(Des Moines, IA) – State Auditor Rob Sand racked up the miles on his truck last week by delivering Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) awards to eight government entities across Western Iowa. In a news release, Sand said “Congratulations to this year’s PIE winners, and a big thanks to all the participants. You’ve shown that saving taxpayers money can be sweet.  “Recognizing community leaders for their efforts with a pie is just the cherry on top. Taxpayers are the real winners.”

Sand launched the nationally recognized PIE program in 2019.  It is designed to help Iowa communities slash waste and save tax dollars by sharing creative, common-sense ideas to improve efficiency.  Approximately 500 counties, cities, and school districts across the state submit annual entries referred to as “PIE Recipes.”

Here is a list of area PIE award winners, followed by a sample of their cost-cutting measures and choice of pie.

• City of Bridgewater
  • Fifty percent of electronic items are unplugged overnight
    

    Bridgewater

  • Online access to meeting agendas, minutes, and budget information
  • Utilizes cisterns to save and store water
  • Cherry pie from Aunt Jenny’s Kitchen in Greenfield
• Adams County
  • Implemented cybersecurity protocols
  • Electronic payroll system
  • Utilizes natural light to save energy
  • Apple pie from Aunt Jenny’s Kitchen in Greenfield
• Diagonal Community School District
  • Removed personal appliances
  • Official policy encourages video conferencing to save travel costs
  • Created a community planning team
  • Apple pie from Aunt Jenny’s Kitchen in Greenfield
• Essex Community School District
  • Designated team responsible for energy management
  • Utilizes 28E Agreements
  • Using a composting system
  • Apple pie from Aunt Jenny’s Kitchen in Greenfield
• Mount Ayr Community School District
  • Participates in local utilities’ rebate and energy efficiency programs
  • Reduced lawn size to cut water bill
  • Coordinated emergency dispatch services
    

    Adams County

  • Pecan pie from Country Ayr Cottage Bakery in Mount Ayr
• City of Beaconsfield
  • Centralized printing to reduce the number of printers
  • Lights turned off in unoccupied rooms
  • Utilizes 28E Agreements
  • French Silk pie from Country Ayr Cottage Bakery in Mount Ayr

Fun PIE Facts and FAQs:

• When possible, pies are purchased from local bakeries.
• Auditor Sand pays for the pies.
• The most requested pie is apple.
• The least requested pie is sour cream raisin.

Essex

(Red Oak, IA) – Police in Red Oak report the arrest at around 1-p.m. Saturday (Feb. 28), of 41-year-old Jeremy Ray Dilocker, of Red Oak. He was arrested in the 1200 block of Senate Avenue, for Public Intoxication – a Simple Misdemeanor. Dilocker was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 bond.

( Council Bluffs, IA) – Feeling Stretched as a Caregiver?  ”Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is an educational series designed to provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself.  This program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, improve communication, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.

The caregiver class consists of six sessions held once a week. Two experienced Class Leaders conduct the series (many are experienced caregivers themselves, who have successfully applied the techniques they teach). Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming will help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life.

Participants will receive a book, The Caregiver Helpbook and vital support to continue their caregiving journey. There is no fee for the class, but if you would like to make an in kind donation please visit www.connectionsaaa.org and select Donate Now and list “Caregiver Program” in the “Event Support” Area.

For more information or to register, contact Tasha Jones, tjones@connectionsaaa.org or 800-432-9209 ext 8157. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Classes will be hosted virtual Zoom on Thursdays and begin on April 9, 2026, through May 14, 2026. Classes are hosted from 11-a.m. through 1-p.m.

To receive more information about our Caregiver Program and supports or how to make a financial difference please visit www.Connectionsaaa.org or call 1-800-432-9209 to explore local community services and supports.

(Atlantic, IA)  – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were hosted by the staff of Cass County Extension on Thursday, February 26th, where they welcomed a new team member and learned more about the organization’s programs and services.

During the visit, Kate Olson, Director, introduced the Ambassadors to Judy Sandbothe, who joined the Extension team as office assistant at the end of 2025. Olson also shared an overview of the structure and purpose of Cass County Extension, explaining that the organization is funded through property tax support, program revenue, grants, and partnerships. As a tax-levying body, Extension works to provide research-based education and resources to residents across the county.

Extension programming supports individuals and families through a wide range of opportunities, including agriculture and natural resources education, youth development, family and consumer science programming, nutrition and wellness education, and community leadership initiatives. These programs aim to strengthen local farms, families, businesses, and communities by connecting residents with trusted information from Iowa State University.

Back Rows (Left to Right): Lana Westphalen, Bernard Pettinger, Grace McAfee, Nick Miles, Becky Osborne, Connie Wailes, Rae Ome Conn, Dr. Keith Loenard, Auntoni Love, Krysta Hanson, Brittani, Jennifer McEntaffer, Elaine Otte, Sue Liston, Alisha Wagner, Julie Waters, Kathie Hockenberry, Megan Roberts, Bre Preis, Dolly Bergmann, Chris Parks, Wendy Richter, John Bricker, Dan Haynes, Jeff Christensen.
Front Row in Red: Sue Riggs, Katie Bateman, Kate Olson, Judy Sandbothe

Katie Bateman, Youth Coordinator, highlighted the impact of local 4-H programming, which operates under the motto “Making the Best Better.” Cass County 4-H currently serves 194 youth in grades 4 through 12, along with 68 younger participants in Clover Kids for kindergarten through third grade. The county is home to 10 4-H clubs and five Clover Kids clubs, all made possible through the dedication of 35 volunteers who support youth development and hands-on learning experiences.

The Ambassadors appreciated learning more about the educational programs, leadership opportunities, and community partnerships supported by Cass County Extension and the important role the organization plays in serving residents of all ages.

For more information on Extension programming visit their website at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CassCoIAExt.

The Cass County Extension office is located at 805 W. 10th St., Atlantic and is open Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM.

(Guthrie Center, IA) – The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors are set to meet Tuesday, March 3rd, beginning at 9-a.m. in their Board Room at the Guthrie County Courthouse. Here is their published agenda:

Regular Meeting, 9:00 AM, March 3, 2026
1. Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approve Consent Agenda; Discuss/Approve
a. Minutes for February 24, 2026
b. March 3, 2026 Claims
c. February 27, 2026 Payroll
d. Liquor License Renewal-Captain’s Pick
3. Public Comments: Board Chair will ask audience for comments, limited as described below.
4. Award Contract for P28/Wagon Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project LFM-P28(2)-7X-39
5. Resolution 26-24: Resolution to Accept Bid & Award Contract for Bridge Replacement Project BROS-C039(100)-8J-39
6. 9:15 a.m. Public Hearing on the Proposed Change of Service of a Portion of “Casey Road” to an Area Service Level “B”
7. 9:20 a.m. Public Hearing on the Proposed Vacation of a Portion of “Casey Road” and 350th Street
8. Resolution 26-25: Resolution for Reduction of Service to Level B
9. Resolution 26-26: Resolution to Vacate a Portion of 350th Street
10. Set Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Property Tax Levy Hearing Notice
11. Approve Notice of Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Property Tax Levy Hearing
12. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Work Shop
13. Supervisors Updates
14. Adjournment

Additional information (Including how to join the meeting electronically) can be found HERE.

Public Comment – Limited to 3 minutes per person, once called upon by Chairperson, please provide your name for the recorded minutes. To be included on the agenda, requests must be submitted to the Auditor’s Office by 4pm on the Friday preceding the Tuesday meeting and 4pm on the Tuesday preceding the Thursday meeting.

(Red Oak, IA) – The Board of Supervisors in Montgomery County will meet beginning at 9-a.m. in their Board Room at the Courthouse in Red Oak. Here’s their published agenda:

1. Call meeting to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll call of members
4. Approval of Agenda – Order at discretion of Chairperson
5. Read minutes as presented. Chairperson to call for any additions/corrections to said minutes.
6. Board chairperson will ask the audience for any comments, limited to two minutes per person.
7. Supervisors: Weekly committee/assignment updates
8. NRCS Structure Update – Dustin Brake and Dave Carbaugh
9. Secondary Roads Update
   1. Approve Resolution 2026-15 to prohibit the operation of vehicles or imposed limitations to the weight on designated highways or highway structures (see attached resolution and bridge list)

1. 2. Approve Resolution 2026-16 for low water stream crossing signage (210^th Street)
2. New Business
   1. Discuss Resolution 2026-17 Dissolving a County Compensation Board with action as necessary
   2. Set the date for Montgomery County FY27 1^st hearing Budget (Truth in Taxation Statement) for March 24, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. with discussion and action as necessary
3. Discuss and start agenda items for the next meeting: claims, reports
4. Announcements – The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
5. Adjournment

*Please note, this is a public meeting; however, it may be conducted via ZOOM

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84418059835

Meeting ID: 844 1805 9835

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 If you are calling in, Press *9 to raise your hand if you wish to speak.31

(Atlantic, IA) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors will meet in a regular session this coming Tuesday, March 3rd, in their Board Room at the Cass County Courthouse. The meeting may be viewed in-person, electronically through Zoom*, or via the telephone** (see instructions below).

The order of agenda items may change based on when personnel are available and when time allows.
1. Call to order and roll call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approve Consent Agenda:

• Minutes from the February 17, 2026 regular board meeting
• Minutes from the February 19, 2026 real estate work session
• Claims paid from February 17 – 27, 2026

4. Public Comments
5. Presentation by Grace McAfee, Community Wellness Coordinator, regarding Cass County Day of Service Training & Implementation Fund.
6. Approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Engagement Letter with Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn & Co. P.C.
7. Discuss/Approve Release of Responsibility for maintenance of Crooked Creek Watershed site 12-C-1 in Benton Township, T77N R35W Section 13 to Glenn Ellen Farms Inc. (Dave Hansen).
8. Review 28E Agreement – Southwest Iowa Juvenile Emergency Service/Approve Board Chair to sign on behalf of the County.
9. Set the date and time for the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 tax levy for 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
10. Set the date and time for the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget for 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
11. Approve Resolution 2026-07, Implementing Temporary Vacancy Review Procedure for Approval to Fill Positions under Iowa Code § 331.903.
12. Report from Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken
13. Filed Reports, if available:

• General Relief/Mental Health
• Recorder
• Sheriff Report of Fees Collected
• Clerk of Court

14. Reports of Supervisors and Committees
15. Adjournment
16. Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 17, 2026

*Join Electronically via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2899195216?pwd=R0hSa2FOOTh0NUdra1ZSdVhVWH
pMUT09
Meeting ID: 289 919 5216
Passcode: 012064

**Call In 312-626-6799, press *9 to indicate you wish to speak

(Creston, IA) – The were no injuries or citations reported following a collision mid-morning, Friday, in Creston. According to the Creston Police Department, vehicles driven by 68-year-old Christine M. Oclair, of Creston, and 76-year-old Nancy Lee Mach, of Corning, collided at around 10:10-a.m., at the intersection of W. Prairie and N. Sumner Streets.

Authorities say a 2019 Toyota Camry driven by Oclair was stopped on W. Prairie Street, facing eastbound. A 2015 Chevy Equinox driven by Mach was traveling north on N. Sumner and making a left turn onto W. Prairie St. While making the turn, Mach turned too sharply, authorities said. Her vehicle struck the front left side of the Camry, causing minor damage to each vehicle (for an estimated total of $5,000).

JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS – DES MOINES, Iowa (2/28/26)  – Approximately 575 Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division are arriving back in the United States as part of the continued phased return from their deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Officials with the Iowa National Guard say during their deployment, these Soldiers worked alongside coalition and regional partners to significantly reduce the capabilities of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, helping improve security and stability throughout the region.

As operations transition and mission objectives are achieved under U.S. Central Command guidance, Soldiers and units are redeploying in phases based on mission requirements, personnel needs, and transportation availability. Some Soldiers return earlier as their specific missions conclude, while others remain deployed to continue essential responsibilities such as partner support and base security. Every Soldier contributes to mission success and to ensuring the safe return of the force.

Details regarding welcome home ceremonies in Des Moines, Sioux City and Cedar Rapids will be announced as they are finalized.