MERIDEN, Iowa (AP) Authorities say a Minnesota truck driver was injured when his tractor-trailer rig collided with a train near Meriden.
The Cherokee County sheriff’s office says Junzhi Xiao, of Little Canada, Minn., was headed west on Tuesday when he entered a railroad crossing and collided with an eastbound freight train.
The sheriff’s office says the flashing red signal lights at the crossing were working.
Xiao was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City. Officials on Thursday said he was in fair condition.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(LE MARS)–Ridiculous values from Le Mars merchants and more are planned during the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Ridiculous Days July 21-24th.
Le Mars Main Street manager Mary Reynolds says area residents can bring their own personal items for a huge rummage sale Saturday, July 24th. The rummage sale will be on the west side of the Olson Cultural Event Center and will fill First Street Northeast, if needed. Farmers Market will be open on the east side of the Olson Cultural Event Center with music performed on the stage.
Whether your’re raising money for a non-profit group or clearing out your clutter, Reynolds is accepting reservations for a spot during the Ridiculous Days Rummage Sale . There is a $15 registration fee. Those participating provide their own tables and chairs.
To secure an area for the rummage sale, those interested are asked to contact Reynolds at the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce. Rules and guidelines will be available, too.
(MAURICE)–A hit and run accident near Maurice led to the arrest of a Hull man on a false identity charge.
The Sioux County sheriff’s office released written information about the arrest of Marco Antonio De La Fuente. Authorities charged De La Fuente after investigating a hit and run accident involving a bridge struck by pickup truck that was abandoned after an accident three miles south of Maurice on April 19th.
Damage to the bridge and guard rail was estimated at 25-hundred dollars.
Authorities say their investigation determined De La Fuente was the driver and was also working under a false resident alien number at Sioux Preme Egg in Sioux Center.
He is charged with felony identity theft, driving without a license and insurance and failing to maintain control.
(GRANVILLE)–A felony forgery charge has been filed by the Sioux County Sheriff’s office against a Wisconsin woman after her arrest in Granville.
According to written information released by the sheriff’s office, 20-year-old Allison Hulst of Cassville, Wisconsin was arrested for public intoxication. Hulst is accused of giving the deputy the name of Sarah Mikels of Port Edwards, Wisconsin to prevent her arrest on Sunday.
She was charged with public intoxication, preventing apprehension and felony forgery
(HAWARDEN)–A Super Bowl champion football player brings a message of hard work, dedication and passion to the Hawarden Community Hospital Foundation April 30th.
Former Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Rams player Adam Timmerman is the featured speaker at the Foundation banquet.
The former N-F-L standout attended Washington High School in Cherokee and graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural economics. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers and also played with the St. Louis Rams.
Today his business interests include five I-Con Ag John Deere dealerships and working on the family farm.
(HULL)–A Hull teen was injured when he fell from a car in Hull Monday afternoon.
According to the Sioux County sheriff’s office report, 17-year-old Andrew Doty of Hull was driving west on a city street when 18-year-old Kyle McAlpine of Hull held onto the car from the outside. Doty was not aware that McAlpine was holding onto the car.
Authorities say when Doty got to a speed that McAlpine could no longer hold on, he let go and dropped to the pavement. Hull Ambulance took McAlpine to the hospital in Sioux Center.
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CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) A northern Iowa woman accused in a car accident that killed a passenger has received a suspended sentence and probation for vehicular homicide.
Misty Paulus of Rockford,was charged in the single-car accident that happened in August, 2008, near Marble Rock. A passenger, Brandee Jeffries of Marble Rock, was killed.
According to court documents, Paulus under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
Paulus pleaded guilty in February in Floyd County District Court. On Monday, she given a 10-year suspended sentence and put on probation for five years.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A judge has delayed the federal embezzlement trial of two women accused of embezzling nearly $6 million from West Des Moines insurer Aviva USA.
Phyllis Stevens and her partner, Marla Stevens, are accused of fraud, money laundering and other related charges.
U.S. Magistrate Ross Walters entered an order Tuesday continuing the trial of both women until Aug. 16 after attorneys for both sides agreed to the delay.
Marla Stevens’ attorney, Trevor Hook, asked for the delay, citing additional health problems for his client.
Phyllis Stevens is accused of siphoning Aviva funds into an Indianapolis bank account by manipulating the company computer system. Marla Stevens is accused of conspiring to launder and spend stolen money.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield plans to snuff out smoking for its employees during the work day.
The Des Moines-based company, which dominates the health insurance industry in Iowa, says it’s one more step to promote better health among employees.
Right now, workers have had to smoke 100 feet away from the company’s properties. Under a directive announced Wednesday, workers will not be allowed to smoke during breaks or when they go to lunch.
Spokesman Rob Schweer says Wellmark is not trying to be “Big Brother to our employees,” but as a health insurer, the company is always looking for ways to promote a healthier workplace.
The company’s new policy begins Oct. 1.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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