Authorities in Cass County have released additional details about an accident that occurred Friday morning in a construction zone on Interstate 80 westbound near the Marne exit. According to a press release from Cass County Attorney Dan Feistner, the driver of a minivan – 33-year old Bruce S. Bingle, Jr., of Hamilton, OH, and his 29-year old wife, Brandy Bingle, also of Hamilton, OH, were injured when the 2005 Chevy Venture mini-van crashed into two unoccupied pickups (a 2014 Chev Silverado and a 2001 Ford F-250), that were parked in a construction zone. The State Patrol says Bruce Bingle did not merge to the left and continued into the construction area, hitting barrel barricades before crashing into the two parked pickups. Officials say he was wearing a seat belt, while his wife was not. The accident happened at around 7:19-a.m.

Feistner says the Iowa State Patrol arrived on scene shortly thereafter and found the couple outside the vehicle, both having sustained bodily injuries from the vehicle accident. Construction worker(s) were on scene and while rendering aid to Brandy Bingle, were informed by her, that her husband allegedly intentionally driven into the barricades and equipment in the construction zone in an apparent attempt to kill them both.

The full extent of the injuries to both individuals is unknown at this time, however Brandy Bingle appeared to have suffered broken bones, lacerations to the body and bruising. Bruce Bingle was first transported to Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic,  and became combative with law enforcement and medical staff during the transport and while at the hospital. A Cass County DRE Officer (drug recognition expert) arrived at CCMH and performed drug tests of the driver and obtained a urine sample for further testing.

Bruce S. Bingle, Jr. was transported by Life Flight to UNMC in Omaha, Nebraska. Brandy Bingle was transported by ambulance to UNMC in Omaha, Nebraska. The Iowa State Patrol later obtained a search warrant for the purposes of examining the vehicle for collision investigation. No criminal charges have been filed at this time. The matter remains under further investigation.

Marne, Atlantic and Walnut Fire and Rescue, Cass County Emergency Management, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and the Cass County Attorney all provided assistance to the Iowa State Patrol.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited Duke Aerial, a locally owned and operated aerial lift company. Ambassadors learned about the service and parts provided and lift equipment available at Duke Aerial. Ken Tolton, owner, and Dave Wohllber, HR Safety Manager, gave a tour of the offices and equipment facilities. Duke Aerial’s goal is “exceeding customer expectations by constantly improving quality, service and communications.”

Pictured at the visit are Lucas Mosier, Russ Joyce, Ali Krogman, Debbie Leistad, Kathie Hockenberry, JoAnn Runyan, Lana
Westphalen, Rhonda Larsen, Tammy Waters, Kathy Sweeney, Dave Whollber, Ken Tolton, Carole Schuler, Nedra Perry, Ed Leistad, Pat
McCurdy, Tyler Mosier, Tara Jennerjohn, Gerhard Marburg, Chip Hansen, Gerald Brink, Donnie Drennan, Sue Muri, Dolly Bergmann, Arlene Drennan, Jolene Roecker, Bill Saluk, Steve Andersen, Rich Perry, Karl Aldag, Dave Schwab.

The Iowa National Guard will host a re-dedication ceremony commemorating the completed renovation of the Council Bluffs Readiness Center and Field Maintenance Shop (FMS) #4, 2415 East Kanesville Boulevard, Council Bluffs on Friday, June 6th at 11 a.m.

Iowa National Guard leadership and representatives from federal, state, and local governments will participate in the ceremony. The public and media are welcome and encouraged to attend the rededication ceremony. The $4.5 million project began in October 2012 and features a complete renovation of both original facilities, which were constructed in 1993. It includes the renovation of 22,300 square feet of existing Readiness Center facility space and the conversion of 12,000 square feet of the adjoining Motor Vehicle Storage Building to Readiness Center space.

The existing facility also received new ceilings, wall and floor coverings, energy-efficient heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) systems and windows. The Field Maintenance Shop received an additional 4,000 square feet of space, including work bays, radiant heat and air equipment. New storm sewer, fencing, windows, and a new HVAC were also added. The facility exterior and parking were also updated. The project was designed by Design Alliance, Inc., Waukee, Iowa.

The general contractor for the Readiness Center was Meco-Henne Contracting Inc., Omaha, Neb. The general contractor for the FMS was Leuder Construction Company, Omaha, Neb. The Council Bluffs Readiness Center is home to Detachment 1, Company F, 334th Brigade Support Battalion (FSC); Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry; Detachment 1, Company B, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry; and Company D, Iowa Army National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program. Approximately 250 Soldiers are assigned to the Council Bluffs garrison.

A community send-off ceremony for an Iowa Army National Guard unit based in Boone will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, June 5th, at the Boone Middle School Gymnasium, 1640 1st St., Boone. Local officials and Iowa National Guard leadership will participate and the public and media are welcome and encouraged to attend the homecoming ceremony. Approximately 60 Soldiers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation are being mobilized as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Soldiers will travel to their mobilization station at Fort Hood, Texas for additional training before deploying to the Central Command theater of operations. It is anticipated that the duration of this deployment will be for approximately one year. Company C flies and maintains UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

The unit previously deployed to Kosovo in 2010-11 and for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006-2007.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Workers are reinstalling a historic fountain in downtown Council Bluffs after a renovation by an Alabama company. The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil reports workers began installing the 120-year-old Broadway Fountain on Thursday and hoped to finish soon. Crews must complete plumbing work before water begins flowing through the fountain.

The City Council awarded a nearly $100,000 contract to Andersen Construction Co. to oversee the project. Alexander City, Alabama-based Robinson Iron reattached pieces of the fountain that had broken free, cast some new pieces and painted the fountain. Council Bluffs Parks Director Larry Foster says it looks largely the same as before the work, but “that is what restoration is supposed to be.”

The fountain was originally in Bayliss Park but was moved later to West Broadway and Pearl Street.

An official with the City of Atlantic was involved in an accident Thursday morning. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports a private vehicle driven by 29-year old John Lund, Assistant to City Administrator Doug Harris, was struck at around 11:50-a.m., as Lund was slowing to turn left off of Poplar Street. As he was turning, Lund’s 2007 Toyota Corolla was hit on the left side by a 2008 Hyundai, driven by 74-year old Ray Martin Rasmussen, of Walnut.   No injuries were reported. Damage to Lund’s vehicle is estimated at $2000; damage to Rasmussen’s vehicle is estimated at $4500. No citations were issued.
(12:40-p.m. News)

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports several people were arrested this past week. Three people were arrested Wednesday, including 18-year old Sarah Jo Porter, of Cumberland, who was taken into custody on a Cass County warrant for Minor in Possession of Alcohol. Porter was taken to the Cass County Jail where she was released later that day on $400 bond.

32-year old Jason D. Hilbert was arrested Wednesday in Cass County, on a Nebraska warrant for Violation of Parole. Hilbert was taken to the Cass County Jail where he is being held pending an extradition hearing. And, 43-year old Scott Matthew Haupert,  of Atlantic, was arrested Wednesday on a District Court warrant for Probation Violation. Haupert was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released the following day on $25,000 bond.

On Thursday, 45-year old Martha Evelyn Shahan Adams, of Grove Hill, Alabama, was arrested in Cass County on a charge of OWI 1st Offense. Adams was taken to the Cass County Jail where she was released later that day on $1000 bond. Also arrested on Thursday, was 50-year old Timothy Dean Eilts, of Wiota. Eilts was charged with Serious Assault. He was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released later that day on $1000 bond.

(12:40-p.m. News)

SIBLEY, Iowa (AP) – A northwest Iowa man has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with the theft of farm and construction equipment. Michael Block, of Sibley, entered his written plea Thursday in Osceola County District Court. He faces seven counts of first-degree theft, 10 counts of second-degree theft and one count each of third- and fourth-degree theft.

The Sioux City Journal reports Block is accused of stealing farm and construction equipment that was reported missing in four Iowa counties. The equipment is valued at more than $200,000. Block turned himself in to authorities in April, after Osceola County sheriff’s deputies served warrants on his property and found items that had been reported stolen.

Sankt Hans Aften (St. John’s Eve) is the annual summer solstice event that has been celebrated since the times of the Vikings. Although it is traditionally held on June 23 in Denmark, the Museum of Danish America marks the occasion annually on the Saturday before. This year, the celebration will occur on Saturday, June 21 at the museum (2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, Iowa).

Museum of Danish America

The atmosphere of friends gathering together makes this one “hyggeligt” (or, cozy) event. Some of the highlights include:

· A roast-your-own hot dog meal that’s available for your free will donation beginning at 6 p.m. in the large Council Ring, and throughout the evening as supplies last. Danish-style toppings will be provided.

· 7 p.m. Ringriding on bicycles for kids and adults – BYOB (Bring Your Own Bicycle). This event was such a hit at Tivoli Fest that it will be continued for children AND adults at Sankt Hans Aften.

· 7:30 p.m. Showing of the new documentary film “Jens Jensen The Living Green” about the park’s namesake who rose from street sweeper to “dean of landscape architects” to pioneering conservationist. The film will be shown inside the museum in the Bro Dining Room. Find out more about this award-winning film at http://www.jensjensenthelivinggreen.org/

Then, have your chairs and blankets handy for:

· 8 p.m. Live old-time country music for maximum “hygge.”

· Sunset (around 9 p.m.) marks the beginning of the traditional Sankt Hans Aften bonfire.

All elements of the celebration are a “Free Will Donation” to the Museum of Danish America, a 501(c)3 non-profit. This year’s event is also sponsored by the Danish Brotherhood in America Lodge #15 (Des Moines, Iowa), Marne Elk Horn Telephone Company, Shelby County State Bank, and the Heartland Chapter of the Rebild National Park Society.

Officials with MidAmerican Energy Company said Friday (today) tree maintenance crews have been working to maintain vegetation around MidAmerican Energy’s facilities throughout its service territory, including  (locally) those in Avoca, Charter Oak, Clarinda and Council Bluffs.

MidAmerican Energy contracts with companies that specialize in tree trimming to perform the work and crews are supervised by International Society of Arboriculture certified arborists. Customers are notified by mail approximately three weeks before services are scheduled in their neighborhood. There is no service charge assessed to perform the work.

Fallen trees or debris from trees cause seven to 10 percent of electric outages and create hazardous situations when they knock down electrical wires and poles. Trees must be pruned or removed to alleviate safety hazards and improve service reliability.

Property owners should contact MidAmerican Energy before choosing to care for landscaping near power lines. If you, your equipment, or the branches you touch come into contact with energized lines, you could be seriously injured, if not killed. If you are concerned about trees near power lines on your property, contact MidAmerican Energy at 888-427-5632 or trees@midamerican.com.