(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Cass Health are now accepting nominations for the 2022 Angel(s) of Christmas. The Angel of Christmas is a tradition in Atlantic recognizing and thanking area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long – putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet. “Sometimes we forget the true meaning of the season and I think celebrating people who put others first and spread holiday cheer all year long deserve to be recognized,” Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said.

In 2021, Erich & Tammy Wickman were named Angels of Christmas. The Wickman’s were awarded for their generous work with organizations such as the Atlantic Police Department Community Chartable Organization, Atlantic Community Schools- Band and Education Department, and many other organizations. Please nominate the Christmas Angel you know to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce by November 30th. Nominate by submitting brief comments about this person to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. You can find a nomination form on www.atlanticiowa.com.

Pick up your Christmas Brochure from area retails businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities at www.atlanticiowa.com. Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook or Instagram (@AtlanticIowaFan) page. Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at 712.243.3017.

(Rural Atlantic, Iowa) – A fire that destroyed a barn north of Atlantic, Wednesday morning, had apparently been burned undetected for several hours prior to smoke and flames having been seen. Atlantic Fire was dispatched at around 2:40-a.m., to the scene at 55717 Olive Street. Fire Chief Tom Cappel….

The property is owned by Steve Andersen. Cappel says as crews were battling the flames, cold and snow, they sent out a page for mutual aide from Lewis and Marne Fire. They arrived with their tanker trucks and additional manpower.

These two photos are courtesy Mike Kennon, Cass County EMA.

Cappel says they weren’t able to immediately determine the cause of the blaze.

Atlantic Fire wrapped-up their activities at the scene at around 6:51-a.m. Cappel said the site will likely smolder and create steam for a day or two.

View of emergency vehicles on the scene, from the KJAN parking lot on N. Olive Street. KJAN News photo

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston, Tuesday afternoon, arrested a man at his home, for Driving While Barred. 21-year-old Andrew George Mills, of Creston, was taken into custody at around 3:10-p.m. and transported to the Union County Jail. His cash/surety bond was set at $2,000. Mills posted the surety portion of the bond, and was released.

(Cass County, Iowa) – Numerous accidents have been reported in the area this (Wednesday) morning. The most recent was a van pulling a U-Haul Trailer that went into the north ditch off I-80 westbound near mile marker 56. Marne Fire and Rescue, Atlantic Fire and Rescue and Cass EMS were requested at the scene. The accident took place at around 7:19-a.m.

Another accident happened at about the 51-mile marker eastbound off I-80. That reportedly involved a semi and an SUV. The SUV ended up in the ditch. The left shoulder of the road was blocked as of 7:25-a.m. No injuries were associated with either accident.

Roadways are partially covered with a thin layer of snow and ice from melting snow.

(Audubon, Iowa) – The City Council in Audubon will be mulling over ways to fill a vacancy on the Council created by the news during their meeting on Monday, that Councilman Nick Weihs is resigning. His resignation is due to the fact Weihs is moving out of the Audubon City limits. Weih’s term expires in Dec., 2025.

According to City Clerk Joe Foran, Weihs’ seat will likely be filled by appointment until the next election. The Council is tasked now with getting out and finding someone who may be interested in being appointed to the position.

In other business, Foran told the Council that in the next Legislative session of the State, representatives will be considering combining the Local Option Sales Tax with the State Retail Sales Tax and revenue share. Foran explained how that would eventually leave a huge hole in the City budget. The State has had a history of later eliminating revenue sharing income in the favor of keeping it all at the State level. Foran urged Council Members and the public to contact area legislative representatives to stop this legislation.

(Find additional Audubon City Council meeting minutes/notes, HERE)