Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley talked by phone last night (Monday) with Judge Merrick Garland, President Obama’s pick to fill a vacancy on the U-S Supreme Court. Grassley says he and Garland agreed to meet for breakfast in the next week or two for what Grassley says is a “courtesy call.” “I’d like to see him and I think he is a very decent person,” Grassley says. “I think it’ll be a good conversation.”

Grassley chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and says he will -not- call a hearing for Garland as Grassley believes the -next- president should pick a replacement for Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February. Garland is the chief judge of the U-S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and Grassley knows, Garland plans to argue his case during the breakfast meeting.

“That’s his privilege and I can state my position as well,” Grassley says. “I think I made it very clear that that’s what I’m going to do, is tell him what the situation is and why we aren’t moving forward and he’s going to tell me why we should, and that’s his job. I think he’s going to tell me a lot about him and I’m gonna’ listen.” A specific date for the Grassley-Garland meeting hasn’t yet been set.

(Radio Iowa)

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

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The City Council in Atlantic will meet Wednesday (April 6th) and act on an agreement with UMB Bank for the purchase of General Obligation Corporate Purpose and Refunding Bonds, not to exceed $5-million. The meeting, at City Hall, begins at 5:30-p.m. City Administrator John Lund says UMB has offered to significantly reduce the underwriter’s fees and offer a ceiling on the true interest rate for the bond issuance.

Lund says the agreement, if approved, would result in a savings of more than $142,778 in interest costs between Fiscal Years 2018-and 2026, and it would free-up $790,000 in critical debt levy resources that can be made available for other projects. On the other hand, the City would accrue $75,980 in NEW interest due to the extended maturity date of the bonds, plus $22,604 in issuance costs and nearly $10,870 in underwriter’s fees.  All-in-all, he says more than $33,200 in taxpayer dollars would be saved by the change, if approved.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council will receive a presentation with regard to Bull Creek Storm Water Improvement Projects, and, a presentation from Hospital, Chamber and Cass County Foundation officials, with regard to a Strategic Community Plan. They’ll also act on: Appointing Christina Bateman to the Planning & Zoning Commission; An order closing specified streets on August 7th for a church block party, and August 13th, for AtlanticFest.

The Council is also expected to set April 20th as the date for a Public Hearing on a proposed ordinance for vacating an alley in Block 73 of the City of Atlantic. The so-called “Phantom Alley,” is not maintained by the City, and does not connect any streets. An offer has been made to purchase the land for $500. The Planning and Zoning Commission has previously voted to vacate the property.

The second annual “Women Gaining Ground” conference will take place Sat., April 30th, in Glenwood. According to officials with the ISU Extension Service, the day will be jam-packed with fun and informative opportunities.  Participants are invited to arrive between 8-and 9- a.m. to check in, browse vendor booths, and enjoy a famous Donut Stop donut, fresh fruit and coffee bar.

At 9-a.m., Laurie Guest will take the stage for her presentation, Life in the Espresso Lane.”  With a mix of fun and wisdom, she will share behaviors that can change our accelerated lives and teach us how to manage our mental caffeine and find contentment even during stressful times.  Laurie is the author of “Wrapped In Stillness” and blogs at www.solutionsarebrewing.com..

Following the Keynote Speaker, the first breakout session will be held and participants will be invited to choose one of the following:

• Becoming A Grape Goddess:  A history of grape growing in Western Iowa and discussion about efforts to establishing the Loess Hills American Viticulture Area.
• Ag In Iowa.  So What?:  Jenni Richards, District Field manager with the Iowa Corn Growers Association, will discuss Iowa corn and the importance of getting involved in the industry.  Carrie Kelly, the Producer Services Regional Coordinator in Western Iowa for the Iowa Soybean Association, will explain the services offered Iowa ISA and discuss finding the “right fit” for Iowa soybean producers.
• Building Business Rapport~Marketing Strategies:  Dana Wenstrand will address the basics of effective communication, customer service, and marketing strategies to make a positive impact in promoting your business.  YOU!
• Meals In Minutes:  A Love Story:  Whitney Larsen, a Registered Dietician and Licensed Medical Nutrition Therapist, will present tips and tricks on creating healthy, simple, fast and affordable meals while Chef Corey Hall demonstrates the preparation of a family-friendly recipe.

The second break-out session will begin at 11:30 and will feature topics that include:

• Building Business Rapport
• Farmland Ownership & Management
• Putting Pinterest Into Practice
• Low-Maintenance Landscaping

Participants will be treated to a hearty lasagna lunch. During the lunch hour, there will be time to visit the vendor booths and socialize.  There will also be drawings for door prizes and a $100 Early Bird Cash Prize.

The final session of the day will feature topics that include:

• Iowa:  Caught In The Crosshairs of Human Trafficking
• Low-Maintenance Landscaping
• Ag In Iowa.  So What
• Putting Pinterest Into Practice

The day’s activities will conclude around 2:30 or 3:00-p.m.  Vendor applications are still be accepting for the event.  Download the form at www.extension.iastate.edu/fremont .

Registration forms are available at www.extension.iastate.edu/montgomery or by visiting the Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/womenlandlegacywgg/.

Register by April 8^th to take advantage of Early Bird discounts and for a chance to win $100 CASH!  The final registration deadline is April 21st. For more information, call Iowa State University Extension & Outreach—Montgomery County at (712) 623-2592.

The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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Police in Creston arrested a man Monday afternoon on a warrant for Violation of Probation connected to original charges of 1st degree Harassment and Violation of Probation. 29-year old Casey White, of Creston, was being held in the Union County Jail while awaiting a bond hearing.

And, Creston Police say Michelle Foland, of Kenner, was notified and cited, for Failure to Abate a Nuisance at 502 S. Elm Street, a property she owns.

Members of the Griswold School District’s Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting Thursday (April 7th), beginning at 5-p.m. During their session, the Board will receive information pertaining to the Superintendent Vacancy, and act on Guidance for Budget Cuts.

The meeting takes place in the Central Office at the Griswold Middle School/High School Building.

A candidate for Congress will hold events in Cass County, this weekend. Desmund Adams, of Clive, candidate for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District seat will meet with the public  from noon to 1 p.m. at Weitzel’s Restaurant on East 7^th Street, in Atlantic. Later in the day, he will hold a listening post at the Redwood Steakhouse in Anita, from 4 – to 5:30 p.m.

In a Press Release, Adams said “I am excited to return to Cass County. During several trips since last summer, I’ve toured a number of businesses and farms, and attended local meetings.”  He says ” I’m coming out again to share my vision for how I’d like to serve the 16 counties of the Third District in Congress and hear ideas and issues from citizens.”

Desmund Adams, candidate for Iowa’s Third Congressional District, purchases a pair of leather gloves in November from Mark Krengel, owner, Howard’s Clothing, in historic downtown Atlantic.

Governor Terry Branstad’s “willingness” to work on expanding Iowa’s medical marijuana law is seen as a “great positive sign” by Representative Peter Cownie. Cownie, a Republican from West Des Moines, is sponsoring legislation that would set up marijuana growing and distribution centers in Iowa. “I take that as a real positive step that the governor is keeping an open mind,” Cownie says. Cownie’s legislation would let Iowans with chronic epilepsy, M-S or terminal cancer get cannabis pills, patches or oils produced in Iowa.

“This is only gaining support as legislators become more educated and more comfortable,” Cownie says. “It’s a big leap. This is growing marijuana legally in our state, so legislators have to get comfortable with that and we can’t hide from the fact of what this does because that’s what makes it legal and that’s what will help these people that need it most.” But Senator Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City who’s been a long-time advocate of medical marijuana, is less optimistic about progress on the issue.

“It would be terrific if Governor Branstad would get more engaged in this issue and sit down with Speaker Upmeyer and convince her that it’s time to move forward,” Bolkcom says. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, a Republican from Clear Lake, says the state should wait ’til the federal government approves marijuana as a prescription medication. Bolkcom says polls show at least four out of five Iowans are ready to join the 23 other states that have legalized marijuana for medical use.

“Nearly 150 million Americans have access to cannabis as medicine,” Bolkcom says. “It’s time to drop the excuses. It’s time to help people who need our help.” In 2015, the Iowa Senate passed a bill that would have set up Iowa-based marijuana growing and dispensing operations for patients with chronic conditions that cause seizures, persistent pain and nausea. A more limited bill has cleared ONE House committee this year, but has stalled in a second House committee.

(Radio Iowa)

The Madison County Sheriff’s office is investigating a fatal motorcycle accident. On Sunday around 8 P-M, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a motorcycle accident (in the 1500 block of U.S. Highway 169) five miles north of Winterset. Responding deputies discovered an adult male, later identified as 58-year-old Brian McKeon, of Waukee, dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation shows that McKeon was northbound on U-S Highway 169 when he missed a curve and entered the east-side ditch.

(Radio Iowa)