(Clarinda, Iowa) – Page County Attorney James L. Varley, today (Nov. 3rd) reports the following activities in the Iowa District Court for Page County for the week of October 13, 2025. 

37-year-old Aaron Wade Opdyke, of Sidney, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, Marijuana- 3^rd Offense. The defendant was sentenced 180 days of incarceration, which will run concurrent with his cases in Mills County. The term of incarceration was suspended, and the defendant was placed on probation for 12 months. As a condition of probation, the defendant is ordered to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow through with any recommendations. The defendant was ordered to pay a fine of $855, suspended, plus court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

45-year-old Kayela Katherine Weak, of Macedonia, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, Marijuana- 1^st Offense. The defendant was fined $430 and assessed court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic residents Dave and Barb Chase have made a generous multi-year pledge to support Vision Atlantic’s transformative community development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion. Vision Atlantic officials say “As longtime Atlantic residents and dedicated community advocates, the Chases’ commitment reflects their deep appreciation for the community that has supported them and their desire to help ensure its continued growth for generations to come.”

Dave and Barb Chase say “The community of Atlantic and surrounding area have been very good to us. It has provided us with the opportunity to live, work, and play in an environment that truly fosters the ability to realize the American Dream.  In sincere appreciation of that, we want to give back now to help sustain that environment of opportunity for future generations to come.”

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: Christina Bateman alongside Dave and Barb Chase.

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 $27 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.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports a Union County man was arrested October 27th on Adair County warrants for Stalking-Use of Technological Device (A Class-C felony), and Harassment in the 1st Degree (Threats) [an Aggravated Misdemeanor]. Authorities say 39-year-old James Alan Davis, of Creston, was arrested following an investigation into incidents that occurred between July 9th and August 1st, 2025, whereby Davis allegedly “purposefully and repeatedly” engaged in a course of conduct directed toward a man, causing him to feel terrorized, and in fear of injury. The offenses allegedly took place via the use of an electronic device(s), whereby Davis allegedly threatened to commit a forcible felony.

Davis was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. Online court documents state he has waived a speedy trial and entered a written plea of not guilty. Arraignment is set to take place in Adair County District Court on November 7th.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office today (11/3/25), released a report on arrests that took place from Oct. 28th through November 1st:

On Saturday (11/1): 32-year-old Paul Lawrence Kirk, of East Galesburg, IL, was arrested in Glenwood, for OWI/1st offense. (Bond $1,000); 52-year-old Kristal Kristeen Johnston, of Henderson, was arrested in Henderson, for Possession of a Controlled Substance/3rd or subsequent offense. (Bond $1,000).

On Oct. 31st: 46-year-old William Holt Jensen, of Glenwood, was arrested in Pacific Junction, for Burglary in the 3rd Degree, Theft in the 1st Degree (>$10,000), and Control of a firearm/offensive weapon by a felon. (Bond $20,000).

On Oct. 30th: Mills County Deputies arrested 51-year-old Jason Ludwig Reents, of Clarinda, in Malvern. Reents was charged with Driving While Barred (Bond $2,000).

And,on the 28th of October, 40-year-old Timothy Michael Miller, of Independence, MO., was arrested in Percival, for PCS/3rd or subsequent offense, Eluding (speed in excess of 25 mph over the limit), and Theft in the 2nd Degree (>$1,500 but < $10,000). Bond $11,000 altogether.

Area community school districts (CSD) will hold elections for their respective Boards of Directors, as part of Tuesday’s City-School Elections. Here are some of the local races we’ll be watching (I=incumbent):

Atlantic Community School District – School Board Member At-Large (elect 2):

Jordan Zarbano

Justin Williams

Josh McClaren (I)

Chet Meneely

Corning CSD – Director At-Large (elect 3):

Staci Venteicher

Nick Wetzel

Adam Boswell

Ryan Shuey

Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton CSD – Director At-Large (elect 3):

Anna Schleimer

Nick Fredericksen

Eric Konecne

Deborah King

Beth Larsen

Emily Paulsen

Abby Rasmussen

Exira-EHK CSD – To Fill a Vacancy [TFV] term ending in 2027 (elect 1):

Anthony L. Hough (I)

Cally Lee Christensen

IKM-Manning CSD – Director At-Large (elect 2):

Lucas Cole Potthoff

Jeremy Puck

Nick Schechinger

Nodaway Valley CSD – Director At-Large (elect 2):

Daniel Shilling (I)

Mary Dodson

Kristen Jensen (I)

Stanton CSD – Director At-Large (elect 3):

Alex Cabbage

Ryan Hart

Jaclyn Hoyt

Cameron Lewellen

(Radio Iowa) – As the federal government shutdown continues, agencies that help the needy pay their heating bills are in limbo, like Iowa’s LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Danna Buls  is executive director at MATURA Action Corporation, which serves low-income residents in southwest Iowa. In the past, Buls says the government had workarounds to pay for programs like LIHEAP, but now she says it’s “unnerving” not knowing how much her organization will receive this year.

“You know, in years past, they’ll do a continuing resolution where the funding will just stay level,” she says, “and so at least we know it’s approved and the funds are coming.” Buls says even if funds are delayed, people should still be protected from having their heat shut off, as she says utilities know which people qualify for assistance and they’re blocked from disconnecting them.  Buls says, “So even though money might not come to the utility vendor, they know that these people are approved.”

In April, President Trump fired the federal staff that runs LIHEAP, which could lead to more delays in the funds going out.

(Radio Iowa) – Authorities in central Iowa say they’re no longer searching for the pickup truck that was suspected of fleeing from a deadly weekend accident. Marshalltown Police Chief Chris Jones says the Dodge Ram was identified in the fatal hit and run of a pedestrian late on Saturday night. “This weekend, we followed up with some leads and information. We were able to locate the vehicle and the owner of the vehicle,” Chief Jones says. “We are processing evidence right now, working through some things to find out what the circumstances were.” As yet, Jones says no charges have been filed against the truck’s owner.

“We’re still interviewing, looking at all types of evidence that are available in these types of accidents,” Jones says. “We appreciate the public’s help in helping us locate all of the individuals that we need. It’s just going to take a little time.” The victim in the case is identified as 30-year-old Melanie Katherine Nelson of Marshalltown.

The Chief says Nelson was crossing a street about 10 P-M Saturday when she was struck by a pickup. She later died at the hospital.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report the arrest Friday evening (Oct. 31st), of 26-year-old Dyan Steven Lane. The Creston man was cited for Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, cited, and released on a promise to appear in court. Separately, 51-year-old Mitchell Lee Graham, of Creston, was cited Friday night and then released, for allowing an Animal to run At-Large.

Wednesday, November 5th, Atlantic-native Glen Smith will sit for a congressional hearing on his appointment as United State Department of Agriculture Undersecretary of of Rural Development.  Smith, Who served as President of the Farm Credit Administration, said this process began in April.

Smith said the F-C-A confirmation process was not quite this involved.

Smith says he’s honored to have the opportunity to work at the U-S-D-A.

Glen R. Smith (Official FCSIC photo)

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th at 2:00 pm central time and can be viewed at:

https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-11-05-2025.

There are numerous races in various area city elections for voters to decide on, ahead of Tuesday’s (November 4^th) City-School Elections.

Those contests in Cass County include:

In Anita, where there are eight candidates for three City Council seats. They include: Kevin Littleton; Eyon Steffensen; John Knutson; Sara L. Sisler; Shelli Hogueison; Deanna Andrews; Kim Miller, and Mark Harris.

In Griswold, five candidates are running for two seats on the City Council: Kevin Farr; Nick Demanett; Jesse Doty; Jim Ridlen and Troy Nicklaus. There are also four candidates for two seats on the Lewis City Council: Russell Miller; Betty Auten; Jim Triller and David Raymond. In Marne, three people are running for two Council seats: Kyle Frederiksen; Angela Redler, and Aaron Williams.

In Adair County:

There are three candidates for two At-Large seats on the City Council in Casey: Jennifer Geren-Penton; Tyler Stolk and LeRoy Hall. Adair and Guthrie County voters in Stuart will select either John Gulbranson or Cory Kirkpatrick as Mayor, and from the following five candidates for three At-Large seats on the City Council: Trevor Nelson; Angela Capps; Alan L. Bovee; Kristina Renslow, and Zach Ingwers. There are three candidates for two At-Large Council seats in Bridgewater: James C. McCall; Tyler Warrior and Douglas Miller. Five people are running for two At-Large seats on the City Council in Fontanelle: Shawn Herr; Daniel Miller; Andrew Martin; Amanda Guerrero and Nancy Embree.

And, in Greenfield, there are four people running for three At-Large City Council seats: Rita Eble; Carl Faust; Jeff Clayton, and Nathan Hubenka.

In Adams County:

There are four candidates running for two seats on the City Council in Prescott: Emily Riedel; Douglas M. Privett; Shyla Walter, and Don Gee.

In Audubon County:

Four candidates are running for three seats on the Audubon City Council: Brooke Wegner; Bruce A. Christensen; Jeff Jacobsen, and Rodney Benton. Three people are running for two seats on the Kimballton City Council: Sheila Partridge; Dirk Wasson; Peggy Mortensen and Thomas Lake.

In Guthrie County:

Three names are on the ballot for two At-Large seats on the Bagley City Council: Steven B. Joy; Janet Bennett, and Deanna Gibson. Five names are available to choose from for three At-Large seats on the Bayard City Council: Shelby Richards; Jessica Pruter; Arnold Kesselring; Andrew Stringer, and Nathan McAlister. There are four candidates for two At-Large seats on the City Council in Casey: Cody Sheeder; Jennifer Geren-Penton; Tyler Stolk and LeRoy Hall.

In Montgomery County:

There are two names on the ballot for a two-year term as Mayor in Red Oak, including Tim Fridolph, but the other candidate, John Haidsaik, has withdrawn his name from contention. There are two candidates for one At-Large seats on the Council in Red Oak: Jeanice Lester, and John Gross. In Stanton, four people are running for three At-Large City Council seats: Chris Stephens; Justin Rhamy; Wes Royal and Jeff Sebeniecher.

In Shelby County:

Two seats are open on the City Council in Elk Horn, and there are three candidates: Derick Hogberg; Justin Larsen, and Samuel Preis.

In Pottawattamie County:

There are two candidates for Mayor in Macedonia: Melia Clark and Paden Knoke, and five people running for two City Council seats: James M. Croson; Gary L. Wax; Paul Faxon; Suzann Duede and Joseph Cope. In Oakland, there are four candidates for three City Council seats: Phil Reed; Jordan Sherbondy; Darin J. Ford, and Colin Applegate. Two men are running for Mayor, in Underwood: Josh Madsen, and Dennis Barsdley. And, there are two men running for Mayor in Walnut: Justen Tooley, and William Brett Simpson. In addition, there are five candidates for three seats on the Walnut City Council: Tim Branan; Aiden Akers; Adrian Griffith; Michael Chapman, and Kevin Clark.

A reminder: the polls are open on Tuesday from 7-a.m. until 8-p.m. For precinct polling information or any other questions about the City-School Elections, please contact your county auditor, check out your county government’s website, or see the Iowa Secretary of State site at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections-voting.