The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their Annual Dinner Saturday, January 13th, 2018 at the Cass County Community Center. According to Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith, “The Annual Dinner is always a favorite for the Chamber. It’s a great opportunity for us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, look forward to what we will accomplish and most of all, highlight all of our Chamber Members and volunteers that have invested their time and money back into our organization and our community.”

The Chamber will be recognizing businesses, organizations and individual leaders in the community. Two people will be recognized and given awards including: ATHENA Award and Distinguished Service Award. The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for the Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual, business or organization who has made the community a better place to live. They have rendered special services for the benefit of the community and have demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through their involvement in business, civic and social service organizations.

Last year, the Distinguished Service Award was given to LaVon Eblen for her dedication to tirelessly serving the community any way she can, including: Produce in the Park, Master Gardeners, Healthy Cass County, Cass County Food Policy Council, 4-H, the Armory, teaching kids to cook on Wednesday evenings and much more. Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce to nominate someone for the Distinguished Service Award. The deadline for nominations is January 5th, 2018.

The Annual Dinner is sponsored by Deter Motor Company and will begin at 6:00 PM with a social followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. You can register for the dinner at www.atlanticiowa.com.

Officials with the Creston Police Department report 31-year old Sean Stauffer, of Creston, was arrested Friday night on a Union County warrant for Probation Violation, on an original charge of Sex Offender Registry Violation/2nd or subsequent offense. Stauffer was additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd Offense. He is being held in the Union County Jail on a $7000 bond.

Saturday morning, 58-year old Dennis Brown, of Creston, was arrested on the 1000 block of Manor Drive on an Adams County Warrant. He was transferred to the custody of Adams County. Early Friday  morning, 26-year old Dale Anson II, of Creston, was arrested in Creston for Driving While Revoked. He was released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond. And, Friday afternoon, 32-year old Christy Rotert, of Creston,  was arrested on a charge of Assault causing bodily injury. She was later released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond.

In other news, Creston Police say a man residing in the 200 block of W. Montgomery Street reported that sometime between 12:30-a.m. and 2-a.m. Sunday, the front door of the Iowana in Creston, was shot with a BB Gun causingthe glass to shatter. The damage was estimated at $400. And, a resident of the 300 block of Spruce reported that sometime between 11:30-p.m. Dec. 14th and 4:30-a.m. Dec. 15th, someone stole a 12 gauge Maverick Shotgun and 25-30 rounds of deer slugs from his vehicle while it was parked at his residence. The loss was estimated at $215.

ISU Extension in Cass County is excited to partner with the Nishna Valley Family YMCA to offer “On Their Own and OK!,” a course to help youth gain the skills and confidence to stay home alone. The program will be held on Thursday, December 28 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA in Atlantic. The program is open to any interested youth who are currently in 4-8th grade. Topics covered throughout the day will include handling emergencies and basic first aid, safety and privacy with electronics and other appliances, daily routines and responsibilities, and dealing with siblings and friends when home alone. In addition, youth will learn the basics of healthy meals and snacks, including preparing their own meal and snack during the class! Participants will also get a workbook to help start a conversation about family rules, activities and more when home alone.

There is no charge to attend this program, and all materials are provided, but pre-registration is required and the class size is limited to 25 youth. To register, call the Cass County Extension office at 712-243-1132 or email xcass@iastate.edu. A registration form with more course details can be picked up at the Cass County Extension Office or YMCA, and is also available on the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass.