(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Tuesday), met the newly elected Mayor of Lewis. Christopher Jahnke was elected to fill the vacant position, on April 29th. He spoke with the Board about trying to bring the community together, in light of rumors and general civic distrust of the local government.

He said things have escalated to the point were a group has called the Sheriff’s phone number and taken other measures. Jahnke said efforts by some members of the community to discredit local government officials is taking its toll.

Jahnke said one of the ways he hopes the community will show it’s solidarity, is by participating in a celebration set to take place June 14th.

Cass Co. BOS mtg 5-20-25

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors heard from Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman, with regard to the non-profit organization’s economic development project. Afterward, they held discussion with regard to using the County’s portion of the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) to help fund the project. Bateman said they hope the County can contribute $2.5-million toward the project. The City of Atlantic has already committed to the same amount.

Board Chair Steve Baier…

Cass County Auditor Kathy Somers said any qualifying funds wouldn’t be available until FY 27.

The project (as previously mentioned), is in partnership with the Community Foundation for Western Iowa and the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, and includes a 49-acre residential development designed to meet the growing housing needs, a child development center, and expansion of the Nishna Valley Family YMCA in Atlantic. According to their website, Vision Atlantic’s goal is to raise $39-million dollars for the childcare facility and YMCA expansion.

The Board took no action on a contribution of LOST funds at this time.