(Atlantic, IA) – The 2026 Cass County Master Gardeners Horticulture Scholarship application is open, with the deadline fast approaching on April 1.  The purpose of this scholarship is to provide post-secondary funds to individuals who are studying and intend to pursue a career in a horticulture-related field. This $1,000 horticulture scholarship is available to students who are graduating seniors in any of the following Iowa school districts, in which currently reside members of the Cass County, Iowa Master Gardeners (CCMG):  Atlantic, AHSTW, CAM, Griswold, or Red Oak.

The scholarship is also available to graduates, of any age, of any of these school districts. Students of any age studying in a horticulture-related field are encouraged to apply, regardless of the type of program they are studying, as long as they intend to obtain some degree or certificate in a horticultural-related field. The scholarship can be used at any two-year, four-year, or trade school program.

The goal of the Master Gardener program is to support horticulture education and community service.  Cass County Master Gardener members provide many hours of volunteer service and gardening education within their local communities. This scholarship is designed to further that focus on education and community service. Enrollment in a horticulture-related program of study is required for consideration.

Those fields include horticulture, floral design, landscape design, agricultural education, botany, forestry, and more.  The scholarship winner will be selected based upon horticulture-related career goals, history of community service, academic success, and quality and completeness of application. Financial need is NOT a consideration.

Pictured: Luke Irlmeier, 2025 Cass County Master Gardener Scholarship Recipient (photo courtesy Kate Olson, Cass County Extension Director)

The 2025 Scholarship was awarded to Luke Irlmeier, a 2025 graduate of Atlantic High School.  He is currently a student at Iowa State University, studying horticulture with an interest in landscape design.  His interest in horticulture began with gardening in his childhood, expanding as a teenager into tearing up parts of his parents’ yard for landscaping projects, assisting neighbors and other community members with landscaping, and designing and installing a flowerbed around his church’s sign.  Throughout his time in school, Luke was involved in numerous service projects through his schools, church, and community.

The 2026 scholarship is open to any student pursuing post-secondary education during the 2026-2027 school year. A scholarship check will be issued in January 2027, in the student’s name directly to the academic institution, upon receipt of an official grade transcript for the completed Fall 2026 semester, demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 or other successful program completing. A previous scholarship recipient may re-apply, but an individual may only receive a total of two scholarships from this program.

The application form is available through the high school guidance departments of any eligible school district, or on the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/.  Applications should be submitted to the Cass County Extension Office, 805 W 10th St, Atlantic, Iowa 50022, or emailed to keolson@iastate.edu on or before the April 1, 2026 deadline for consideration. Questions can be directed to Kate Olson at the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132.

The goal of the Master Gardener program, in all 50 states and internationally, is to support horticulture education and community service.  Master Gardeners complete an extensive course study and 40 volunteer hours to become certified.   Once certified, a Master Gardener is required to obtain a minimum of 10 education hours and to provide a minimum of 20 volunteer hours, annually.

In addition to scholarships, the Cass County Master Gardeners also provide gardening grants, host an annual Gardening seminar, coming up this year on March 28, Plant Sales in the spring (May 9) and fall (September 12), a daylong bus trip (May 20), and a summer garden walk (June 21).

The members provide volunteer assistance in various projects including gardens at the Cass County Community Building and fairgrounds, the Cass County Outdoor Classroom, city parks, libraries, churches and other locations; and provide education and service at Produce in the Park, Grow Another Row, gardening with youth, and more. Information on upcoming events can be found by following the Cass County Master Gardeners on Facebook or at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/master-gardener-program.

(Radio Iowa) – Motorcycles assembled by individuals rather than produced by a recognized manufacturer could legally drive on Iowa roads if a bill that’s moving through the legislature becomes law. The bill passed the House unanimously last week in less than a minute and a Senate subcommittee hearing this (Monday) afternoon on the measure lasted less than three minutes.

Susan Fenton, the legislative liaison for the Iowa Department of Transportation, says the agency’s not opposing the bill, but she says it would let rebuilt off-road motorcycles on the highways. “The concern that we have would be that they won’t meet the federal guidelines and there could be safety risks,” Fenton said. Senator Liz Bennett, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, says she’s willing to learn a little bit more about the bill, but is reluctant to vote for it at this point.”

“I do have a few concerns with it,” Bennett said. “I’m not sure why we would authorize stuff on the roads that doesn’t meet federal standards.” Republican Senator Mark Lofgren is willing to advance the bill.  “I don’t know much about it, but I’m willing to get it out of committee since I’m not hearing really anything negative on it,” Lofgren said. Lofgren, who’s from Muscatine had to join the hearing by telephone.

The blizzard delayed his trip to the Capitol in Des Moines. “I’ve got the weather problem thing, but I guess they just got (Interstate) 80 opened up,” Lofgren said. “I will be there, but I’ll be late.” A few legislative meetings are being held today, but the House AND Senate have cancelled plans to debate bills today (Monday) as some legislators have been unable to get to the statehouse.

(Radio Iowa/Brownfield Ag News) – An eastern Iowa farmer who’s a past president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association says the price spike in fertilizer is out of control. Lance Lillibridge raises cattle, corn, soybeans and alfalfa in Benton County, near Vinton.  “Jacking up prices of fertilizer 77% on product that’s actually in the states right now and in warehouses because of something that’s happened half a world away, that’s not right,” Lillibridge said. “Somebody needs to get he cuffs slapped on them for that one.”

Lillibridge ordered his fertilizer supply before the war in Iran broke out, but about 25 percent of farmers have not. “We’ve had a problem with fertilizer prices for quite some time now and it hasn’t been dealt with and now that we have a situation, a geopolitical situation it has completely amplified that and it has gone completely out of control,” Lillibridge. “Eventually it is going to hurt everyone down the road if we don’t get this fixed quickly.”

On Friday the U-S Secretary of Agriculture said the White House is looking at every potential avenue to lower fertilizer prices and she’s talking with congress about additional funds for U.S. farmers. According to the American Farm Bureau, 49 percent of the global supply of nitrogen and 30 percent of ammonia comes from the Persian Gulf.

RED OAK, Iowa – The Board of Trustees of the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics (MCMH + Clinics) have announced that Michael O’Neal has officially been appointed Chief Executive Officer. His appointment is effective Monday, March 16, 2026.

O’Neal has served as Chief Operating Officer at MCMH + Clinics since November 2021. He brings more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, including 13 years as CEO of George C. Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa. His background also includes service as Chief Information Officer at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, Nebraska, as well as distinguished service as a United States Marine and a Nebraska State Trooper. He holds a Master of Business Administration and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Since joining MCMH + Clinics, O’Neal has played a key role in strengthening hospital operations, advancing strategic initiatives, and supporting staff and providers in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved his appointment following a formal succession planning process designed to ensure stability and continued growth for the organization. MCMH + Clinics Board Chair, Jill Bergstrom, states, “We are excited to welcome Mike as the next Chief Executive Officer of MCMH + Clinics. We have been fortunate to get to know Mike over the last four years since he was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2021. His attention to detail, long term planning and active listening will continue to move us forward as we strive to be the regional leader in healthcare. Welcome, Mike!” Mike O’Neal graciously adds, “This hospital and this community mean a lot to me. I’ve had the privilege of working in rural healthcare for many years, and I’ve learned that hospitals succeed because of two things; the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others and the communities that stand behind them. Montgomery County Memorial Hospital has both. We have an outstanding staff and providers, a committed Board, and a community that truly values local healthcare.

Ron Kloewer has led this organization well, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong foundation already in place. My focus moving forward is simple: take care of our people, continue strengthening access to care close to home, and ensure this hospital remains a source of pride for the community.”Under O’Neal’s leadership, MCMH + Clinics will continue focusing on strengthening rural healthcare access, investing in advanced technology and facilities, expanding services to meet evolving community needs, and fostering a culture that supports its employees. With a strong leadership team, dedicated staff, and committed Board support, the organization remains well-positioned to build on its legacy while embracing new opportunities for innovation, growth, and excellence in patient care for generations to come.”

(Greenfield, IA) – Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports a man from Greenfield was arrested last week and held without bond. The Sheriff says 69-year-old Alfonso Ramirez-Meneses was arrested Thursday (March 12th), on the following charges: 3 counts of Assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, and three counts of Going Armed with Intent. His arrest followed a report about a man threatening others with a knife at a residence in the 400 block of N. 1st Street, in Greenfield. The victims stated Ramirez allegedly threatened them with a knife and advanced towards them, thrusting the knife in a threatening manner. They said they were in fear for their lives. In addition to the aforementioned charges, Ramirez was being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer.

The Sheriff reports also, 50-year-old Michelle Ann Day, of Greenfield, was arrested March 10th at around 8:40-p.m., for Assault causing bodily injury or mental illness.  She was taken into custody at a restaurant in the 600 block of NE 6th Street, after statements from parties involved and video footage of Day allegedly assault another woman. The victim suffered from scratches on her face. Day’s bond was set at  $1,000.

(Glenwood, IA) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports nine arrests took place over the past week.

On March 9th:

• 34-year-old Nicholas James Gragg, of Malvern, was arrested on 188th Street near Pacific Junction, on charges that include: Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) – 3rd or subsequent offense; PCS – 2nd offense; Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia; Child Endangerment; Theft in the 5th Degree, and Interference with official acts. Gragg’s bond was set at $7,600.
• 29-year-old Jennifer Marie Pickle, of Glenwood, was arrested for PCS – 3rd or subsequent offense, and Child Endangerment. Her bond was set at $3,000.
• 19-year-old Alana Joleen Gerhart, of Pacific Junction, was arrested for OWI/1st offense (Bond $1,000).

On March 10th, Mills County Deputies arrested:

• 35-year-old Nicholas James Bonacci, of Omaha, for Contempt of Court – Resist court order.
• 62-year-old Cedric Jerome King, of Omaha, was arrested for Unauthorized use of a credit/debit card (<$1,500). Bond was set at $2,000.

On March 11th: 48-year-old Aaron Michael Lacy, of Nebraska City, NE, was arrested in Glenwood, for Theft in the 1st Degree (>$10,000). His bond was set at $10,000; 30-year-old Alfred James Hutchings, of Shenandoah, was arrested in Emerson, for Assault with intent – causing serious injury. Bond was set at $2,000.

On the 12th, Mills County Deputies arrested 31-year-old Paige Rae Wooley, of Omaha, on two counts – Violation of Probation. Her bond was set at $4,000. And, on March 13th, 64-year-old Jeffrey Richard Pape, of Emerson, was arrested in Clarinda, on an out-of-state/county warrant. Bond was set at $2,000.

(Guthrie Center, IA) – Sheriff’s officials in Guthrie County say no injuries were reported following a collision Sunday evening between a car and a snow plow. The accident happened at around 5:45-p.m. on Iowa Highway 141 from Highway 4. The car, a 2005 Buick Lesabre driven by 43-year-old Troy H. Jorgensen, of Chelsea (IA) and the 2012 International snow plow with its warning lights activated, and driven by 33-year-old Alexander Ray Higgins, of Jefferson, were both traveling westbound on Highway 141, when the car hit the plow from behind.

The car came to rest on the road, while the truck stopped on the shoulder. Damage from the collision amounted to $11,000 altogether. Authorities said Jorgensen was not wearing his seat belt. The vehicle’s airbag deployed upon impact. Jorgensen was cited for Failure to maintain control.

(Creston, IA) – Officials with the Creston Police Department, today (Monday), said two people were arrested on separate OWI-related charges, Friday. At around 9:40-a.m., Creston Police Officers arrested 37-year-old Lisa Joanne Squibbs, of Afton. She was arrested at the Creston Law Enforcement Center on an Outside Agency Warrant for Operating While Under the Influence – 1st Offense, and a warrant for Failure to appear on an original, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, charge. Squibbs was taken to the Union County Jail where she posted bond totaling $1,300 and was released.

And, just before midnight, Friday, Creston Police arrested 47-year-old Genea Collaine Moore, of Des Moines, a the intersection of Highway 34 and Abell Street.  Moore was charged with OWI – 1st Offense. She was transported to the Union County Jail where she posted a $1,000 cash or surety bond before being released.