(Radio Iowa) – November will arrive Saturday, and as colder weather looms, many Iowans like to dream of warmer climates. It’s projected nearly 22-million Americans will take a cruise next year, what would be the fourth straight year of record cruise passenger numbers. Brian Ortner, at Triple-A-Iowa, says especially when winter arrives, folks in snowy states head south.

“The top destination is the Caribbean. That’s definitely where people are going,” Ortner says. “More than 70% of folks are choosing that as their destination, with Alaska, which typically isn’t your winter cruise destination. It’s more of your summer cruise destination, and then the Mediterranean is another one.” The cruise passenger projection for next year marks an increase of nearly five percent from 2025. Ortner points to three main reasons for the boost in cruise popularity.

“Affordability would be one. Accessibility would be two, and then you know where we live, weather is probably three,” Ortner says. “If you can get to the Caribbean in the middle of December or January, it’s not a bad place to be.” Years ago, most cruises ran seven or 14 days, but there are many more options now, including three-day get-aways, that can make short jaunts much more appealing.

“It’s all in one. You’re getting on the ship, your food’s taken care of, your drinks are taken care of, most of your entertainment’s taken care of,” Ortner says. “You pack a bag, you go and you’re there. Convenience is a big, big part.” Almost half of American cruise passengers travel as couples, 20% cruise with children, about 7% sail solo, and the remainder explore the seas in larger groups. As far as their ages…

“Fifty-five and over is probably the largest sector and then, now, with the growth of newer boats and things like that, family cruises are growing in popularity as well,” Ortner says. “Same destinations, just different amenities based on your age and your need for your family or your travel plans.”

According to Triple-A studies, 90 percent of U.S. cruise passengers rate their experience as good or very good, and 91 percent have cruised more than once.

(Radio Iowa) – Members of Iowa’s congressional delegation are rejecting one avenue for ending the federal government shutdown. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate — more than enough to pass the House plan to temporarily keep the federal government running, but the U.S. Senate’s so-called “filibuster” rule requires at least 60 senators to agree to let the bill be debated. First District Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says getting rid of that rule means Democrats could exploit it if they have a majority of seats in the Senate in the future. “They want us to break the filibuster. Why? Because they want to make Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico states. They want to pack the Supreme Court,” Miller-Meeks said. “We cannot let them do that.”

In 2021, three House Democrats proposed a bill to add four justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who’s running for the U-S Senate, opposes expanding the Supreme Court and predicts D.C. and Puerto Rico would send four more Democrats to the U.S. Senate if they become states. “I think that’s a very scary prospect and so what I’m focused on is making sure that we do get the government back open and we have had bipartisan support to do that,” Hinson said, “so I think we will get there.” Neither of the Iowa Republicans who serve in the U.S. Senate have called for getting rid of the 60-vote filibuster rule and taking a vote to end the government shutdown.

(Radio Iowa: photo)

Jim Carlin, a Republican who’s running for the U-S Senate, says it’s time for Republicans to consider using the so-called the nuclear option and bypass the 60-vote requirement. “I don’t know if we’re quite there yet, but that is something I personally would be looking at, considering,” Carlin said, “and honestly I’d be willing to do it.” Carlin has a response to Republicans who oppose setting aside the 60-vote filibuster rule because of fears Democrats could use it to pass things Republicans oppose in the future. “But that shouldn’t keep you from doing the right thing,” Carlin said. “If you have the majority and there’s no reasonable outcome that’s palatable that serves the interests of the American people, then you have to play a little rough.”

Carlin, who is a lawyer from Sergeant Bluff, is a former state legislator.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests occurred late last week. Thursday morning, 40-year-old Erik Brandon McKinney, of Merrillville, IN, was arrested by the Iowa State Patrol on Interstate 80 in Adair County. McKinney was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana/3rd or subsequent offense, following a traffic stop for speeding. He admitted to having a THC vape pen and a marijuana joint inside his vehicle. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the vape pen and joint were found in an ash tray, and a small plastic bag containing a substance resembling cocaine was found in a shoulder bag on the passenger side seat of the SUV. McKinney was transported to the Adair County Jail and released about an hour later on his Own Recognizance.

Friday evening, Police in Adair arrested 18-year-old Lynden Jorden Wollman, of Aberdeen, SD, for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana-1st offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (a grinder used to grind marijuana). His arrest occurred in the parking lot of a motel in Adair, after an Adair Police Officer on routine patrol saw three men acting suspicious. The smell of marijuana emitted from the vehicle when the officer approached. Wollman admitted the marijuana was his. He was taken to the Adair County Jail and later released on a $1,300 cash or surety bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa)  – Officials with Vision Atlantic said Monday (today), Gregg Young of Atlantic, through its community impact program Gregg Young Cares, has generously donated $25,000 to Vision Atlantic in support of the nonprofit’s transformative development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion. Matt Miller, General Manager of Gregg Young of Atlantic, helped spearhead the initiative to ensure Gregg Young’s support was directed toward Vision Atlantic’s efforts.

“This isn’t just where I work. It’s where I live, and where I’m raising my family,” shared Matt Miller, who has served as General Manager at Gregg Young of Atlantic for nearly three years. “Our donation is a reflection of the commitment we feel to this community. Through the Gregg Young Cares initiative, we’re proud to play a part in building a stronger future for Atlantic.”

Vision Atlantic officials say the contribution from Gregg Young of Atlantic aligns with the program’s mission to support impactful, community-led initiatives across the Midwest, and that “With Matt’s deep ties to Atlantic and his leadership at the local dealership, he recognized the Vision Atlantic project as a meaningful opportunity to give back.”

Pictured: Gregg Young employees and Vision Atlantic volunteers.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed-unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26.5 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $12.5 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office today (Monday), released information about a fatality crash that occurred Thursday night. Authorities say 28-year-old Alexis Ramsdell, of Shenandoah, died from injuries she suffered in the crash that occurred at around 10:40-p.m., in the 2700 block of Highway 48. Deputies located an SUV at the scene that had sustained severe but apparently functional damage. Ramsdell had been ejected from the vehicle and later pronounced deceased at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.

Authorities determined she was not wearing a seat belt, and her vehicle had been speeding prior to the crash.

Agencies assisting at the scene included: The Montgomery County Communications Center; Red Oak Police; Red Oak Fire and Rescue; The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency, and Deputies with the Page County Sheriff’s Office.

Boone, Iowa — The 2025 Iowa All-State Music Festival November 22nd, marks the 79th anniversary of the prestigious statewide event. On Saturday, October 25th, District auditions for the 277-member All-State Band, 220-member All-State Orchestra, and 601-member All-State Chorus were held at high schools in Le Mars, Hampton-Dumont-CAL, Independence, Atlantic, Indianola, and Iowa City West.  Approximately 17% of the students who audition are selected for membership in the All-State ensembles. Selected students will rehearse in Ames on Friday and Saturday, November 21–22, culminating in the All-State Festival Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State University, Ames.

Atlantic Band Director Jarrod O’Donnell reports the Following Students were Selected to participate in the Iowa All-State Band & Orchestra, this past Saturday:

• Gabrielle Engler on Bass Clarinet (1st Year),
• Michael Hocamp on Tuba (1st Year),
• Katrina Williams was selected as an Alternate on Violin
• and Grace Mitchell on French Horn (4 years).

Mr. O’Donnell congratulated Grace Mitchell for Making All-State on French Horn all four years of her high school career. Of the 17 percent of students that are selected for this ensemble, O’Donnell said less than 1 percent of those chosen make it all four years. (All photos courtesy of Mr. O’Donnell)

Iowa PBS will record the concert for later broadcast. Broadcast dates and times will be available on the Iowa PBS website at www.iowapbs.org. The Iowa All-State Music Festival is presented under the auspices of the Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) and the Iowa Music Educators Association (IMEA).

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Here’s a reminder: The Atlantic Rotary Club will host its annual Charity Dinner and Auction on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Cass County Community Center. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature dinner, a cash bar, and both silent and live auctions. Dinner tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased by contacting Ted Robinson at First Whitney Bank. Community members are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as possible. All are welcome to attend this community event.

The Rotary Charity Dinner and Auction serves as a major fundraiser for the Atlantic Rotary Club, with proceeds reinvested into the local community. Funds raised through past events have benefited numerous organizations, including the Nishna Valley YMCA, area schools and preschools, the Cass County Health System Foundation, and local scholarship programs for high school seniors and Iowa Western Community College students, among many others.

In addition to the dinner and auction, a raffle will be held in conjunction with the event. Proceeds from the raffle will support the Atlantic Food Bank in purchasing a commercial refrigerator/freezer to enhance its capacity to serve local families. Raffle tickets are available for $20 each or six for $100. Prizes include:

First Place: 2025 Hustler Raptor XD 54” Mower

Second Place: $500

Third Place: $250

Tickets may be purchased from any Rotarian, Food Pantry volunteer, or from David Schwab at Modern Woodmen of America, 14 W. 4th Street. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase at the event. For additional information regarding the Rotary Charity Dinner and Auction, please contact Dolly Bergmann at 712-249-9275 or Tori Gibson at 712-254-1070.

(Radio Iowa) – Engineers at Iowa State University are developing a computer game to help emergency responders think on their feet in crisis situations. In the game, players are assigned to different roles like fire, E-M-S or county emergency managers, as a derecho rolls through an urban setting. Players have to make decisions about how to respond and effectively allocate resources. I-S-U engineering professor Cameron MacKenzie is leading the project and says the game offers an immersive, yet flexible training option. “That’s kind of more or less the overall goal of what Polk County wants to achieve with it,” MacKenzie says, “creating a different type of training tool that’s engaging, that’s perhaps easier to conduct logistically than some of these large-scale exercises.”

MacKenzie says people running the game can make it more challenging by adjusting different variables, like the number of ambulances. He says people could play the game multiple times and get different outcomes.”They’re kind of doing a ‘choose your own adventure’ because they have different decisions, and based on their decisions, that influences how the game unfolds and develops,” he says.

The National Science Foundation is supporting the project through a 700-thousand dollar grant.

(Atlantic, Iowa) — The Atlantic Public Library will receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.

Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations. Opened in 1903 our library is one of 93 public libraries in Iowa built through this historic program. 48 are still in use as their local public library today.

“This gift is truly unexpected. I even spent a few minutes researching if it was real when I opened my inbox earlier this week,” said Michelle Andersen, director. “The staff and library trustees will discuss how to use the over the next couple of months before making a final decision.”

Atlantic (Iowa) Public Library

“Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as ‘cradles of democracy’ that ‘strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”

The library will receive the gift in January 2026, and may use the funds in any way we choose to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further our mission, and/or for the benefit of our community.

Patrons are invited to share their Atlantic Public Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.