Local News
'Train from hell' did not strike truck in Ottumwa
OTTUMWA — A familiar train may have been in the national news as “the train from hell,” but it didn’t hit a truck in Ottumwa.
Amtrak's eastbound California Zephyr pulled into Chicago's Union Station nearly 18 hours late, prompting news reports that passengers were hungry and cold — and that it was partly delayed after striking a pickup truck in Iowa.
Some reports erroneously stated the accident happened in Ottumwa. Actually, Amtrak spokesperson Tracy Connell told The Courier on Sunday, the accident occurred “in Lucas County, near Osceola.”
Confusion may have developed because on their maps, railroad workers consider Lucas County to be part of “the Ottumwa Subdivision.”
Connell said the Zephyr struck a stranded pickup truck on Curtis Avenue at 12:05 a.m. After the truck had gotten stuck on the tracks, the occupant left. Local authorities responded to the incident, and no injuries were reported, she said. The delay early Friday morning added about an hour to the trip.
Connell said the Zephyr was late leaving California on Wednesday afternoon and experienced constant weather-related delays en route. Connell said a delay of more than 10 hours was caused by a two-story-high snowdrift on the tracks near Hastings, Neb.
The Zephyr does pass through Ottumwa on it’s east and westjourney, which runs from Chicago to California.
The Associated Press contributed to this article. Mark Newman can be reached at 683-5358 or by e-mail at mnewman@ottumwacourier.com.
- Local News
-
-
Bentler estate lawyer loses his appeal
Guardian as litem and attorney for Shawn Bentler's two children loses appeal to Iowa Appeals Court to receive more money for work done on case.
-
Officials respond to 4 car fires in 5 days
Although authorities say the number of recent car fires is unusual, they go on to say there's no evidence that they are connected.
-
Mediacom, KYOU at odds over contract
Although there is stalling in talks for a new contract agreement, officials aren't worried and say that the problem "almost always gets resolved."
-
Officials: Breastfeeding builds a better baby
Counselors can give breatfeeding tips as well as list the benefits breatfeeding provides for both the mother and baby.
-
2010 Wapello County 4-H Expo results
Links to PDFs of the expo competition results
-
Big Bang gains big attention
GameRoom magazine devotes six solid pages of coverage to the International Video Game Hall of Fame and the Big Bang 2010 in its latest edition.
-
City taking applications for fire chief
Job will be posted in area fire department publications, the Ottumwa Courier and the Des Moines Register. The city changed the job description in hopes of hiring one of the current firefighters for the position.
-
Contractor to help county rock roads
county is "limited on the number of trucks" that can be used for hauling, spreading and blading rock. Douds stone will haul rock and save county trucks from running back and forth.
-
Ottumwa crowd presses Branstad on casino denial
During a campaign stop in Ottumwa Monday, GOP gubernatorial candidate and former Gov. Terry Branstad faced questions on Ottumwa's failed bid for a casino, and the conversation made its way to comments made by Commissioner Toni Urban before the application process even started.
-
Officials on track to hire New OEDC director
City Administrator Joe Helfenberger says the OEDC board will select candidates to interview now that the application deadline is past. They hope to have a new director selected in the next month.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Bentler estate lawyer loses his appeal
