Daily Diary

If you have items that you would like listed on the “Daily Diary”, please e-mail them to us at kjandesk@metc.net.

The service is free for any NON-PROFIT group or organization.

NOTICES:

MISSING! 2 miles south of Atlantic on Hwy 71. 16 month old male black lab. Has white on his chest. No collar. Call 712-249-2471 FOUND!

The Atlantic Public Library invites the community to a library open house and opening of an online art auction fundraiser. On September 11 from 4-7 pm, the library will be open for everyone to see the updates that have happened throughout the building over the last six years. Library Trustees will be serving desserts and drinks in the meeting room; Pim’s Thai food truck will be in the parking lot with food available for purchase. During the open house, we will be showcasing the art for sale through an online auction. The auction opens September 11 and will close on September 25. All proceeds from the auction will support future library projects and services. In addition to the auction, a limited number of library puzzles, tote bags, and vinyl stickers will also be for sale. We are only able to accept cash or check for these purchases, including when the auction closes. All proceeds from this event will support future library projects. Any local artists who would like to donate original artwork to the fundraiser should contact library director Michelle Andersen by August 21 by calling 243-5466 or messaging michelle@atlantic.lib.ia.us.

Registration Now Open for “Glow & Grow: A Women’s Health Retreat” at Bluebird Hill in Atlantic on September 2-3, 2026. Based on feedback from previous attendees, this year’s event has expanded to include a new daytime session on Wednesday, September 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evening sessions will be held on both Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3, giving participants three unique opportunities to learn, connect, and focus on their health. Registration is $20 per session and includes a meal and gift for attending. Women interested in attending all three sessions can register for the discounted rate of $50. Registration is available online at casshealth.org/glowandgrow or in person at the Cass Health Gift Shop. For more information, contact the Cass Health Marketing & Communications Department at 712-243-7405.

Fall Master Gardener Volunteer Training– Applications are now open for this year’s fall Master Gardener training cohort, which will be offered across the state, including locally as a partnership between Adair and Cass County in Southwest Iowa. The Iowa Master Gardener Volunteer Training provides hands-on, in-person learning opportunities and volunteer orientation for local individuals interested in becoming Iowa Master Gardener Volunteers. Trainees also participate in the volunteer track of the 10-week Garden Academy online training, which can be completed on their own schedule in September-November of 2026. Online courses begin August 31, and the in-person orientation class will be Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30 PM. Four additional in-person meetings will be scheduled in September and October on Tuesday evenings; trainees are encouraged to attend as many as possible for maximum benefit from the class. Deadline to apply for guaranteed consideration is August 14.

Korean Ambassador For Peace Medal…Veterans of the Korean War, as well as families of Korean War Veterans who have passed, are invited to apply for this commemorative medal. Submit an application and a copy of the Veteran’s DD214 showing service from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 to your county Veterans Affair Office. Deadline is September 30, 2026. A medal ceremony will be held to honor the recipients.

Sign up now for the Iowa Aviation Museum kid’s free airplane rides to be held on Saturday, August 29th,
beginning at 9-a.m. Children from 8-17 years old are allowed to sign up. There are plenty of spots available. Please give the museum a call or email them to sign your children up for this fun experience or if you have questions! They would like to know the sooner the better so they can determine how many airplanes they need. They would love to see everyone that participated last year! You can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Iowa Aviation Museum is located at 2251 Airport Road, Greenfield. Call 641-343-7184

Mark your calendars for September 25-26 as Coca-Cola Days returns to the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. This year’s theme, “An American Tradition,” honors America’s 250th birthday, and organizers are adding several family activities to help celebrate the occasion. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, a baseball throw contest, and visits with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. An apple pie baking contest and live music are also planned throughout the weekend. Collectors can browse the Coca-Cola Show, Swap & Sell, take part in the Coca-Cola Days raffle, and enjoy the Friday night Tailgate Party. Saturday afternoon will feature food from Boulevard Grill, live music by Dirt Road Divide, and Coca-Cola floats.

Official 2026 Coca-Cola Days t-shirts are now available to preorder for $22/$24 at https://cocacoladays2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/. This year’s shirts are available by online preorder only. No additional shirts will be produced, so orders must be placed by September 6, 2026.

A full event schedule, registration information, and additional details are available at www.atlanticiowa.com. Questions can be directed to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017 or chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

Coca-Cola Days is sponsored by Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

**********************************************************************************************************************

Cass County Grow Another Row begins on Friday, May 1 with 11 stands in communities throughout Cass County. Locations are:

Atlantic Cedar Park @ 204 Cedar St.; Atlantic Library @ 507 Poplar; Midtown Apts @ 1209 E 8th St.; and Mollett Park @ 1020 E 3rd st.

Anita Food Pantry @ 208 Chestnut St

Cumberland @ 121 Main St

Griswold Methodist Church @ 100 Cass St

Lewis Library @ 412 W Main St

Marne Masonic Lodge @ 418 2nd St.

Massena Historic Gas Station @ 203 Main St

Wiota @ 108 Pioneer St.

***********************************************************************************************************************

The Gathering FREE Community Meal takes place every other Monday from 5-7pm at the United Church Of Christ in Atlantic. Serving Cass County Neighbors. Everyone is welcome…no questions asked. Contact 712-249-7709…text or leave a message. Dine-in. Carry out. Delivery.

***********************************************************************************************************************

Goodnews Concerts are a non-profit of The Gathering Place located at 102 SW Kent St in Greenfield on the 1st Sunday of every month at 5pm. Freewill donations are taken to help the groups out.

***********************************************************************************************************************

Free Radon tests are available at Cass Health in Atlantic for Cass County households. One per household. Contact Cass Health for more information. 712-243-3250


CASS COUNTY FOOD PANTRIES:

The Atlantic Food Pantry has updated its weekly distribution hours. Effective immediately, the pantry will be open every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., or until all food sacks have been distributed.
The Atlantic Food Pantry, located at 704 W. 7th Street in Atlantic, provides drive-through food distribution to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Cass County. During distribution, clients are asked to remain in their vehicles and follow the designated traffic pattern for everyone’s safety. Vehicles should line up on the north side of 6th Street heading west, follow the posted cones and signs, turn south on Palm Street, and proceed along the access road in front of the pantry. To help keep traffic flowing safely, drivers are asked not to use 7th Street (Highway 6) to enter or exit the pantry. A limit of three households per vehicle applies. For questions about the Atlantic Food Pantry, please call (712) 243-5019.

Anita Food Pantry: 208 Chestnut St. Drive-through pantry. Phone: (712) 250-0410 Hours: 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 8-10 am

Cumberland Care & Share Pantry: Methodist Church, 317 Monroe St.  Phone: (712) 774-5818 Hours: 1st & 3rd Wed., 4:30pm- 5:30pm

Lord’s Cupboard of Griswold: Methodist Church, 100 Cass St. Phone: (712) 778-4178 Hours: 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 11am – 2pm

Adair-Casey Food Pantries are available to those living in the Adair-Casey School District on the second Thursday 6-8pm and the fourth Saturday 9-11am each month.
Locations – Adair United Methodist Church – in alley on north side of church, and
Casey United Methodist Church.

******************************************************************************************************************

MONDAY, AUGUST 17

Cass County Iowa Democrats host Arlie Willems, mother of Iowa Attorney General candidate Nate Willems, on Atlantic on Monday, August 17 at 2pm at the Atlantic Public Library. YARD SIGNS will be available.

Kayaking at Prairie Rose State Park takes place on Monday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m.  Meet on the east side of the lake/east side of Count Rd M47.  Life jackets, paddles, and kayaks will be provided.  Anybody under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the water.  If it is raining/storming we will cancel.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19

The Kindness Crew is hosting a Freewill Donation Meal on Wednesday, August 19 at 4:30pm at Bandshell Park in Anita. Jumbo hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches, along with live music entertaiment is part of the fun. The Farmers Market will also be going on. Proceeds will go to a Disability Easter Egg Hunt and Celebration for disabled students at CAM and Atlantic schools as well as Trivium residents.

Back to School Movie at Rose Theater takes place on Wednesday August 19 at 7pm. Minions & Monsters (PG) will be showing. Doors open 6:30pm. Cash concessions will be available. Free admission, small drink & small popcorn sponsored by  Audubon Real Estate LLC, Rick & Paulette Hansen, Tom & Virginia Mennenoh, Mark & Sandy Nissen and Schmidt Family Funeral Home.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

Kiwanis Club of Atlantic will meet on thursday August 20 at noon at the Atlantic Pizza Ranch. Speaker will be Stve Green. Kim Stowell is program chair.

It’s Toby Keith Night at Produce In the Park on Thursday, August 20 from 4:30-6:30pm in the Atlantic City Park. Honor country legend Toby Keith the country way with live music by Tyler Folkerts. There will be face painting and Art In the Park by Your Forte. Food trucks include Firehouse Foods BBQ, Teeny Weeny Weiner Wagon and HKA Drinks. As always, find fresh local produce, locals meats, farm fresh eggs, honey, baked goods, desserts, flowers, plants, crafts and so much more at Produce In the Park. Visit produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

The Odyssey” (R) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22 at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Sunday matinee is at 2pm and doors open at 1:30. All seats are $4 and concessions are available for cash only.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

Lewis Days takes place on Saturday, August 22 in Lewis. Car, truck and motorcycle registration for the Car Show begins at 12:30pm. There will be 16 different show classes with an awards ceremony at 5pm. The Vendor Fair is from 2-5pm. Color Guard Parade takes place at 4pm. Dinner and the beer garden is at 5pm and a DJ and live entertainment is happening all day! Movie At the Library with free popcorn and The Movie In the Park both begin at 8pm with fireworks to follow. There will be carnival games and a bounce house.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

Spiderman: Brand New Day” (PG-13) will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Sunday matinee is at 2pm and doors open at 1:30. All seats are $4 and concessions are available for cash only.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

The Cass County Conservation Board is holding “Stand Up Paddleboard” Demonstration on Saturday August 29  9am & 10:30am at Cold Springs Park- Beach. After a quick demonstration try out the boards for yourself! If you do not bring a life jacket one will be provided to you. Children must be 16 years or older. Paddler must weigh LESS than 250 LBS. Kayaks will be available for checkout at the same time. 4 sit in kayaks, Paddler must weigh LESS than 250 LBS. 3 Sit on top Kayaks, Paddler must weigh LESS than 395 LBS. If you do not bring a life jacket one will be provided to you. You MUST register online to get your spot!https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Cass/Park/Cold-Springs-Park.aspx

The Cass County Conservation Board is holding “Mysterious Monarchs” Programs on Saturday August 29 at 1pm at Camblins Addition Shelter Sunnyside Park Atlantic and at 3pm at Outdoor Educational Classroom South of Massena.

Discover the Monarch Butterflies before their journey south! We will tag monarchs and show you how! If you would like a home tagging kit you must attend and pre-register for the Kit. Call 712-769-2372 to pre-register for your kit. You DO NOT have to be a registered camper to attend the program!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

Music In the Park takes place on Sunday, August 30 from 5-7pm at Bandshell Park in Anita. Dirt Road Divide, along with BJ and Charlie will be performing live! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. There will also be activities for kids!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

The Cass County Conservation Board is holding a “Movie in the Park”. Apollo 13 will be showing at the Campground Shelter at Cold Springs Park in Lewis on Friday, September 4 at 9:00pm. Come out for a great movie under the stars! Bring a blanket or chair, Dress for the weather, if it rains, we may reschedule, and You DO NOT have to be a registered camper to attend the program!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

The Cass County Conservation Board is holding “Mysterious Monarchs” Programs on Saturday September 5 at 1pm at Cold Springs Park- Lewis, Campground Shelter. Discover the Monarch Butterflies before their journey south! We will tag monarchs and show you how! If you would like a home tagging kit you must attend and pre-register for the Kit. Call 712-769-2372 to pre-register for your kit. You DO NOT have to be a registered camper to attend the program!

The Cass County Conservation Board is holding “Stand Up Paddleboard” Demonstration on Saturday, September 5 at 9am & 10:30am at Cold Springs Park- Beach. After a quick demonstration try out the boards for yourself! If you do not bring a life jacket one will be provided to you. Children must be 16 years or older. Paddler must weigh LESS than 250 LBS. Kayaks will be available for checkout at the same time. 4 sit in kayaks, Paddler must weigh LESS than 250 LBS. 3 Sit on top Kayaks, Paddler must weigh LESS than 395 LBS. If you do not bring a life jacket one will be provided to you. You MUST register online to get your spot!https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Cass/Park/Cold-Springs-Park.aspx

Programs will be cancelled if there is unsafe weather conditions on the Lake.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Music In the Park takes place on Sunday, September 6 from 5-7pm at Bandshell Park in Anita. Randy Burk will be performing live! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. There will also be activities for kids!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Anita Town & Country is hosting an event to honor local veterans and emergency personnel on Wednesday, September 9 from 9-11am at the Anita Community Center. Volunteers are needed to decorate, fill and deliver cookie boxes to these individuals for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to the community. Call 515-720-6672 with any questions.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

T-Bone Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, September 13 at the Audubon Golf & Country Club. Sign up at the Country Club.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, September 14 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Health Promotion Through Collaboration” is this month’s topic. Building partnerships that strengthen Cass County’s well being.  For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Hitchcock House Advisory Board invites everyone to a Day Of Service in honor of the National 9/11 Day Of Service And Remembrance on Sunday, September 20 from 12:30-4pm at Reverend George B Hitchcock House 63788 567th Lane, Lewis. Volunteers are invited to help prepare the house and site for winter…including cleaning up the grounds, pulling weeds and refreshing flower beds, light landscaping. Lunch will be provided for volunteers. For more information call 712-769-2323 or visit hitchcockhouse1@gmail.com or www.hitchcockhouse.org.

Music In the Park takes place on Sunday, September 20 from 5-7pm at Bandshell Park in Anita. David Watson will be performing live! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. There will also be activities for kids!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Music In the Park takes place on Sunday, September 27 from 5-7pm at Bandshell Park in Anita. The Who Nu Band will be performing live! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. There will also be activities for kids!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Griswold City Wide Garage Sales take place on Saturday, October 3. Deadline for ads is Firday, September 25 at noon.

ACG MS Warriors 5th Annual Fall Festival Fundraiser Brisket Dinner takes place on Saturday, October 3 from 5-8pm at the Adair Fire & Rescue Hall in Adair. Cost is $15 per person with kids 5 and younger free. Cost includes sides with a drink and dessert. Take out is available…call to order 641-740-0756 A raffle takes place at 7pm. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Prizes include 1/4 beef & freezer, other meat bundles, Henry Repeating HS Mini Bolt G2 .22LR, a Ruger 10/22 250th .22LR, Apple Watch, Inflatable Tub and many more amazing raffle items.


EXTRAS ….

CITY OF ATLANTIC YARD WASTE SITE HOURS:

The compost near the Schildberg Recreation Area is open seven days per week from 7:30-a.m. until dusk. The site is monitored by camera to catch illegal dumping. If the gate happens to be locked during those times, please call 243-3512 and tell them that the gate to the yard waste site is locked and a police officer will be out shortly to unlock the gate. The brush pile is offered to citizen within the city limits only.

*** City of Atlantic officials remind citizens to bring ONLY trees, branches, grass, garden waste, and/or leaves. ***


BINGO / GAMES

Heritage House Games: The 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month the community is invited to play cards or dominoes. Come as a group or as a single. Playing starts at 1 pm

Anita Sunset Club meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 11:30am at the Anita Congregational Church.  Enjoy lunch, special guests and programs and card games. Call 712-249-4996 for more information.

Atlantic Elks Bingo is every Thursday at the Atlantic Elks Lodge, 411 Walnut St in Atlantic. Doors open 5:45 pm bingo starts at 6:30 pm.

Anita American Legion Bingo is held every Saturday night 6:30 to 10:00pm at Anita American Legion Hall. Doors open at 4:30. Dinner available for purchase.

Coon Rapids American Legion Bingo is every Tuesday. Doors open at 5:30, bingo starts at 6:30 pm. Prizes, jackpot $599 weekly. Games range from $20-$40.

Irwin Bingo is every Thursday at the Irwin Community Building (404 Front St) beginning at 7pm. Food will be served beginning at 5:30pm and Early Bird Bingo starts at 6:30pm with a progressive jackpot.

Join the Firehouse Flames for bingo every first Monday at the Memorial Building in Audubon. Doors open at 5:30 pm with a light lunch available, early bird bingo at 6:30 and regular bingo at 6:45 pm.

Shenandoah Eagles Bingo will be held on Sunday, December 12th from 2:30-5:00 pm at Shenandoah FOE Club Located at 709 West Thomas St Shenandoah, IA 51601. Shenandoah FOE Auxiliary #3849 has restarted their Sunday Bingo. Currently Bingo will be held bi-weekly starting November 14th, 2021. Holiday weekends are TBD. Early Bird starts at 2:30pm. Bingo starts at 3:00 pm. CASH PRIZES! Family Friendly event. Check the event page on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/eagles3849/


MUSEUM / CULTURAL CENTERS

American Legion Memorial Building, also known as the Armory, will be open for tours Saturday afternoons through October and by request through Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. See the web site at Arise Atlantic for more details.

Cass County Historical Museum in Griswold is now open Wednesdays-Sundays from 1-4

Audubon County Historical Society Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 10 am (alternating meetings in Audubon and Exira). This is open to the public, the Historical Society is looking for volunteers!

Hitchcock House – During the season, the Hitchcock House is open for tours beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays May 1st through September 4th. The same fee schedule listed above applies. The last tour each day begins at 4:15 p.m. Tours at other times and groups of 10 or more are encouraged to schedule a tour time by calling 712.769.2323.

Space to Play at Jens Jensen Landscape Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Visit the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park to find native plants, explore outdoor exhibits, play on innovative Danish-designed outdoor fitness equipment, gather around the council rings, and enjoy thirty acres of tallgrass prairie. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend events hosted by the Museum of Danish America. If you are an individual who requires accommodation, please email info@danishmuseum.org. Museum of Danish America 2212 Washington Street Elk Horn 51531

The Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center in Stanton is open Wednesday-Saturday from 1-4pm April through October.


SUPPORT GROUPS / OUTREACH SUPPORT

Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 2nd Thursday of the month at 719 Benton in Corning at 5:00 p.m. No registration is required…just pop in. This group is open to anyone who is now, or ever has been, a caregiver for someone with dementia.

FREE: Furniture and other items.  Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 107 Cedar Street in Atlantic. If you need something, take it at no charge. If you have items that are in good shape and clean, donate them!

DISASTER RELIEF AT THE GREENFIELD MAINTENANCE BUILDING IS EVERY TUESDAY FROM 2-6PM.

2nd Hand Rose is open Monday’s 1:30-3:00 and Friday’s 9:30-11:00 at the Heritage House in Atlantic.

Grief Share meets Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm in the Heritage Hall at the Heritage House in Atlantic. No charge, donations for Grief Share are welcomed. Call Heidi 712-243-5492. This is sponsored by the Roland Funeral Home in conjunction with Grace Point Church.

NAMI Support Group meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month at 2pm and the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 6:30pm at the United Church Of Christ in Atlantic.

H.E.A.L… Hope. Empathy. Acceptance. Love…meets the second Wednesday each month at 10am at the Exira Public Library in the meeting room. Their mission is to connect those living with incurable, chronic medical conditions with community that supports, educates and empowers them to improve their quality of life.  Call 712-304-5779 with questions and for more information. follow them at www.facebook.com/groups/healiowa/

Creating Hope Together meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 5-8pm at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in the Community Health Center, 1st floor. Enter at south door entrance. For more information call Peter Youngren at llrspprt@gmail.com

Public Health HCCMS Family Services is located at 1408 E 10th St. Call 712-755-4422 or visit www.shelbycountyclinics.com. Clinic will also be held in Irwin, Earling, Westphalia, Shelby, Avoca, Defiance, Panama, Portsmouth and Elk Horn. Appointments are not needed for these clinics.

HCCMS Family Planning is a program available for men and women of all ages, offering reproductive and other health services to help you get and stay healthy. They serve anyone requesting family planning services regardless of residency, household income or gender. In Cass County, your HCCMS office is located at Cass County Home Care, 1500 E 10th St., Atlantic, IA. For more information or to make an appointment call 712-243-7551 or 1-800-993-4345.

The Atlantic Lions Club takes used eye glasses and hearing aids. You can drop them off at these Atlantic locations: Hy-Vee, W & S Appliance, Fareway, or any Lions Club member.

WIC CLINIC- Call for information at 1-800-338-4129