The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has released additional details about an accident we first told you about during our news today (Tuesday) at 6:30-a.m.  Authorities say at 12:30 a.m. (Tuesday), the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident on I-80 westbound at the 72 mile marker.

A 2009 Freightliner owned and driven by 28-year old Anatolie Enachii, of Romeoville, IL, was westbound on I-80 when the driver fell asleep and the vehicle struck a rail and bridge, left the roadway, and entered the ditch. No injuries were reported. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $10,000; damage to the rail and bridge is estimated at $500.

Enachii was cited for Failure to Maintain Control.

The Atlantic Jaycees are requesting the names of individuals or families who could benefit from a delivery of food.

Hans Krengel, Atlantic Jaycees President, said food baskets will be delivered after they are put together on Wednesday, December 17th. He says the Jaycees will “Gather together at Hy Vee and…get some food bags put together with ham, or a half of a ham depending on the size of the family, and then they usually get a couple of canned goods, a loaf of bread and we’re hoping to throw a couple of extra treats in there this year as well.”

Nominations of families or person in need of food during the holiday season are being accepted at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce or at West Central, Incorporated. . by December 10th. Krengel says families or persons who are nominated will receive their food basket between 7-and 9:30-p.m. Wed., Dec 17th.

He says they are also looking for volunteers to help deliver the food boxes.  If you are interested, contact Hans Krengel at 712-249-7817. Additional donations are also appreciated and can be sent to the Atlantic Jaycees, P.O. Box 522, Atlantic, IA, 50022.

The drivers of two vehicles were transported by Audubon Fire and Rescue to the Audubon County Memorial Hospital Monday night, following a high speed collision on Highway 71, south of Audubon. The Sheriff’s Department says 24-year old Andrew Roland Petersen, of Carroll, was traveling north on Highway 71, allegedly driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed. Petersen’s vehicle was traveling at an estimated 90-miles per hour, when it rear-ended a northbound vehicle driven by 47-year old Michael Dean Christensen, of Audubon.

Following the collision, Christensen’s vehicle ended-up in the east ditch. Peterson’s vehicle was immediately disabled and spun 180-degrees. Damage to the vehicles amounted to $16,000.

The accident remains under investigation, and charges are pending against Petersen.

Legendary Hollywood writer/producer Norman Lear will return to Greenfield on Saturday, Dec. 13, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the filming of his comedy “Cold Turkey” in the southwest Iowa town. Lear will be the guest of honor at the Celebrate Iowa Gala, to be held Friday evening, Dec. 12, at the State Historical Museum, presented by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.

“Welcome Back to Greenfield, Norman Lear” will be held at the Warren Cultural Center, the restored 1896 opera house located at 154 Public Square. Doors open at 9 am; Mr. Lear is scheduled to arrive and the program will begin at 10 a.m.

He will be reading excerpts from his new book and will take part in a Q&A session. Other elements of the program are being developed in conjunction with Produce Iowa- State Office of Media Production.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will be invited to write their Cold Turkey memories into a scrapbook for Lear. “Cold Turkey” movie props will also be on display in the lobby gallery of the Center.

The 92-year-old Lear has spoken fondly of his time in Iowa during the summer of 1969, including references in his recently released memoir, entitled “Even This I Get to Experience.” He was named an Honorary Iowan in 1999, when he returned to Greenfield with other stars, including Dick Van Dyke, Tom Poston, and Jean Stapleton, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie. Lear also produced many hit television shows, including “The Andy Williams Show”, “All in the Family,” and “The Jeffersons,” and other classic films, such as “The Princess Bride” and “Stand by Me.”

“Cold Turkey” tells the story of a small town – Eagle Rock, Iowa – that takes up the challenge for all its residents to quit smoking for one month to win a $25 million prize. Many scenes were filmed on the Greenfield square and throughout town, as well as locations in Winterset, Orient, and Des Moines.

Additional information on Mr. Lear’s return to Greenfield will be available on the Center’s website, www.warrenculturalcenter.com, and on its Facebook page.
The DCA’s ‘Celebrate Iowa’ Gala will be 7-11 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12, at the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust Street, Des Moines. Visit www.culturalaffairs.org/gala or contact DCA at HistoricalGala@iowa.gov or 515-281-8352 for more information.