The Fremont County Sheriff’s Department reports a Farragut man was arrested last week on an Animal Neglect charge after four horses were found on a Fremont County farm. Two of the animals were severely emaciated. 22-year old Thomas James Sammons was also charged with Interference with Official Acts.  He plead guilty to both charges and was ordered to pay fines amounting to $400. As we reported last week, an Arabian and three quarter horses were confiscated from a farm near Farragut, on Jan. 21st. Authorities say Sammons released the animals while officials were making arrangements to have them removed from the property.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reports also, 26-year old Nicholas Lee Housh, of Sidney, was arrested Jan. 21st, for Driving While Barred/Habitual Offender. He posted bond last Wednesday and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on February 7th.

Housh was also arrested Jan 15th on a Mills County warrant for Failure to Appear in court on an original charge of  OWI. He posted a $5,000 bond the next day.

Fire officials in Harlan say no injuries were reported during a fire that took place Saturday morning. According to Harlan Fire Chief Roger Bissen, a fire on the porch at 301 Court Street began at around 7:30-a.m.  Bissen said while the fire started on the porch, the flames never actually reached the structure itself.

The Chief said fire fighters had to pull down the ceiling on the porch however, because the flames started to get into the insulation. Westphalia Fire Department responded with mutual aid to the scene.  Bissen said an investigation is underway as to how the fire was started. A dollar amount of the damage was not immediately available.

(Joel McCall/KNOD)

Members of the Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education will hold a work session this evening, at the Middle School Media Center. During the meeting, which begins at 7:30-p.m., the Board will discuss: High School Credit at A-H-S; Capital Projects, and the Budget. The Board will then enter into a closed session to discuss Collective Bargaining strategies.

A public hearing will be held tonight in Audubon, with regard to the proposed plans, specifications and form of contract, along with the estimated costs for, the Water Tower repair and improvement project. The hearing takes place at City Hall, as part of a regular session for the Audubon City Council, which begins at 7-p.m.

During the session the Council will also: receive an audit report from Schroer and Associates; Discuss insurance matters with Frank Olsen, and, an issue pertaining to a mailbox, with Candy Nelson and Brent Pringle.

Sheriff’s officials in Pottawattamie County are investigating what’s been called a “suspicious” fire, in Underwood. According to Omaha television station KMTV, the fire at a tire repair shop near Interstate 80 and Magnolia Road, occurred at around 11:30-p.m. Sunday.

Firefighters were reportedly able to keep the flames contained to the outside of the structure.  Investigators on the scene said the fire was suspicious in nature. No other information is available.