Both lanes of Interstate 80 westbound in Cass County were closed for several hours this (Thursday) morning, following a fiery, semi tractor-trailer accident. The Iowa State Patrol reports a Freightliner semi driven by 31-year old Fernando Hernandez, of Montebello, CA., was westbound on I-80 near the Wiota turn off (exit 64), when the left front tire on the tractor blew out, causing the semi to go out of control. The accident happened just after 3:30-a.m.

All photos courtesy Richter and Sons Towing.

When the rig hit a concrete bridge barrier, the semi exploded into flames that destroyed both the tractor and trailer. Anita Fire and Rescue and Wiota Fire responded to the scene. The State Patrol was also assisted by deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

Hernandez, and a passenger in the cab were not injured. Both lanes of traffic were officially re-opened as of 8:30-a.m. today (Thursday). Traffic caught between the 64-and 70-mile markers waited for about 3 1/2 hours until it was allowed to proceed slowly in the left lane through the scene. The remaining flow of traffic was re-routed off I-80 at exit 70, south to Anita, west to Wiota, and back north to I-80, around the crash scene. The Exit 64 exit ramp westbound is currently, temporarily closed.

Police in Creston report the arrest Wednesday night, of 46-year old Randy Hall, from Creston. Hall was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance/Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Hall was later released from the Union County Jail on $1,000 bond.

And, at around 5-p.m. Wednesday, 44-year old Lance Lynam, of Lorimor, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, on a warrant out of Union County. The warrant was issued for Failure to Appear on an original charge of Theft in the 5th Degree. Lynam remains in the Union County Jail while awaiting a bond hearing.

The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, accepted the site plans for a single-family housing development project to be located along Ash Street, between 1405 and 1503 Ash. Boose Building Construction, L.C. has proposed the nearly $1.26-million dollar project, which includes six, single family residential homes, each spanning about1,400-square feet. The homes would feature three bedrooms, two baths, two car garages, and a poured basement. They would be valued at about $200,000 each. The City’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan during their meeting last week.

Boose is requesting a grant from the City in the amount of $80,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to aid in making the project a reality. The first payment of $40,000 would be paid when public improvements (grading, street, water, sanitary and storm sewer) are installed. Construction of the first house is slated to begin this year, with two more houses next year, and three houses to follow. The second TIF payment of $40,000 would be paid when the third foundation is in place. Boose says the last two houses they completed in past two years sold before they were completed, which is indicative of the need for more, single family homes, according to the company.

While the site plans for Boose were approved, the Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, tabled a site plan for a 6,183-square foot addition to the Heritage House at 1200 Brookridge Circle. The plan was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission last week, but there were concerns at that time about storm water drainage. The same issue caused the Council to hold-off on approving the site plan until engineers can take a closer look. They should have a recommendation for the Council by the time of their special meeting next week.

And, Mayor Dave Jones reported the contracts for the Highway 6/7th Street reconstruction project have been signed by the company which was awarded the bid for it, but there’s still no word on when the detour signs will go up. A pre-construction meeting will be held soon. Council Chris Jimerson said the Public Safety Commission has proposed drafting an ordinance restricting parking on 10th Street during construction on 7th, as 10th street will be used as a major road for local traffic.

There would also be no heavy truck traffic on 10th, 14th and 22nd Streets, with the exception of local deliveries. Mayor Jones said the reason heavy trucks will not be allowed on those streets is because “They’re not build for it…it’s a residential area in there.” Jones also advised local farmers who normally bring their heavy equipment into town along 7th Street between Olive and Burger King, to plan now for an alternate route. He suggested “If you have to bring a combine in (for repair),” do so now and don’t wait until May.