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Multiple crews battle field fires in western Iowa, Sunday afternoon

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

October 24th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Harrison and Montgomery Counties) – Multiple agencies battle field fires in western Iowa, Sunday afternoon. The flames were spread quickly by strong winds, and resulted in the voluntary evacuation of some residents, especially in Montgomery County, where a fire quickly went out of control and spread some three-to four miles before being brought under control at around 8:30-p.m.

Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hamman reports “The Montgomery County Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls at 4:47pm reporting a small ditch fire in the area of Highway 34 x A Ave. Mutual aid was requested immediately prior to any fire units arriving on scene due to wind conditions. Once fire crews arrived on scene, the fire grew rapidly and spread quickly north to adjoining fields. Several homes in the area were evacuated by law enforcement and mutual aid was again requested from numerous area fire departments.

Brian Hamman photo

Brian Hamman photo

Without the quick response of all of the first responders and area farmers who contributed with tractors and discs, this fire would have traveled for several more miles, consumed many more acres and endangered several homes and lives in the process. Thankfully, no homes were destroyed and only two minor injuries have been reported as a result of the fire. It is believed that the fire originated from a previous fire two weeks ago as a result of strong winds.”
Hamman said also, “Please note that there are several sections within the area that have trees and other debris burning. Numerous farmers continue to disc additional fire breaks to alleviate additional fire from spreading. The area will be monitored by fire and law enforcement overnight. It is believed that roughly 750 acres were consumed by fire (Sunday).
There were 18 Fire Departments (63 Fire/EMS Vehicles, 138 Personnel), 6 Law Enforcement Agencies (10 Officers) 3 Emergency Management Agencies (5 Emergency Management Coordinators) and 3 County Dispatch Agencies that assisted in the situation. (See the list of agencies below)
Mondamin, Iowa.
At around 1:15-p.m. Sunday, (October 23, 2022) Harrison County 911 received a call for a field on fire on 235th Street near Hamilin Ave southeast of Mondamin. Modale and Mondamin Fire departments were paged to the area. Due to volatile weather conditions and available fuels, the fire spread quickly. Mondamin fire requested mutual aid to assist with containment of the fire. Fire and rescue units and personnel from Little Sioux, Mondamin, Modale, Missouri Valley, Logan, Magnolia, Pisgah, Woodbine, Dunlap, Panama, Portsmouth, and Blencoe responded to contain the fire. The Harrison County Sheriff’s office, Missouri Valley Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Harrison County Emergency Management and Shelby County Emergency Management also responded to the area to assist. Multiple local farmers responded with tractors and disks to help contain fire. At approximately, 6:00 PM, the fire was determined to be under control and knocked down. There were no reported injuries or structures to have been damaged. At this time, a fire investigation and damage assessments are ongoing

Harrison County fire

Harrison County fire

A combine fire Saturday afternoon spread to stand field of corn, with Shelby and Harrison counties had fire departments respond to a combine fire that spread to standing corn. Shelby, Portsmouth and Persia were all assisted by some much appreciated tractor operators with discs.

Shelby County Emergency Svcs. Assoc. photo

Montgomery County Field Fire assisting agencies:

Elliott FD
Grant FD
Hastings FD
Oak Twp FD
Silver City FD
Henderson FD
Lewis FD
Marne FD
Macedonia FD
Mills County Communications
Pottawattamie County Communications

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather |

Joint investigation nets 2 arrests on drug charges

News

October 23rd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Mount Ayr, Iowa) — A joint investigation between the Ringgold, Taylor and Adams County Sheriff’s Offices, resulted in the arrest on drug charges, of a man and woman from Clearfield. The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office reports stolen property offenses resulted in a search warrant that was executed on Saturday. Multiple items were recovered at a residence in the western edge of Ringgold County, along with controlled substances and paraphernalia.

Upon investigation, 58-year-old Monty Parkhurst and 54-year-old Michelle Grady, both from Clearfield, were arrested for child endangerment, possession of a controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. The pair were being held without bond in the Ringgold County Jail, until seen by magistrate.

Michelle M. Grady

Monty E. Parkhust

*”Any potential criminal charges identified above are merely allegations and any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Posted in News |

Voluntary Evac. notice issued in Montgomery County

News

October 23rd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Update 8:30-p..m.: Many of the units and personnel who responded to fire, were returning to their stations, with the thanks of Montgomery County Communications and other officials.

The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency has issued a “Voluntary evacuation notice,” due to the large field fire (See below). Officials  say evacuation area encompasses A Ave west to Highway 59 and US Hwy 34 north to 110th. “Please evacuate the area immediately due to rapidly growing field fire.”

(Previous post)

(Emerson, Iowa) – Numerous fire departments, crews and equipment are battling a major field fire this (Sunday) afternoon, and additional help was being requested, as of 5:35-p.m. About three-to four miles of field was on fire northeast of Emerson, in the area of Highway 34 and A Avenue. Traffic was being blocked by emergency personnel and law enforcement in that same area. Residents are being evacuated as well.

Help is coming from as far away as Griswold, Lewis and Marne. Other agencies include Emerson, Hastings, Oakland, Macedonia, Stanton and Carson, to name a few. Some units are staging at 150th and A Avenue.

A farmer with a tractor and disc was also assisting in this major blaze.

Posted in News |

Hardman’s big day leads Chiefs over 49ers

Sports

October 23rd, 2022 by admin

Mecole Hardman ran for two scores and caught another touchdown as the Kansas City Chiefs raced past the San Francisco 49ers 44-23 on Sunday.

After falling behind by 10 points midway through the first quarter, the Chiefs rallied to score 6 touchdowns on their next seven possessions. The Chiefs were ahead by one at half and then struck quickly in the second half. Isiah Pacheco had a great return and three plays later Clyde Edwards-Helaire scored on a 16-yard run. The Chiefs seemed to roll from there.

Patrick Mahoms went 25-34 passing for 423 yard and three touchdowns. JuJu Smith-Schuster had seven catches for 124 yards and a touchdonwn. Travis Kelce finished just two yards shy of 100, keeping him one game away from tying Rob Gronkoswki for the most 100-yard receiving games by a tight end.

The Chiefs improved to 5-2 on the season and we’ll now enjoy a little rest with their bye week. Their next game will be at home on November 6th against the Tennessee Titans.

Posted in Sports |

Major Field Fire emergency declared in Mills/Montgomery Counties

News

October 23rd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Emerson, Iowa) – Numerous fire departments, crews and equipment are battling a major field fire this (Sunday) afternoon, and additional help was being requested, as of 5:35-p.m. About three-to four miles of field was on fire northeast of Emerson, in the area of Highway 34 and A Avenue. Traffic was being blocked by emergency personnel and law enforcement in that same area. Residents are being evacuated as well.

Help is coming from as far away as Griswold, Lewis and Marne. Other agencies include Emerson, Hastings, Oakland, Macedonia, Stanton and Carson, to name a few. Some units are staging at 150th and A Avenue.

A farmer with a tractor and disc was also assisting in this major blaze.

Posted in News |

DEBORAH “Debbie” ARCHIBALD, 67, of Atlantic (Svcs. 11/1/22)

Obituaries

October 23rd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

DEBORAH “Debbie”ARCHIBALD, 67, of Atlantic, died Sunday, Oct. 23rd, at home. Services for DEBBIE ARCHIBALD will be held 11-a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1st, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic has the arrangements.

The family will greet friends and relatives prior to the service on Tuesday (from 10-until 11-a.m.), at the church.

A private family burial will be held in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

DEBORAH “Debbie”ARCHIBALD is survived by:

Three children – Todd, and Kyle Archibald & Melissa Carey.

Online condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Posted in Obituaries |

Family pets perish in Red Oak house fire Sunday morning

News

October 23rd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Firefighters from Red Oak responded just before 2-a.m. today (Sunday), to a house fire. The blaze took place at 907 E Prospect Street. Fire Chief John Bruce reports, upon firefighters’ arrival, they found the entire front of the 2 1/2 story residence owned by Windy Monjarez was on fire. Fire was extending from the first floor through the residence into the attic space.
Mutual Aid was requested. Crews from the Stanton and Elliott Fire Departments, Essex Rescue, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office personnel, Red Oak Water Dept., and Mid-American Utilities responded, with the assistance of Montgomery County Communications.

Photo courtesy Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce

Chief Bruce said four occupants who were home at the time of the fire, all safely evacuated prior to the fire department’s arrival. A couple of the occupants were evaluated by EMS on scene for smoke inhalation. None of the firefighters were hurt. Unfortunately, some pets did parish in the fire, however, a couple were rescued. The blaze was declared under control a little before 6-a.m., with Incident Command was terminated at the scene, just after 8-a.m.
The fire remains under investigation at this time.

Posted in News |

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Sunday, Oct. 23rd 2022

Weather

October 23rd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Today: **WIND ADVISORY from this afternoon until 2-a.m. Monday**; Sunny, with a high near 84. S @ 15-30 mph. Winds could gust to near 50 mph.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 54. S @ 25-35 w/gusts to near 50, decreasing after midnight.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers. High 62 w/the temperature falling during the afternoon. Winds W @ 15-25 mph.
Monday Night: Skies clearing overnight. Low around 34.
Tuesday: Sunny. High near 56. N/NW wind 10-20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Saturday’s High in Atlantic was 82. The Low was 57. Last year on this date (Oct. 23), the High in Atlantic was 58 and the Low was 34. The Record High for Oct. 23rd in Atlantic, was 81 in 1901 & 1991. The Record Low was 13, in 1895.

Posted in Weather |

Wind Advisory this afternoon (10/23) until 2-a.m. Monday (10/24)

Weather

October 23rd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Sac-Crawford-Carroll-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison-Adams-Union-Taylor-Ringgold-Monona-Harrison-Shelby-Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont- Page Counties… Sun Oct 23 2022 …

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON UNTIL 2 AM MONDAY...

* WHAT…South winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

Wind Advisory for counties in light brown; Red Flag Warning for counties in pink.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The period of strongest winds will transition from southwest Iowa this afternoon into central and northern Iowa this evening. Strong winds and dry conditions will result in an enhanced fire danger, especially west of Highway 169.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

Posted in Weather |

JEAN YOUNG, 74, of Atlantic (Mass of Christian Burial 10/28/22)

Obituaries

October 22nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

JEAN YOUNG, 74, of Atlantic, died Saturday, October 22, 2022, at her home in Atlantic. A Mass of Christian Burial for JEAN YOUNG will be held 10:30-a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Massena. Lamb Funeral Home in Massena has the arrangements.

Visitation at the funeral home is on Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, with family will to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Burial is in the Victoria Township Cemetery, south of Massena.

Memorials may be directed to the Jean Young Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

JEAN YOUNG is survived by:

Her husband – Kenneth Young, of Atlantic.

Her sons – Joe (Jennifer) Holste, and Mitch (Rebecca) Holste, all of Massena.

Her brother – William Waters, of Massena

Her sisters – Joan (Larry) Carr, of Corning and Beth Mills, of Massena

Seven grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Posted in Obituaries |