FAA Says Le Mars Proposed Water Tower May Need To Change
(Le Mars) — Le Mars City officials may need to change their plans for a new one million
gallon water tower since the Federal Aviation Administration has said the original plan
calling for the water tower to be located in the southwest corner of Le Mars, would be in
direct line with the flight path for the Le Mars Municipal Airport. The FAA says the
proposed water tower that was to be 140 feet tall would be a hazard to airplanes using the
airport. FAA officials have told city leaders the water tower should not be any taller than
86 feet for the proposed location. Le Mars City Administrator Scott Langel says the city
is considering its options.
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Langel clarifies the FAA position with regards to the proposed water tower.
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The city bought slightly more than two acres of land for the tower and booster station in
southwest Le Mars. Langel says officials believe that’s the best spot for a tower, but
something will need to change if the FAA sticks by its decision.
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{audio} images/stories/mp3/August 2013/Langel watertower2.mp3{/audio}
Langel says two contracted engineering firms are already reviewing the location and
design of the tower. They may have to change the configuration of the water storage
facility. During Tuesday’s meeting, the city council rejected the submitted bids for the
construction of the water tower and booster station.
Two People Die In Sioux City Fire
(Sioux City) — Two people are dead following a house fire yesterday at Sioux City. Authorities say 58 year old Steve Smid and his wife, 58 year old Susan Smid, both perished in the fire at their home at 1210 Wright Avenue.
Sioux City Fire Marshall Mark Aesoph says firefighters and police were dispatched to the scene around 8:20 a.m.
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Aesoph says the victims likely died of smoke inhalation, and autopsies are pending. He says there were two smoke detectors in the home.
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Aesoph says the fire extinguished itself by burning up all the oxygen in the home and that there may not have been enough smoke to activat the basement detector. Both victims were employed by the Sioux City School District. Susan Smid was a music teacher while Steve Smid worked for the district’s food services department.
Le Mars Fire Department To Host Water Contest
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department will be holding a water fight contest on Sunday at noon at the Fareway Grocery Store parking lot. That water fight contest will feature several area fire departments. Dave Schipper, Le Mars Fire Chief says the contest is not just for fun, but it actually serves a purpose.
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Last year, six different fire departments participated in the annual event. Schipper says trophies will be awarded to the contest’s winners.
Schaffer Pleads Not Guilty To Robbing Heritage Bank
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A 53-year-old Nebraska man has pleaded not guilty to a charge that he robbed a northwest Iowa bank last fall.
Richard Shaffer, of Omaha, Neb., made his plea on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Sioux City. Shaffer is accused of robbing Heritage Bank in downtown Sioux City on Oct. 12.
Police say a robber gave a teller a note demanding cash and escaped with more than $3,700.
The robber didn’t appear to be armed.
Shaffer’s trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 7.
Sioux City Wins Battle With Speed Cameras
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Sioux City has won another round in its fight with the state over two speed cameras along Interstate 29.
A judge on Wednesday rejected the Iowa Transportation Department’s request to dismiss a
temporary injunction. The injunction has barred the state from removing the cameras and
related signage. Judge Jeffrey Poulson said the state failed to prove the cameras were
obstacles in the roadway.
The judge granted the temporary injunction last month. Assistant City Attorney Justin
Vondrak says the city will seek a permanent injunction to keep the cameras in place.
Grassley To Visit Le Mars
(Le Mars) — U-S Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa has planned constituent meetings in 15 Iowa
Communities, including Le Mars. The Republican Senator says with these meetings, Grassley
will have been to every one of the state’s 99 counties this year for meetings with Iowans.
Grassley has scheduled a visit to Le Mars for next Wednesday, August 28th. He will be at
the Floyd Valley Hospital Conference Room beginning at 8:00 a.m.
