OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say an western Iowa man died after a collision on Interstate 80 near Omaha that happened as traffic was backed up from an earlier accident.  29-year-old Andrew Shutters, of Council Bluffs, died when his car hit the back of a pickup truck about 6:45 a.m. on Thursday.

The Sarpy County sheriff’s office says the truck was stopped because traffic was still tied up from a collision between two semitrailers that happened around 6 a.m. The impact caused a fire in Shutters’ car. Witnesses removed both drivers before the fire spread. Shutters died at an Omaha hospital.

The driver of the pickup was taken to an Omaha hospital. Officials say his injuries were not considered life threating.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – State leaders are interested in hearing directly from the public on the impacts of flooding and how the Missouri River can be effectively managed at a meeting scheduled for Sept. 9 in Council Bluffs.  The meeting of the State of Iowa Missouri River Authority (SIMRA) is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the Looft Conference Center at Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road in Council Bluffs. The agenda, which includes participation by Gov. Terry Branstad, includes updates on the flooding impacts and recovery efforts as well as a panel discussion.

The public comment and question period is scheduled from 2:15-3:05 p.m. and all comments will be distributed to the relevant state personnel in the departments/agencies involved in the SIMRA organization for further consideration. Agencies included in SIMRA are the Iowa Governor’s Office, natural resources, economic development, transportation, the Iowa Utilities Board and agriculture.

Those unable to attend the meeting in person can also provide written comments by fax at 202-624-8189 or by email at Christine.bartel@iowa.gov.

ATLANTIC – Dr. Seann Atkinson will be joining Atlantic Medical Center (AMC) in October 2011.  Dr. Atkinson is a board-certified family practice physician, currently practicing in Sturgis, SD.

Dr. Seann Atkinson and family

He will provide comprehensive family medicine services. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Atkinson join our practice,” said Dr. Angela Weppler, AMC Family Medicine Physician.  “He and his family will be a wonderful asset to our clinic, hospital and community.” In addition to caring for patients at Atlantic Medical Center, Dr. Atkinson will be on staff at Cass County Memorial Hospital.  “Dr. Atkinson comes to us with seven years of experience and outstanding recommendations,” noted Pat Markham, CCMH Administrator. “We are very pleased to add another such well-qualified physician to care for our patients throughout Southwest Iowa.”

Dr. Atkinson grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, and received his zoology degree from Iowa State University.  He graduated from the Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center in 2001, and went on to the Rapid City Regional Hospital Family Practice Residency Program, Rapid City, SD.  Since completing his residency in 2004 he has practiced with the Regional Health Physicians in Sturgis, SD, providing inpatient, outpatient and emergency room care.  “From my first visit, the medical professionals and staff in Atlantic have been very welcoming,” Dr. Atkinson said.  “They are a wonderful group of people, and I’m looking forward to joining them.”

Dr. Atkinson and his wife, Shelly, have three children – Tyler (9), Brayden (7), and Kayla (4).   “We fell in love with Atlantic – the people, community and lifestyle,” Dr. Atkinson continued.  “It’s just what we were looking for!”

Pending approval of his Iowa medical license, Dr. Atkinson will begin seeing patients at Atlantic Medical Center and Cass County Memorial Hospital in late October.

Police in Harlan report numerous arrests were made this week. On Sunday: 18-year old Brandon Allen, of Harlan, was arrested on charges including four-counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver, prohibited acts penalties, and ongoing criminal conduct; 21-year old Dane Dodge, of Harlan, was arrested for interference with official acts, driving with defective equipment, and failure to prove proof of insurance; 29-year old Tacy Bruck of Panama, was arrested on a charge of public intoxication, and 29-year old Bruce Spray, of Harlan, was arrested on a charge of 2^nd offense OWI, driving while revoked, and failure to obey a stop sign; and, 55-year old Jeron Henscheid, of Harlan, was arrested Monday, on a Shelby County warrant for contempt of court related to child support.

Each of those individuals were brought to the Shelby County Jail and held pending an appearance before the magistrate. The Harlan P-D said also, after officers checked on a vehicle parked on the west side of the courthouse, Monday, it was determined the 1992 Buick Century had been reported stolen out of Harrison County. Officials in that county were notified, and the vehicle was returned to its owner.