No injuries were reported when an SUV traveling on Highway 71 caught fire Saturday afternoon, south of Atlantic.

(Photo courtesy Brad and Chris Petersen, of Cumberland)

Atlantic Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the scene about two-miles south of town, at around 2:55-p.m.  Deputies arriving on location prior to the fire department noted the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, but Chris Johnson and his two girls, from Wiota, were outside and safe.

Witnesses say during the blaze, one of the SUV’s tires exploded and shot about 50-feet into the air. Firefighters returned to their base at around 3:40-p.m.

Sheriff’s officials in Page County are investigating a burglary that occurred at a residence in rural Shenandoah sometime over the past few days. Authorities said Saturday, a person or persons unknown gained entry to a residence and outbuilding at 1469 Highway 2, or about three-miles east of Shenandoah. A bright blue 2004 Chevy K2500 4 x 4 extended cab pickup with Iowa License BCZ634 was stolen from the residence. The pickup had aluminum tool boxes on both sides of the bed. The tool boxes contained numerous socket / wrench sets along with several jacks and hitches.

Numerous household items, including but not limited to silverware, a clothes dryer, firearms, Japanese swords, a 70” Sharp flatscreen TV, and numerous Milwaukee cordless construction tools were also stolen. Other items in the residence were not taken but were damaged.

Page County Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1000 for information on this crime that leads to the arrest and indictment of person(s) involved with this crime. Callers can call the Page County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement with tips. The caller can remain anonymous.

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office today (Saturday) reported two men from Dallas County have been arrested in connection with a pattern of criminal mischief that began at a woman’s residence in Casey last May, and continued through at least July 2nd.  An investigation resulted in charges being filed against Thomas Jay Lilly and his son, Troy Michael Marvelli, both of Adel.

Thomas Lilley was charged with Stalking, Criminal Mischief Fourth Degree, Trespassing and Harassment Third Degree. Troy Marvelli faces Criminal Mischief Fourth Degree, Trespassing and Harassment in the Third Degree, charges.

Thomas Lilley turned himself into the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office on July 13th and appeared before the Guthrie County Magistrate where he was ordered held on $2,000 bond. Troy Marvelli turned himself into the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office on July 17th and appeared before the Guthrie County Magistrate where he was released on his own recognizance.