In an update to our report at 7-a.m., two people were transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital this morning, following an accident near Anita. Authorities say the accident involving a 2016 Chevy Silverado pickup pulling a trailer loaded with construction equipment, was reported at around 6:47 a.m.  The pickup exited I-80 and was traveling south on Highway 148 into Anita, when the driver failed to stop while negotiating a turn.

The vehicle and trailer crossed the highway and struck a small pole before coming to rest in a creek. Upon impact, the trailer became unhooked, and the pickup landed on-top of it. Anita Fire and Rescue and Medivac Ambulance responded to the scene. The names of those injured are currently not available.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports 24-year old Matthew Allen Strong, of Harlan, was arrested Wednesday in Avoca, on a warrant for Probation Violation. He was being held in the Pott. County Jail. A man being held in the Pott. County Jail on a felony warrant, was charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, Wednesday. 24-year old Robert Frederickson Durham, of Council Bluffs, is accused of damaging a sprinkler head in the jail. The damage was estimated at $300-to $750. Durham faces a similar, additional charge, in connection with an incident Tuesday afternoon, whereby he allegedly damaged a TV in his cell.

Sheriff’s deputies in Pott. County transported 37-year old Lance Leon Landrum, of Omaha, from the Douglas County, NE., Jail to the Pott. County Jail, Tuesday afternoon. Landrum was wanted on a State of Iowa felony warrants for Burglary in the 1st Degree and Child Endangerment by Abandonment and/or bodily injury, and and misdemeanor charge of Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. And, 22-year old D’Andrea Jane Penn was transported from the Douglas County, NE., Jail to the Pott. County Jail Tuesday morning, under a State of Iowa felony warrant for Theft in the 2nd Degree – Motor vehicle related.

Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded at around 5:34-p.m., Wednesday, to a single-vehicle accident on Highland Road. Authorities say 35-year old Allen Michael Shampang, of Atlantic, was westbound on Highland Road in a 2004 Chevy Silverado, when the pickup went out of control and entered the north ditch. Shampang was transported via Medivac to Cass County Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. No citations were issued. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $3,000.

And, deputies Wednesday arrested 47-year old Bobby Glenn Agan III, of Stuart. Agan was arrested on a District Court warrant for Failure to Appear. He was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $5,000 bond.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce reports nominations are currently being accepted now through 5-p.m. Dec. 3rd, for the 2019 Athena Leadership Award. The Award, developed through a grant from W.K. Kellogg Foundation, identifies eight distinct attributes that are reflective of women’s contributions to leadership: living authentically, learning constantly, advocating fiercely, acting courageously, fostering collaboration, building relationships, giving back and celebrating. These personal traits are more intuitive to women and combined with the strongest aspects of traditional leadership – taking risks, assertiveness, hard work – prepare women to be successful leaders in the 21st century.

Athena Award

Over 7,000 recipients around the world have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since the program launched in 1982. Presented to leaders, woman and men, across the professional sector, the ATHENA Leadership Award is one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive – and Atlantic is one of the few communities in Iowa with an active ATHENA Leadership group.

Nominees must meet each of the following three criteria:

• Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
• Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community
• Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential

This will be the 19th year of this program, which began locally in 2001, by Deter Motor Company, in Atlantic. Eighteen women have been honored for their leadership in the communities of our area. Everyone is encouraged to nominate an individual who actively assists women in achieving their full leadership potential in our communities. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented in January at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. Those interested in nominating an individual can pick up a nomination packet at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Chestnut Street, or by visiting www.atlanticiowa.com.

Past local recipients have included: LaVon Eblen, Judy Marnin, Leanne Pellett, Denise O’Brien, Margaret Slepsky, Glenda Farrier, Carole Schuler, Jan Kinnison, Janell Hansen, Ann Pross, Wendy Richter, Dolly Bergmann, Pat Markham, Lanette Plambeck, Kathie Hockenberry, Dr. Tressa Wilcox, Heather McKay and Dr. Elaine Berry.

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling over 640,000 pickup trucks worldwide because hot gas from a high-tech seat belt can set the carpeting on fire. The recall covers certain 2019 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. Also included are some 2020 Silverado and Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups. All have carpet as a floor covering, and most are in North America.

GM says it uses a small explosion to move a piston that tightens the belts before a crash. The explosion can release hot gas through an opening in a bracket, possibly setting the carpet on fire. The company reports two fires but no injuries. Dealers will close the opening at no cost to owners. No date was given for the recall to start.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa City residents are being urged to avoid several city parks next month as a contracted company conducts hunts to lower the local deer population. The city hired White Buffalo Inc. to reduce the deer overpopulation. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that the city has estimated its deer population is as high as 80 animals per square mile. The city hopes to bring that number down to 25. The hunt will start Dec. 1 and last until Dec. 22, from 3 p.m. until dawn. Officials say that, following the White Buffalo hunt this year, there will be 30-day bow hunts open to the public for each of the next four years.

Former Vice President and current Democrat Presidential candidate Joe Biden and his wife Jill, will be in Iowa over the next few days for campaign events. In west-central Iowa, Joe Biden will hold a “Town Hall” event in Winterset Friday evening, at the Madison County Fairgrounds (1146 W. Summit St.). Doors open at 5:15-p.m., with the event starting at 5:45-p.m.

On Saturday, Biden and his wife will hold similar events in Des Moines and Knoxville. During his visits, Vice President Biden will lay out his vision for America and listen to voters’ concerns and ideas around restoring the soul of the nation, rebuilding the middle class, and unifying the country.