The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, gave the go ahead for Fire Chief Mark McNees, to begin the process of training three department personnel plus himself, for Fire Extinguisher Inspections and Servicing. Their approval means McNees can also purchase the necessary equipment to service commercial and public fire extinguishers, some the which will come from a local man who is no longer in the business. McNees said the fire department has the facilities and the people, so “It’s right up our alley.”

He said there is a big demand right now for a local fire extinguisher and inspection service, since no one in or near Atlantic provides that service. The total cost of the upstart service is estimated at $5,000-to $6,000, which includes the necessary equipment, parts, supplies and training. McNees proposed paying for the program through the Fire Trust and Agency Account, which was donated for projects above and beyond equipment. Those funds would then be replaced by billing customers for the service and inspections, just like a commercial business would do.

The Chief would handle the billing and collect receipts, which he would turn over to City Clerk Deb Field to document and place into the proper account. The service itself would fall under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshals Office. McNees said he doesn’t want the Fire Department to be in competition with someone who may want to start their own, so anyone who wants to open such a business is welcome to do so. Or, residents and business owners may choose to go to one of the other communities such as Red Oak, Carroll, Omaha or Des Moines.

A Red Oak woman was cited for Failure to Yield from a Stop Sign following an accident late Wednesday morning. Police responded to the crash at around 11:50-a.m. at the intersection of N 2nd and East Oak Streets, in Red Oak.  An investigation determined  a 2005 Cadillac Deville driven by 67-year-old Ladonna Johnson, of Red Oak was traveling northbound on North 2nd Street and continued through the intersection before it was clear.

Johnson’s Cadillac struck a 2007 Dodge Caliber driven by 47-year-old Charlene Telschow, of Red Oak, as she was traveling westbound on East Oak Street.  Telschow was transported by Red Oak Rescue to the Montgomery County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  Damage from the collision amounted to $8,000.

Red Oak Fire and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.

A man from Polk County died this (Wednesday) morning, during a fiery, single-vehicle crash in Union County. The Iowa State Patrol says the driver of the SUV, 60-year old Patrick A. Mitchell, of Des Moines, who was wearing his seat belt, died at the scene.

Officials say Mitchell was traveling south on Green Valley Road, south of 140th Street, at around 3:35-a.m., when his 2010 Subaru Forester left the road, went airborne over a drainage ditch and crashed through a fence, before coming to rest and bursting into flames.

The accident remains under investigation.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests took place, Tuesday. At around 2:20-p.m., deputies arrested 59-year old William Elliott, of Red Oak, on two warrants out of Fremont County. The warrants were for Violation of a No Contact Order, and Operating a vehicle without the Owners Consent. Elliott was transported from the Montgomery County Jail by Fremont County deputies, back to the Fremont County Jail.

And, at around 12:40-p.m. Tuesday, deputies in Montgomery County arrested 27-year old Zackery Haley, of Villisca, for Violation of a No Contact Order. Haley was being held at the Jail in Red Oak.

A reminder from Cass County Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall: All Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) driver’s license stations will be closed Thursday, Oct. 8th, for employee training. The stations will resume full operations beginning 8:30-a.m., Friday.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Department have partnered together to create the First Annual Firemen’s Picnic before the Firemen’s Parade.  Chamber Executive Director Quida Wymer says “The goal is to bring the community downtown early to shop their favorite businesses, enjoy a BBQ meal and stay for the Annual Parade.” 

The picnic begins at 4 p.m. The meal is $6 and includes a brisket sandwich, baked beans, chips and a drink. The meat is being provided by the Atlantic Locker and Henningsen’s Processing, and will be smoked by participants in the 1st Annual “Smokin’ the Competition” BBQ smoke-off taking place this Friday evening, on 6th Street, between Chestnut and Poplar.

Entertainment for all ages will be available throughout the evening. Face Painters, Clowns, a Bounce House and a landing from Lifenet will be at the picnic along with performances by Isiserettes Drill & Drumline and the Pleasant Green Baptist Church Marching Saints. The award winning ministry allows the youth to express themselves through dance and drum corp. Their ages range from 3 years old to 20.

Following the picnic at 6 p.m. you can watch the Firemen’s Parade from Chestnut Street. To be a part of the parade, please begin line up at 4 p.m. at 3rd & Olive Street. There will be volunteers there to direct you where to go.

The Firemen’s Picnic and Parade is presented to you by the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Atlantic Volunteer Fire Department and sponsored by Atlantic Locker, Henningsen’s Processing, Lloyd and Meredith, W & S Appliance, Megan Roberts, State Farm, Cappels’ Ace Hardware, Designer Portraits, Great Western Bank, Pelgas, Rancho Grande & Robinson’s True Value. For more information on the Firemen’s Picnic & Parade or a full list of activities, visit www.atlanticiowa.com.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports a Glenwood man was arrested Tuesday on a warrant out of Nodaway County, MO.

Benjamin Ensley

21-year old Benjamin Ensley faces charges that include Burglary in the 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Assault in the 2nd Degree, Theft in the 1st Degree, and Property damage. His bond was set at $50,000, altogether.