For the second day in a row, firefighters from Cass County are responding to a vehicle fire on eastbound Interstate 80. Fire coming from the engine compartment of a pickup truck was reported at around 10:30-a.m.  As Atlantic and Marne Fire were responding to the scene at the 51-mile marker (near the Marne exit), the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Atlantic Fire Fighter Gene Schmeling told KJAN News the flames totally engulfed the cab of the Dodge crew cab-style pickup, which was a total loss. There were no injuries reported. Firefighters were on the scene for about one-half hour.

Yesterday, a Subaru station wagon caught fire as it was headed eastbound on I-80, near the Wiota exit. The driver of the vehicle, a woman from Nevada, suffered burns to her hands while trying to rescue five animals that were traveling with her. Three of the animals, two cats and a bird, died. The vehicle was a total loss.

The Atlantic Police Department reports this (Thursday) morning, that an Atlantic woman was arrested Wednesday on a harrassment-related charge. 59-year old Deborah A. Thomas was taken into custody on a warrant for Failure to Appear on a Harrassment by Communication charge. Thomas was booked into the Cass County Jail and held, pending a court appearance.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has identified Atlantic as one of 16 Iowa communities to be highlighted on the 2012IowaCaucus.org website (http://2012iowacaucus.org/).   Atlantic Area Chamber Executive Director Megan Roberts says “Atlantic was recognized as a key location for media teams to film traditional Iowa towns during the caucus season.”  The website is aimed at providing information to media and visitors during the month before and during caucuses scheduled for January 3rd, 2012. It provides community data, caucus events and quick facts about each community.

Roberts says “Several of our local events are highlighted as well as some of our larger employers, ” and that “It is one more outlet to help put Atlantic on the map.” According to a release from the IEDA, the website is also available for mobile device users including smart phones. A printed map of Atlantic will be distributed at major candidate events in the month of December.  Council Bluffs and Harlan are also featured on the website.

Roberts says “The Iowa Caucus website could be a key way to attract some new media attention and new visitors to Atlantic from those that are watching the election race. We’re looking forward to providing them with our Atlantic hospitality while they are here.”

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest Wednesday of a Lewis man on a warrant for 50 charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor.

Roger Allen Ericksen

52-year old Roger Allen Ericksen faces two Aggravated Misdemeanor charges of Assault with the intent to commit Sexual Abuse, two counts of Lascivious Conduct with a Minor (A Serious Misdemeanor), and 46 Class-C felony counts of Sexual Abuse in the 3rd degree. The arrest stems from an on-going investigation into allegations Ericksen had sexual contact with a 14-year old female over a two-month period of time, earlier this year. Ericksen was being held in the Cass County Jail on $250,000 bond.

The Atlantic Animal Shelter is reminding persons who have adopted pets from the shelter, that they must spay or neuter the animal, as your adoption form indicates. Shelter officials say it’s a State mandates when animals are adopted out. The Shelter says State officials have visited the shelter and found many adoption forms have not been not been returned, stating that the animal has been spayed or neutered. Officials say if the forms are not returned by the end of the month, they could lose their ability to adopt-out the animals, which would mean all animals not claimed by their owners would face euthanization.

Since no one wants that to happen, the Atlantic Animal Shelter is asking you to return your animal adoption paperwork to the shelter, so they are in compliance with State regulations, and so you can receive your $20 rebate. If you have any questions, call the Shelter at 712-243-2287.