A traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Council Bluffs Wednesday afternoon, resulted in the arrest of two Ohio men, the seizure of a small amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia, and a large amount of cash. Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker says the arrests occurred after Deputy Brian Miller pulled over a 2012 Chevy Impala for speeding, on westbound I-80 about two-miles north of the Iowa Western Community College campus (Mile marker 10), at around 3:15-p.m. Danker says when Miller approached the car to speak with the driver, he could smell marijuana. Miller conducted a “probable cause” search of the car and found a baggie of marijuana along with some rolling papers. A further search resulted in the discovery of $50,000 in U-S currency.

The occupants of the car, 28-year old Antione Parker, and 27-year old Shawn Petrack, both of Canton, OH, were arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance for personal use, and brought to the Pottawattamie County Jail in Council Bluffs, where they were being held this (Thursday) morning, on $1,000 bond, each.

The City of Atlantic’s Community Protection Committee (CPC) will discuss and take input from the public on, a proposed speed limit reduction for 22nd Street. The Ordinance calls for the speed limit on East 22nd Street (from Highway 71 to Olive Street), and on West 22nd Street (from Chestnut to Highway 6), to be reduced from 45- to 35-miles per hour.  Following public input on the matter, the CPC will forward its recommendations to the City Council for a vote during their next regular meeting.

The Committee will also discuss deer hunting, within the Atlantic City limits, in an effort to cull the herd. The meeting takes place at 4-p.m. Friday, Feb. 24th, in the Council’s Chambers at City Hall, in Atlantic.

A mechanical malfunction of some sort was to blame for a semi trailer fire early this (Thursday) morning on Interstate 80, in Cass County. Firefighters from Atlantic and Marne were called to the scene located on I-80 westbound at the 52 mile-marker, at about 5:49-a.m.  Atlantic Firefighter Gene Schmelling told KJAN News a tire burned out on the trailer of the semi which was hauling lime. The flames spread to the rest of the trailer, causing a substantial amount of damage to the rear. The semi’s driver managed to separate the tractor from the trailer, and prevent further damage. Firefighters were on the scene for about an hour. No injuries were reported. The DOT reported the right lane of I-80 westbound was blocked for a little more than four-hours this morning, while crews worked to remove the damaged trailer and clean-up the mess. Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon says the wreck was finally cleared by around 11:45-a.m. 

Firefighter Gene Schmelling said it’s not clear how the fire began, but it was most likely caused by a blow-out, bad brakes or worn bearings.

Semi Trailer Fire (Mike Kennon/Cass Co. EMA photo)

Trailer Fire on I-80 WB at mm 52 (Mike Kennon photo)