(Atlantic, IA) – Members of the Atlantic School District’s Board of Education will hold a Work Session, followed by a regular board meeting, Wednesday evening in the High School Media Center. During the Work Session that begins at 5-p.m., the Board will hear from Vitus Bering, with SVPA Architects, and discuss the information to be presented.

The Board’s Regular monthly meeting begins at 6-p.m., and includes action under their Consent Agenda, with regard to the Resignations of: Gratt Reed, HS Girls Track Coach; Alex Wilson, Special Education Para, and Regina Honke, HS Counselor’s Office Secretary. The Board will also act on the following Recommendations To Hire: Mark Andersen, Play Director for the Spring of 2026, and Speech & Debate Co-Head Advisor; Dan Beaman – Substitute Bus Driver, and the hiring of a Special Ed teacher (to be announced).

The Board is also expected to discuss facility projects updates and timelines developed during the work session; A partnership with the City of Atlantic for an expansion & enhancement of the Bull Creek detention basin, and an Early Retirement Police.

You can view their full agenda here: Public AGENDA 12102025

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa D-N-R recently released a series of informational updates on chronic-wasting disease that’s found in deer. State deer biologist Jace Elliott says they want to get information out to update everyone as the deer season is underway. “C-W-D has always been a hot topic. It’s controversial, and it’s important for hunters and the public to understand, you know, there, there’s a lot of information out there and we just want to help provide maybe sort of a biological, scientific and deer management focus,” he says. If you haven’t seen any of the information, you can find it online.

“Our deer hunting website, which is just iowadnr.gov/deer, has a lot of different helpful resources,” Elliott says. “We have a a sub website in there called deer health. You can find a lot of information about C-W-D, including our our interactive C-W-D dashboard.” He says there’s also information on other diseases that impact deer.

” You can also see. our E-H-D and blue tongue reporting tool and dashboard, So, for anybody who hasn’t visited that website, there’s a wealth of information for folks who are interested in in how and why we manage deer in Iowa,” Elliott says.

The D-N-R collects samples from hunters throughout the deer season to test for C-W-D to help track its spread in the state.

(Radio Iowa) – About 750 Iowa Democrats took an online survey to share their thoughts on the future of the Iowa Caucuses — and 65 percent want Iowa Democrats to be first or at least among the early states hosting contests in the 2028 presidential election. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart released a video statement, saying the results are not surprising.”The bottom is that Iowans must have an early role in the 2028 presidential nominating process,” Hart said, “and our party-run process needs to be more accessible and inclusive.”

Nearly 30 percent of Democrats who completed the survey said in-person precinct caucus gatherings should be maintained, but the party should figure out a way for people to participate if they cannot attend on Caucus night. Respondents were split on whether the Iowa Democratic Party should “go rogue” and hold first-in-the-nation Caucuses if the Democratic National Committee decides another state should go first. Hart says Iowa Democrats will meet the January 16th deadline and apply to the D-N-C to be among the handful of states allowed to hold caucuses and primaries in early 2028.

“There is still along way to go before an early window calendar is finalized and there’s still a lot of conversations with the DNC and with my fellow Democrats that need to be had,” Hart said, “so while I’m looking forward to having those discussions, my primary focus right now continues to be making sure we win elections in 2026.”

A smart phone app delayed release of the Iowa Democratic Party’s 2020 Caucuses and national party leaders voted to take Iowa out of the lead-off spot in the 2024 campaign. The Iowa G-O-P’s Caucuses have been the kick off for Republican presidential campaigns for over four decades and party leaders are optimistic the Iowa Republican Party’s Caucuses will remain first-in-the-nation in 2028.

(Glenwood, IA) – Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports four arrests took place over the past week (in addition to the two previously mentioned arrests – in a separate post – of two people from Omaha on drug charges).

On Dec. 6th: 39-year-old Steven Michael Trotter, of Omaha, was arrested in Glenwood on a warrant for Failure to Appear. His bond was set at $5,000; 58-year-old Derrick Lee Dornsburgh, of Malvern, was arrested in Glenwood for Violation of Probation (Bond $2,000).

On Dec. 3rd, 40-year-old Edicson Arturo Pineda Suarez, of Omaha, was arrested in Council Bluffs for OWI/1st offense (Bond $1,000). And, on Dec. 2nd, 53-year-old Bret Phillip Samuelson, of Auburn, NE, was arrested in Glenwood for Failure to Appear (No bond set).

(Glenwood, IA) – A man and woman from Nebraska were arrested on drug charges, following a traffic stop early Sunday morning in Mills County. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports the traffic stop was conducted at around 4:55-a.m., and while speaking with the driver of the vehicle, the deputy could smell the odor of narcotics coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 40 grams of methamphetamine, 13 grams of marijuana, and the unlawful possession of 279 prescription pills.

The driver was identified as 48-year-old James William Eads, Jr., of Omaha. His passenger was identified as 43-year-old Diana L. Dubas, also of Omaha. Both were charged with:

• Drug Trafficking more than 5 grams but less than 5-kilograms of Meth (A Class-B Felony)
• Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp (A Class-D Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug (Both are Serious Misdemeanors).

Both were additionally charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Simple Misdemeanors). Dubas was also charged with Possession of a Contraband in a Correctional Facility (A Class-D Felony). Their preliminary hearings were scheduled for Dec. 17th.

Bond for Eads, Jr. was set at $40,300. Dubas’ bond was set at $33,300.

Eads and Dubas (Mills County S/O photo)

Sheriff’s Disclaimer: “A criminal charge/citation is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty” (In a court of law.)

ATLANTIC, IA (December 8, 2025) – Atlantic is known for great Christmas celebrations and great farmers markets, and Produce in the Park’s Christmas Market brings both together. The 2025 Christmas Market is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, from 10:00 AM – Noon at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA (1100 Maple St. Atlantic, IA 50022). This farmers market takes place the Saturday before Christmas–the perfect time to buy local produce, meats, and baked goods, shop for holiday and hostess gifts, and enjoy festive hot cocoa and indoor activities for the whole family.

Christmas Market vendors will be selling a wide selection of local foods and handmade crafts. With growing attention in both local and national news on the role of produce in health, Christmas Market shoppers will be pleased to find fresh greens (spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, and bok choi), as well as potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, onions, garlic, and carrots. Other local food at the market will include local meats (beef, lamb, chicken, and pork), farm-fresh eggs, honey, salsa, freeze-dried snacks, and baked goods including sourdough bread, cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, kringle, and seasonal sweets such as peanut brittle and candied nuts.

In addition to local foods, Christmas Market vendors will be selling a variety of craft items including handmade watercolor paintings, leatherwork such as bags and wallets, wood crafts, candles and wax melts, holiday decorations, potted plants, jewelry, crocheted toys and clothing items, and bath and body products such as soaps, sugar scrubs, and beard oils.

Food truck Spirits of the Faire will be set up outside the YMCA selling a variety of festive drinks. Options include hot cocoa in flavors such as Peppermint, Mexican Style, and Caramel Delight, plus Italian sodas and specialty drinks including Ice Pumpkin Pie cold brew and Spiced Apple Pie made with chai tea. Christmas Market host, the Nishna Valley Family YMCA–an annual sponsor of Produce in the Park–prioritizes family-friendly events, and Christmas Market promises not to disappoint. Market vendors will be selling balloon animals and offering face painting. The YMCA will provide a bounce house for market visitors to enjoy for free, and A Community for Kids is supplying agiant gingerbread house for kids of all ages to help decorate.

Spirits of the Faire food truck will also have a photo booth set up. Lastly, while not part of the Christmas Market itself, the YMCA will host a “Snowballs and Shenanigans” event at their indoor pool during the Christmas farmers market (also 10 AM – noon). The Snowballs and Shenanigans event is free to YMCA members; non-members must pay the YMCA’s visitor fees.

All are welcome at Produce in the Park farmers markets, and admission is free. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and Double Up Food Bucks for all qualifying food items.
Christmas Market is one of five markets in Produce in the Park’s Holiday Market Series. Additional farmers markets in the 2025-2026 series include Sweetheart Market (February 14, 2026) and Spring Celebration Market (April 4, 2026).

Produce in the Park farmers markets are sponsored by the City of Atlantic, First Whitney Bank & Trust, Gregg Young Chevrolet of Atlantic, Cass Health, Cass County Tourism, Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, and Nishna Valley Family YMCA.

Produce in the Park continues to accept applications for vendors and sponsors for their 2025-2026 Holiday Market Series. For details and applications, see www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.
For the latest market updates, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark or Instagram at www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/, or sign up for the Produce in the Park email newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.

(Greenfield, IA) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports a woman from Union County was arrested last week. 38-year-old Jillian Rose Weaver, of Creston, was arrested Friday morning at the Adair County Courthouse on an Adair County Bench Warrant for Probation Violation. Weaver was released that same morning on a $2,000 cash or surety bond.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports also, the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) Recognizes has recognized the Adair County Jail among eight counties in the State, for outstanding jail operations. The designation as a top-performing jail means the Adair County Jail has demonstrated excellence in operations and management, ensuring the safety and well-being of both prisoners and staff. The Adair County and Butler County Jails won in the category of “Small Jails,” those with a capacity of up to 30 beds.

Sheriff Vandewater says “Of the many and varied responsibilities of the sheriff, I believe operating the jail to be the most challenging, on a day-to-day basis and I think most sheriffs in Iowa would agree,  Certainly patrol, investigations, civil, court security, weapon permits, etc., all have their unique challenges, but with the prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse in our jail population, managing and operating a jail is often a difficult and time-consuming task.  At the Adair County Jail, Chief Deputy Mike Algreen primarily manages the jail operations.  Although every single employee of the ACSO contributes daily and is vital to the jail operations, it is ultimately the responsibility of Chief Deputy Mike Algreen and his work and dedication to this endeavor is invaluable.” 

Hamilton and Marion Counties won the award for Medium-size Jails (31–100 beds), while Dallas and Story Counties won in the Large category(101 beds or more). All jails in Iowa undergo an annual inspection as required under the Code of Iowa, and conducted by the DOC, to ensure compliance with the Iowa Administrative Code’s Jail Standards. The inspections include a comprehensive review of daily jail documentation, a facility tour, interaction with prisoners, and an operational review conducted by a DOC Inspector.

Department of Corrections Director Beth Skinner says “Iowa is one of only 21 states where jail standards are overseen by the state’s Department of Corrections. Iowa consistently ranks among the top states for jail management, and that is a testament to the hard work and dedication of jail staff across our state.” In 2017, the Iowa DOC launched the “Best of the Best” award to formally recognize exceptional efforts in jail operations. The achievement underscores the diligence and professionalism demonstrated by all staff every day.

In 2025, Iowa DOC awarded two jails for outstanding improvement of the jail daily operations and professionalism. They are Boone and Muscatine County.

(Radio Iowa) – Applications are still being taken for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program known as LIHEAP. Jean Logan with the Community Action Agency of Siouxland says the state is working on getting out the funds for this year after the government shutdown ended. “We expected there would be delays in making payments to the vendors, that’s the case,” Logan says. “We should have money out by the end of December, everything takes time.”

Those enrolled in the program are covered by the shut off moratorium, so utility companies can’t shut them off for unpaid bills during the winter. Logan says the program will not pay you entire heating bill. “LIHEAP, or energy assistance is really intended to pay partially what you would need for your utility payments over the winter months. And while it’s nice to have the moratorium, we do encourage people to go ahead and make regular payments,” she says.

Assistance is based on income, household size and other factors. You can sign up for LIHEAP wherever you through your local community action agency. Logan says you should check and see if there is an online signup, as that often takes less time.

(Atlantic, IA) – The Cass County Choral Society will present their annual Christmas concert this Sunday, December 14 at 6:00 pm, in the Atlantic High School Auditorium. The concert will include several solo and duet performances of vocal and instrumental pieces, along with the chorus.

Cass County Choral Society in a practice session (photo submitted)

There is no charge for admission. Free-will donations are appreciated. Shown is Director Ray McCalla leading a recent rehearsal with the chorus. Community members are encouraged to come and share in the music of the season!