(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Meyer & Gross Real Estate, will be hosting a Drive-In Movie experience Saturday, October 2nd.  Kelsey Beschorner, Programs Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said  “Drive-In Movie Night has become an annual tradition that I look forward to every year. We are excited to bring a Halloween themed movie to the big screen this fall.”

She added, “The Drive-In is a fun, nostalgic experience for community members and those in the surrounding area to enjoy. This also gives us the opportunity to show off our town and encourage people to shop and eat before coming to the movie.”

The Drive-In Movie will be at the Cass County Fair Grounds in the grandstand area beginning around 8:30 PM with a showing of “Hocus Pocus.” Cars may begin parking at 7 PM. The screen is 60 feet long with a high definition projector. Speakers will be available next to the screen for people to utilize. A transmitter will be provided for those enjoying the movie from their car. Attendees will turn their radio to a certain station and the transmitter will play the audio through their car speakers.

Entry is $20 per car vehicle and tickets can be purchased at www.atlanticiowa.com or day-of at the gate. People are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. Inside parking for the Drive-In is limited, so pack a chair or blanket as precaution. Concessions will be available for purchase by Atlas Atlantic Cinema in the Chuckwagon on the fairgrounds.

For more information, visit www.atlanticiowa.com, call the Chamber at 712.243.3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. The Drive-In is sponsored by Meyer & Gross Real Estate, Diamond Detailing, Nishna Valley Family YMCA, and the Atlantic Community Promotions Commission.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office reports three arrests and one farming accident. According to Sheriff Lyle Palmer, on September 2nd at around 4:12 pm, Page County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 34-year-old Frederick George Steven Billings, II. He was taken into custody at the Page County Jail, for Public Intoxication (Simple Misdemeanor) and Furnishing Contraband to Inmates (Class D Felony).

Billings

Deputies along with EMS personnel were dispatched at around 7:22-p.m. Thursday, to 1360 D Avenue, in rural Essex, following a report of a farming accident. Angela Marie Johnson-Wityk was flown by Air Evac helicopter to an Omaha hospital for treatment. Shenandoah Police assisted at the accident scene. Addition details were not released.

A little after 12-a.m. Tuesday, August 31st, deputies arrested Michael Scott Morton on a valid Page County warrant for Violation of a no contact order. He was booked into the Page County Jail and held without bond until seen by a Judge.

Morton

And, on Monday, Aug. 30th, 35-year-old Daniel Joseph Jackson was arrested on a valid Page County warrant for Violation of a No Contact Order. His bond was set at $300.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by TS Bank on Thursday, September 2nd to celebrate new staff and promotions. Dan Rossell has been with TS Bank since it opened in Atlantic in 2015 and has recently taken on a new roll of Senior Loan Officer while maintaining his roll as Market President of the Atlantic branch. Amy Coenen has been with TS Bank for four years and has taken on the title of AVP of Ag Business Banking. The branch has also recently welcomed Amanda Hansen as Branch Manager, Abby Becker as a Business Associate and Leslie James as Universal Banker. Dan Rossell shared that the team members that have come on board are a group of many talents and strengths and he is excited to see the team reach their goals together and continue to impact the community with new and innovative ideas and projects.

TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity in the communities it serves. TS Bank reinvests 10 percent of its net income locally; hosting educational events and partnering with organizations and non-profits such as AMP for Neighborhoods, REV, Impacting Nonprofits: Investing for Progress, and many more.

Ambassador’s Pictured Left to Right: Jennifer McEntaffer, Amy Coenen, Lana Westphalen, Bailey Smith, Kathie Hockenberry, Krysta Hanson, Abby Becker, Jessi Klever, Dolly Bergmann, Kennedy Freund, Kylie Beebe, Jim Kickland, Arlene Drennan, Miranda Pottebaum, Colt Doherty, Alden Harriman, Leslie James, Donnie Drennan, Kelsey Stupfell, Amanda Hansen, Dr.Keith Leonard, Dan Rossell, Kelsey Beschorner and Jessie Shiels

For more information on TS Bank’s services and community projects visit https://www.tsbank.com/ or at 1005 E. 7th Street in Atlantic.

(Radio Iowa) – If your holiday weekend plans involve paddling kayaks or canoes, there are areas of Iowa which the experts say you should absolutely avoid. Todd Robertson, paddling instructor and outreach coordinator for Rivers Programs at the Iowa D-N-R, says the recent rains across northern Iowa have led to near-record flooding on some waterways in that region. “In northeast Iowa and eastern Iowa, we have rivers that are extremely high and dangerous. Paddling on those is not a good idea at this time,” Robertson says. “Then, you look at rivers here in central or western Iowa and we’ve got rivers that are actually still super low.”

Swollen rivers are very powerful and produce unpredictable currents along with tons of wood debris coming downstream to form big piles of limbs called “strainers.” Those strainers are the number-one hazard on Iowa’s rivers and streams, Robertson says, and they can be deadly. “You really have to have paddling skill to know how to navigate around these things,” Robertson says. “It’s a lot easier to navigate around them when the rivers are a little bit lower, but when you’re on a high, fast river after a rainfall, you can easily get sucked into these things.”

All paddlers, especially those who are relatively inexperienced, are urged to check with a local county conservation board to learn about water conditions before heading out. “This weekend, depending on what part of the state you’re in, you’re going to want to stick to just paddling on the lakes and just enjoying the flat water, because a lot of these rivers are too high,” Robertson says. “Here in central Iowa, if you look at the Raccoon River, it’s still extremely low to where you may still bottom out.”

No matter how good of a swimmer you might be, he says everyone who’s on the water should wear a life jacket.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Trees for Kids, a program through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is offering a program that targets public lands for the planting of trees to provide shade and help clean-up the atmosphere. Trees for Kids Coordinator Gabi Edwards says the program has been around for at least a couple of decades in one form or another.

Edwards says there are other State programs targeted toward private landowners. The Trees for Kids Program is targeted to public properties.

The purpose is to get kids to think about trees, and that can start with school groups.

Grant awards of up to $2,500 per project are available.

Beyond the requirement to plant on public property, there is requirement for some form of youth engagement. Prior to COVID, Trees for Kids staff and groups of young people would gather to plant trees. But with pandemic still making news, the organization is trying to be more flexible with the educational aspect of the program.

That includes viewing videos on how to plant trees, science teachers live-streaming the planting of trees, and other-types of curriculum to get the message across. The process begins with finding an organization to help pay for the trees, such as a county conservation group, local FFA chapter, 4-H group, Scouts, etc.

Applications are for the reimbursement of costs associated with the purchase of trees. Your application must include a description of the project you have in mind, including the area where they will be planted, why you want to plant them there, and a long-term (3-to 5-year) maintenance plan. The applications are available on the Iowa DNR’s website at iowadnr.gov., and searching under the “Forestry” category for “Educational Opportunities.” The direct link can be found here.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans out to their state parks and waterways. The weekend weather forecast appears to be favorable for various outdoor activities. The DNR reminds users to abide by all safety measures in order to have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend.

Boating Safety

Boaters headed out to a lake, river, pond or any other waterway should adhere to the following safety tips:

• Plan ahead and avoid peak hours and large crowds of boaters.
• Park your vehicles and trailers in designated parking spaces NOT in grass areas or they will be ticketed and towed.
• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
• The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
• Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol.
• Wear your life jacket, it floats, you don’t! Any children under the age 13 must wear a lifejacket at all times on a vessel underway in Iowa.
• Every boat or vessel must have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board; a USCG approved throw-able flotation device is also required on vessels 16’ or longer.
• Make sure there is a charged fire extinguisher on board, as well as a horn/whistle.
• Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft, have patience.
• Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
• Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
• Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid spreading of invasive species.

Beach & Swimming Safety

Wherever you choose to swim this Labor Day weekend, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond or lake, or a public pool, please follow these safety tips:

• Remember to keep young children at arm’s reach at all times. Never, even for a moment, leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while swimming.
• Drowning is silent.
• Learn how to perform CPR.
• Avoid alcohol use while swimming.
• Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches.
• Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.
• Stay within the roped area of the lake.
• Swim with a buddy.
• Obey posted signs and flags.
• Wear a life jacket or some kind of personal flotation device if needed.
• Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water as needed.
• Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.

Because the beaches are busier this summer, staff are encouraging visitors to utilize the non-peak times and days. For the busier beaches/parks, the non-peak days usually include Sundays through Thursdays, and Fridays before 5:00 pm. If you plan to go to the beaches on Saturdays, the non-peak hours are usually before noon.

Parks staff may temporarily close parking lots when they become full and limit the number of visitors at that point. The DNR recommends visitors go to another nearby park or beach that is not as heavily populated. Visitors are reminded to only park in designated parking spaces. All violators will be cited by staff.

State Parks/Campgrounds Safety

This weekend will be another very busy one if you plan to visit a state park and campground, use these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable time:

• Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products, including hand sanitizer, to bring along for hiking and utilizing the state parks.
• Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.
• Don’t hike alone and always have some way to communicate if you get lost and need help.
• Wear proper outdoor attire for hiking.
• Plan ahead for your visit to our parks and campgrounds. If a parking lot becomes full at a park or campground, staff may temporarily close the parking lots and limit the number of visitors at that point.
• If there is no parking available, do not park in the grass areas or any other area that is not a designated parking spot. All violators will be cited.
• Utilize the parks during non-peak times, which often include mornings and evenings.
• If a park is heavily populated, find another nearby state park that is less populated.
• Don’t transport firewood, buy it locally.
• Be respectful of your neighbors camping around you.
• Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads!
• “Carry In, Carry Out”—please pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park. Be respectful and care for our natural resources.
• Campers should dispose of trash in receptacles, not burn it in the campfires.
• Check the DNR website for all of the latest closures.
• If you plan to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. You can purchase one by visiting: gooutdoorsiowa.com, or by downloading the Go Outdoors Iowa app on your smartphone through the Google Play store or the App Store. You can also purchase your fishing license at some local retailers in your area.

Paddling Safety

Whether it be tubing, kayaking or canoeing, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams, stay safe each time you paddle with these simple safety tips:

• Some rivers in northeast and north-central Iowa are swollen and swift with consistent rainfall earlier this week. Stay on lakes and flat-water while the rivers are high.
• With very low water levels in central and western Iowa, due to drought conditions, some waterways are not suitable for paddling, often leaving paddlers stranded.
• Always know your river conditions before you go paddling.  For the latest river conditions, contact Iowa DNR Customer Service at 515-725-8200 or your local county conservation board for updates.
• Let others know where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return.
• Always wear your life jacket. Kids under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
• Avoid sandbar crowds and “rafting” up together. Tubers are reminded not to go in groups larger than 10 and don’t tie tubes to one another.
• Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler’s map at www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water.
• Find individual water trail maps, including access points at www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Brad and Lorrie Rasmussen, to bring you music in the park. The event takes place 5-p.m. September 18th, at the Sunnyside Park Bandshell, during Hyggefest.  An accumulation of local talents is lined-up for a night of music and entertainment. Bring you own lawn chair/blankets, food and drinks.

For more questions or information on this event please contact Brad Rasmussen at (712) 243-4238.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Democrats are calling on Governor Kim Reynolds to let local school districts with rising Covid cases require face coverings to try to stop the spread of the virus. Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls is a Democrat from Coralville. “If we learned anything about the fight against Covid-19, it’s that one-size-fits-all policies don’t work,” Wahls says.  The number of Covid cases among kids is on the rise — Iowans under the age of 18 accounted for 22 percent of the new Covid cases confirmed in Iowa this past week. Reynolds says the state law she signed in May forbids mask mandates in schools — so parents decide whether their child wears a mask at school. “They will make an informed decision on what’s the best thing for their child,” Reynolds says, “and that’s where I believe it needs to stay.”

Reynolds says she’s heard from parents who say mask wearing has harmed their kids. Representative Ross Wilburn of Ames, who is the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, says many respected public health institutions are recommending masks in schools. “The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control, just to name a few have all recommended a multi part approach in responding to the pandemic and that includes masks,” Wilburn says.

Governor Reynolds says such a recommendation would be meaningless because school mask mandates are illegal. “It doesn’t really matter because it’s a law at this point,” Reynolds says. “…It is a law that elected officials that are elected by Iowans and constituents across this state listened to the people that they represent, passed a bill, sent it to my desk and it was signed into law.” Reynolds says vaccinations are the best tool for combating Covid-19. Earlier this month, the Iowa Department of Public Health issued an advisory that warns Iowans not to use a horse drug as treatment for Covid.

The broadcast News at 8:07-a.m., from Ric Hanson.

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