a clinical setting to enhance healing and relaxation.

Ambassador (Left to Right): Jim Kickland, Enrique Castillo, Emily Kennedy, Tonya Larsen, Devon Bretey, Bill Saluk, Colt Doherty, Adriana Mendez, Scott Bennett, Jeff Christensen, Jeremy Butler, Grace McAfee, Krysta Hanson, Megan Sramek, Draven Mitchell, Cyndi Mitchell, Dolly Bergmann, Kathie Hockenberry, Avadah Clark, Elaine Otte, Kaley Clark, Emily Mack, Alisha Wagner, Braxton Gipple, Sue Liston, Alex McAfee, Lydia Goehring, Jean Hinners, Anne Quist, Sharon Wood, Kelsey Beschorner.

To learn more about services, or to schedule an appointment, call 712-249-2904 or visit https://www.theholisticcenterllc.com/
The Holistic Center L.L.C. is located at 514 Chestnut Street, Atlantic.

Atlantic Public Library receives National Grant for Small and Rural Libraries

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic, Iowa — The Atlantic Public Library was selected as one of 310 libraries to participate in round two of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities. The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library develop ways to better serve adults and teens with developmental disabilities.

Atlantic Public Library Director Michelle Andersen says “We are so proud to be chosen again for this amazing opportunity. Last year we received $20,000 towards modernizing the elevator but, with this second round of funding, I wanted to focus on how we can better serve individuals living with disabilities. We are blessed to have so many resources in town like REM and Trivium Life Services, but the library doesn’t have the best tools to serve their clients.”

As part of the grant, Andersen will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. She will then host a conversation with residents about ways to better serve developmentally disabled teens and adults and use the grant funds to provide new resources or programs. Michelle Andersen says “One idea is to begin an affiliation with Next Chapter Book Club. I would also like to research building a collection of high-low books for adults, books with an easy reading level yet are written to appeal to adults and not children. Some other potential services could include providing sensory experiences at the library or in a kit to checkout, installing a communication board for nonverbal people, or offering adaptive computer equipment. The beauty of this grant is that it allows us to make those specific project choices after holding the community conversation.”

The Atlantic Public Library

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Andersen at the library by e-mailing atlanticpubliclibrary@gmail.com or calling 712-243-5466.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

The Atlantic Public Library connects the community to information, resources, and each other in order to spark ideas and new connections.

IRS offering no appointment help in Des Moines Saturday

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – With one month to go before the federal tax filing deadline the I-R-S is offering a day Saturday where you can visit the Des Moines office to get tax questions answered. I-R-S spokesman Christopher Miller says it’s a chance to speak with someone in person. “Normally at the Des Moines Taxpayer Assistance Center, the office is only open during the weekend by appointment. So this Saturday event is a chance for people that maybe work during the week and can’t get away the opportunity to sit down with someone without an appointment and talk about their tax account.” he says. Miller says there’s a variety of issues that can be addressed.

“They may want information about a refund, they may want a copy of their tax transcript, or perhaps they got a letter or a notice from the I-R-S and they need some guidance on what to do next,” Miller says. “We also expect to see people who need to verify their identity with the Internal Revenue Service.” Miller says you should bring in any pertinent documents.”You may want to bring in a copy of last year’s tax return or any tax return that is in question. Bring in a copy of the letter or notice you receive from the I-R-S. You should also bring along a copy of your identification. Bring two copies of identification if you’re verifying your I-D,” Miller says. He says there is one thing they can’t do.

“The I-R-S Taxpayer Assistance Center does not prepare tax returns. We will offer people information if they haven’t done their taxes yet on where they can get help within the community at volunteer sites that prepare taxes for free,” Miller says.

The Taxpayer Assistance Center in downtown Des Moines on Walnut Street will be open from nine to four this Saturday to answer questions.

Produce in the Park Hires New Market Manager

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with Produce in the Park (PIP), in Atlantic, announced today (Friday), the hiring of a new Market Manager, Maria Miller. Miller will oversee the coordination and marketing of Produce in the Park as well as four holiday off season markets. PIP Board President Bailey Smith says “We’re so thrilled to welcome Maria to the Produce in the Park family. The market has grown substantially over the last five years and we’re eager to see what ideas Maria has to enhance the market, while helping to create the same fun atmosphere patrons have come to know and love.”

Miller was born and raised in Omaha and recently moved to Atlantic in 2022 with her family. Produce in the Park was one of the first community events she visited and is one of the reasons she fell in love with the Atlantic community. She loved how welcoming vendors were, the family friendly atmosphere and the investment the market makes to the community. Maria Miller says she is “Excited to be able to contribute to the tradition of Produce in the Park and serve the community. My husband and I…” she says, “…started a garden and quickly realized the hard work it takes to see a good harvest. [And] While my gardening skills may not be stellar, it’s helped me recognize how essential it is to eat seasonally and support local producers.”

Produce in the Park is a weekly Thursday evening (4:30-6:30 PM) farmer’s market in the Atlantic City Park from June 6th – October 10th. Vendor applications can be found online at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com; printed copies are available at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic). Produce in the Park seeks vendors selling handmade or homegrown products, including local foods, as well as beauty products, candles, crafts, art and decorations.

New Produce In the Park Market Mgr. Maria Miller & family (photo submitted)

Join Produce In the Park on Saturday, March 30th, and find all your Easter goodies at the Spring Celebration Market. The celebration will be at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA from 12 PM – 3 PM and feature produce, baked goods, crafts and more. For the latest information, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (ProduceInTheParkAtlanticIA).

The Spring Celebration Market is sponsored by Cass Health, Gregg Young of Atlantic, First Whitney Bank & Trust, Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Atlantic.

Water taxi to begin service between Iowa and Wisconsin

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

MASON CITY, Iowa – March 15, 2024 – Traveling between Lansing, Iowa, and Crawford County, Wisconsin, will become a bit easier on Monday, March 18, 2024 with the implementation of a free water taxi. The Iowa Department of Transportation says the service will be in place until repairs are made to the existing bridge connecting the two states.

The water taxi will travel between the Lansing Marina and Big Slough Landing and will be available seven days a week on the following schedule.

  • 7 to 10 a.m.
  • 11 to 1 p.m.
  • 3 to 6 p.m.

A one-way trip is estimated to take about 30 minutes.  All riders will be required to get off the water taxi at each stop.

On the Iowa side, parking and a shuttle is available at the Lansing City Hall and  Middle/Kee High School in Lansing.

Lansing City Hall
201 John Street
Lansing, IA  52151

Middle/Kee High School
269 Center Street
Lansing, IA  52151

Travelers on the Wisconsin side will need to park at the DeSoto Community Center and take a shuttle to the water taxi. Parking is not allowed at Big Slough Landing.

De Soto Community Center
57 Crawford Street
De Soto, WI  54624

DSM, Iowa City, Sioux City, Omaha/Co Bluffs metros grow

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Updated population estimates from the U-S Census Bureau show growth in four of Iowa’s metropolitan areas. The Census Bureau estimates there was a three-point-one percent increase in the number of residents in the six counties that are part of the Des Moines metro over the past three years. Iowa City’s metro grew two-point-seven percent and Sioux City saw a very small uptick in its metro population of four-one-hundredths of a percent. Council Bluffs is part of the Omaha metro, where the population expanded by one-point-seven percent over the past three years.

The Census Bureau estimates indicate Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metros all had very small population losses. The population in the Quad Cities dipped one-point-three percent over the past three years. Among all Midwest metros, Des Moines ranked as the fastest growing, ahead of Indianapolis and Madison, Wisconsin.

(The actual losses for Cedar Rapids was 0.3%, the Dubuque metro was down 0.4% and the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area was down 0.2%.)