(Radio Iowa) – A spokesman for the D-O-T says traffic deaths dropped back down after a starting out the New Year up in January. Stuart Anderson told the State Transportation Commission that the lack of winter weather in January led to more cars on the road, and more fatalities. “Of course, last month we talked about January being an unusually high month, particularly coming off our record low year in 2025. February was a significantly low month,” Anderson says.

There were 24 traffic deaths in January, but that dropped to only nine deaths in February. “So I believe that was the first single-digit month we’ve had since we’ve been recording a fatality. So February was remarkably low,” he says. Anderson says this month is not off to a good start. “March has started out a little challenging. Again, we’ve had six fatalities in March so far, and we’re still obviously early in the month,” Anderson says.

The 33 traffic deaths through February of this year is down one from the first two months of last year

(Atlantic, IA) – Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War will present a local history of Civil War volunteers this Sunday, March 15, beginning at 2-p.m., at American Legion Memorial Building (The Armory), in Atlantic. The volunteers included 97 men from Cass County who were in Company “I”  of  the 23rd Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

Roy Linn, Graves Registration officer will tell of his experience to verify Civil War graves to place markers and honor their service. Martin Mundorf, local leader will tell more about Company I. Artifacts from that time will be displayed.

The program is sponsored by Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise. There is no fee. The American Legion Memorial Building is located at 201 Poplar Street in Atlantic. It is handicapped accessible.

(Atlantic, IA) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited with Grace McAfee, Cass County Wellness Coordinator, and Megan Roberts, Director of Public Health, on March 5th, 2026, to learn about a new opportunity designed to strengthen volunteerism and community engagement across Cass County.

During the visit, McAfee shared details about the Cass County Volunteerism Grant, a new program that will provide $4,000 in funding to selected nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and community groups. The program was developed after feedback from recent Community Health Needs Assessment surveys, where many local organizations repeatedly identified a shortage of volunteers as a major hurdle to expanding their impact and services.

In addition to funding, participating organizations will receive support through training sessions, staff assistance, and increased visibility for their volunteer efforts. The program includes 12 hours of required in-person training, with at least two team members from each participating organization attending the sessions. Organizations will also have access to optional one-on-one coaching through Volunteer Iowa and Healthy Cass County to help strengthen their volunteer programs.

Standing (Left to Right): BJ Hart, Bre Preis, Dolly Bergmann, Katie Bateman, Alisha Wagner, Auntoni Love, Krysta Hanson, Dan Haynes, Dr. Keith Leonard, Julie Waters, Rob Claussen, Anne Quist, Lana Westphalen
Seated: Megan Roberts, Grace McAfee, Kate Olson

A key component of the initiative will be a community Day of Service, planned for late summer. Participating organizations will host volunteer opportunities and track community participation, encouraging residents to work together in service to Cass County.

Applications for the Cass County Volunteerism Grant are due by noon on April 1, 2026. Grace emphasized that the goal of the program is to provide organizations with tools and resources that help turn funding into lasting community impact while strengthening the culture of volunteerism across Cass County.

Organizations interested in learning more about the grant opportunity are encouraged to contact Grace McAfee at 712-250-8170 or mcage@casshealth.org

(Radio Iowa) – The Cedar Rapids School Board plans to eliminate 20 full-time teaching positions from its middle and high schools next budget year in an effort to cut costs. The board earlier had planned to cut 33 positions, but received strong push-back from families. School board president Cindy Garlock says the district’s decisions around staffing and reorganization are a process.

“It is really critical for the community, the public to understand that we are trying to show you how the sausage is getting made,” Garlock says, “and sometimes it’s a convoluted path.” Alumni, parents and students from Washington High School voiced concerns about the impacts of proposed staff cuts. The board reduced the number of proposed reductions at Washington from roughly seven employees to less than one.

School board member Kaitlin Byers says the purpose of the new staffing model is to create consistency across the district and respond to inconsistencies appropriately.  “Educators, leaders, community members engaging in these conversations in a respectful and productive way that has really kept the bigger picture in focus, which we’ve heard public comment, we’ve heard through emails, we’ve heard in our conversation with our board at these meetings,” Byers says. “It just reminds us that we’re operating as a community.”

The reductions are expected to save the district roughly one-point-five million dollars. The district will finalize its decisions regarding teaching staff later this month.

(Radio Iowa) – A half dozen parents of children with disabilities are urging lawmakers to reject a plan that would prevent future governors from abandoning the system that has private insurance companies managing the state’s Medicaid program. Democrat Rob Sand, who’s running for governor, says the private companies have illegally denied care to thousands of Iowans and as governor he’d take steps to reverse privatization.

Kay Marcell of Urbandale says she and her husband have successfully appealed denials of Medicaid services for her 47-year-old son, Joel, who has developmental disabilities and chronic health issues. “I’m 73 years old and I am still providing regular care for my son and I wonder what will happen to him in the system when I am no longer able to support him as I do now,” Marcell said. “Do not lock this state into a system that frankly in my opinion and from my experience has been pretty much a disaster from the beginning and that disaster is getting worse.”

Stacy Ring of Council Blufs says her 20-year-old son does not speak and depends on Medicaid for a variety of services. “We need an exit strategy for what is rapidly becoming a failed experiment,”Ring said. “My son’s life and the lives of thousands of other constituents are in your hands.”

Governor Branstad issued an executive order in 2016 that set up private management of Iowa’s Medicaid program. The senate has voted to make that action state law and a House committee is reviewing the proposal, which would take effect January 1st — a couple of weeks before the next governor is sworn into office.

(Radio Iowa) – Under current law, Iowa youth must finish an online hunter education course AND complete an in-person “field day” before they can get a state hunting license, but a bill that’s passed the Iowa House would eliminate that required in-person gun training. Representative Jason Gearhart, a Republican from Strawberry Point, says in many parts of the state, there are very few field days where minors can fire weapons — and enrollment is limited. “Because of these barriers, my own children completed their hunters education course through North Carolina, which Iowa honored with no second thoughts,” Gearhart said.

Iowans who pass a hunter education in 34 other states are still eligible for an Iowa hunting license — and North Carolina is among the 17 states that only require minors to pass an online version. Representative J.D. Scholten, a Democrat from Sioux City, says the way the bill’s written, it’s possible a 16 or 17 year old who has never held a gun could get a hunting license and go hunting by themselves. “When I was in high school, we had hunter safety,” Scholten said. “This bill seems to take the safety part out.” Gearhart says he understands the concern. “But one field day does not replace months or years of mentorship from a parent, from an uncle, from a grandparent or an experienced hunter. That’s where real hunting safety and ethics are learned,” Gearhart said.

“House File 2335 is simple fix tha t will give parents and kids the flexibility to complete the online or in-person course on their schedule, while still keeping the in-person Field Days available for those that want them.” The bill maintains the requirement that children between the ages of 11 and 15 who are hunting be accompanies by an adult. State law requires completion of a hunter safety course before children AND adults may get a hunting license and the State of Iowa has offered the course online since 2008.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports more than 3,200 acres of Iowa land in 22 counties with an estimated value of more than $11 million was permanently protected through donations for conservation. The donors associated with 26 donations of land or land value will be recognized during a ceremony on March 24, from 1 to 2 p.m., in the first floor rotunda, at the State Capitol, in Des Moines.

Among the southwest/western Iowa landowners who will be recognized, is:

• Marcia Buresh, who donated a conservation easement on and title to 280 acres of mixed habitat near Crescent in Pottawattamie County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF). Marcia wanted to permanently protect the remnant prairie, diverse bur oak woodland and Cresent Creek, which flows through the property’s southern portion. A history of organic and sustainable farming practices has improved wildlife habitat and will support ongoing ecological restoration efforts. The site will contribute to INHF’s land stewardship efforts throughout the Loess Hills.
• Marily and Bob Caddy donated a conservation easement on 53 acres of remnant and reconstructed prairie and oak woodland in the Loess Hills in Monona County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The property has been a retreat and reunion site for the Anderson-Caddy family for decades. The Caddys have put significant work into native habitat restoration. The conservation easement ensures it will remain in its natural state for future generations.
• Renate Harker bequeathed 20 acres of mixed habitat near Sac City in Sac County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Prairie restoration will enhance existing wildlife habitat, reduce erosion and promote water infiltration in the North Raccoon River watershed.
• Janice Niemann donated seven acres of remnant tallgrass prairie near Underwood in Pottawattamie County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Its permanent protection provides refuge for wildlife in an area with little native habitat. Prairie seed collected from this site will be used to expand and restore other regional prairies.
• Eric Roberts and Stephen Prime donated 10 acres of Loess Hills remnant prairie in Missouri Valley in Harrison County to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The property has been transferred to Harrison County Conservation, which stewards the Hoary puccoon, ground plum, lead plant and other conservative prairie species that dot the hillsides. The property’s proximity to a population base offers potential hiking, birding, picnicking and more recreational opportunities.

Landowners who are in attendance will be honored individually for their donation. For more information about individual donations, visit the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/landdonors.

(Clarinda, IA) – Page County Attorney, James L. Varley, today (March 10th) reports the following activities in the Iowa District Court for Page County for the week of February 23, 2026. The Honorable Margaret Reyes, District Court Judge of the Fourth Judicial District presided. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Gerardo Moses Ray Buttry, age 25, Shenandoah, Iowa, appeared with counsel and pled guilty to Conspiracy to Deliver a Controlled Substance. The defendant was granted a deferred judgment and placed on probation for a period of 2 years. As a condition of probation, the defendant is to obtain a substance abuse evaluation and follow all treatment recommendations. Defendant was ordered to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $1,025, plus surcharges and penalties.

Lorenzo Davila, age 37, Shenandoah, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Operating While Under the Influence-1st Offense. The Defendant was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with all but 2 days suspended and placed on probation for 1 year. As a condition of probation, the defendant is to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and attend and successfully complete the Drinking Driver’s School. The defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges, and a $1,250 fine.

Jerry Dewayne Easley, age 55, Braddyville, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Operating While Under the Influence-1st Offense. The Defendant was sentenced to 2 days in jail and fined $1,250. Defendant has completed the Drinking Driver’s School and obtained a drug/alcohol evaluation and is to follow through with treatment recommendations. The defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

Quintyn James, Gray, age 19, Clarinda, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Attempted Burglary in the Third Degree. The defendant was granted a deferred judgment and was placed on probation for 1 year. As a condition of probation, the defendant is to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and follow through with any recommendations. Defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges, court-appointed attorney fees and a civil penalty of $430.

Hannah Jean Hall, age 20, Clarinda, Iowa, appeared with counsel and admitted to violating the terms and conditions of probation. Probation was revoked and the defendant was ordered to serve 21 days in the Page County Jail. Defendant was also ordered to pay court costs, fines, fees and court-appointed attorney fees.

Travis Leroy Holman, Jr., age 24, Fort Madison, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations. The defendant was sentenced to a term of incarceration not to exceed 2 years that will run consecutive to the sentence the defendant is currently serving. Defendant was fined $855, suspended, and ordered to pay surcharges and penalties.

Jose Manuel Huerta, age 41, Clarinda, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, Marijuana-3rd Offense. The defendant was sentenced to 2 years of incarceration, suspended, and placed on probation for 1 year. As a condition of probation, the defendant is to reside at the Residential Correctional Facility until maximum benefits have been achieved. Defendant was ordered pay a fine of $855, plus court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

Gary Lynn Kent, age 69, Clarinda, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Operating While Intoxicated-1st offense. The Defendant was sentenced to 45 days of incarceration with all but 2 days suspended. Defendant was placed on probation for 1 year and ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation. The Defendant was ordered to pay a fine of $1,250, surcharges and penalties.

Rico Osby, age 35, Fort Madison, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations Causing Bodily Injury. The defendant was sentenced to 5 years of incarceration which will run consecutively to the sentences the defendant is currently serving. Defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

Keaton Ray Osthoff, age 34, New Market, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Operating While Under the Influence-1st Offense. The defendant was sentenced to 2 days in the Page County Jail and fined $1,250. Defendant previously completed the Drinking Driver’s School and obtained a drug/alcohol evaluation. The Defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

Evan James Welsh, age 19, Clarinda, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations. The defendant was sentenced to a term of incarceration not to exceed 2 years that will run consecutive to the sentence the defendant is currently serving. Defendant was fined $855, suspended, and ordered to pay surcharges and penalties.

(Radio Iowa) – A northwest Iowa school district plans to provide more training after community complaints of racism from students. During the school board meeting M-O-C Floyd Valley student Itzel Benitez says her sister and other Latino students have faced racism in school. “All I’m expecting from this school is to do better for their students, for their staff and their community, and to stop looking the other way,” she says.

Superintendent Mike Mulder says he’s heard from concerned parents and citizens in the Orange City district, and he will do something about it. “Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that our students, when they walk through our doors, feel safe, feel supported, and prepared for their success. So this is the work that we’re committed to today, and the work that we need to continue moving forward,” he says. The district wants to hire a third party to provide additional training for staff on cultural and bias-awareness training. One board member says some of the issues raised by the public are out of the school district’s control.

About 25 percent of students who attend M-O-C-Floyd Valley are minorities, and some say some students who were told to “go back to their home countries,” and a high schooler wearing a shirt that said “ICE, ICE, Baby” with a photo of President Trump.

(Atlantic, IA) – A regular monthly meeting of the Atlantic School Board will take place Wednesday (March 11) beginning at 6-p.m., in the High School Media Center. View the entire agendabelow:

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Welcome Visitors:
5. Special Presentation: Cass County Hospital
6. Reports
a. Student Activities/Athletics Report
b. Student Services Report and presentation
c. Curriculum Report
d. Building Principals’ Reports: PK-3rd, 4-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th
e. Superintendent Report
f. Board Updates
g. Financial Report
7. Consent Items* Note: Any item may be removed from the consent agenda by a board member and considered separately.
a. Meeting Minutes from February 11 and 25, 2026
b. Monthly bills and prepaid bills Late Bills-added 3/9/2026
c. Open Enrollment Applications
i. The deadline to submit open enrollment applications for the 2026–2027 school year was March 1, 2026. Applications received by the District have been processed by Janet Nicklaus and reviewed by Superintendent Beth Johnsen. The Board will consider and take action on these applications at the March 11 meeting.
d. Special Education Contracts, not applicable
e. Resignations/Retirements
i. Megan Andersen, High School Para, effective end of school year
f. Recommendation to Hire
i. Roger Warne, Assistant Track Coach
ii. Mark Andersen, Boys Assistant Soccer Coach
iii. Bryce Casey, JV Baseball Coach
iv. Transfer of Faye Dreyer to Title 1 Math position for 26-27 school year
g. Gifts, Grants and Donations from February
h. Upcoming Fundraising Request(s), not applicable this month
8. Discussion
a. District Career Academic Plan discussion with Heather McKay
b. Technology Bids for FY27 presented by Roger Warne
9. Action Items
a. Out-of-State Travel Requests
b. FY27 Cooperative Purchasing Nutrition Agreement
c. FY27 Technology Bids approval Bid 1 Bid 2 Recommendation 1 Recommendation 2
d. FY27 Green Hills MOU
e. IASB Policy Update: Civil Rights Complaints Special Release, First reading
f. Budget Guarantee Resolution
g. Set Public Hearing Date for FY27 Budget hearing #2
10. Upcoming Dates
a. Board Meeting including public hearing for 26-27 School Master Calendar and Budget hearing #1, March 25, 2026, 6:00 p.m. High School Media Center
11. Adjournment

**The meeting may be viewed via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/fUoO3pgyuhk