(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett, Wednesday evening, administered the Oath of Office to a member of the Atlantic Police Force, who was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Before she did so, Mayor Garrett read from Caleb Smith’s bio, and explained his duties, past and present.

A graduate of the Red Oak High School, Sgt. Smith received an Associates of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2008 from Iowa Central Community College in Ft. Dodge. He and his wife have lived in Atlantic for 12-years.

Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett congratulates Sgt. Caleb Smith.

In report to the Council and citizens of Atlantic, Mayor Garrett said the City’s Code Enforcement Officer conducted 31 inspections today (Wednesday), that were in response to citizen complaints about properties. During the inspections, 12 additional violations were found.

Garrett said citizens are free to submit a complaint or concern, with the understanding there is a process that the City must work through, with regard to ordinances. Some of those processes are being tweaked to further resolve complaints.

She issued a “Thank you,” to those who are maintaining their property. If you are being a good neighbor, offer to help your neighbor with lawn mowing and sidewalk shoveling during the winter. If you truly need the help, the Mayor said, please allow someone to help you so the City doesn’t have to bill you to get the job done. In other business, City Administrator John Lund proposed having the Independence Day celebration for three days: July 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Saturday, Sunday, Monday). The hours will be the same as last year, from Noon until 11-p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and Midnight on July 4th. The Council was in agreement on the dates and times. The City of Atlantic’s fireworks display will take place the night of July 4th.