Home News Friday Afternoon News, January 13th

Friday Afternoon News, January 13th

High School Office Assistants Honored As “Employees of the Month”

(Le Mars) — Two staff members that oversee the front office of the Le Mars Community High School were named today as the school’s “Employees of the Month”. Amy Davis and Beth Collins serve as the High School secretaries. Assistant Principal Neil Utesch submitted the nomination for the two office assistants
saying: “Both of these ladies take on any task that they are asked to do. If they do not know how to do something, then they figure it our with no questions asked. They are the face of the building that welcomes all community members, students, and staff on a daily basis. They are dedicated to the students and to
the school and bring a comfort to all who come into the office. Not only are they great at their jobs, but they work well together. They compliment each other greatly as they work together to make sure that the day runs as smoothly as
possible. They are hardworking, fun to be around, and make the day better with their winning smiles and positive attitudes. Congratulations to Amy Davis and Beth Collins for being named the Le Mars Community School District’s “Employees
of the Month”.

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School Employees Of The Month. Beth Collins (center) and Amy Davis (right) were honored Friday as the Le Mars Community “Employees of the Month”  Standing with the High School Secretaries is Assistant High School Principal, Neil Utesch who submitted the nomination.

 

Le Mars Man Arrested After Having A 4th Violation Of Intoxicated Driving

(Orange City) — Sioux County authorities have arrested a Le Mars man following an incident involving a car that caught on fire. The event happened early Wednesday morning at about 3:20 a.m. on Highway 60 near Hospers. 26 year old
David DeBoer was driving his Pontiac Grand Prix northbound when his car started on fire. The Pontiac sustained approximately $2,000 in damage. Upon further investigation, the deputy suspected that De Boer was under the influence of
alcohol. DeBoer was arrested for a fourth offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a barred driver’s license, operating a motor vehicle with a revoked driver’s license, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, and failure to have insurance. The
Hospers Fire Department and the Hospers Ambulance also responded to the scene.

DeBoer, David

 

Despite State Budget Shortfalls, Feenstra Sees Tax Reform Passing The Iowa Legislature

(Des Moines) — The Iowa Legislature is ending its first week of the 2017 General Session, and the challenge before them is to solve the shortfall of funds amounting to over $100 million. Republicans generally like to reduce taxes, but with the budget deficit, can people expect to see the Republican controlled
legislature offer any tax breaks? Randy Feenstra of Hull serves as the chairman of the State Senate’s Ways and Means Committee, meaning any tax-related bill will appear before his committee. Feenstra says despite the state’s budget problems, he does expect to see some tax reform take place.

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Feenstra says he is concerned about Iowa not able to remain competitive with tax incentives offered by neighboring states, which drives some businesses to other states.

Funding for public schools is usually one of the earliest bills the state legislature works on during the general session. Schools are asking for additional money in the Educational Supplemental Spending Bill, saying if the state doesn’t appropriate more money it will mean staff reductions and the elimination of programs. Governor Branstad has advocated a two percent increase for the public schools. State Senator Feenstra offers his commentary on the subject.

 

Iowa Lawmaker Wants To End University Tenure

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A Republican senator has introduced a bill to end tenure for faculty at Iowa’s public university, saying he wants administrators to have more flexibility in managing professors.
State Sen. Brad Zaun is introducing the bill, which would establish grounds for the termination of employment for any faculty member.
The Board of Regents and faculty oppose the bill, saying Zaun doesn’t understand the purpose and value of tenure in attracting the best employees. Joe Gorton, a criminology professor at the University of Northern Iowa, says tenure prevents faculty from being fired for exercising the freedom to teach and
conducting research about controversial or unpopular topics.

 

Hy Vee and Palmer Candy Company Recall Candies

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Hy-Vee food store chain has recalled store branded candy distributed to 242 stores in eight states after learning an ingredient from another company could be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.
West Des Moines-based Hy-Vee says a milk powder ingredient used in chocolate coating has the potential for contamination and the candy’s manufacturer, Palmer Candy Co., announced a recall of some of its products.
The candy is in a clear plastic container with sell-by dates between Jan. 26 and Feb. 23. It includes chocolate almond bark, chocolate almond pretzels, dazzled peanut brittle, holiday candy trays and others fully listed on the FDA recall website .
The candy was distributed to Hy-Vee’s eight-state region, including Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

No illnesses have been reported.

 

Branstad Makes Commission Appointments

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad has appointed a former high-ranking state government lawyer, a former Polk County supervisor and a retired newspaper publisher to the Iowa Public Information Board.
Branstad announced Friday that former deputy attorney general Julie Pottorff will fill a term on the board that expires in 2020.
Pottorff served for years under Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and often gave advice to state and local agencies about the Iowa open records and open meetings laws.
Meanwhile, Branstad appointed former Polk County supervisor and Urbandale Mayor E.J. Giovannetti and retired Jefferson newspaper publisher Rick Morain to board seats that expire next year.
All three appointments are subject to state Senate confirmation.
The board considers complaints about compliance with open records and meetings laws and can sanction public officials who violate them, although it rarely does so.