Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. This year three FFA members from the Atlantic FFA Chapter have earned the American FFA Degree award. Alexis Boes, Carly Westphalen and Haley Carlson joined the 28 other members in Atlantic FFA history that have achieved this honor in the past 53 years.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year 4,255 American Degrees were awarded the American Degree at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 24-27, in Indianapolis. Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs.To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agricultural enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.

Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller said he was “very proud of all three of these FFA members and all the hard work they have put into their SAE program and his education. Alexis, Carly and Haley are all very deserving of this award.” Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized on stage at the national convention. Haley Carlson said “Earning my American Degree was the perfect ending to my FFA career. Being able to walk across the stage, earning the highest honor of the organization reminded me of all the memories that got me there and the very first time I put on my blue jacket. I cannot say thank you enough to all the people who influenced my FFA life.” Alexis Boes said “Knowing that all of my hard work paid off to earn this high honor makes me feel honored! Knowing that I am part of the 1% of FFA members to receive their American Degree gives me a sense of accomplishment! I highly suggest that all members apply for their American degree!”

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have arrested a second man in connection with the slayings of two brothers in Fort Dodge. Webster County court records say 46-year-old Paul Keller is charged with obstructing prosecution or defense and with possession of amphetamine. His attorney didn’t immediately return a call Wednesday from The Associated Press. Court documents don’t say what Keller is alleged to have done to merit the obstruction charge.

Another man, 28-year-old Tanner King , is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the Oct. 22 shooting deaths of 37-year-old Marion and 34-year-old Eldominic Rhodes. A criminal complaint says the younger man’s body was found in an alley and his older brother’s body was found in a nearby apartment parking lot.

King’s attorney, Paul Rounds, declined to comment.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors met Wednesday morning, in Atlantic. During their session County Engineer Charles Bechtold gave an update on some current road patching and bridge projects, including one near Cumberland. Bridge 25 south of Cumberland should be open in two-weeks, according to Bechtold.

Cass County Veteran’s Affairs Director Mitch Holmes and County General Relief/Mental Health Coordinator Deb Schuler provided their Quarterly reports to the Board, but the Cass County Conservation Director was under the weather and unable to attend. Weed Commissioner Dennis Vogl submitted a written report and was also not in attendance.

The Supervisors approved Resolutions assigning county-held tax sale certificates to the City of Atlantic, and an agreement to abate the taxes on two parcels of land, if the City acquires ownership of those parcels.

The Board determined also, that they would canvass the votes of the November 6^th General Election at Noon on November 13^th, after their regular board meeting that begins at 10-a.m., that same day.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a man who was stabbed to death in Sioux City. Police say 40-year-old Guled Nur was fatally injured early Sunday morning during an altercation with his roommate, 38-year-old Abdiqadar Sharif. Woodbury County court records say Sharif’s been charged with first-degree murder. Sharif’s next court date is scheduled for Nov. 8.

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:06-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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GARNER, Iowa (AP) — A northern Iowa man has pleaded guilty to stealing from his grandparents. Station KIMT reports that Anthony Schoneman, of Garner, entered the plea to one count of burglary.
Authorities say more than $10,000 in cash, collector coins, a gun, ammunition and prescription pills were missing from the home in May last year when the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation. Investigators say the burglar or burglars knew where the valuables were situated, including money hidden in a bag of clothes.

Two Shelby County men have been charged with drug delivery.  38-year old Matthew Tamms, of Harlan, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and prohibited acts.  Tamms is accused of having meth, a scale and baggies during a traffic stop on October 8th.  A December 11th trial date has been set for Tamms.  If found guilty of the charges, Tamms could face a sentence of 12 years in jail with fines totaling $12,500.

22-year old Alexander Lamarr, of Harlan, has been accused of having methamphetamine with a scale and packaging after a traffic stop in Harlan on October 8th.  He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of  a controlled substance – marijuana – third offense and possession of stolen property.  Lamarr is also accused of having marijuana in  his possession as well as two stolen tvs, removed from his bedroom at his address on October 8th.  Lamarr also has a December 11th trial date and if found guilty, he faces a sentence of 14 years in jail and fines of up to $15,000.

Officials have upgraded charges against an Iowa man after a second person has died following a collision on Nebraska Highway 36 two weeks ago.  According to our sister station KNOD, 28-year old Tony Kenkel, of Earling, is now charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide. Kenkel waived his preliminary hearing and will stand trial in the case. The man had posted $10,000, or 10 percent of $100,000 bond to be released from jail on Oct. 17th. Last Friday, prosecutor Ryan Lindberg asked that Kenkel’s bail amount be increased to $250,000, but Douglas County, NE. Judge Sheryl Lohaus decided to keep it at $100,000.

Authorities have said Kenkel had a blood-alcohol level of .091 at the scene of the collision near Lake Cunningham Park Road. Two and a half hours later, his blood-alcohol level tested at .08, the legal limit. Kenkel was driving a 2017 Chevy Silverado east on Highway 36 when the pickup crossed the center line and entered westbound traffic, officials said. Kenkel struck a 1995 Mitsubishi 3000 GT head on — killing the driver, 21 year old Joseph Daniels, of Council Bluffs, at the scene.  21 year old Thomas Greise, a passenger, had been in a medically induced coma until he was taken off life support on Monday. Kenkel has no prior criminal record other than speeding tickets. He’s part of the 24/7 sobriety program that requires check-ins in Omaha twice a day. Kenkel does that by commuting an hour each way from Earling.