OMAHA, Neb. — Prosecutors in Nebraska said an Omaha man has been stealing and selling catalytic converters for months. KETV in Omaha reports detectives believe Phillip Love has been caught on camera stealing and selling catalytic converters. Police said in one case, Love is seen on camera cutting one from under a car in just over a minute. Love was recently arrested in Carter Lake, Iowa on one case. Love has to pay $5,000 to get out of jail. If he’s convicted, he faces up to two years in jail.

Prosecutors revealed that a metal recycling shop in Carter Lake, Iowa helped link love to several thefts. That includes one stolen from a car parked at the University of Nebraska Omaha on June 5 or 6. Lakeside Auto Recyclers told police Love scrapped one between those days. Authorities said Lakeside has been cooperative with police in identifying the more than 50 sales love participated in. Still, they’re working to link those sales to thefts.

Officers add it’s not Love’s first time getting busted for this exact crime. In February, he was arrested for felony theft and possessing burglary tools. In 2022, the same crime, and he was sentenced to just over 220 days in jail. Police said they’ll continue to try to link Love to thefts around the area and say thieves often cross jurisdictions, so there’s much work to be done. In the meantime, they suggest people park in well-lit areas, and take the precautionary steps to try to reduce the chances of becoming a victim in the first place.

(Creston, Iowa) – A high speed crash at around 9:45-p.m. Saturday, in Creston, claimed the life of a person from Creston, and resulted in injuries to a man from Ames. The Iowa State Patrol reports a 2001 Ford Mustang was traveling south on Highway 25 in Creston, when the driver lost control near the intersection of Sumner and Howard Streets.

The car left the roadway to the left and struck a parked vehicle before vaulting and striking the front of two houses on the east side of  the road. The vehicle flipped over and came to rest on its top at 313 Sumner Avenue.

The driver suffered life-threatening injuries at died at the at hospital in Creston. A male passenger in the vehicle was flown by Mercy helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Both occupants were wearing their seat belts. Their names were not immediately released.

The crash remains under investigation. The State Patrol was assisted at the scene by Creston Police and the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

(Fremont County, Iowa) – An accident Friday evening in southwest Iowa resulted in a person from Colorado being injured. The Iowa State Patrol, Saturday, reported a 2020 Honda 250R dirt bike driven by 31-year-old Casey Winstead, of Fort Collins, CO, was traveling southbound on 380th Street in Fremont County at around 5:52-p.m., when Winstead failed to stop for a posted stop sign at 120th Street.

As the motorcycle crossed 120th, it was struck by a 2015 GMC Yukon driven by 31-year-old Vanessa Frank, of Randolph (IA). Winstead suffered serious injuries and was transported by Life Flight helicopter to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Vanessa Frank was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – (UPDATED) One person died in a house fire this (Saturday) afternoon, in Atlantic. According Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel, a female resident in the home died. Her name was not immediately released. The house at 804 Walnut Street was a total loss. A cause had not been determined. Two neighbors in the area saw the fire and both called 9-1-1.

The call went out at 4:27-p.m.  Atlantic Police observed heavy smoke upon their arrival, and said the house appeared to be fully involved. Atlantic Fire, Cass EMS and Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies were on the scene moments later. Chief Cappel said flames were coming out of the north, south and east side of the structure. Front entry was attempted, but the smoke was so dense it make it difficult to see, according to Cappel.

He said the fire in the upstairs of the home was made all the more difficult to fight because renovations had been made by means of a wall between the north and south bedrooms. In addition, the stairs were compromised, and along with the main floor.

Additional manpower/mutual aid was requested from the Lewis and Marne Fire Departments. Mother Nature provided some assistance in the form of a brief shower, at around 4:45-p.m.

Ric Hanson (photos)

The State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified and were expected to be on scene shortly.

Chief Cappel thanked the Marne and Lewis Fire Departments, Atlantic Police, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County EMC Mike Kennon and others were stayed at the scene and offered assistance.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Organizers of an event in Atlantic that includes fireworks, music and more, have updated information about the event that will take place September 2nd. Everyone is invited to come out to the Atlantic Little League Sports Complex on Saturday, September 2nd for the Saturday Night Bash at the Ballfields event. The fun will begin at 5-p.m.

The event will feature live music from Gut Feeling out of Des Moines and the City of Atlantic’s fireworks show by Wild Wayne’s Fireworks.  (Postponed from the 4th of July!) There will also be a beer garden, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, a balloon artist, bags, and a punt/pass/kick contest.

Organizers wish to give special thanks to their title sponsor, Camblin Mechanical, for sponsoring the band, and Stamp Construction, L.C., for sponsoring the beer garden.  Thanks also, to: Frederiksen Iron Recycling, Inc.; Lyman Ag Supply, Inc.; Browns Shoe Fit; Car Quest Auto Parts; Duke Rentals; McCurdy Investments, and First Whitney Bank and Trust for their sponsorships of the kids’ activities and attractions.

A record Mega Millions jackpot might be on the way for Tuesday’s drawing after no ticket matched all the winning numbers in Friday’s estimated $1.25 billion dollar jackpot. The next drawing is now being estimated at $1.55 billion grand prize, which would top the previous record prize of $1.53 billion that was won in South Carolina in 2018.

Friday’s wining numbers were 11-30-45-52-56 with a Mega Ball of 20. Although no one hit the jackpot, lottery officials say two tickets won $2 million and seven others won $1 million by matching the first five numbers.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce report “AtlanticFest,” presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, will be held Saturday, August 12th, rain or shine. AtlanticFest is an annual festival that serves as a fundraiser for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith says  “AtlanticFest is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Chamber. Our sponsors help cover a lot of the costs of the event, allowing us to raise funds through registration fees, pop stand sales and the 50/50 raffle. We use the funds from AtlanticFest to continue to grow community events while also supporting business-based programs. We love this partnership with First Whitney Bank and the experience AtlanticFest offers the community. It also gives us the chance to support local businesses and civic organizations”

Downtown Atlantic will be filled with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Come early and start the day with a pancake breakfast or a run/walk in the Annual Road Race with chip timing. There will be crafters from all over Southwest Iowa, as well as some of the best food vendors to help satisfy any appetite. Kids can enjoy bounce houses and games throughout City Park. The 25th Annual Car Show and 9th Annual Motorcycle Show will be taking place once again this year. And with free entertainment throughout the day, you can’t go wrong.

A bags tournament has been added to the fun this year and will be held in City Park. Enter a team of two for $50 and try your chance to win $500, $300 or $200 guaranteed. Registration begins at 10 AM at the City Park Shelter.

Day-of registrations are accepted for events including: car show, motorcycle show, road race and bags tournament. Maps of the event, Atlantic merchandise and more will be available at the Chamber booth in City Park. To learn more about AtlanticFest, visit www.atlanticiowa.com.

The Chamber thanks their AtlanticFest partners for their support: First Whitney Bank & Trust, A.M. Cohron & Son, Atlantic Ag & Auto- Carquest, Atlantic Municipal Utilities, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling, Atlantic Home Realty, Armour Insurance, Brocker, Karns & Karns, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Camblin Plumbing & Heating, Downtowner, Karl Chevy, McAtee Tire, Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Roland Funeral Home, Rolling Hills Bank, Rush, CPA & Associates, Salute Gymnastics and Wiota Steakhouse.