DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) – A new report shows sales of wholesale liquor in Iowa increased by $7.7 million in the last fiscal year. The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division’s annual report also shows alcohol revenue topped $300 million in the state. That includes totals from beer tax revenue, license fees and wine taxes.

The report’s numbers on wholesale liquor shows flavored liquor and craft beer helped drive sales. Still, well-known brands also sold very well. The total alcohol revenue was a 3 percent jump from the previous fiscal year, which was substantially less than the 9.5 percent increase seen in the fiscal year that ended in 2012. Division Administrator Stephen Larson says he expects modest percentage increases in revenue in the future.

Officials with Deter Motor Company, in Atlantic, and The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, have announced the deadline to nominate individuals for 14th annual ATHENA Award in Atlantic, has been extended until Dec. 5th. The award will be presented on Saturday, Jan. 17th, 2015 at the Cass County Community Center.

It is given to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business profession, has served the community in a meaningful way and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.

Those interested in nominating an individual can pick up a nomination packet at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Chestnut Street, or by visiting www.AtlanticIowa.com. Nominations are due by December 5th, 2014

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports an Exira man was arrested Friday night. Officials say 26-year old Brock Daniel Knapp was taken into custody at around 6-p.m. for allegedly Violating a Protective Order. Knapp has since posted bond, and was released. He’s scheduled to appear before the magistrate on Thursday.

The Office of Governor Terry E. Branstad today (Monday) announced that United States Senator-elect Joni Ernst has submitted her formal resignation from the Iowa State Senate. Ernst, who was elected to the United States Senate on November 4th, 2014, delivered the letter of resignation on Friday, November 28th, 2014. Her resignation was effective immediately on Friday, November 28, 2014.

The Governor has ordered a special election for Iowa State Senate District 12 to be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. Senate District 12 includes Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Ringgold and Taylor counties. (To view a PDF of the district, click here: senate district 12) 

Iowa Code 69.14 outlines the authority given to the governor to set a special election. For more information on the Special Election, go to: http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/ss12special.html

No injuries were reported after a vehicle went off the road and struck a sign in Glenwood, Sunday morning. The Glenwood P-D says 27-year old Zane Fourney, of Treynor, was driving a 2003 Chevy Malibu southbound on RedBud Avenue, just north of Marian Street, when he spilled coffee onto his lap.

When Fourney took his eyes off the road, his car crossed the center line and hit the median before hitting a City of Glenwood Street sign. The collision caused significant damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle, which was driven to the 100 block of Linn Street before it stopped running. Damage from the mishap amounted to $2,100. No citations were issued.

The Glenwood P-D reports also, the arrest on Thanksgiving Day of 32-year old Matthew West, of Glenwood, for allegedly violating a Protection Order. His bond was set at $300. And, on Friday, 19-year old David Barrett, of Glenwood, was warrested for Domestic Abuse Assault and Possession of a Controlled Substance. His bond was set at $1,000.

An accident Saturday afternoon in Union County caused $9,000 damage, but no one was seriously injured. The Sheriff’s Department reports a 2006 Hummer, driven by 35-year old David Ginn, of Afton, was traveling east in the 2500 block of 150th Street at around 3:25-p.m., when it met a westbound non-contact vehicle as both vehicles were cresting a hill.

When Ginn swerved to the right to make room for the other vehicle, his Hummer hit a soft spot on the shoulder, causing the vehicle to be pulled into the south ditch, where it came to rest after striking a tree and fence. Ginn was transported by ambulance to the Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston, for treatment of what were described as “Non-incapacitating” injuries. He was later cited for Driving While Suspended.

Damage to the fence, owned by Sam McKnight, was estimated at $200.

An accident early Sunday morning in Pottawattamie County has resulted in the deaths of two people. Pott. County Sheriff’s officials say 30-year old Eric A. Poole, of Atlantic, and 19-year old Nathan C. Poole of Omaha, were ejected from their vehicle as it rolled numerous times about seven-miles east of Oakland. They were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officials say the vehicle had crashed through a fence before rolling, and became entangled in another fence before coming to rest in the south ditch off of Highway 6. The accident happened at around 5-a.m., Sunday, near 48606 Highway 6.

An investigation determined the vehicle the men were in was traveling eastbound on Highway 6 when accident took place. The cause of the accident and the driver of the vehicle has not been determined at this time. The crash remains under investigation.