(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Auditor’s Office reports there will officially be a race to fill a vacant seat around the table on the Lewis City Council. Today (Tuesday) the Auditor’s Office announced David J. Raymond, a Republican from Lewis, will face-off against fellow Republican Russell Miller, from Lewis. The Special Election takes place August 19th at the Lewis Community Center.

The Council seat in Lewis became vacant when Councilman Chris Jahnke assumed the role of Mayor on April 29th. The winner of the Special Election will serve through the end of 2025. The seat comes up again in the regular election on November 4th. Whomever is elected will begin their full-term in 2026.

Meanwhile, there’s still time for candidates to file their completed nomination papers with the Cass County Auditor’s Office. The deadline is 5-p.m. Friday, July 25th. For more information, contact the Auditor’s Office at 712-243-4570 or visit their website.

(Des Moines) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Western Iowa and is notifying the public of potential exposure locations.  The individual is fully vaccinated and has no known link to the previous measles cases in Iowa, nor any recent travel outside the state. Iowa has a total of eight confirmed measles cases in 2025. As of July 15, 2025, a total of 1,309 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States. Of these, 1,204 (92%) were unvaccinated, and 105 (8%) had received at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Breakthrough cases typically experience milder illness and are less likely to spread the virus to others.

Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified locations visited by the individual while contagious, where the public might have been exposed to measles. Anyone present at the following locations during the listed date and time should monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. If you think you have been exposed to a measles case and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms before arriving.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes.

Due to a locally-acquired case of measles not linked to other known cases, an accelerated MMR vaccination schedule should be considered. While the routine MMR schedule is one dose at 12–15 months and a second dose at 4–6 years, Iowans should consider:

• An early extra dose of MMR between 6 and 11 months of age (“dose 0”); this dose does not count toward the routine series
• The first routine dose (dose 1) can be given after 12 months of age, at least 28 days after dose 0
• The second routine dose (dose 2) can be given at least 28 days after dose 1, instead of waiting until age 4–6 years

For the latest information on measles in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page. This page is updated weekly, on Thursdays, with current case counts and public health guidance.  Iowa HHS will issue a press release when there is a confirmed public exposure that may pose a risk to others. When possible, individuals identified as close contacts will also be notified directly by public health officials.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Keokuk men were sentenced to federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, between at least April and July 2024, Ronald Dickey Mason, 75, and Ronald Kieth Mason, 43, father and son, conspired to sell large amounts of methamphetamine in Keokuk, Burlington, Riverside, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. In July 2024, law enforcement located 28 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk and a pistol in the center console of Ronald Dickey Mason’s car.

In February of 2025 Ronald Kieth Mason plead guilty as charged and Ronald Dickey Mason plead guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In March 2025, a jury convicted Ronald Dickey Mason of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. On July 22, 2025, the Court sentenced him to 22 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release.

Ronald Keith Mason was sentenced on June 25, 2025, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by Lee County Narcotics Task Force, the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keokuk Police Department.

(Radio Iowa) – Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal musician who died today at the age of 76, has had two prominent connections to Des Moines.

Earlier this month, Osbourne’s 40-year-old daughter Kelly got engaged to Des Moines native Sid Wilson of Slipknot, the heavy metal band that formed in Des Moines in 1995. Wilson popped the question July 5, while the family was backstage at Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert with Black Sabbath. The couple has been dating since January of 2022 and their son will turn three late this year.

Back in 1982, Osborne was performing in Des Moines when a fan thew what Osborne thought was a fake rubber bat on stage. Osbourne bit the bat’s head off, immediately realized something was very wrong and he had to get rabies shots afterwards.

Osbourne spent a decade as the front man for Black Sabbath, then launched a solo career in 1979 after being fired from the band. The Osbourne family were featured in a reality TV series in the early 2000s. In 2020, Osborne announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and he quit touring in 2023.

Osbourne’s family has released the following statement today: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

(Radio Iowa) – The Board of Regents is postponing its vote on a policy to ban Iowa, Iowa State and U-N-I from requiring students take courses with content related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or Critical Race Theory.

The board was scheduled to discuss the policy at its meeting next week, but Board of Regents president Sherry Bates says after hearing concerns from students, faculty and others, the board will continue to review the feedback before deciding when to reconsider the policy.

The proposed policy was written to take effect next June and is similar to language in a bill that failed to pass the Iowa legislature.

(Radio Iowa) – A federal judge in New York is scheduled to hear more arguments Wednesday in the Trump administration’s effort to close all 120 Job Corps centers nationwide, including those in Denison and Ottumwa. There are 240 young people at the Ottumwa center, while the Denison center serves 450 youth each year. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, says he doesn’t want to see the centers shuttered, but also understands the motives behind the cost saving move to shut them down.

“The program going away is not right, but I do think that looking at the cost of educating these kids for the job world is turning out on a per student cost very, very high,” Grassley says, “and I think that needs to be monitored and some reforms brought to the program.” A report from the U.S. Department of Labor concluded the centers cost too much to operate and have a national graduation rate of 38-percent. Backers in Iowa have said that’s not the case in Denison, for example, where the graduation rate is over 94-percent. Grassley says the programs have a long history of providing a valuable service.

“I’ve happened to have visited both Iowa Job Corps centers,” he says. “I visited Denison many, many times because you know, it’s been around since probably Day One of the Job Corps Center. Then, too, I have visited the Ottumwa one at least once.” The judge in the case issued an injunction in late June to block the federal government’s order to close all centers nationwide. Job Corps has offered free education, vocational training and housing to young adults since 1964.

Atlantic, IA — Cass Health Chief Executive Officer Brett Altman, DPT, MBA, FACHE was recognized by Becker’s Healthcare on two separate lists: Rural Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know and Community Hospital CEOs to Know.

Becker’s Hospital Review noted that rural and community hospital CEOs play a pivotal role in shaping the future of local healthcare by developing and executing strategic plans that elevate patient care, expand services and enhance hospital facilities. In close collaboration with their leadership teams, they actively engage with the communities they serve, ensuring hospital offerings are tailored to local needs.

Cass Health CEO Brett Altman

Becker’s Healthcare is proud to recognize these visionary leaders for their dedication to improving community health, fostering strong workplace cultures, driving sustainable growth and securing the long-term success of their hospitals.

Altman joined Cass Health in January 2017 as CEO. During his tenure, Cass Health has received the Performance Leadership Award for being in the top quartile in the country for quality and outcomes every year since 2017. The National Rural Hospital Association has named Cass Health a Top 20 hospital each year since 2021 and a Top 100 critical access hospital since 2017.

Becker’s Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker’s Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa shelter seeks help caring for critters from hamsters to horses Iowa’s largest non-profit animal shelter has taken in an average of more than four dozen animals every day this month, and it’s putting out a plea for help to the community across central Iowa. K.C. Routos, director of development for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, says today is the agency’s annual Day of Giving, an effort to raise lifesaving funds. “We currently have over 1,400 animals in our care, and we care for anything from hamsters to horses,” Routos says. “So far in July, we have averaged 52 animals coming into our shelter each day.”

The Des Moines-based shelter has a $93,000 goal today and all gifts will be matched up to ten-times, thanks to a generous donation. “Summer is our busiest season and it takes a lot to care for those animals, so we need the community to help us do that,” she says, “and today is a great way to participate.” Many pets run away after becoming frightened by the volleys of fireworks that are set off during the month, which is part of the reason July is always so busy for the shelter.

ARL photo

“July 4th, lost pets. People tend to travel a little bit more, so maybe they have a house sitter, there’s a variety of reasons,” Routos says. “Generally, we see a big uptick during the summer because of community cats. They tend to mate more during the summer and so we see a lot of kittens coming into our care. We see a lot more puppies coming through the summer as well.”

Donations can be made online, through the mail, or in person at any of the ARL’s locations.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – An annual tradition in Atlantic is back and better than ever. Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce report Discount Dayz happens Friday, August 1st and Saturday, August 2nd. Two days of shopping, dining, and community connection are highlighted, as businesses roll out their summer deals just in time for Iowa’s Tax-Free Weekend. Formerly known as Crazy Days, Discount Dayz has evolved into a more inclusive celebration of all that Atlantic has to offer. From unique retail finds and delicious food to professional services this event showcases the spirit of Atlantic’s business community.

“The great deals are still here, but now we’re opening the door for more businesses to participate and giving shoppers even more reasons to stay local and explore Atlantic,” said Kelsey Beschorner, Program Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition to local deals, Discount Dayz is perfectly timed with Iowa’s Tax-Free Weekend, making it the ideal time to stock up on clothing, shoes, and more with no sales tax on qualifying purchases. Shoppers can also win big. One lucky local supporter will be awarded $200 in AtlantiCash. To enter, simply share a selfie while shopping or dining in Atlantic on August 1st or August 2nd and post it to Facebook using the hashtags #MyAtlanticIA on the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The winner will be announced live on Facebook on Monday, August 4th.

“This is a fun way to reward people for choosing Atlantic,” said Beschorner. “Whether you’re grabbing lunch, shopping for school clothes, or just exploring, it’s a weekend to feel good about supporting local.”

For a full list of participating businesses, featured deals, and more Chamber happenings, visit www.atlanticiowa.com or contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712.243.3017. Let’s make this summer weekend a vibrant celebration of all things local! Discount Dayz is proudly sponsored by First Whitney Bank & Trust.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Coca-Cola Days 2025 will be held September 26th & 27th in Atlantic. The event is the second largest collectors’ show in the United States and includes a tailgate barbecue open to the public, a Show, Swap & Sell, Coca-Cola themed raffle and many more activities for all ages. This year’s featured theme is, “Catch the Wave” and will be held at the Cass County Community Center.

T-Shirts for the 2025 Coca-Cola Days celebration are now available for $22 online at https://cocacoladays2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/. The t-shirts are a District Tee with a soft, polyester and cotton blend. T-Shirts can be picked up on the day of the event, or at the Chamber following Coca-Cola Days. For an additional fee, your purchase can be shipped right to your door!

Coca Cola Days Committee members: Standing – Dolly Bergmann, Ray Paullin & Kelsey Beschorner; Seated – Kurt Roberts & Bailey Smith.

For more information on Coca-Cola Days, please visit www.atlanticiowa.com, call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017, email chamber@atlanticiowa.com, or pick up a brochure at the Chamber office. Coca-Cola Days is sponsored by Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company.