(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office today (11/3/25), released a report on arrests that took place from Oct. 28th through November 1st:

On Saturday (11/1): 32-year-old Paul Lawrence Kirk, of East Galesburg, IL, was arrested in Glenwood, for OWI/1st offense. (Bond $1,000); 52-year-old Kristal Kristeen Johnston, of Henderson, was arrested in Henderson, for Possession of a Controlled Substance/3rd or subsequent offense. (Bond $1,000).

On Oct. 31st: 46-year-old William Holt Jensen, of Glenwood, was arrested in Pacific Junction, for Burglary in the 3rd Degree, Theft in the 1st Degree (>$10,000), and Control of a firearm/offensive weapon by a felon. (Bond $20,000).

On Oct. 30th: Mills County Deputies arrested 51-year-old Jason Ludwig Reents, of Clarinda, in Malvern. Reents was charged with Driving While Barred (Bond $2,000).

And,on the 28th of October, 40-year-old Timothy Michael Miller, of Independence, MO., was arrested in Percival, for PCS/3rd or subsequent offense, Eluding (speed in excess of 25 mph over the limit), and Theft in the 2nd Degree (>$1,500 but < $10,000). Bond $11,000 altogether.

Area community school districts (CSD) will hold elections for their respective Boards of Directors, as part of Tuesday’s City-School Elections. Here are some of the local races we’ll be watching (I=incumbent):

Atlantic Community School District – School Board Member At-Large (elect 2):

Jordan Zarbano

Justin Williams

Josh McClaren (I)

Chet Meneely

Corning CSD – Director At-Large (elect 3):

Staci Venteicher

Nick Wetzel

Adam Boswell

Ryan Shuey

Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton CSD – Director At-Large (elect 3):

Anna Schleimer

Nick Fredericksen

Eric Konecne

Deborah King

Beth Larsen

Emily Paulsen

Abby Rasmussen

Exira-EHK CSD – To Fill a Vacancy [TFV] term ending in 2027 (elect 1):

Anthony L. Hough (I)

Cally Lee Christensen

IKM-Manning CSD – Director At-Large (elect 2):

Lucas Cole Potthoff

Jeremy Puck

Nick Schechinger

Nodaway Valley CSD – Director At-Large (elect 2):

Daniel Shilling (I)

Mary Dodson

Kristen Jensen (I)

Stanton CSD – Director At-Large (elect 3):

Alex Cabbage

Ryan Hart

Jaclyn Hoyt

Cameron Lewellen

(Radio Iowa) – As the federal government shutdown continues, agencies that help the needy pay their heating bills are in limbo, like Iowa’s LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Danna Buls  is executive director at MATURA Action Corporation, which serves low-income residents in southwest Iowa. In the past, Buls says the government had workarounds to pay for programs like LIHEAP, but now she says it’s “unnerving” not knowing how much her organization will receive this year.

“You know, in years past, they’ll do a continuing resolution where the funding will just stay level,” she says, “and so at least we know it’s approved and the funds are coming.” Buls says even if funds are delayed, people should still be protected from having their heat shut off, as she says utilities know which people qualify for assistance and they’re blocked from disconnecting them.  Buls says, “So even though money might not come to the utility vendor, they know that these people are approved.”

In April, President Trump fired the federal staff that runs LIHEAP, which could lead to more delays in the funds going out.

(Radio Iowa) – Authorities in central Iowa say they’re no longer searching for the pickup truck that was suspected of fleeing from a deadly weekend accident. Marshalltown Police Chief Chris Jones says the Dodge Ram was identified in the fatal hit and run of a pedestrian late on Saturday night. “This weekend, we followed up with some leads and information. We were able to locate the vehicle and the owner of the vehicle,” Chief Jones says. “We are processing evidence right now, working through some things to find out what the circumstances were.” As yet, Jones says no charges have been filed against the truck’s owner.

“We’re still interviewing, looking at all types of evidence that are available in these types of accidents,” Jones says. “We appreciate the public’s help in helping us locate all of the individuals that we need. It’s just going to take a little time.” The victim in the case is identified as 30-year-old Melanie Katherine Nelson of Marshalltown.

The Chief says Nelson was crossing a street about 10 P-M Saturday when she was struck by a pickup. She later died at the hospital.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report the arrest Friday evening (Oct. 31st), of 26-year-old Dyan Steven Lane. The Creston man was cited for Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, cited, and released on a promise to appear in court. Separately, 51-year-old Mitchell Lee Graham, of Creston, was cited Friday night and then released, for allowing an Animal to run At-Large.

Wednesday, November 5th, Atlantic-native Glen Smith will sit for a congressional hearing on his appointment as United State Department of Agriculture Undersecretary of of Rural Development.  Smith, Who served as President of the Farm Credit Administration, said this process began in April.

Smith said the F-C-A confirmation process was not quite this involved.

Smith says he’s honored to have the opportunity to work at the U-S-D-A.

Glen R. Smith (Official FCSIC photo)

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th at 2:00 pm central time and can be viewed at:

https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-11-05-2025.

There are numerous races in various area city elections for voters to decide on, ahead of Tuesday’s (November 4^th) City-School Elections.

Those contests in Cass County include:

In Anita, where there are eight candidates for three City Council seats. They include: Kevin Littleton; Eyon Steffensen; John Knutson; Sara L. Sisler; Shelli Hogueison; Deanna Andrews; Kim Miller, and Mark Harris.

In Griswold, five candidates are running for two seats on the City Council: Kevin Farr; Nick Demanett; Jesse Doty; Jim Ridlen and Troy Nicklaus. There are also four candidates for two seats on the Lewis City Council: Russell Miller; Betty Auten; Jim Triller and David Raymond. In Marne, three people are running for two Council seats: Kyle Frederiksen; Angela Redler, and Aaron Williams.

In Adair County:

There are three candidates for two At-Large seats on the City Council in Casey: Jennifer Geren-Penton; Tyler Stolk and LeRoy Hall. Adair and Guthrie County voters in Stuart will select either John Gulbranson or Cory Kirkpatrick as Mayor, and from the following five candidates for three At-Large seats on the City Council: Trevor Nelson; Angela Capps; Alan L. Bovee; Kristina Renslow, and Zach Ingwers. There are three candidates for two At-Large Council seats in Bridgewater: James C. McCall; Tyler Warrior and Douglas Miller. Five people are running for two At-Large seats on the City Council in Fontanelle: Shawn Herr; Daniel Miller; Andrew Martin; Amanda Guerrero and Nancy Embree.

And, in Greenfield, there are four people running for three At-Large City Council seats: Rita Eble; Carl Faust; Jeff Clayton, and Nathan Hubenka.

In Adams County:

There are four candidates running for two seats on the City Council in Prescott: Emily Riedel; Douglas M. Privett; Shyla Walter, and Don Gee.

In Audubon County:

Four candidates are running for three seats on the Audubon City Council: Brooke Wegner; Bruce A. Christensen; Jeff Jacobsen, and Rodney Benton. Three people are running for two seats on the Kimballton City Council: Sheila Partridge; Dirk Wasson; Peggy Mortensen and Thomas Lake.

In Guthrie County:

Three names are on the ballot for two At-Large seats on the Bagley City Council: Steven B. Joy; Janet Bennett, and Deanna Gibson. Five names are available to choose from for three At-Large seats on the Bayard City Council: Shelby Richards; Jessica Pruter; Arnold Kesselring; Andrew Stringer, and Nathan McAlister. There are four candidates for two At-Large seats on the City Council in Casey: Cody Sheeder; Jennifer Geren-Penton; Tyler Stolk and LeRoy Hall.

In Montgomery County:

There are two names on the ballot for a two-year term as Mayor in Red Oak, including Tim Fridolph, but the other candidate, John Haidsaik, has withdrawn his name from contention. There are two candidates for one At-Large seats on the Council in Red Oak: Jeanice Lester, and John Gross. In Stanton, four people are running for three At-Large City Council seats: Chris Stephens; Justin Rhamy; Wes Royal and Jeff Sebeniecher.

In Shelby County:

Two seats are open on the City Council in Elk Horn, and there are three candidates: Derick Hogberg; Justin Larsen, and Samuel Preis.

In Pottawattamie County:

There are two candidates for Mayor in Macedonia: Melia Clark and Paden Knoke, and five people running for two City Council seats: James M. Croson; Gary L. Wax; Paul Faxon; Suzann Duede and Joseph Cope. In Oakland, there are four candidates for three City Council seats: Phil Reed; Jordan Sherbondy; Darin J. Ford, and Colin Applegate. Two men are running for Mayor, in Underwood: Josh Madsen, and Dennis Barsdley. And, there are two men running for Mayor in Walnut: Justen Tooley, and William Brett Simpson. In addition, there are five candidates for three seats on the Walnut City Council: Tim Branan; Aiden Akers; Adrian Griffith; Michael Chapman, and Kevin Clark.

A reminder: the polls are open on Tuesday from 7-a.m. until 8-p.m. For precinct polling information or any other questions about the City-School Elections, please contact your county auditor, check out your county government’s website, or see the Iowa Secretary of State site at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections-voting.

ATLANTIC, IA — Atlantic Community School Board President Laura McLean, Sunday, released the following statement, with regard to the City-School Elections on Tuesday, November 4th:

“November 4 will be an important day for the Atlantic Community School District as voters consider approving three ballot measures that together would fund a plan to upgrade our schools for future generations of Trojans. Strong communities have strong schools. We believe these timely and strategic investments will allow Atlantic to continue being a regional leader in education by providing our students with an exceptional learning environment.

“Our Facilities Improvement Plan was developed during a deliberate process lasting more than a year. The board and administration worked with architects, engineers, and our staff to identify infrastructure needs throughout the district. Through discussions held both around the board table and in the community, we identified the most critical needs, the ones that our students shouldn’t have to wait for any longer. Then, after consideration of multiple projects and funding options, the board landed on a plan that would minimize tax impact while maximizing student impact.

“The three measures our community will vote on are a general obligation bond, a sales tax revenue bond, and the proposed adoption of a Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS).

“Public Measure DH is the $22.5 million general obligation bond, which would be used to fund extensive improvement and expansion work at Washington Elementary, and updates at Schuler Elementary, Atlantic Middle School, and Atlantic High School.

“Public Measure DI is an $18.5 million sales tax revenue bond that would allow us to build a new multipurpose activity center at AHS with money the district receives from the state sales tax fund for education known as SAVE. The third ballot question is Public Measure DG—a proposed RPS that would serve as a permission slip for spending SAVE dollars.

“We understand that seeking financial support for this vision is not welcomed by all community members. However, we firmly believe these facility updates need to be made for the sake of our current and future students. Furthermore, the board has a strong record of fiscal responsibility, lowering property tax rates and keeping our levies steady, demonstrating our commitment to good stewardship of resources. The proof” McLean says “lies in the fact that Atlantic CSD’s total levy rate is currently at its lowest point since 2002. In fact, our total levy rate has fallen by more than 20 percent since 2018, from $15.59 per $1,000 of taxable property value to $12.52 today.

“An approved sales tax revenue bond or RPS would not increase property taxes or create a new tax. However, an approved general obligation bond would raise our debt service levy by $1.10
per $1,000 of taxable value, bringing our debt levy to $2.50—still significantly lower than the average $3.10 levy we’ve had from 2020 to 2025.” Laura McLean concluded by saying, “On behalf of the rest of the board, thank you all for your thoughtful feedback and engagement in recent months. Your willingness to complete surveys, visit our project website, ask honest questions, and share your perspectives has made a meaningful difference. Because you took the time to lend your voice to this process, we are better informed and more prepared to move forward in a way that reflects our shared priorities and values.

Thank you for your consideration on election day, and for your continued support of Atlantic CSD and the students we serve.”

(Radio Iowa) – With an hour less of daylight that means it’s time to be more aware of deer moving across roadways. Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Paul Gardner says the end of the harvest is another signal that deer will be on the move. “As we wrap up the harvest season and since crops are being brought in that usually provide concealment for deer, they’re most active, and that means that they’re going to be more likely to be crossing the roadways at this time of year,” he says. You can see a deer on the roadway at any time, but the beginning and end of the day are often busiest. “Typically, they’re most active during the dusk and dawn hours of the morning and the evening, but gear crashes can happen anytime of day,” Gardner says.

Gardner says it’s best to be on the lookout and be able to slow down and avoid a deer. But if one catches you off guard, it’s best to stay the course. “If a deer runs out in front of you, avoid swerving to miss it, as this could cause you to lose control of your vehicle,” he says. “So if you do have to hit it, it’s best just to hit it straight on instead of veering for a deer. And if you do get into a crash involving a deer call law enforcement right away.”

(Iowa DNR photo)

Gardner says there were there were nine fatal car/deer accidents in 2024. There have been were just over five-thousand car/deer accidents so far this year in Iowa.

(Radio Iowa) – A new statewide initiative is being launched that will help support community gardens that donate fresh produce. The Iowa Donation Garden Network is designed to reach and link up garden organizers through expert-led education, shared resources and collaborative programming. Alicia Herzog, the Iowa Master Gardener program manager with I-S-U Extension and Outreach, explains how it’ll work. “The overarching goal of this network is to empower and connect community donation gardens across Iowa,” Herzog says. “It can feel like you’re an island, sometimes, trying to do this work of raising fresh produce to be donated to food pantries in the area and battling food insecurity in the local community.” There are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of community gardens across Iowa that are helping to feed people in their immediate areas. Through this new network, Herzog says they hope to get a handle on roughly how many gardens are doing this good work across Iowa, and how much produce they’re donating.

“We’ll be asking the member gardens to provide us some basic annual reporting metrics that then we can help create a statewide map,” Herzog says, “and we can show all of the communities, all of the counties that are impacted by these different gardens.” Exact locations won’t be published, she says, as they don’t want gardens being overrun. Funding will end this year for the U-S-D-A’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education, referred to as SNAP-Ed, so Herzog says the new network fills a critical gap in statewide support for donation gardens. “I’m sure that we won’t catch every donation garden that exists in Iowa, but we’re really trying to cast that net wide and far and let any donation garden that exists know that we want you to be a part of this story,” Herzog says. “We want to help tell your story about the good work that you may already be doing in your community and how that fits into the puzzle.”

Informational Zoom sessions to introduce the Iowa Donation Garden Network will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9 AM, noon and 6 PM. Go here to register:
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/iowa-donation-garden-network