BNSF is looking to get a new bridge over the Missouri River near Pacific Junction, Glenwood and Plattsmouth. The railroad company wants to build a 1,700 foot single-track span just south of the current’s bridge’s location.

BNSF applied for a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers in May. They did so because the new construction would affect a wetland area.

If the new bridge is approved, the old bridge would remain open during construction.

The company says the span is vital to its coal route in Wyoming and to power plants that use coal in that area. It also said the line carries freight traffic and Amtrak passenger trains.

Six people have been injured after a crash early Thursday morning at the intersection of Deacan and Highway 34.

At about 2:00 AM Thursday, a 1995 Ford Taurus driven by 21-year-old Patrick Jack of Emerson failed to stop at a stop sign and was hit by a 2009 Volvo driven by 40-year-old David Debolt of Omaha.

Jack was southbound on Deacon and Debolt was eastbound on Highway 34. Jack did not stop for a stop sign and entered the eastbound lanes of Highway 34. Debolt’s vehicle then struck Jack’s vehicle on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Debolt’s vehicle entered a ditch where it fell onto its side. Jack’s vehicle entered the median where it came to rest.

Injured in the crash were both drivers, Jack and Debolt. Also injured were 17-year-old Ashley Gray of Tabor, 19-year-old Austin Jack of Glenwood, 18-year-old Jeffrey Huskins of Glenwood, 17-year-old Shelby Beam of Council Bluffs. All six individuals were taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.  The status of their injuries is not known.

No charges have yet been filed as the Investigation is ongoing.

w/ Brett Johnson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (8.2MB)

Subscribe: RSS

In an update to an earlier story, the fire alarm at the Griswold Care Center was in regards to a heater issue as no fire took place.

At about 8:40 this morning, police scanner traffic reported that there is a possible fire at the Griswold Care Center in Griswold.

Scanner traffic indicated a fire alarm went off at the Griswold Care Center. The person calling police suggested that there might be a fire.

Details are currently sketchy on the situation, as we will provide an update later this morning.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting Friday morning at the Cass County Courthouse.

On the agenda is a public hearing on the issuance of bonds for the Amaizing Energy Urban renewal Area consisting of the northwest sewer and water line extension project.

Anyone is welcome to speak on the matter and give their input. If you are not able to attend the meeting you can submit written comments.

After the public hearing the board vote on whether or not they will enter into the bond agreement.

The meeting begins at 9:00 AM at the Cass County Courthouse.

Officials with the Rolling Hills wind project say the project is still scheduled to wrap up by the end of the year.

On Wednesday, representatives with MidAmerican Energy, Mortensen Construction, and Siemens Energy held a press conference to showcase the project.

A wind turbine was displayed at the conference which allowed attendees to see the turbine up close. They were allowed to sign the blade to commemorate the day’s celebration. The blade is about half the length of a football field and weighs 12 tons.

Rolling Hills is one of three MidAmerican Energy Companies that are taking place this year. The other projects are in Calhoun, Marshall, and Pocahontas counties.

Jerry Grundtner, The Vice President of Project Development for Mortenson Construction, says the foundations are about fifty percent complete, and the turbines are about twenty percent complete.

When the project is complete, the 258 wind turbine expansion project will add 593.4 megawatts of renewable energy. MidAmerican says that is enough power for about 190,000 homes.

w/ Brett Johnson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (7.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS

A Missouri man has been hospitalized after a crashing his tractor trailer into the banks of the Nishnabotna river during a rear-end accident on Highway 59 in Shelby County.

On Wednesday, 46-year-old Robert Anderson of St. Joseph, Missouri was transported to Myrtue Medical Center with unknown injuries after he had rear-ended a pick up truck.

At about 4:45 Wednesday afternoon, Anderson was driving a semi tractor and empty flatbed trailer south on Highway 59 in Shelby County near Route F58. He rear-ended a Ford F150 driven by Timothy Meyer of Harlan.

As a result of the incident, Anderson’s tractor trailer veered off the road and came to rest in the west bank of the Nishnabotna river. Meyer’s vehicle came to rest on the shoulder of the road.

After the crash, Anderson was transported by Medivac Ambulance to Myrtue Medical Center. The status of his injuries is unknown, and it is not known if any citations were issued.

As you may have heard on our newscasts Wednesday, the US Postal Service is considering closing several Iowa post offices, including locations in Brayton, Cumberland, Kimballton, and Lewis.

Western Iowa Congressman Steve King has released a statement on the possible closings, saying he will help develop an individualized plan to ensure that the feedback and concerns of each community are brought to the attention of the Postal Service. He says, “The USPS cannot be allowed to take advantage of this situation to shirk its responsibilities in western Iowa.”