Daily Diary

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Lost in Atlantic: A black male cat with some white patches on his neck and paws, named “Fluffers.” (See photos) He was last seen Monday, Dec. 1st in the vicinity of Poplar Street. He has a short, stubby tail. If you see him or know where he is, please call 712-250-1216. If you bring him home safe there is a $50 reward. He likes to hang out in the Chestnut and Locust Street areas. (Posted 12/4/25)

NOTICES:

Festival Of Trees is taking place at Jazzercise, 500 Chestnut Street in downtown Atlantic until Sunday, December 7.

Friday-9am-7pm

Saturday-9am-5:30pm

Sunday- 9am-2pm.

Sponsored by Relay For Life. There will be several raffles going on. Contact Carol Schuler for more information at 712-254-0766.

Cass Health is offering a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class this winter. The class is free for Cass County residents, including state testing fees, but space is limited to eight students. Earning your CNA is often the first step for those looking to enter the nursing field. Participants will gain essential skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care to patients of all ages. The weekly class will begin on December 16, 2025 and end in mid-February. State testing fees are not included for students. Individuals outside of Cass County may register at a cost of $500. Interested individuals can learn more or register now by visiting casshealth.org/cna. For questions, please call 712-250-8053.

Monetary donations are now being taken for The Gathering Soup Suppers. Donations can be dropped off at Rolling Hills Bank & Trust in Atlantic or one of the Gathering Committee members. For more information call 712-249-7709.

The Lighted Parade and Fireworks, one of Atlantic’s most cherished traditions, will be held Saturday, December 6 starting at 6 pm. Parade entries can be submitted by filling out the form and emailing it to chamber@atlanticiowa.com. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. The parade and fireworks are sponsored by A.M. Cohron & Son, NISHNANET, McDermott Roofing, and Rush, CPA & Associates.

Before the parade, families can visit Santa’s Cabin for hot chocolate, treats, and horse-drawn carriage rides from 3 to 5:30 PM, sponsored by Lloyd & Meredith, Roland Funeral Home, and Heritage House. Visit www.atlanticiowa.com for Santa’s full schedule. Santa’s Cabin is sponsored by the Atlantic Rotary Club, Farmhouse & Flowers, Coyote Will Wind, Heritage House, and Akin Building Centers.

Christmas Box Program…On Thursday, December 11th, Atlantic Rising members and local volunteers will gather once again to pack and deliver boxes filled with all the essentials for a festive Christmas meal. If you’d like to help make the holidays brighter for a local family, you can nominate a family or individual, volunteer to help, or make a donation to the Christmas Box Program. Contact Atlantic Rising at 712.243.3017 or chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

Updates and event details can be found at www.atlanticiowa.com or on the Chamber’s Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat pages.

Elks Lodge #445 is collecting deer hides and tails.Veterans make many different things with the hides and tails, including gloves for those in wheelchairs. Drop-off boxes are located in Atlantic at 411 Walnut street; in Massena at McCunn Specialty Firearms; and in Wiota. Call the phone number listed on the box after dropping hides off, so they can be treated and stored properly.

Produce In the Park is now accepting vendors and sponsors for the 2025-26 Holiday Farmers Market Series. There are 5 events this year: Harvest Market (Nov. 24); Christmas Market ( Dec. 20); Sweetheart Market (Feb. 14) and Spring Market (April 4). Find vendor applications and sponsorship info at produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com. Call with questions at 712-249-5870.

CASS COUNTY FOOD PANTRIES:

Atlantic Food Pantry: 704 W. 7th St. Hours: Thurs., 12:30 – 3 pm (or until all food sacks are distributed) Drive-through pantry (For safety reasons, there will be no access to the Pantry from 7th Street (Highway 6) during Thursday afternoon food distributions. Pantry Client vehicles will approach the Pantry from the East on 6th Street, turning South on Palm Street, then West on the access road directly in front of the Pantry to receive food. Cars will then exit north on the alley next to the Pantry. Traffic markers will guide the cars before and during food distribution.) Food Referrals are not needed. There is a pick-up limit of 3 households per vehicle. Pantry phone: (712) 243-5019 from 9-11 AM Mon. and Thurs. only

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.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5

The Nov. 29 Massena Lighted Christmas Parade has been re-scheduled to Friday, December 5. Parade lineup at 5:45 and Parade begins at 6:30. Santa will be on hand after the parade until 8:00. Steak sandwiches will be available at the fire station from 6:00 – 8:00 with to-go orders available.

The Glory Lutheran Church Free Soup Supper will be held Friday, December 5 at the Griswold Community Building from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Enjoy fellowship, good food and live A Capella singing. Call 712-208-0366 for deliveries. Everyone is welcome.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

Pancakes with Santa begins at 9:00 am at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. Join the Pancake Man and Santa for pancakes and other fun activities. Santa will be in his cabin in the city park from 3:00 – 5:30 pm and free carriage rides will be available.

Eleven O Three’s “Handpicked Christmas” open house scheduled for November 29 will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Atlantic BPO D.O.E.S Cookie Walk is Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at The Venue at 307 Walnut St. Everyone is welcome to select some of their favorite Christmas cookies. Cookies are sold for $8.00 per pound. For more information call Carol Schwarte at 712-249-3130, Sherill Clausen at 712-249-8889 or Darla Casady at 712-249-3317. Proceed support various D.O.E.S charities

Adair Women’s Club/Adair Library Festival of Trees will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Adair Fire Hall. A variety of Vendors will be at the Adair Fire Hall beginning at 1:00 pm with live music by Pete Temple. Lions Club Soup Supper will be held from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, with live big band music from 4:30 – 6:30. Santa will make a visit from 5:00 – 6:00.

Exira’s Festival Of Trees and Grand Lighting takes place on Saturday, December 6 beginning with a soup supper at the Event Center at 5pm. Santa will visit kids at 5:30pmand the Grand Lighting will take place at 7pm. Enjoy a cocoa bar, Christmas music, hay rack rides. A toy drive will also be held during the event and you can donate canned goods for the food pantry

Atlantic Lighted Christmas Parade takes place at 6:00 pm on Chestnut Street in downtown Atlantic. To participate, register at atlanticiowa.com. Line-up begins at 5:00 pm.

The Manilla Christmas Market – The Christmas Craft Fair will be held Saturday, December 6th from 9 to 2 at 3 locations – Memorial Hall – the Wellness Center and Little Hawks Daycare. Admission is free. Come and browse over 150 tables, get pictures with Santa and see the area’s largest animated display.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

The Portsmouth Knights of Columbus council will be having a fundraising breakfast, Sunday, December 7th, from 8 to 11:30 am in the Portsmouth St. Mary’s parish hall. They will be serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage, coffee, juice and milk. The price is a free will donation. The money raised will be donated to local charities and area pregnancy support organizations. The Catholic Daughters will have a bake sale along with the breakfast.

The Westphalia St. Boniface Rosary Society Annual Silent Auction will be held Sunday, December 7 with a brunch served immediately after the 10:00 am Mass until noon for a free will offering. Santa will be stopping in for a visit. Everyone is welcome.

The Irwin Public Library Christmas Open House will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, December 7th. Come see the stockings that community members have brought in while enjoying the Christmas lights, hot cocoa and participate in the Cookie Exchange at 4 pm. Bring 4 dozen of one kind of cookie. One dozen will be available for people to purchase while the other 3 dozen will be exchanged so that you have a variety of cookies to take home. Don’t forget to bring an empty container.

Christmas Walk: The Magic On Main Street takes place on Sunday, December 7 in Anita. Beginning at 4pm, enjoy a Soup Supper at the American Legion Hall; Sant’s Sweet shop will be open at the Anita Library with cookies and candles for sale. Cam Club Childcare Silent Auction will also be held at the library beginning at 4pm and a bake sale takes place at the Community Center with proceeds going to Dance Atlantic. From 4:30-5pm, a Live Nativity Scene takes pace at the Anita United Methodist Church. The Lighted Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting and Ugly Sweater contest begin at 5:30pm. Santa will beat City Hall after the parade…bring your letters and a can of soup for the Food Pantry. Other fun activities include S’mores, kid’s crafts, Tour Of Trees, hay rides, luminaries, Elf Hunt, self-service photo op, Santa’s reindeer and Firing Up the Generator.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, December 8 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Cass County Cancer Rates” is this month’s topic. Screenings, prevention and survivorship will be discussed. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info.

Healthy Cass is inviting local food producers and all interested community members to a special meeting on Monday, December 8 at 12:00 pm at the Cass County Community Center to discuss the role of local food in improving community health.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Cass Health Auxiliary White Elephant Sale & Baked Goods Sale will be held on Tuesday, December 9 beginning at 7:00 am until sold out. The event takes place in Cass Health conference room 2. All proceeds will benefit the Cass Health Auxiliary projects.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

The CAM Sports Club Spaghetti Supper will be held on Friday, December 12 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm or until gone at the CAM High School in Anita. The menu features spaghetti, salad, bread stick, desserts and drinks for your freewill donation.

The Cumberland Rose Players present “The Little Town of Christmas” on December 12, 13 & 14 at the Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield. Friday and Saturday night at 7:00 PM and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM. This play involves about a dozen yuletide sketches. Such old favorites as “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol” are included. Tickets available at the door: Adults-$15.00, 17 and under-free.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest takes place on Saturday, December 13 beginning at 9:30am at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. This national event is for those 8-13 years of age (as of April 1, 2026). This is an opportunity to put your name in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame. For more information, contact Greg Schuler at 712-249-0519 or visit elks.org/hoopshoot.

“The Star” will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Saturday, December 13 at 2pm. Doors open at 1:30. Free admission sponsored by Santa + Mrs. Claus. Free concessions sponsored by Bob & Linda Blomme. Santa will greet kids after the movie.

The Cumberland Rose Players present “The Little Town of Christmas” on December 13 & 14 at the Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield. Saturday night at 7:00 PM and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM. This play involves about a dozen yuletide sketches. Such old favorites as “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol” are included. Tickets available at the door: Adults-$15.00, 17 and under-free.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

The Cumberland Rose Players present “The Little Town of Christmas” on December 14 at the Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield. Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM. This play involves about a dozen yuletide sketches. Such old favorites as “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol” are included. Tickets available at the door: Adults-$15.00, 17 and under-free.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

“Grand Prix of Europe” rated PG will be showing at the Rose Theater in Audubon on Friday, December 19 at 7pm. Schmidt Family Funeral Homes is sponsoring a free small popcorn/free medium drink OR kids pack for each attendee. Other cash concessions available.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

The Produce in the Park Christmas Market will be held on Saturday, December 20 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. Look for your favorite produce, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods, candles, soaps and crafts. There will also be face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses and a hot cocoa truck.

MONDAY, JANUARY 12

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, January 12 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Community Health Improvement Plan Review” is this month’s topic. Learn about the 2025-2028 Cass County health priorities and get involved. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, February 9 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Volunteerism Task Force Recap” is this month’s topic. Hear from the task force about efforts to strengthen volunteerism in Cass County. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Strong As Steele Foundation 2nd Annual Night Of Giving takes place on Saturday, February 14 beginning at 5pm at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club. Cocktail hour is at 5pm. Dinner will be served at 5:30pm. A live auction begins at 6:30pm and a magician performs beginning at 7:30pm. Cost is $100 per person or $200 per couple. For questions call 7123-249-2567 or 712-254-0708. If you cannot attend the event and would like to donate, send your donation to Strong As Steele Foundation, 1301 Poplar Street in Atlantic, Iowa 50022. For more details visit http://strongassteelefoundation.godaddysites.com

MONDAY, MARCH 9

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, March 9 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Making healthy food accessible for all” is this month’s topic. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

MONDAY, APRIL 13

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, April 13 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Family Oriented Full Circle Resource Navigation” is this month’s topic. From crisis to careers: helping families reach stability. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

MONDAY, MAY 11

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, May 11 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Senior Services” is this month’s topic. Redefining senior centers in rural Iowa. For more information, cal l712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

MONDAY, JUNE 8

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, June 8 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Substance Misuse Resources In Cass County” is this month’s topic. Local and regional resources awareness. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

MONDAY, JULY 13

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, July 13 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Mental Wellness: Community Awareness & Resources” is this month’s topic. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

MONDAY, AUGUST 10

Healthy Cass takes place on Monday, August 10 at noon at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. “Local Food & Healthy Eating” is this month’s topic. Nutrition, access and health promotion. For more information, call 712-250-8170 or visit hcc@casshealth.info

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

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

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