(Radio Iowa) – As prices on so many products are going up lately, a new report finds Iowans are paying less to drive a car. Triple-A-Iowa spokeswoman Brynna Knapp says the annual study offers some positive insights into the expense of owning and driving a vehicle. “This year’s analysis is actually good news in the midst of many rising costs of living,” Knapp says. “The total cost of owning and operating a new vehicle is now $11,577, or around $968 a month, and that’s a $700-and-some-change decline from last year.” Knapp points to two primary reasons why the costs have fallen this year.”We know all cars depreciate in value and this year the average depreciation has actually decreased, so cars are losing less of their value than they were in previous years,” Knapp says.

(AAA photo)

“Financing costs are down around 15%, so if you do plan on financing a new vehicle, you’re seeing some cost savings there.” Knapp says average fuel costs dropped to 13 cents per mile from last year, which also helped to lower operating costs. She says Iowans need to keep all of these expenses in mind when they’re considering buying new wheels. “We definitely encourage you to find a local dealership that can share more about their offerings. Maybe they have financing deals going on where you can save long-term,” Knapp says, “and then also talking to a local insurance agent to find out which vehicles are maybe more expensive to insure, which one is safer for your family.”

The study finds pickups may be ideal for hauling and towing, but they cost more than 43-percent more per year to drive versus a small sedan.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report a woman was arrested Thursday night on an assault charge. Authorities say 29-year-old Tori Shanelle Bergerson, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 9:45-p.m. in the 1800 block of Hickory Avenue, for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense. Bergerson was transported to the Montgomery County Jail, and held without bond.

(Radio Iowa) – Senator Chuck Grassley is calling on the U-S-D-A to issue a report that evaluates the impact of concentration in the fertilizer industry, “To shine a light on the market factors driving high the cost of fertilizer.” Grassley and Iowa’s other Republican Senator, Joni Ernst, are co-sponsoring a bill on the topic with Democratic senators from Wisconsin and Georgia.

“This bipartisan legislation will give farmers more transparency and certainty so they can better navigate production costs,” Grassley said. The bill would require the U-S-D-A to produce a report within a year and review all the factors that are influencing price spikes in fertilizer costs. Phosphate prices in August were 36 percent higher than in January and the price of potash, a key component in fertilizer, is rising as well. Trade disputes are influencing fertilizer costs as well. China quit exporting phosphate fertilizers in late 2021.

“President Trump campaigned on using tariffs to get better deals for the United States,” Grassley says. “…I’m a free trader. I’ve said it all along. I hope the president can successfully strike better trade deals as a result of trade negotiations. He’s proven time and again that he can.” Grassley cites deals that led to U.S. beef exports to Australia and rice exports to South Korea.

Senator Ernst, in a written statement, said the U-S-D-A report that’s called for in the bill would lead to a better understanding of the fertilizer industry and give farmers clarity as they plan to buy fertilizer. Many farmers apply nitrogen to fields after the fall harvest. This year, 36 percent of the operating costs for a traditional row-crop farm will be spent buying fertilizer according to U-S-D-A projections.

Red Oak, Iowa- The Montgomery County Auditor’s office, Thursday, said they are pleased to announce that Auditor Jill Ozuna, and key staff members Elections Deputy Karen Miller, and Deputy Auditor Tammy Hall have successfully completed State Election Administration Training Level 3 (SEAT III), and advanced level certification designed to deepen the knowledge and strengthen practices in election administration.

The 12-hour certification is part of a structured training program that prepares election officials and their teams to handle complex election processes, ensure legal compliance, and enhance the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of elections.

“Completing SEAT III emphasizes our commitment to upholding the highest standards of fairness and accountability in every election,” said Ozuna, Auditor. The completion of SEAT III by the auditor and staff is part of Montgomery County’s ongoing efforts to continuously improve and strengthen election administration.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education held a Special Board meeting this (Thursday) evening, to act on two measures to come before them. The first was a Resolution calling for an election on the issuance of $22.5-million in General Obligation (G.O) School Bonds. (You can watch the entire proceedings through this link https://www.youtube.com/live/8rmMb4cnx_M )

Before the Board discussed business dealing with the bonds, Board President Laura McLean took a moment to address the loss of another student in the District. 12-year-old Brynley Lank died unexpectedly, Wednesday. She was a 7th grader in the school system. McLean called for a moment of silence/prayer for her family.

Counselors will be available at each of our schools to support our students in the days ahead. Last month, a student who was about to enter the third grade at Washington Elementary died, after being struck by a vehicle.

Atlantic School Board Special meeting 9-18-25 (YouTube image)

Moving forward with the rest of the agenda, Laura McLean explained the $22.5-million bond referendum is part of the District’s Master Plan for facility improvements.

The Board voted unanimously to pass the Resolution as presented. The language on the ballot in November will ask, “Shall the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Community School District in the Counties of Cass, Pottawattamie and Audubon, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $22,500,000 to provide funds to build, furnish and equip classroom additions and a new secure entrance at Washington Elementary, a new skybridge and commons area between Schuler Elementary and the Middle School, and classroom additions at the High School, with related building and site improvements at each facility; and to remodel, repair, improve, furnish, and equip existing educational facilities, including additional secure entrance improvements, media center and common area improvements at the High School, and site improvements? “

The second action item on their agenda was to establish whether or not an election should be held on the proposed issuance of approximately $18.5-million worth of School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds to pay for a new fieldhouse. A petition with 500 signatures was presented to the Board during their previous meeting, asking for the Bond Measure to be placed on the ballot for the voters to decide.

The Board again voted unanimously to pass a motion placing the matter on the ballot. District Finance Director Lisa Jones and Board Member Kristy Pellett….

If it fails to pass, it will not affect the $22.5-million dollar bond, as that is a separate matter with specific intent.

CITY OFFICES THAT WILL BE ON VARIOUS BALLOTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Red Oak City Offices and Candidates Filed:

Mayor – Vote for One: John Haidsiak, Tim Fridolph

Council Member Ward #2 – Vote for One: Terry Koppa

Council Member At Large – Vote for One: John Gross, Jeanice Lester

Council Member Ward #1-TFV – Vote for One: Levi Franks

Elliott City Offices and Candidates Filed:

Mayor – Vote for One: Michael A. Carson

Council Member At Large – Vote for Three: Chris Tischer, Nancy Jo Nelson

Grant City Offices and Candidates Filed:

Mayor – Vote for One: Clay Amos

Council Member At Large – Vote for Five: Zelda Swartz. Lyn Sliger, Erin Amos

Villisca City Offices and Candidates Filed:

Mayor – Vote for One: Marilyn Halda

Council Member At Large – Vote for Two: Vince Abraham,

Council Member At Large – TFV 2-year term: Jane Albertie,

Stanton City Offices and Candidates Filed:

Council Member At Large – Vote for Three: Chris Stephens, Justin Rhamy, Wes Royal, Jeff Sebeniecher

Coburg City Offices and Candidates Filed:

Mayor- Vote for One: None Filed

Council Member At Large – Vote for Two: None Filed

(Harlan, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Shelby County have identified the individuals whose bodies were found in a residence that was on-fire Tuesday, in Harlan. Authorities say a female, 52-year-old Dominique Pontzius and a male, 24-year-old Sebastian Pontzius, died as the result of the fire, which was determined to have been intentionally set as an act of suicide for both individuals.

Their relationship was mother and son. No foul play is suspected, and no other persons are being sought. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Sheriff’s Office says if you or someone you know is struggling, help is available by texting 988 (The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) to connect with support.

WASHINGTON, D.C. [Press Release]— During National Suicide Awareness Month, Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Prevent Youth Suicide Act, bipartisan legislation to equip educators with tools to identify students at risk of suicide and provide life-saving interventions.

“One life lost to suicide is one too many, and far too many families in Iowa know this pain firsthand,” said Rep. Nunn. “The Prevent Youth Suicide Act gives high school teachers and staff the tools to act before a crisis, protect our kids, and help them thrive.”

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–24. In Iowa, the suicide rate for this age group is 18.5 per 100,000 — roughly 30% higher than the national average. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40% of high school students nationwide reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023, and 1 in 10 attempted suicide.

Despite the urgent need, most school districts lack consistent training and resources to help teachers spot the warning signs when a student is struggling. Without clear guidance, those signs can be missed and students are left without support.

“Every child should know they have someone in their corner when they need it. Our educators do incredible work to teach and support students, and this legislation would ensure they have the training, resources, and processes to help children and connect them with mental health professionals,” said Rep. Pappas. “As we work to tackle the mental health crisis, we must listen to the needs of our children and teachers and take action to strengthen resources and support. No one should ever feel alone in this fight.”

The Prevent Youth Suicide Act would require the U.S. Department of Education to implement a new national standard for suicide prevention across middle and high schools. Specifically, the bill would:

• Provide biennial, evidence-based suicide prevention training for all licensed school personnel working with students in grades 6–12.
• Establish clear protocols to recognize and respond to students showing signs of distress, including guidance on reporting concerns to parents and school counselors.
• Create referral systems connecting students with mental health professionals both in and outside of school.
• Ensure trauma-informed care by training educators to understand and respond appropriately to the impact of trauma in student lives.

Text of the bill can be found here.