Officials in Audubon report “Music in the Park” set for this evening (June 29th), has been cancelled. Contact the Audubon Library for more information. (712-563-3301)

Far southwest Iowa was hit by the first of eight tornadoes that dropped out of the black clouds onto Iowa soil on Wednesday. Mike Crecelius, the emergency management coordinator for Fremont County, says he was in Sidney about 3 P-M when he first saw signs of serious trouble.”I saw two funnels try to come down at one point, but they both got sucked back up into the cloud itself,” Crecelius says. “The third time, when the funnel started coming down, it just kept coming and it kept itself attached. I could tell it was probably coming down somewhere east of Sidney, I just couldn’t tell where because there’s a hill between us and that.”

Crecelius says he saw two homes north of Farragut that received heavy damage. “Both of them had roof damage,” he says. “The one guy’s got most of his roof missing. A grain bin was blown away at one house. At the other house, the whole house was damaged. Part of his roof is gone. He’s got two of his sheds destroyed. Plus, they had an unattached garage, and had a truck in there. Part of the garage is gone. Both of them have all sorts of trees that were demolished during the storm.”

He says it’s a miracle that no one in the area was hurt, given the amount of damage. “Both houses were occupied,” Crecelius says. “They did get the warning in enough time that in both houses, they went to shelter and nobody was injured in the storm.”

Considering the number of funnel clouds and tornado sightings in the county, and the number of photos taken from various vantage points, Crecelius says it’s a wonder the county escaped further destruction. “I’m not exactly sure how many funnel clouds/tornadoes we actually had here,” he says, “but, we’re pretty lucky there wasn’t more damage done throughout Fremont County and over into Page County than what there was.”

A National Weather Service survey team will be in Fremont County today to inspect the damage and determine the storm’s path. Crecelius asks the public for continued vigilance, as more storm activity is possible this afternoon into this evening.

(Radio Iowa)

Severe storms raked across much of Iowa on Wednesday afternoon and evening, spinning off multiple tornadoes, heavy rain and large hail. National Weather Service meteorologist Craig Cogil says survey teams are out this (Thursday) morning to look over the damage to homes, businesses and crops, as at least eight tornadoes are confirmed touching down across Iowa.

“Most of them, fortunately, stayed in rural areas and overall produced not a whole lot of damage,” Cogil says. “I think we had one injury reported in the state. For some of the sizes of these tornadoes, we’re very fortunate that nothing worse occurred.”  That one injury was in Prairieburg in Linn County, northeast of Cedar Rapids. The roof of a house collapsed in the twister, trapping a woman inside. It was an exceptionally rough storm that rumbled across Iowa over several hours.

“Tornadoes primarily occurred from southwest Iowa down by Bedford, up through near Stuart, near Indianola and then up to the northeast by Dubuque,” Cogil says. “Kind of diagonal from southwest to the northeast corner of the state.”  The twister that appeared Wednesday afternoon near Stuart, was rated an EF-0, with estimated peak winds of 75-mph. It began at around 4:12-p.m. southwest of Stuart, and dissipated at around 4:20-p.m. southeast of Stuart. The tornado traveled an estimated 7-miles. It’s width was not immediately known. It was captured on numerous pictures and video by area residents and spotters.

And, Fremont County authorities say a tornado touched down in a rural area between Sidney and Shenandoah, flattening crops. A home near Farragut was damaged.

Tornadoes sometimes occur in groups but it’s uncommon for the state to have at least eight in a single day. “It’s not really a record for the state,” Cogil says. “The daily record is 28 tornadoes set back in April of 2001, so it’s not really close to a record but certainly, that’s plenty for any day.”

He warns, conditions appear to be shaping up for a potential repeat this afternoon and tonight. “It really looks like another day where we will see active weather primarily across the southern half of the state,” Cogil says. “The further south you go, the better threat of seeing severe weather and the potential for damaging winds, large hail and, again, isolated tornadoes.”

Keep up with the latest forecast at weather-dot-gov, and listen to kjan for updates, or follow us on our mobile app and social media sites.

(Radio Iowa/KJAN)

The Union County Sheriff’s Department says a pull wagon valued at $225 was stolen from 816 Main Street in Lorimor, sometime over the past few days. The wagon belonged to the residents of an apartment complex. Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

DES MOINES — The approaching Fourth of July weekend usually sees thousands of paddlers hitting Iowa’s waters.  With heavy rains in the forecast, the DNR is advising paddlers and boaters to carefully watch water levels and increased traffic.

“While many rivers are at safe and optimal levels today, this may change as we have a chance of heavy rains through tomorrow night and again on Friday,” said Todd Robertson with the DNR’s water trails program. “Levels will be a concern and people must be aware that rain will raise water levels in mere minutes.”

After heavy rainfall, those on the water should watch for debris causing hazards. Some log jams have already been reported, like at the Anderson Access on the Skunk River just below Story City. Paddlers will need to portage around this large log jam.

In addition, the holiday weekend can also bring more boat traffic, more canoes and kayaks on the water, and more anglers. Boaters should also be familiar with Iowa’s boating while intoxicated laws.

Current stream flows are available from the U.S. Geological Survey at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt.

What causes a rainbow?  How does light change colors?  What happens when colors mix?  At this STEAM camp, we will explore this and many other items related to color and light.  Participants will learn while creating their own gadgets and creations with an extra emphasis on ART!

Tinkering with Color and Light STEAM Day Camp will be July 6th at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  There is a $10 fee to attend, and checks can be made out to the Cass County Extension.  Lunch will not be provided, so participants will need to bring their own sack lunch.  Youth must register by June 30, 2017.

Registration forms are available at the Cass County Extension Office or online at http://extension.iastate.edu/cass/. The Cass County Extension staff has worked very hard to put this hands-on, fun-filled, interactive, STEAM (science, technology, art, and mathematics) based camp together for the youth of the community, and we hope you will be able to join us!

Tinkering with Color and Light STEAM Day Camp promises exciting, hands-on learning while meeting new friends.  Join us for a day filled with fun, snacks, and hands-on STEAM! Questions?  Please call Cass County Extension at (712)243-1132.

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Sioux City Construction Office reports the new northbound Interstate 29 Nebraska Street off-ramp (exit 147B) in Sioux City, will be opened to traffic at 5 p.m. this Friday, June 30, weather permitting.

At 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, the contractor will close the northbound off-ramp (exit 148) to Wesley Parkway so reconstruction work can take place on the northbound I-29 mainline. Motorists wanting to go north at exit 148 will be detoured see map to the Nebraska Street exit, north to Third Street, and then west to Wesley Parkway. This closure will be in place until late November 2017.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The Cass and Adair County Boards of Supervisors will hold their regular, separate weekly meetings, Friday morning. In Atlantic, the Cass County Supervisors‘ meeting gets underway at 8:30-a.m. with a Public Hearing on a “Proposal to enter into a General Obligation County Purpose Loan Agreement,” and to “Borrow money…in a principal amount not the exceed…” $4.5-million. The agreement is with regard to infrastructure improvements for the Elite Octane, LLC ethanol plant currently under construction.

Following the hearing, the Board will act on a Resolution taking additional action on the same proposal. Other business, includes acting on approving a “Uniform Patrol Service Agreement,” with the City of Anita, and, determining the compensation of “Other employees” in the Secondary Roads, General Assistance and Mental Health departments.

In Greenfield, the Adair County Board of Supervisors are set to meet at 9-a.m. Friday to act on several administrative matters before them, including: Fiscal Year 2018 wages; Sheriff’s Reserves hourly wage;  FY 2018 Appropriation and Tranfer Resolutions; Appointments to various county boards and commissions; and business pertaining to $5-million dollar General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, Series 2017.

The Adair County Supervisors will also hear from: Jane Cooper with “Take Back Bridgewater,” with regard to a Federal grant application and additional deputies funded by the grant; County Treasurer Brenda Wallace, with regard to the appointment of a deputy, and, Lynn DonCarlos with the Greenfield Chamber, will be present to discuss a “Way finding” sign for the Courtyard.

A northwest Iowa sheriff says he’d rather be in conflict with the county’s board of supervisors than be held in contempt by the court. Last week, the chief justice of the Iowa Supreme Court issued an order barring guns in the courthouses in Iowa’s 99 counties.

On Tuesday, Woodbury County’s Board of Supervisors voted to lift the ban on guns in the Sioux City courthouse that’s been in effect since 2014 — although guns would still be barred in the building’s courtrooms. A new state law that goes into effect this Saturday lets people sue local governments over weapons restrictions.

Woodbury County Sheriff Dave Drew is in charge of security for the courthouse and he plans to abide by last week’s order from the chief justice. “It was a clear direction from the Iowa Supreme Court,” Drew says. Drew says he’s “disappointed” In the board of supervisor’s decision. “Really surprised in the change.”

The sheriff says he thought supervisors were hoping for an attorney general’s opinion, but got direction from the Iowa Supreme Court instead. Drew has written the supervisors in Woodbury County and told them he feels “compelled to follow” the Supreme Court’s order.

(Radio Iowa)

AtlanticFest, presented by First Whitney Bank, will be held Saturday, August 12th and is a rain or shine event. AtlanticFest is an annual festival that serves as a fundraiser for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Pre-Registration for the Car Show, Motorcycle Show, Road Race, Bags Tournament, Tractor Ride are going on now through July 28th at noon. Registration for Craft and Food Vendors are going on now through August 1st at noon.

Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said “We are so thankful to have so many generous sponsors and community members to help make this event our biggest annual fundraiser for the Chamber.”

Smith said also, “AtlanticFest is a great event where people can spend the day with the community while supporting local businesses, civic organizations and the Chamber.”  Downtown Atlantic will be filled with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Come early and enjoy a pancake breakfast or start the day off with a run through town in the Annual Road Race with chip timing coming back this year.

The Annual Tractor Ride will also be taking place, kicking off at the Cass County Fair Grounds at 8-a.m., Aug. 12th. There will be crafters from all over Southwest Iowa, as well as some of the best food vendors to help satisfy any appetite. Kids can enjoy the pony rides and bounce house while adults can relax in the beer garden or play in the 3rd Annual Bags Tournament. The 19th Annual Car Show and Motorcycle Show will be taking place once again this year. Free entertainment will be provided throughout the day, as well.

If you are interested in being a part of AtlanticFest, please visit www.atlanticiowa.com or call the Chamber at 712.243.3017. The Chamber thanks its partners for helping to make the event possible and successful: First Whitney Bank; A.M. Cohron & Son; Megan Roberts, State Farm; Weirich Welding Plus; Atlantic Realtors Group; Casey’s General Store; Outfitters Outlet Store; Cass County Health System; Connect-A-Dock; Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company; Benning Carpentry, LLC; Crystal Clear Water; Hy-Vee; Brocker, Karns & Karns; Brown’s Shoe Fit; Gade Insurance; J&B Amusement; MAHLE Engine Components; Nishna Valley YMCA; Sears; Atlantic Motor Supply (NAPA); Atlantic Municipal Utilities; Brown Electric; Plastic Professionals; Salute Gymnastics; Villa Dance; Wells Fargo Bank; Atlantic News Telegraph; Doll Distributing; R/T Motors, Inc.; The Butcher Shop; Camblin Plumbing and Heating; Fareway; McAtee Tire; Olsen’s Outdoor Power; Rolling Hills Bank & Trust; McDermott & Son Roofing; Great Western Bank; Western Iowa Development Association; Lindeman Tractor, Inc.; SeedPro North; ADM Grain Co.; Grain & Livestock Hedging; TS Bank; Cook Sanitation; Hepler Curbside Recycling & Sanitation; Atlantic Community Promotions Commission.