(Atlantic, IA) — Cass Health officials in Atlantic, have announced Dr. Jeremy Pepin is the latest addition to the facility’s Specialty Clinic. Dr. Pepin is a board-certified nephrologist who specializes in general and interventional nephrology. The doctor provides individualized, patient-centered care focusing on all aspects of kidney care, including chronic kidney disease, electrolyte abnormalities, hypertension, dialysis, dialysis access placement/issues, and transplant medicine in southwest Iowa.

Dr. Pepin is dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Dr. Pepin holds national certifications in Hemodialysis Vascular Access and Peritoneal Dialysis Access with the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN). He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Wyoming.

To make an appointment with Dr. Pepin, please call the Cass Health Specialty Clinic at 712-243-7590.

(Radio Iowa) – It appears the Forest City Public Library may move into a new home about half a mile away — on the Waldorf University campus. Forest City officials hired a fundraising company six years ago and the original plan was to move the public library’s collections into a vacant grocery store next door. The estimate of necessary repairs to the store topped a million dollars, though, and fundraising fell dramatically short. The city council in Forest City, the library board and Waldorf University are in the process of approving an agreement to have the Forest City Public Library occupy the first floor of the Waldorf University Library. Eileen Hovinga, who attended a recent city council meeting in Forest City, says she’s concerned and shocked.

“I attended library board meetings following this very closely and then I stopped watching for this issue because when I left those discussions I was under the understanding from the Waldorf Library director and from the conversations in that meeting that nothing was happening,” Hovinga said. Forest City City Councilman Tony Mikes says negotiations got bogged down over issues unrelated to the library’s future and the discussions did go quiet for a quite a while — but there’s now a proposal the city council has made public for citizens to review. “It does take a while to develop this,” Mikes says. “We’ve had plenty of things that have happened in between that have caused some delays.”

Mikes says a significant portion of the money raised to move the city’s library into the vacant grocery store has been returned to donors. It appears staff from the university’s library would be able to work in both libraries, so the Forest City Public Library could be open for longer hours. Forest City has had a public library since 1898. Waldorf has had a library since 1903. The current Waldorf Library building opened in 2005.

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Corrections, today (Thursday), said 35-year-old Anthony Tyrone Harris –  who was convicted on numerous charges, including Assault Causing Injury – Peace Officers, Interference with Official Acts – Bodily Injury, Domestic Abuse Assault – 3rd offense, Burglary in the 3rd Degree, Domestic Abuse Assault, and Voluntary Absence in Dubuque County – failed to report back to the Dubuque Residential Facility as required on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.

Anthony Tyrone Harris

Harris is a 5-foot 7-inch tall, 191-pound Black male. He was admitted to the work release facility on Oct. 22, 2025. Persons with information on Harris’ whereabouts should contact local police.

For more information on the state’s work release program, please see Iowa Code 904.901-904.910.

(Atlantic, IA) – Officials with Vision Atlantic, said today (Thursday, Nov. 13), KJAN AM 1220/FM 101.1 (“The Station Where Your Friends Are”) has generously donated $25,000 to support Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion. KJAN General Manager Jim Field says “As a local business celebrating our 75th anniversary, our success is tied to community success. Being a partner in this effort with Vision Atlantic is very important to us. We are all better when our community thrives.”

As we’ve previously reported, Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Pictured: Melissa Ihnen, Jim Field, Rod Christensen, Becky Christensen, Christina Bateman, and Debbie Waterbury.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $28 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $12 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

(Atlantic, IA) – Cass County 4-H’ers and their families, volunteers and supporters gathered on Sunday, November 9th to celebrate the 2024-2025 4-H year at the County 4-H Awards Convention. Cass County Youth Coordinator Katelyn Bateman says the 4-H Alumni Award, given to 4-H alumni that have stayed active in supporting the local 4-H program, was presented to Curt Behrends. Curt was recognized by 4-H club members as someone who has supported 4-H in multiple ways. He currently serves as President of Grounds Committee, previously on the Fairboard and is always advocating for the program and allowing clubs to use the facilities free of charge all year round. He has been instrumental in ground improvements to the Fair Food stand and Beef Barn construction. Curt is a servant leader and truly a positive role model for our members to look up to.

Michelle Behrends was recognized as Cass County’s newest Honorary 4-H Member. That’s awarded to a member of the community who was not a Cass County 4-H member but supports and assists the local 4-H program. She has given countless hours to the program not only as a parent, Youth Action Committee member and chairperson, but today serves as co-president of Cass County Master Gardeners and takes immense pride in the garden spaces around the Community Building. Michelle is a huge advocate of 4-H and a leader in the community.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Weirich Welding. Duane, Logan, and the team are incredibly supportive of the Cass County 4-H program and the welding project area specifically. Duane started the Bucket of Junk contest, challenging young people to develop new skills more than 10 years ago. Since then, the business has opened its doors to 4-H and FFA members wanting to learn more about welding. Duane has served on the Cass County Fairboard and knows the demanding work that goes into youth getting exhibits ready for fair. Logan’s family continues to be actively involved in 4-H continuing the family tradition.

The 4-H Clubs stay active in the community completing service projects, recruiting new members, and documenting their year in multiple ways. Youth hold office roles which can complete books throughout the year and turn in for awards. This year nearly all clubs turned in officer books and participated in recruiting and service activities. Top Secretary and Historian Books went to Grant Guys & Gals; Top Treasurer Book and National 4-H Week Display went to Bear Grove Blazers. Top Community Service Award in 2024 went to Grove H.O.T. to complete multiple service projects during the year. The award for encouraging club participation in multiple program areas within 4-H went to Bear Grove Blazers, they received our Banner Club.

4-H leaders reaching milestones were recognized for their service. Receiving five-year recognition was Molly Wise with Pleasant Noble United. Club leaders that completed their first-year volunteering include: Amanda Will with Benton Franklin, Jenae Waters with Washington GEM, Brittney Weirich with Washington GEM, Carolyn Bruck with Washington GEM, Hillary Zellmer with Washington GEM, Darrin Petty as an Independent Member Mentor, Holly Oathoudt as an Independent Member Mentor, Jessica DeLage with Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids, and Kristin Alexander with Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids.

There were nineteen third graders that were Clover Kids and graduated into the 4-H. Youth who graduated from Cass County Clover Kids included: Cooper Amdor of Cumberland Clover Kids, Ellie Amos of Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids, Joslynn Baier of Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids, Avery Becker of Cumberland Clover Kids, Nora Brahms of Cumberland Clover Kids, Cassidy Buffington of Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids, Sawyer Chambers of Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids, Evan Euken of Grant Guys & Gals Clover Kids, Owen Honeck of Grant Guys & Gals Clover Kids, Isabelle Kardell of Bear Grove Blazers Clover Kids, Owen Niemann of Cass County Creators, Jericho Petersen of Bear Grove Blazers Clover Kids, Quade Robinson of Cass County Creators, Milo Sager of Cass County Creators, Molly Schuler of Cumberland Clover Kids, Reece Wheatley of Cumberland Clover Kids, Riley Wheatley of Cumberland Clover Kids, Baylor Wollum of Cumberland Clover Kids, Decker Wyman of Griswold Clubsters Clover Kids.

The event concluded with the installation of sixteen senior level 4-H’ers onto the 2025-2026 County 4-H Youth Council. Members are:

Oliver Becker of Union Leaders, Hudson Brock of Grove H.O.T., Karly Byers of Griswold Clubsters, Alyson Dreager of Bear Grove Blazers, Jacquelyn Freund of Washington GEM, Walker Gary of Bear Grove Blazers, Ada Hansen of Grant Guys & Gals, Ryanna Harrison of Griswold Clubsters, Lily Johnson of Grove H.O.T., Josephine Millikan of Griswold Clubsters, Leah Ohms of Union Leaders, Olivia Olson of Pymosa, Callie Rudy of Cowpokes, Colin Rudy of Cowpokes, Miraylie Stuart of Pymosa, and Kayedance Sturm of Cowpokes.

Members and leaders of all 4-H clubs in Cass County were recognized for club activities, and project awards completed throughout the year. Intermediate and Junior 4-H members who completed a record book received project awards based on leaders’ recommendation. Record books are rated on organization, appearance, goals and learning, spelling, and grammar. These project records should be well organized, neat, and show evidence of solid Citizenship, Communication, and Leadership activities to receive awards. High School record books are reviewed again for platinum, gold, silver, or bronze level awards.

Bear Grove Blazers members and awards include:

Abel Brockman: First Year 4-H Member

Brayden Carlson:

Catherine DeBord: Star Intermediate Record Book, Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Home Improvement, Music, Rabbit, Swine

Alyson Dreager: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), Dog (Silver), Food & Nutrition (Silver), Photography (Silver), Sewing & Needle Art (Silver), Sheep, (Silver), Swine (Gold)

Dylen Dreager: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), Home Improvement (Platinum), Poultry (Platinum)

Keagen Dreager: Swine, Woodworking

Walker Gary: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Poultry (Platinum), Visual Art (Gold), County Level Award – Citizenship

Michael Hocamp: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum)

Mya Hocamp: Food & Nutrition, Visual Art

Jamie Jacobsen: Completed a Record Book

Maggie Jacobsen: Completed a Record Book

Hunter Kardell: Star Junior Record Book, Mechanics

Lynsie Kardell: Star Intermediate Record Book, Goat, Photography, Sewing & Needle Art, Swine

Macie Kloewer: Rabbit

Maggie Kloewer: Food & Nutrition

Conner Mumm:

David Retallic: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Food & Nutrition (Silver), Rabbit (Silver), Swine (Bronze), 4-H Graduate, Fairboard Record Book Completion Gift

Ethan Retallic: Star Junior Record Book, Beef, Food & Nutrition, Photography, Rabbit, Sewing & Needle Art, Swine, Visual Art, First Year 4-H Member

Sophia Retallic: Sewing & Needle Art, Visual Art

Nolan Sunderman:

Parker Walter: First Year 4-H Member

Carter Witzman: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), 4-H Graduate, Fairboard Record Book Completion Gift

Benton Franklin members and awards include:

Ada Nichols: 4-H Graduate

Jett Nichols:

Braxton Scholl:

Faithlynn Scholl:

Madeline Schuler:

Blayre Steffen:

Brookelyn Steffen:

Brylee Steffen:

Brielle Wessling: First Year 4-H Member

Kylee Wessling:

Brant Will: 4-H Graduate

Caden Will:

Kyser Will:

Landrie Will:

Morgan Will:

Cowpokes members and awards include:

AJ Barber:

Micayla Betts:

Gavin Dougherty:

Jase Frederiksen:

Hayden Hansen: Star Junior Record Book, Horse & Pony, First Year 4-H Member

Shelby Hansen: Star Junior Record Book, Horse & Pony

Alex Jespersen:

Cadence Kennedy:

Cassidy Kennedy:

Clara Kennedy:

Kenadie Krause:

Gage Richter: First Year 4-H Member

Jenner Richter: First Year 4-H Member

Jovie Richter: First Year 4-H Member

Callie Rudy: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), Horse & Pony (Gold)

Colin Rudy: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), Swine (Bronze)

Julienne Schutt:

Garret Stetzel:

Kaylee Stetzel: 4-H Graduate

Kayedance Sturm: Overall Senior Record Book (Silver), Horse & Pony (Bronze)

Grant Guys & Gals members and awards include:

Ethan Akers: First Year 4-H Member

Avery Bower: First Year 4-H Member

Macy Burg: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Home Improvement (Platinum), Photography (Platinum), Sewing & Needle Art (Platinum)

Brayden Dawson: Beef, Swine

Hayden Dennis:

Colby Euken: Star Junior Record Book, Beef, Clothing, Communication, Photography, Swine, Vet Science, Woodworking

George Fountas:

Ashton Hagen:

Graham Hagen:

Tiana Hagen:

Ada Hansen: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Food & Nutrition (Platinum), County Level Award – Achievement

Isaac Hansen: Star Intermediate Record Book, Beef, Clothing, Communication, Food & Nutrition

Mack Hansen: Star Junior Record Book, Beef, Clothing, Photography, Self-Determined, Sewing & Needle Art, Vet Science

Myah Honeck:

Marcus Jarosik:

Jenna Jensen:

Kace Kinney:

Keeley Kinney:

Kambry Langfelt: Beef

Cooper Metheny:

Emma Meyer:

Gavin Meyer:

Kennedy Meyer:

Remington Stokley:

Haidyn Suhr:

Landon Tibken:

Logan Tibken:

Dexten Westfall Thomas:

Ayden Yeager:

Griswold Clubsters members and awards include:

Breken Amos: Meat Goat, First Year 4-H Member

Laena Amos: Star Junior Record Book, Meat Goat, First Year 4-H Member

Raylea Amos: Star Intermediate Record Book, Beef

Adalyn Buffington: First Year 4-H Member

Blaine Buffington:

Karly Byers: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Horse & Pony (Gold), Meat Goat (Gold)

Bristol Chambers: Star Junior Record Book, Visual Art

Adaline Gade:

Ella Gade:

Rayla Harrison:

Ryanna Harrison: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Meat Goat (Platinum)

Ryleigh Harrison: 4-H Graduate

Josephine Millikan: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), Civic Engagement (Silver), Clothing (Platinum), Food & Nutrition (Platinum), Home Improvement (Gold), Sewing & Needle Art (Platinum), Visual Art (Gold)

Easton Orstad:

Emily Orstad:

Logan Orstad:

BrookLynne Peterson: 4-H Graduate

Cooper Scholl:

Tanner Scholl:

Mark Shaw:

Grayson Smith:

Natalyn Smith: First Year 4-H Member

Nollan Smith:

Grove H.O.T. members and awards include:

Hudson Brock: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), Civic Engagement (Gold), Communications (Platinum), Leadership (Silver), Music (Platinum), Poultry (Silver)

D’artagnan Hansen: Overall Senior Record Book (Silver), Poultry (Gold), First Year 4-H Member

Conner Johnson: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), Civic Engagement (Silver), Food & Nutrition (Gold), Poultry (Gold), 4-H Graduate, Fairboard Record Book Completion Gift

Lily Johnson: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Civic Engagement (Gold), Clothing (Gold), Diary Goat (Gold), Food & Nutrition (Gold), Meat Goat (Gold), Poultry (Gold), Woodworking (Gold), County Level Award – Learning through Livestock

Paislee Klever: Overall Senior Record Book (Bronze),

Zander Pieken: 4-H Graduate

Madeline Richter: 4-H Graduate

Claire Schroder:

Pleasant Noble United members and awards include:

Conlan Amos: Star Intermediate Record Book, Poultry

Gunner Amos:

Zoey Amos: Overall Senior Record Book (Silver)

Alayna Preston:

Emma Ritter:

Gage Ritter:

Kailey Swain: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), 4-H Graduate, Fairboard Record Book Completion Gift

Hunter Wise:

Pymosa members and awards include:

Lilly Casey:

Jersey Green: First Year 4-H Member

Kord Gross: First Year 4-H Member

Adelyn Hansen: Completed a Record Book, First Year 4-H Member

Gavin Hansen: Completed a Record Book, First Year 4-H Member

Kenadie Krause:

Ma’lia Krause: First Year 4-H Member

John McCurdy:

Lucy McCurdy:

Margaret McCurdy:

Amelia Olsen:

Jack Olsen: First Year 4-H Member

Norah Olsen: First Year 4-H Member

Olivia Olson: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Leadership (Gold), Photography (Gold), County Level Award – Leadership

Oakley Skow: Star Junior Record Book, Dog, Food & Nutrition, Photography, Poultry

Miraylie Stuart: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Beef (Platinum)

Teague Stuart: Completed a Record Book

Adalynn Williams: Completed a Record Book, First Year 4-H Member

Brynlee Williams: Completed a Record Book

Union Leaders members and awards include:

Oliver Becker: Star Intermediate Record Book, Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Health, Meat Goat

Reilly Becker: Overall Senior Record Book (Bronze)

Sadie Becker:

Sawyer Becker:

Bay Erickson: Star Intermediate Record Book, Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Photography, Rabbit, Visual Art

Gage Erickson: Star Junior Record Book, Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Outdoor Adventures, Photography

Kohen Erickson: First Year 4-H Member

Clay Feese:

Joshua Feese:

Logan Frederiksen: First Year 4-H Member

Avery Lee: Star Junior Record Book, Food & Nutrition, Visual Art

Bryson Lee: Food & Nutrition, Woodworking

Hunter Miller:

Eden Ohms: Poultry

Jase Ohms: Poultry, Sewing & Needle Art, Sheep, Vet Science, First Year 4-H Member

Leah Ohms: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Beef (Gold), Photography (Gold), Poultry (Platinum), Sewing & Needle Art (Gold), Sheep (Platinum), Vet Science (Gold)

Washington GEM members and awards include:

Colton Anderson:

Maddy Anderson: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold), Swine (Silver), County Level Award – Danforth I Dare You

Natalie Boose: Rabbits, Visual Art

Bentley Bruck:

Tate Cappel:

Tenley Cappel:

Landrey DeVore:

Jacquelyn Freund: Overall Senior Record Book (Platinum), Home Improvement (Gold), Beef (Gold), Clothing (Gold),

Macy Freund: Star Junior Record Book, Clothing, Food & Nutrition

Annette Hoffmann: Completed a Record Book, First Year 4-H Member

Calon Huddleson: Completed a Record Book, First Year 4-H Member

Emma Kay: First Year 4-H Member

Madison Kay:

Morgan Kirchner: Star Junior Record Book, Poultry, Self-Determined, Sewing & Needle Art

Brinley Knudsen:

Faith Larsen:

Gracelyn Larsen: Completed Record Book

Lana Leyh: First Year 4-H Member

Lexi Leyh:

Paige Marnin: First Year 4-H Member

Lane Robinson:

Quincy Robinson:

Mckinley Sandbothe: First Year 4-H Member

Callen Waters: Swine, Woodworking, First Year 4-H Member

Gentry Waters: Star Junior Record Book, Clothing, Swine, Visual Art

Olivia Weirich: Pets, Visual Art, First Year 4-H Member

Cade Wickard: First Year 4-H Member

Paxton Wickard:

Zach Zellmer: Overall Senior Record Book (Gold)

Independent 4-H Members

Grant Petty: Overall Senior Record Book (Silver)

Jake Wailes: Completed Record Book

Joaquin Wailes: Completed Record Book, 4-H Graduate

Leighton Wailes: Completed Record Book

Ashley Skow, Certified Professional Photographer and owner of Ashley Skow Photography in Atlantic, Iowa, generously volunteered her time and professional services to photograph the 4-H County Convention. The portraits capture highlight the dedication, leadership, and achievements of local 4-H members and volunteers within our community. We extend our sincere thanks to Ashley Skow Photography for donating her time and talent to help showcase the achievements of our 4-H youth and volunteers.

For more information about joining the Cass County 4-H program any time of the year as a 4-H member or adult volunteer, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass, call 712-243-1132, or email kbateman@iastate.edu to contact the Cass County Extension office.

(Des Moines, IA) – Sheriff’s officials in Polk County are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that injured two Des Moines residents. Authorities said Wednesday (11/12), that at around 2:45-p.m. on November 3rd, 2025, a husband and wife were riding their recumbent tricycles southbound on N.W. 26th Street near the intersection of N.W. 54th Avenue. As the couple attempted a left turn onto N.W. 54th Avenue, their tricycles were struck by a southbound vehicle.

The victims – identified as 69-year-old Kathleen VanGundy, and 68-year-old David VanGundy, both of Des Moines – were thrown from their tricycles. Kathleen VanGundy suffered minor injuries. David VanGundy suffered serious injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office says the suspect vehicle may be a 2011-2016 KIA Sportage, possibly silver in color. The vehicle/driver fled the scene continuing southbound on N.W. 26th Street into Des Moines. The vehicle will likely have noticeable damage to the front passenger side, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives are urging anyone with information about the crash or the suspect vehicle to come forward. Tips may be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at 515-223-1400 or online at https://www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping bring closure to this investigation and ensure accountability for those responsible.

(Creston, IA) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report a Creston man was arrested at his residence Wednesday afternoon on a warrant for drug charges. 53-year-old Jason Kelley Frazier was arrested at around 3:25-p.m., on the warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine, and Aiding and Abetting. Frazier was being held without bond in the Union County Jail.

And, early this (Thursday) morning, Creston Police arrested 30-year-old Jameson Chase Cox, of Creston, for Public Intoxication/1st offense. Cox was taken into custody at around 12:01-a.m., and was being held without bond in the Union County Jail until seen by a judge.

(Atlantic, IA) – A judge in the case of former Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith, Wednesday (Nov. 12th), set her trial date in Cass County District Court, as Jan. 27, 2026, beginning at 9:30-a.m.  The 33-year-old Smith waived her preliminary hearing. Judge Jennifer Benson-Bahr set Smith’s arraignment for 9-a.m. Dec. 8th, and a Pre-Trial Conference will be held on Jan. 12th, beginning at 9-a.m.

An arrest warrant for Smith was issued on Oct. 8th, the same day she turned herself-in on felony charges that include: Ongoing criminal conduct – unlawful activity; Theft in the 1st Degree; Fraudulent Practice in the 1st Degree, and Unauthorized use of a Credit Card (for a loss of more than $10,000). Bailey Smith posted 10-percent of a $100,000 bond on Oct. 8th, and was released pending her court proceedings.

Bailey Smith (2023 file photo)

Previously reported:

• Court documents state that between January 2020 and August 2025, while serving as the Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Smith made approximately 761 personal transactions with chamber funds. These transactions reportedly totaled $26,913 of losses to the chamber. Smith allegedly admitted to $6,632 of theft to the chamber board in a letter, court records show.
• Between the dates of November 2022 and August 2025, Smith began knowingly making entries into the record of the chamber that she knew were false to make the chamber general account appear solvent and to pay bills that should have been paid with funds that were misappropriated, to allegedly cover her theft of chamber funds, court documents state.
• According to court records during this time period Bailey made approximately 47 bank transfers between the chamber’s four bank accounts which totaled approximately $76,215.
• Smith reportedly admitted in a letter to the chamber board that she had transferred money from the chamber RAGBRAI account and that it had not been “moved back to where it belonged” and that the money “should have never been moved in the first place,” court documents state.

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce said Smith had been placed on unpaid administrative leave August 29, 2025, due to concerns over financial matters. An internal review that was conducted resulted in her termination, and subsequent charges.

Denison, IA – Officials with Project Harmony, a recognized leader in child advocacy, announced Wednesday, the opening of their newest satellite location at Senior Life Solutions – located East of the main campus at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison. The expansion, according to the organization, marks a significant step in increasing access to vital services for children and families in the Denison community and surrounding areas.  Last year, Project Harmony opened its first satellite location in Atlantic.

Project Harmony serves as a critical resource for children and families in crisis, currently supporting Douglas and Sarpy Counties in Nebraska and 16 counties across Southwest Iowa. The Denison location represents a deepening partnership with Crawford County Memorial Hospital, aimed at ensuring comprehensive, community-based care for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.  Project Harmony CEO Gene Klein says “Our partnership with Crawford County Memorial Hospital allows us to bring life-changing services closer to families who need them most. By working together, we’re not only expanding access but also strengthening the safety net for children and families throughout the region.”

An open house for the new satellite location at 2540 N Avenue, in Denison (the Senior Life Solutions building), will take place November 18th, beginning with a tour at 3-p.m., and a presentation at 4-p.m.  Visitors can learn about the services offered through Project Harmony’s Child Advocacy Center, the referral process, and how they are partnering with Crawford County Memorial Hospital to meet the needs of the community.  Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the facility, meet key members of Project Harmony and Crawford County Memorial Hospital, and gain insight into how these services will positively impact children and families in the region. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Crawford County Memorial Hospital CEO Erin Muck expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying “We are excited to collaborate with Project Harmony to provide essential child advocacy services in our community. Together, we can ensure that children in Southwest Iowa have access to the care and support they deserve.”  The expansion, according to Project Harmony, demonstrates a commitment to their mission of ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect through effective collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach. The satellite location in Denison will provide a welcoming and accessible space where children and families can find hope and healing.

For more information about Project Harmony’s services, please visit www.ProjectHarmony.com