The Cass County and Audubon County Community Foundations have announced that applications are now being accepted from organizations providing charitable services separately, in Cass County and Audubon Counties. As part of this fall grant cycle, $27,230 is available to support Cass County nonprofit organizations and community projects, and $41,515 is available for Audubon County nonprofits. The deadline to apply for funds through the online application process is September 1.

Of the total allocated Cass County funds, $1,000 is restricted to the community of Griswold, and $26,230 is available to support projects throughout the county. In Audubon County, $2,350 is restricted to the Exira area, $2,015 is designated for the community of Audubon, and $37,150 is available to support projects throughout the county.

Beginning July 15, application details, a fact sheet, and a link to the application form can be found online by selecting Cass County, or Audubon County respectively, under County Listing at www.swiowafoundations.org. Applications will only be accepted through the online system.

Only those organizations providing services in Cass or Audubon Counties are eligible to apply in their respective counties. They must be able to demonstrate broad community/county support and be an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) Public Charity or a fiscally sponsored project. Requests for general operating support will not be considered.

The Cass and Audubon County Community Foundations aim to improve the quality of life in their counties by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. The objective of the grant program is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Cass and Audubon Counties. Those grant funds are made possible by the generosity of Cass and Audubon County Community Foundation donors.

To inquire about donating to the Cass County Community Foundation, contact the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa staff or any county board member. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Foundations may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Contact Stacey Goodman at 800-794-3458 or stacey@omahafoundation.org or Tess Houser at tess@omahafoundation.org with application-related questions. All completed grant applications will be considered at the October Board meeting, with applicants being notified of funding decisions by the end of October.

Audubon Police Chief Matt Starmer today (Monday) released a report on arrests and incidents dating back to mid-June.

Today (Monday), 28-year old Bobby Lee Stevens, of Harlan, was arrested on an Audubon warrant for Violation of a No Contact Order.  Stevens was booked into the Audubon County Jail awaiting to see a magistrate. On Sunday, two 17 year old juveniles and a 16 year old juvenile were arrested and charged with trespassing.  All were released to their parents/guardians and referred to the Juvenile Court System.

Last Thursday, 24 year old Corey Randall Dickson, of Audubon, was arrested on a Guthrie County Warrant.  Dickson was arrested and transferred to the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department. On July 6th, 46 year old Danielle Delroy Frasier, of Audubon, was arrested on Audubon warrants for Violation of Probation and Contempt.  Frasier was transported to the Audubon County Jail.

On July 3rd, 31 year old Allison Marie Martin, of Audubon, was arrested on a warrant and transported to the Audubon County Jail. And, 29 year old Levi Alroy Kluver, of Audubon, was arrested on a Carroll County warrant and transferred to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department.

On June 29th, Audubon Police arrested 35 year Laura Lynn Madden, of Audubon, on a charge of with Driving Under Suspension.  Madden was issued a citation and released on promise to appear. And, 33 year old Skielynn Laverne Stephens, of Audubon, was arrested on a warrant and transported to the Audubon County Jail.

On June 12th, 27 year old Tyler Lee Carter, of Audubon, was arrested on an active Audubon Police Department warrant for (2) charges of Theft-5th.  Carter was transported to the  Audubon County Jail where he later appeared before a magistrate and pled guilty.

And, on June 10th, 33 year old Eric Lopez of Audubon was charged with Animal at Large.  He was issued a citation and released on promise to appear.

Fourth District Judge Kathleen Kilnoski today (Monday), sentenced former Harlan City Administrator Terry Cox to two years of probation.

Terry Cox

In addition, Cox was ordered to pay fines amounting to $1,624, and restitution in the amount of $7,500 to the city of Harlan. In April Cox plead guilty to charges of 2nd Degree Theft and Tampering with records. Judge Kilnoski sentenced Cox to up to five years in prison on the Class-D theft charge, and up to two years in prison on the tampering charge, an aggravated misdemeanor, but suspended both sentences.

The Atlantic City Council will meet 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, in their Chambers at City Hall. On their agenda is discussion and action with regard to RAGBRAI preparations, pertaining to street closings and restricted parking for the July 21st-22nd event that will bring perhaps thousands of riders into Atlantic for their first overnight stop.

Atlantic Police Chief Dave Erickson has proposed closing the following streets from 6-a.m. July 21st through 2-a.m. July 22nd:

• Chestnut Street from the Court House Driveway access (in the 700 block) to 2nd Street, to allow set-up of a stage and vendor access).
• 6th Street from Locust to Walnut (The entry point to the entertainment area, bike parking, and vendors)
• Poplar Street from 7th to 5th (for bike parking & portable restrooms)
• 7th Street, from Poplar to Walnut (which will serve as the entertainment area and crowd area, while the bands play).
• 10th St., at the intersection with 7th, for eastbound traffic (only at the peak times for riders getting to, and leaving, Atlantic).
• 14th Street, from Olive to Plum Streets (On Monday, July 22nd, while the riders are leaving town).

The order to temporarily restrict parking those days will affect:

• 10th, from 7th to Olive, on the north side.
• Palm, from 9th to 10th, on the west side.
• E. Mahogany at 9th Street, north & west sides.
• W. Mahogany at 10th St., west side.
• Ed Podolak Drive, from Linn to Olive, north side.
• Linn Street, from 10th to Ed Podolak Drive, east & west sides.
• 14th Street, by the Heritage House, south side.
• Olive Street & Roosevelt Drive, 100-feet north on the east side.
• and, 10th and Olive, one-half block in all directions.

The Council will also act on an Engineering Agreement with Snyder & Associates, for the Atlantic Animal Shelter Building addition. Funds for the addition, which will allow cats to be held in separate quarters from dogs, was made possible through a gift of $135,000 from the estate of Ms. Lorene Eppelsheimer. The addition will be 18-by 36-feet, or 648-square feet in all. Estimates are that the engineering and project management costs will run $120,350. The balance of the funds will be used for additional cat cages and comforts for the cats.

There will also be a public hearing during Wednesday’s meeting, with regard to the sale of 411 Walnut Street (The Atlantic Senior Center). During their meeting June 5th, the Council accepted a bid of $55,445 from the Elks Club for the purchase of the facility. A public hearing must be held in accordance with Iowa Code before the Council can, by Resolution, execute the final sale of the property.

Officials with the Cass County Health System (CCHS) have announced that Dr. Emily Chang, OB/GYN, will join the medical team at CCHS on Monday, November 11, 2019. In a press release, Dr. Chang said “In just a limited time at Atlantic and the hospital, I can tell that there is a strong sense of community, and people are proud to work there. I like to be in a work environment that values open communication, teamwork, and empathy.”

Dr. Emily Chang, OB/GYN

CCHS CEO Brett Altman said, “We believe that Dr. Chang is an excellent fit for our community’s needs. She will provide the full spectrum of obstetric and gynecological care including gynecological surgeries. We are impressed by both her extensive knowledge and compassion for patients, and we are thrilled to bring her onboard full-time to provide women’s health care in our community.”

Dr. Chang has worked in both Illinois and Iowa and brings more than a decade of experience to CCHS, most recently having practiced the past six years at Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates next to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Dr. Chang is certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Chang received her BA degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in Mathematics and Natural Sciences and a Bachelor of Medical Sciences from Midwestern University in Illinois. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003.  She completed her residency at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Chang will work closely with Dr. James Brown in transitioning his practice before his retirement in May 2020. She will care for patients at Atlantic Medical Center and Cass County Memorial Hospital.

The Iowa DNR is offering an opportunity to complete the required Hunter Education Course right here is Cass County this August. The course will be held August 6th, 8th, and 10th at the DNR Environmental Service Division Field Office #4 at 1401 Sunnyside Lane in Atlantic. Students must attend all classroom and range sessions to become certified. This is a free course with all materials supplied to the students on the first evening class.

Iowa law requires that anyone born after January 1, 1972 must be certified in hunter education before they are eligible to purchase an Iowa hunting license. Any child under 11 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during every session.

The class times will be Tuesday, August 6th from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Thursday, August 8th from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Saturday, August 10th from 8:00am-2:00pm. To register for the course you can go to www.iowadnr.gov and follow the proper links under hunter education and find the Cass County course.

Hotter temperatures and high humidity do not have to mean discomfort. Officials with Alliant Energy say you can stay cool, while managing your energy costs. Here are some tips:

Stay cool:

• Close the shades– Keep your living space cooler by keeping the sun’s heat out.
• Close the doors to unused rooms – Only cool the spaces you use.
• Use your oven less – It can cause your AC to work overtime. Slow cookers, microwaves, pressure cookers and toaster ovens create less heat.
• Use cold water– Take colder showers, wash clothes in cold water and check to make sure your water heater is set at 120 degrees.
• Use bathroom fans and kitchen fans – both pull the hot air that rises after you cook or take a steamy shower out of your home.

Stay in control of costs:

• Get a smart thermostat–Talk with your family about setting it to 78 degrees when you are home, as high as comfortable at night and off while you are away.
• Clean or change your AC air filters – Your air handler will not have to work hard pushing air through a clogged filter, and that saves energy. Your air quality will also improve.
• Get an AC tune-up– Have a professional contractor tune up your AC unit to keep it performing at its best.
• Replace old incandescent light bulbs – They waste most of their energy in the heat they emit. Use LED bulbs—they stay cool and use a fraction of the energy, so you’ll save money year round.
• Control gadget use– Electronics that are off but plugged in are still using power. Smart power strips can reduce your electric bill by shutting off power to devices that go into standby mode. Some of them also have a few “always on” outlets for things that need them, like an alarm system.

Keep in mind:

• Hotter temperatures mean air conditioners are working harder to keep our homes cool – the larger the gap between the outside temp and your desired in-home temp, the harder your AC needs to work.
• High humidity makes it feel even warmer than the given temperature.
• When major appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and dehumidifiers are not functioning well, they can use substantial amounts of electricity.
• Pool pumps and heaters can use a lot of energy depending on how frequently they run.
• School’s out! More time may be spent at home during the summer months with appliances, electronics and lights being used throughout the day.

(Radio Iowa) — The Rocklin Manufacturing building in downtown Sioux City has been added to the National Register of Historic Places for its role in helping produce materials for U-S war efforts. Known earlier as the Albertson and Company building and built in 1912 (at 110 South Jennings Street), the building housed various machinery manufacturing endeavors until 1914 when shop foreman, Swedish-born Frans Oscar Albertson founded Albertson & Company, which took over the manufacturing plant. Rocklin Manufacturing Company took over the building in 1942 and during World War II manufactured equipment for Chrysler, International Harvester and Allis Chalmers while supplying the Chicago Ordnance District, the Detroit Arsenal and the Tank Automotive Center in Detroit with products. Company President Ross Rocklin is the third generation of his family to manage the business.

He says the manufacture a product called the Rocklinnizer, which is added to tools and dies to make them last longer.  They also make another product, a microwelder which repairs molds and dies made of steel. Rocklin would eventually play a key role in providing spring and shock mounts for the national missile defense system. The company received the rare and coveted Ordnance Corps flag from the U-S Army in 1944for outstanding contributions in the field of ordnance production. “They provided us that flag based on really exception performance in support of the war effort,” Rocklin says. “That’s a rare flag — there are only 13 of them out of 22 applicants that received it. It’s something that we proudly display in the entryway of our building.”

The company also has one of Sioux City’s most prominent murals painted on the side of its building facing Gordon Drive from the end of Jennings Street. Rocklin is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year.

The Atlantic RAGBRAI Committee reports they are still trying to find housing for at least 20% of the registered riders in the event, before they arrive in town this Sunday. Billie Hoover and Mike Waters are on the Committee. With temperatures expected to be in the 90’s and the Heat Index around 100 degrees, those riders are going to be looking for a place to cool down and hydrate themselves. Billie Hoover says the month started off slow for persons willing to make room in their homes and properties for the riders, but since then, the community has made a concerted effort to fill the need.

She said they’ve placed over 80% of their requests, and they thank those who have agreed to provide housing or yard space. The riders won’t only be looking for relief from the heat and humidity. Mike Waters said they’re also looking for an escape from the mosquitoes.

Most of the registered riders have already communicated with their hosts, and are grateful for the chance to get a room, or set-up a tent on a homeowner’s property. Residents shouldn’t be too concerned they’ll find their lawn or properties trashed when the bicyclists leave July 22^nd. Hoover says many of those taking part in the rider are professionals and otherwise responsible adults who come from all across the State and Country to enjoy one of the premiere biking events in the U-S.

Hoover says most the groups left looking for a place to rest for the night are looking for indoor housing. If you’re willing to help the riders find housing or a space to pitch a tent, call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712- 243-3017, or online at atlanticragbrai.com, and fill-out the housing form. Waters said “Atlantic is all about friendliness. We’re open. It’s going to pay dividends in the end, so open your hearts and your houses if possible, and give us a try. Hoover added, “Let’s show some of these folks some good old Atlantic hospitality.”

On a related RAGBRAI note: The Iowa National Guard’s water buffalo will appear along the RAGBRAI route Sunday, in Marne, and on Monday between Earlham and Winterset, for those riders needing to refill their water bottles.

(Radio Iowa) — All this week, law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation will put a special emphasis on cracking down on risky motorists through Operation Safe Driver Week. Dave Lorenzen, chief of Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement, says this time of year, people are often traveling unfamiliar roads. “Mix that in with the trucking population and the number of commercial vehicles that are moving up and down the roads on a daily basis, traffic counts are at an all-time high,” Lorenzen says. “So, it’s just an opportunity for us to concentrate on making sure that folks are following the laws, being attentive to all of the safety aspects of sharing the road with those larger vehicles.”

Lorenzen says patrols will be ticketing drivers who break common driving laws. “We don’t like to give citations but to affect driver behavior, sometimes there has to be that ultimate consequence,” Lorenzen says. “Most folks know when they’re speeding, they know they are not supposed to have their phone in their hands, they are not supposed to be doing things that are distracting them, and they know they are supposed to be belted in. Those three main things are no surprises to people. It’s just sometimes we become a little less attentive than we need to.”

We’re in the midst of what’s considered the “100 Deadliest Days” of the year, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when crash fatalities historically climb, especially for teen drivers.
(By Julie Englander, Iowa Public Radio)