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.

Authorities in Union County are looking for a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident early this (Wednesday) morning. The vehicle in question is described as a black Toyota with damage to its passenger side, and possibly green paint transferred in the process of the hit-and-run.

Officials say a 1997 Honda Civic driven by 42-year old Martin Kahi, of Creston, attempted to pass the Toyota on Highway 34, as it left the City of Creston at around 4:50-a.m., but the suspect vehicle blocked Kahi’s car from passing. As both vehicles continued east on Highway 34, the Toyota pulled over onto the shoulder of the road and allowed Kahi to pass.

The Toyota then pulled up beside the Civic in the west bound lane and eventually swerved back into the eastbound lane, blocking Kahi from heading east, and causing him to sideswipe the Toyota on the right side quarter panel and door. Anyone with information about the other vehicle should contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office.