(Radio Iowa) – The law now allows you to shoot off fireworks today (Thursday) and tomorrow. State Fire Marshal Dan Brown says with fireworks legal to shoot off on private property for the first time in years, take precautions. “You know, just being safe. You know, having that water source there next to you in case something does light on fire with the fireworks,” he says.

Brown says be sure you are using fireworks in a safe place. “Staying away from building, staying away, dry grass and and fields and you know, just general, watching what you’re doing when you are lighting them off,” he says, “not pointing them at each other and just things like that. Use them in a safe manner.”

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You can shoot off fireworks today until 10 p-m and July 4th from 9 a-m until 11 p-m. (In the City of Atlantic: The City Council in June, set the times as being from 9-a.m. until 11-p.m., July 3rd, 4th, and 5th)

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Police in Glenwood report a man from Nebraska was arrested today (Thursday), on drug charges. 32-year-old Dakota Stewart, of Bellevue, NE., was arrested for OWI/1st offense, possession of a controlled substance, and possession drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $2,300. Stewart was subsequently released on a Recognizance Bond.

(Radio Iowa) – Many Iowans will be celebrating the nation’s independence tonight by lighting the fuse on fireworks, and those big booms can be confusing and upsetting for some pets. Michelle Casey, with the Humane Society, says it’s likely -not- a good idea to take your dog to a fireworks display, either a big professional show or in your backyard.

“You never know when those fireworks start to go off or those loud noises, you never know how a dog’s going to react. So, I would suggest keeping your pets inside the house, somewhere where they’re secure during fireworks displays,” Casey says. “It can be really very stressful, and dogs can experience a lot of anxiety from that.”

Casey says if your pet does not like fireworks, consider getting some dog-specific anxiety medication before the -next- Independence Day.

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“The big thing, I would say, is just keep your pets inside. During Fourth of July, you can turn on some music, turn on the TV, something like that, to kind of drown out the sound,” she says.

“And then, of course, you can speak to your veterinarian, if you think that your pet might require some medication to make them more comfortable.”

Casey also recommends using a weighted “thunder shirt” for dogs to help keep them calm.

(Radio Iowa) – The four Republicans who represent Iowa in the U.S. House will be voting to approve the bill that implements President Trump’s priorities, including an extension of the tax cuts he signed into law in 2017. “President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill will dramatically grow our economy. It’s the largest tax cut in American history for families, farmers, workers and small businesses,” Fourth district Congressman Randy Feenstra said in a speech on the House floor early this morning. “…We must pass this bill to unleash economic growth and rural prosperity.” Feenstra said the bill will “virtually eliminate” the estate tax by permanently raising the amount someone can inherit — without paying federal taxes — to $15 million,”which will help save two million family farms. Additionally, this legislation fully funds the border wall, hires more ICE and Border Patrol agents and creates American energy independence.”

The bill phases out tax credits for wind and solar production, a move U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said removes distortions in the market and will unleash energy production that works without subsidies. Iowa’s three other representatives in the U-S House posted video messages online about their support for bill. Third district Congressman Zach Nunn of Bondurant recorded his just as the sun was rising today. “This is what delivering for the American people looks like,” Nunn said, “this is what we were elected to do and this is why I’m proud to send it into law.”

Second district Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion emphasized the new tax provisions in the bill. “No tax on tips, no tax on overtime,” Hinson said, “and we’re focusing on protecting our seniors by increasing the amount you’re able to deduct from your Social Security earnings.” First district Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Davenport said she’s “delighted” House Republicans will be able to get the bill “across the finish line” and to the president’s desk by July 4. “It helps our small businesses and it helps our farmers,” Miller-Meeks said. Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart hosted a mid-morning rally to blast the bill. “If we’re going to have a ‘golden age,’ we’ve got to start making better decisions,” Hart said.

Hart and other speakers said the bill will put Iowa hospitals and nursing homes at risk and raise energy costs by phasing out tax credits for wind energy. “Does that seem fair to you?” Hart asked the crowd. “Does that even make any sense?” Dave Reid of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said the bill puts America’s energy future at risk. “Developers are pulling back,” Reid said, “more instability in our national energy system at the worst possible time.” Sandy Holland, a nurse from Missouri Valley, said she’s worried about the impact on Medicaid payments for nursing homes and rural hospitals. “I have worked in rural Iowa my entire career. I know how many people come through our E.R.,” she said. “Do they really think these services are going to continue?”

The event was held in Windsor Heights, which is in Congressman Zach Nunn’s district. Hart urged the crowd to keep calling Nunn’s office and urge him to vote no on the bill.”Speak up, stand up, show up — that’s what you’ve been doing. That’s what we’ve got to keep doing,” Hart said. “Let’s make this message heard all over the country.”

It’s unclear when the House will vote. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been speaking on the floor since just before 4 a.m. Iowa time. Under House rules, both Jeffries and the House Majority Leader are allowed to speak as long as they wish before House members start to vote.

ATLANTIC, IA — The Atlantic Community School District is asking residents to share their input on a potential November bond referendum aimed at addressing facility needs across the district.
The anonymous survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is available online at https://dgsurveys.com/r/AtlanticCSD2025. Paper copies are also available at the district’s central office at 1406 SW 7th St. in Atlantic. The survey will remain open through July 13, 2025.

“We encourage all of our residents to use this opportunity to learn more about the facility challenges we face and provide feedback about a potential general obligation bond referendum in November,” said Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen. “The Board of Education and administration have invested significant time studying these issues and exploring project options that will ensure we continue providing an exceptional education experience today and in the future.”

Over the past year, the district has partnered with contractors, architects, and engineers as part of its facility planning to assess its buildings and grounds. This work resulted in a 10-year Facilities Master Plan designed to guide future improvements. A report received this summer identified an estimated $40 million in maintenance, renovations, and new construction projects across multiple campuses. The proposed work includes classroom renovations, upgrades to safety and security systems, infrastructure improvements, and a new fieldhouse at Atlantic High School.

To move forward, at least 60% of Atlantic CSD voters would need to approve a $27 million bond referendum in November. The district would use $13 million in state sales tax revenue and local funds to cover the remaining costs. Atlantic CSD’s current property tax levy is $12.52 per $1,000 of taxable property value. That rate ranks sixth among the nine public school districts in the Hawkeye Ten Conference and is lower than rates in neighboring districts serving Nodaway Valley, Riverside, and Griswold.