(Radio Iowa) – Iowans who are watching the events unfold in Ukraine and who want to help those in harm’s way need look no further than the Salvation Army. That international aid organization is in Ukraine serving people in need. Spokesman Dan Furry says the agency has operation centers throughout Ukraine including one in the capital city of Kyiv. “They’re busy handing out food. They’re busy handing out toiletries and clothing,” Furry says, “and they’re providing spiritual and emotional care for those that need it.”

Furry says the best way for Iowans to get help to Ukraine is through a monetary donation. “People ask, ‘Can I donate food? Can I donate clothing?’ and sadly that’s not realistic,” he says, “because the cost, the time, and the likelihood it may never reach the intended group is very, very possible.” Furry says the organization has set up an online link for those wanting to make a donation — and it’s salvation-army-u-s-a-dot-org.

“That is a specific donation page for funds to go directly to our operations in Ukraine,” Furry says, “to help people who are affected by the military operations there.” According to the website, “The Salvation Army has a long-standing presence in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Because we are already part of the communities in which we serve, we are on the ground and ready to respond and serve immediately in times of need such as this.”

(Radio Iowa) – For Iowans who love building snowmen, going snow skiing or sledding, it’s been a lackluster winter as we’ve been lacking in snowfall. State climatologist Justin Glisan says had snow during February, just not very much of it.  “Generally, if we look at western Iowa, that was the driest part of the state and anywhere from eight to ten inches below average,” Glisan says. “As we move further east into central and north-central Iowa, anywhere from four to eight inches below average.”

Only the far southeastern tip of the state was above average for snowfall during February. As for temperatures, Glisan says Iowa had a statewide average of 21-degrees in February, which is three degrees colder than normal. While we’ve been enjoying unseasonably warm weather in recent days, Glisan says not to be fooled as there’s still much colder weather ahead in March.

“We do see a signal for below-average temperatures but also an elevated probability of wetter conditions across the state,” Glisan says. “That would be great as we start ramp up the amount of rainfall that we get into the growing season given the drought conditions that we do see across the state.” (You can read February’s weather data for Atlantic on the Weather page at kjan.com)

The climatological winter ended Monday, while astronomical spring arrives on March 20th.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports four arrests took place over the past couple of days. Two people were taken into custody at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office on Monday: 37-year-old Brandon Heath Smith, and 37-year-old Jessica Dawn Whetsel, both of Glenwood, were arrested on warrants for Possession of a controlled substance, and Accessory after the fact. Smith’s bond was set at $7,000. Bond for  Whetsel was set at $4,000.

Three people were arrested on separate charges this (Tuesday) morning:

• 45-year-old Michael Lee LaFollette, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 2:05-a.m., for Poss. of a Controlled Substance.
• 36-year-old Kristin Ann Miller, of Council Bluffs, was arrested a little after 12-a.m., for OWI/1st offense.
• and 60-year-old Luis Joel Mendez, of Missouri Valley, was arrested for Driving Under Suspension, following an non-injury accident on I-29 at around 3:34-a.m.

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Harlan Police Department reports four arrests over the past week or so. On Monday (2/28), 42-year-old Matthew Wayne Tamms, of Harlan, was arrested on an active Shelby County warrant. Last Sunday (2/27), 31-year-old Chance Wayne Lucas, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. He was charged with Driving while revoked, public intoxication, no proof of insurance and open container.

On the 24th, 42-year-old Matthew Wayne Tamms, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. He was charged with Interference with Official Acts, Failure to carry a registration cards, a registration violation, and for having dark windows.

And, on Feb. 18th, 32-year-old Benjamin Allen Sommer, of Harlan, was arrested on an active Shelby County warrant.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department are getting ready for the summer already. Parks Director Bryant Rasmussen says “For anyone interested we have signups for our Summer Swim Team and Youth Summer Tennis.”

Persons interested may sign-up online, or fill-out a paper form in-person, at the Parks & Rec Dept. (1200 Sunnyside Lane).

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Republican Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall, Tuesday, announced she’s running for re-election to her sixth-term in office. Marshall is currently finishing her fifth term as County Treasurer. She says she has always believed in being involved and has immersed herself in the workings of the county Treasurer’s office.

According to her press release, Tracey Marshall has received the Chancellor’s Certificate in Public Administration: Government Finance Professional from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. In 2018/2019 she was the President of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers, and Finance Officers. She is now the current vice president of the Iowa State County Treasurer’s Association (ISCTA) where she is currently working on legislation. She is a member of ISAC, ISCTA, NACCTFO, and NACo.

Cass County Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall.

Over the past nineteen years, Marshall says she “Has seen many changes local and federal in motor vehicle, driver’s license, and the tax departments, including the ability to pay taxes, registrations, and driver license online. The past five years,” she said, “we have been working on a major project to get all the Motor Vehicle records scanned. These records are dated back to 1950’s. There is ongoing training for the office staff to ensure the best possible service to the citizens of Cass County.”

Marshall thanks everyone who has supported her in the past and asks for your continued support in the upcoming election.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Pottawattamie County Emergency Management officials today (Tuesday), issued a reminder to county residents, that “An open burning ban is in place and continues for all of Pottawattamie County. The ban went into effect February 8, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. The ban prohibits all open and controlled burning in Pottawattamie County, including all incorporated
city limits within the county.” The ban will remain in place until environmental conditions improve.

Yesterday, February 28th, 6 different fires occurred that utilized 12 of our 15 fire departments, units from Pottawattamie County Conservation and the Pottawattamie County Sheriffs Department due to residents failing to observe the burn ban. There were two additional fires out of county that departments also assisted with.

The burn ban is put in place to save lives and property. Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to citation or arrest for reckless use of fire or disobeying a burn ban. There were 4
citations issued yesterday. Emergency Management Specialist Michell Bose says “We understand that the weather has turned nice and land owners have fuels to burn, but with how dry our county is at this time, fires can become out of control quickly, resulting in catastrophic damage.”

As a reminder to citizens during these dry conditions, do not throw cigarettes out from moving vehicles and discontinue burning trash, yard waste, piled tree debris, grass/agricultural ground
and set-asides or other items during the ban. For updated information on burn bans and the law you can find further information on the Pott. County Facebook, and Twitter pages.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is calling for Russia to be expelled from the United Nations Security Council after the country used its permanent position on the body, and its current role as chair of the council, to block a resolution demanding Moscow halt its horrific and unprovoked invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine and withdraw their military. China abstained from the vote.

“The world saw a charade at the U.N. last week as Vladimir Putin—a dictator and thug who is actively and ruthlessly invading a sovereign nation—blocked the Security Council’s resolution to condemn the unprovoked atrocity happening against the people of Ukraine right now,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “Putin has demonstrated in plain view his ruthlessness and complete disregard for humanity and our international norms, and the idea that he and his cronies should have a vote on the U.N.’s Security Council is an absolute disgrace. Russia should be expelled from the Security Council immediately.”

Ernst is joining Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), along with by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), on a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the U.N. should take immediate action to amend Article 23 of their charter to remove the Russian Federation as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

(Cass County, Iowa) – Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh reports 2022 mobile food pantries have been scheduled for Atlantic and Anita. A mobile pantry is a traveling food pantry that delivers food directly to families in need for a one-day distribution. Mobile food pantries are available free of charge. Anyone in need is welcome, and no documentation is required. People from surrounding towns and communities are welcome. Visitors are asked to stay in their vehicles, with the trunk open, for loading of food items by volunteers.

The Mobile Food Pantry schedule is as follows:

In Anita, at the Anita Food Pantry (208 Chestnut Street, Anita IA 50020)….March 23, June 22, August 24, October 19; Time: 4:30-6:30 PM

In Atlantic, at the Cass County Community Center (805 W. 10th St., Atlantic, IA 50022)….March 9, June 8, August 10, September 14, December 14; Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

Mobile pantry dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For the latest information on mobile pantries, local food, farmers markets, and food access, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood or contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870.