(A story by the Iowa News Service) – As American Education Week continues, Iowa teachers are working to hold on to the gains they have made in the state. Iowa public school students have historically had some of the highest test scores in the nation. The state quarter even used to be emblazoned with a school house.

Joshua Brown, president of the Iowa State Education Association, said while most kids still score well on tests, Iowa’s public schools are threatened by new laws allowing tax dollars to be used for homeschool and private education tuition. “It’s unfortunate,” Brown asserted. “Especially in Iowa, I think we’ve always really valued education, and I think, generally, when you go into the streets and you talk to just a regular Iowan, they still do.”

In addition to honoring teachers, parents, and educators, American Education Week also marks the accomplishments of those who support them. Nov. 19 is Educational Support Professionals Day, recognizing paraeducators, skilled trade workers and health workers who assist the classroom.

There are more than 38,000 public school teachers in Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, said the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education are having a direct effect on the country’s most vulnerable students and teachers. “Our students with disabilities, our students who come from low-income families,” Pringle outlined. “In particular, our students living in rural areas where they need the federal government to provide those supports and to provide those people to assist them.”

The administration said it is trying to eliminate waste from the federal budget. Education Support Professionals Day was first marked in 1987, when the National Education Association announced it would recognize the contributions of all school support staff.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education, tonight (Tuesday night) bid farewell to a member of the Board who has served the District for 18-years. Board President Laura McLean said Kristy Pellett brought knowledge and experience to the position, which helped McLean adjust when she was elected to the Board.

Kristy Pellett thanked the Board, the community, the District, “For the trust and the confidence that you’ve had in me over these many years.”

Retiring Atlantic School Board Member Kristy Pellett (on the right) during attends her last meeting 11-18-25 (Still frame image from YouTube)

The retiring school board approved an out-of-state swim meet event as Dec. 4th, and the hiring of a vocal music teacher, to begin during the Second Semester.

Following retirement of the Board, an organizational meeting of the new Atlantic School Board was called to order. Josh McLaren, who was re-elected to an At-Large seat on November 4th, was also elected as the Board President for one-year. Gini Jordan was elected by her fellow Board members to be the Vice-President for 2025-26. Lisa Jones was re-appointed as the Board Treasurer and Board Secretary.

In other business, Chet Meneely, the newest addition to the Board, was administered the Oath of Office by President McLaren. The New Board set the dates and times of their meetings as the second and fourth Wednesday’s of the month, beginning at 6-p.m. The regular meetings are normally held on the second Wednesday, while the Work Sessions on on the fourth.

November 18, 2025

BLACK HAWK COUNTY, Iowa – On November 16, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., members of the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol and several other local law enforcement agencies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 47-year-old Waterloo resident Benjamin Sink. Sink was wanted on several charges related to a domestic relationship.

Sink refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, Sink’s vehicle was disabled utilizing stop sticks, and Sink’s vehicle came to stop on the side of the road.  Sink exited his vehicle, produced a firearm, and fired at officers. Deputies with the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office and a Trooper with the Iowa State Patrol returned fire, striking Sink. Officers performed lifesaving measures on Sink at the scene. Sink was transported to Mercy One Hospital in Waterloo for treatment but later was pronounced deceased.

The officers involved were uninjured and placed on critical incident leave in accordance with their department policies. Agencies involved in the response to this incident included the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, the Hudson Police Department, the Waterloo Police Department, the Cedar Falls Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

At the request of the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting the investigation into the shooting. Once the investigation is completed, the findings will be forwarded to the Black Hawk County Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Iowa Attorney General for review. Further details will be released at the time the review is released.

(An Iowa Capital Dispatch report) – The Iowa State Association of Counties is seeking financial assistance from counties for a friend-of-the-court brief in support of Story and Shelby counties’ request for U.S. Supreme Court review of a case against Summit Carbon Solutions.  The association said, in a letter addressed to county boards of supervisors, the case before the court “highlights the importance of local control” and “has the potential to impact all counties nationwide.”  Several counties in southwest Iowa have committed funds for the legal proceedings, including Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, and Page, to name a few.

Iowa State Association of Counties is a nonprofit organization with elected and appointed officials from all 99 counties, with a mission to promote effective and efficient local government.  Leadership with the county association were unable to share up-to-date figures Tuesday as to how many counties have pledged financial support on the amicus brief.

According to the letter, dated Oct. 20, 2025, it will cost the association $25,000 to submit the amicus brief to the court, which is why it is soliciting suggested donations of  $500 from counties to help “cover the cost.”  The association submitted the brief, according to the docket, Nov. 6.

The letter said the brief would be submitted on behalf of the association’s membership and would stress the importance of local control. The letter explained to supervisors that a brief can help the court to “better understand” different arguments and the importance of a case. The briefs can also help in “improving a case’s chance” of being taken up by the Supreme Court.

Story and Shelby counties were each sued by Summit Carbon Solutions — a company that seeks to build a carbon sequestration pipeline across Iowa and several other surrounding states – over local ordinances the counties enacted.  The ordinances included setbacks from structures and local permitting requirements to which Summit would have to adhere to build its pipeline through the counties.

The cases were combined as they worked through the courts. In June, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, located in Omaha, ruled in favor of Summit and a lower court, that the counties could not impose safety standards on a pipeline that is subject to federal standards. The counties then petitioned the federal appeals court for a rehearing of the case, which was denied, before the county supervisors voted in August to take the issue up to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The letter to counties included a summary of the case from Timothy Whipple of Ahlers & Cooney in Des Moines. The summary said the counties seek the U.S. Supreme Court’s review of the case because the appellate court decision was “legally wrong and problematic.” The counties allege the decision was wrong because it inquired into the motives of county supervisors when they made the ordinances, created a “vague and unworkable standard” and created a “regulatory void.”

At the center of these arguments, and of the Eighth Circuit Court’s decision, is whether or not state and local governments can consider safety when enacting ordinances or if they may enact safety standards. The summary of the suit said the appellate court’s ruling could “invalidate” a “wide range” of local ordinances. Additional counties in Iowa have also been sued by Summit over their ordinances, but those cases have been put on hold while Story and Shelby counties’ case plays out.

Summit filed requests to resume the other county cases on the argument that regardless of the Supreme Court outcome, counties would be preempted by state law in Iowa from dictating pipeline routes. Summit Carbon Solutions did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday (today).  The brief, submitted on behalf of the Iowa State Association of Counties, said Iowa counties exercise “home rule authority” to govern matters like land use.

“Expansive federal preemption, especially when based on motive, threatens counties’ autonomy,” the brief said. “The Association has a strong interest in vindicating the legitimate policymaking discretion of home rule counties.”

In addition to the association, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Preemption Law Professors and the states of Minnesota, Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont, have submitted briefs in support of the counties’ request for a reevaluation of the case.

(Radio Iowa) – Some forecasters are raising the possibility of heavy snowfall in Iowa next week, with an especially strong winter wallop for northern Iowa, potentially impacting Thanksgiving travel, but other forecasters are holding off on making a call until later. Meteorologist Dylan Dodson, at the National Weather Service, says Thanksgiving is still a bit too far away to make an accurate prediction.

“Our forecast only goes out seven days,” Dodson says. “Generally, beyond seven days, it gets a little bit more difficult to forecast, because the further you get from the current time, those possibilities start to expand. It’s kind of like that butterfly effect. As you get out further, those chances start to become less certain.” Computer forecasting models from the National Weather Service are -not- projecting anything that would make snowfall for Iowa likely in the six-to-ten day forecast.

“At least through the beginning of next week, we’re looking at above-normal temperatures — normal for this time of year is right around the upper 40s to 50 degrees for the Des Moines area — and then kind of cooler in the north, warmer in the south,” Dodson says, “so, leaning above-normal for temperatures and then also leaning slightly above-normal for precipitation.” With the agency’s eight to 14-day forecast, he says temperatures are trending to near-normal with slightly above-normal precipitation. But is a ten-inch snowfall before Thanksgiving likely?

“I wouldn’t say it’s unlikely at this point. I wouldn’t say it’s likely either,” Dodson says. “It’s just difficult to gauge that at the moment. We’ll be watching the forecast once it starts to get into the seven-day especially. We’ll definitely be starting to look at where the patterns are, but at the moment, there’s too much uncertainty to really hang your hat on anything.”

According to National Weather Service data from 1981 to 2010, the normal date for the first one-inch snowfall in northwest Iowa is between November 10th and 17th, with the first inch of snow typically falling much later in southeastern Iowa, between December 12th and the 19th.

(Atlantic, IA) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Angel(s) of Christmas, sponsored by Cass Health. The Angel of Christmas is a tradition in Atlantic, recognizing and thanking area residents and organizations who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long, and put others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet.

“The heart of the holidays shines brightest through everyday acts of kindness. Honoring those who quietly lift others up reminds us that the spirit of Christmas isn’t a season; it’s a way of living,” Kelsey Beschorner, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said.

Past Angels of Christmas titles have been awarded to: Mary-Ann Mooreman, Steve Livengood, Sheri Lecbeck, Pastor Leon Hodges, Bob Boots, Devin Hogue, Marcia Weis, Gary & Lucy Newton, Wickman Chemical, Steve Andersen, Tom McLaren, and the Atlantic Food Panty volunteers Ken Burkhart and Sharon Sandhorst.

Please nominate the Christmas Angel you know to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce by November 29th. Nominate by submitting comments about this person to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. You can find a nomination form on www.atlanticiowa.com/christmas-in-atlantic.

Pick up a Christmas in Atlantic brochure from area businesses, ‘like’ the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan) to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com. For additional information, contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or 712-243-3017.

Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.

The Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of East Mills today (Tuesday) proudly announced its opening in Malvern, providing a much-needed childcare resource for families throughout the East Mills School District. The center began serving children on October 27, 2025, and celebrated its official launch with a well-attended ribbon cutting on November 15, 2025.

The ribbon cutting brought together local families, business owners, supporters, and community leaders who played a vital role in helping bring the project to life. The strong turnout reflected the community’s commitment to expanding childcare access and ensuring the long-term vitality of the East Mills area. The East Mills Child Care Solutions board would like to thank the numerous individuals, organizations, and businesses who offered financial support, donated materials, volunteered time, or assisted with planning efforts.

The center is led by Director Brittney Rimel, whose leadership, passion, and dedication have been instrumental in building a program where children can learn and grow in a safe environment. Brittney’s commitment to families in the East Mills area has helped transform the vision for a local childcare center into a sustainable resource designed to support working parents and strengthen the local economy.

The center’s success is also a testament to its skilled and dedicated staff. Each team member has invested significant time and effort in training, classroom preparation, curriculum planning, and designing environments that are secure, nurturing, and developmentally intentional. Their work ensures that every child has access to a high-quality early learning experience from day one.

Families interested in enrollment or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact the center directly at 712-399-4881 or director@eastmillscdc.org. You can also visit our website and start your enrollment packet at eastmillscdc.org [1].

(Omaha, NE) –  The Cass County Community Foundation awarded $34,796 to Cass County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Fall 2025 grant cycle.   The following organizations are Fall 2025 grant recipients:

Organization/Project/Grant amount

• City of Anita – Downtown Park Shade Installation, $4,000
• City of Massena – Massena Community Building, $2,000
• City of Griswold – Cocklin Fish Farm Open Air & Wildflower & Tree Project, $3,500
• Wesley Retirement Services (Heritage House) – Community Connections: Heritage House Outdoor Gathering Tent $1,315
• West Central Community Action – Emergency Clothing Room Equipment, $315
• CAM FFA Alumni & Supporters – Freezer & Building Addition, $2,000
• Cass County Historical Museum – Humane Bat Exclusion / Abatement, $1,800
• Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE) – Seating chairs, $1,500
• CAM Cubs Childcare – CAM Cubs Childcare, $1,500
• Atlantic Public Library – Audio-enabled books for literacy improvement, $2,416
• Griswold Volunteer Fire Association – Thermal Imaging Cameras, $2,600
•  American Legion Post 508 – Back Door and Patio Area, $2,500
• New Welcome to Marne Signs – New Welcome to Marne Signs, $1,500
• Griswold Rescue – Cardiac Trainers, $1,100
• Anita American Legion Post 210 – Entry Area and Office Ceiling and Light Replacement, $1,700
• Vision Atlantic – Vision Atlantic, $2,000
• Massena Public Library – Replacement sinks and front window blinds, $2,000
• Lewis Public Library – Child and adult enhancement program, $1,050

All grantees met the criteria as Cass County nonprofit agencies or organizations with charitable missions supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Of the grants awarded, 16.7% supported human service, 5.6% supported environment/animals, 44.4% supported public/society benefit, 16.7% supported arts/culture/humanities, 11.1% supported education, and 5.6% supported other areas. Only organizations providing services in Cass County were eligible to apply.

The Cass County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, which meets National Standards for Community Foundations, and is one of nine county members of the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa. It receives funds annually from the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program for endowment building and grantmaking throughout the county. This cycle of grants was made possible through the County Endowment Fund Program and is funded by a percentage of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue, which is distributed annually to participating community foundations associated with counties without a state-issued gaming license.

The Cass County Community Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create permanent and expendable funds that address changing, vital community needs and interests. To inquire about donating to the Cass County Community Foundation, please contact the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa staff or any board member listed below. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Cass County Community Foundation may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Advisory board members of the Cass County Community Foundation are Kristi Burg, Sue Hunt, Mike Tibken, Sandy Bierbaum, and Jolene Sisler. For information about donating or establishing an individual foundation/fund, please contact Sunni Kamp, Southwest Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458 or sunni@omahafoundation.org

(Omaha, NE) – The Audubon County Community Foundation awarded $42,310 to Audubon County nonprofit organizations and community projects during its Fall 2025 grant cycle.

The following organizations are Fall 2025 grant recipients:

Organization/Project/Grant amount

Audubon County Public Health –  Clinical and Home Health Equipment, $9,500

Exira Fire and Ems Association – New skid unit for fire truck, $5,000

Friendship Home – Project Warmth and Wellness, $5,000

Audubon County Agricultural Society – New Septic System for Horse/Rodeo Bathroom, $5,000

Audubon County Tourism – T-Bone Trailhead Monuments, $1,405

City of Brayton – Brayton Welcome Sign, $1,405

Exira Lions Club – Exira Lions Building Roof Replacement and More!, $10,000

Exira Public Library – Stories on Our Walls: Book Spine Mural at Exira Public Library, $5,000

All grantees met the criteria as Audubon County nonprofit agencies or organizations with charitable missions that support community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. Of the grants awarded, 25% supported health, 50% supported public/society benefit, 12.5% supported arts/culture/humanities, and 12.5% supported “other.” Only organizations providing services in Audubon County were eligible to apply.

The Audubon County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, which meets National Standards for Community Foundations, and is one of nine county members of the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa. It receives funds annually from the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program for endowment building and
grantmaking throughout the county. This cycle of grants was made possible through the County Endowment Fund Program and is funded by a percentage of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue, which is distributed annually to participating community foundations associated with counties without a state-issued gaming license.

The Audubon County Community Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create permanent and expendable funds that address changing, vital community needs and interests. To inquire about donating to the Audubon County Community Foundation, please contact the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa staff or any board member listed below. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Audubon County Community Foundation may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Advisory board members of the Audubon County Community Foundation are Pat Kaiser, Dr. Michelle Sprague, Doug Carter, Claire Asberry, Colton Jones, Cristie Knudesen, and Travis Nelson.

For information about donating or establishing an individual foundation/fund, please contact Sunni Kamp, Southwest Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458 or sunni@omahafoundation.org   For information about our grantmaking program, please contact Sarah Beth Ray, Southwest Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458 or sarahbeth@omahafoundation.org