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.

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. 10^th St., Atlantic and is open Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. on Thursday, February 19th, to welcome back store manager Brian Ruge and meet several new members of the team.

Ruge previously managed the Atlantic location for seven years before taking an opportunity to open a new Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. store in Omaha. After two years there, and following a leadership change in Atlantic, Ruge decided to return to the community he enjoys serving. He shared with the Ambassadors that he is excited to be back and looks forward to reconnecting with customers and continuing to grow the store.

During the visit, Ruge introduced the Ambassadors to several new staff members, including Tristan Schmidt, Rylee Harlan, and Lexie Dvorak. Familiar faces Lori Blum and Kristy York also remain part of the team and continue to provide the friendly service customers have come to expect.

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. is a long-standing, full-service footwear retailer founded in 1913, known for its expert, personalized fitting approach that prioritizes comfort and foot health. With 74 locations across 12 Midwestern states, the company has served the Atlantic community for more than 80 years. In addition to footwear, the store offers socks, apparel, sunglasses, and accessories, along with tuxedo rental services and dry-cleaning drop-off and pickup.

Ruge also shared details about a current promotion running through the end of the month. Customers who bring in an old pair of shoes can have them properly disposed of or donate lightly used pairs, and in return receive $25 off their next purchase. To add a fun incentive, Ruge is also offering a $50 gift card to the customer who brings in the most well-worn pair of shoes.

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. is located at 502 Chestnut Street in Atlantic. Store hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information about products and services, call 712-243-1336.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited Cass County Animal Clinic on Thursday, February 5th, to welcome a new doctor and veterinary technician and learn more about recent growth and expanded services.

Cass County Animal Clinic was founded in 1979 by Dr. Larry Victora, serving generations of local families and their animals. In May of 2020, the practice was purchased by Dr. Erin Conrad-Schwarte, who has continued to invest in the clinic through upgrades in equipment and technology. Improvements include in-house lab analyzers, digital x-ray, a dental unit, and enhanced surgical equipment, allowing the clinic to provide high-quality, efficient care for its patients.

Dr. Conrad-Schwarte introduced the Ambassadors to the entire team, including two new team members. Dr. Sarah Behrens, a 2025 graduate of Iowa State University and a Red Oak native, brings enthusiasm for quality veterinary medicine with a hometown feel. The Ambassadors also met Holly, a veterinary technician who graduated from Des Moines Area Community College in 2008. Holly brings a wealth of knowledge from her years of experience, further strengthening the clinic’s care team.

With the addition of Dr. Behrens and Holly, the Cass County Animal Clinic is expanding its services. The clinic now provides exotic animal appointments, equine appointments, and has an increased ability to offer same-day appointments for canine, feline, and livestock patients. Both Dr. Behrens and Holly have vast experience in caring for exotic pets and look forward to helping clients meet those specialized needs.

Cass County Animal Clinic is located at 908 E. 7th Street in Atlantic.
To learn more about services or to schedule an appointment, call 712-243-3036 or visit https://www.casscountyanimalclinic.com/.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were hosted by The Flour Mill on Thursday, January 29th. The Ambassadors joined the Morris family in celebrating the opening of their new location in downtown Atlantic.

During the visit, the Ambassadors learned about the journey that brought The Flour Mill to Atlantic. The Morris family originally operated a restaurant in Elk Horn, Iowa, for five years before Tyler decided to pursue his dream of coaching college basketball. The family spent several years traveling for coaching opportunities before deciding to return to the restaurant business and settle back in the area.

When the Morris family returned, they knew they wanted to be in Atlantic, but finding the right downtown space took time. While searching for a building that fit their vision, they operated out of the Avoca Golf Course until the perfect opportunity became available. The family ultimately purchased the former Aunt B’s and Bonnesen building, spending the last year and a half bringing new life to the space.

Renovations to the building were completed by Melissa’s parents, Tim and Kim Andersen, whose hard work transformed the space into a warm and inviting restaurant. The Flour Mill held a soft opening in mid-December 2025 and has been welcoming customers ever since.

The Flour Mill’s menu features homemade pizzas, oven-toasted subs, salads, appetizers, and more, with a unique Danish influence that reflects the family’s heritage. Menu highlights include a frikadeller sandwich and pizza, along with a variety of Danish baked goods displayed in the front case. All baked items are made in-house.

The Flour Mill is located at 408 Chestnut Street in downtown Atlantic and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For more information about The Flour Mill, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FlourMillAtlantic.