Hinton Schools Receive Bomb Threat Through E-mail
(Hinton) — The Hinton Community School District had a bit of a scare on Tuesday. Although school was closed due to the icy conditions, school officials acknowledge receiving a threatening email message indicating a bomb and a rifle were planted inside the school building. Authorities began a search and didn’t find anything. Law enforcement officials have since said the email message originated from Germany. However, when students come back to classes today, there will be a presence of security officials.
Community Betterment Project Gets Closer To Financial Goal
(Le Mars) — Only $26,258 dollars is needed to match the Wells Enterprises $2.5 million dollar challenge grant for the city’s Community Betterment Project. That’s what Le Mars Area Betterment Foundation president Mike Donlin told city council members during Tuesday’s meeting. Donlin appeared before the council to offer an update of the progression status of the donations and contributions for the Community Betterment Project 2 program. Appearing with Donlin was Dave Shaver, general manager of the Le Mars Fareway store, as the grocery store presented its contribution.
Donlin also announced the Sertoma Club of Le Mars has made a contribution of $1,800. Donlin reported the daughter of Paul “Ole” Olson also made a significant contribution for the Community Betterment Project.
Family members of Paul “Ole” and Patty Olson. From left to right: Alex Christianson (grandson), Kim Christianson, (daughter), Jim Christianson (son-in-law), Matt Christianson, (grandson) Hailey, (Matt’s girlfriend) David, Sydney, (grand daughter) and Annie Deutz. Kim and husband Jim contributed $10,000 and the grandchildren together contributed $5,000 for a total contribution of $15,000 for the Community Betterment Project.
City Council Discuss Salary Increases
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars city council held its first reading on the proposed salary increase for the mayor and council members. What has been proposed is for the mayor’s salary to be increased from the present $12,000 per year annual salary to a new figure of $18,000 per year, after serving three terms. As for the council… annual salaries, would increase from the present $6,000 per year, to a new rate of $9,000 per year, after two terms in office. Councilman John Rexwinkel who was participating in the discussion through a conference phone call stated he would be in favor of increasing the mayor’s salary, but didn’t want to see an increase for council members.
Councilman Clark Goodchild indicated he didn’t like how the proposal included a reference indicating the salaries would be awarded for longevity of service.
Councilman Ken Nelson spoke in favor of the salary proposal, saying council members need to attend numerous meetings, which is a dedicated time commitment. Council members voted four to one in favor of the proposal. However, two additional readings will need to be passed before the measure can take effect.
Sioux Center Man Found Guilty Of Domestic Assault
(Orange City) — Sioux County Attorney Thomas G. Kunstle announced that Peter Patrick Baccam, age 22, of Sioux Center, Iowa, was found guilty in Sioux County District Court of the crime of Domestic Abuse Assault Causing Bodily Injury. Sioux County Attorney Thomas G. Kunstle, coordinating with the Sioux Center Police Department, prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Iowa.
This case arose on October 11, 2016, after the victim reported she was assaulted by her children’s father Peter Baccam to the Sioux Center Hospital. The victim was 27 weeks pregnant at the time and was concerned for her unborn baby. The hospital reported the matter to police, who conducted the investigation.
Baccam pled not guilty and the case proceeded to trial. On January 11, 2017, a Sioux County jury found Baccam guilty of Domestic Abuse Assault Causing Bodily Injury. Baccam has two prior convictions after assaulting the same victim. Because of these prior convictions, this assault is enhanced to an Aggravated Misdemeanor. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 20, 2017.
Semi Truck Hits Railroad Warning Crossing Arm
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office is investigating yet another semi truck and rail crossing accident. Fortunately, however, this accident did not involve a train. According to the report, 34-year old Kyle Kass of Sioux City was traveling east bound on Highway 3 at West Le Mars when he hit the railroad crossing signals, and breaking off the cross arm at the rail crossing.
The accident happened on Tuesday at approximately 12:16 p.m.
Wells Enterprises Honored With World-At-Work Seal Of Distinction
(Le Mars) — Wells Enterprises of Le Mars has recently been notified that it is one of three Iowa companies to receive the honor of 2017 World-at-Work Seal of Distinction. World-at-Work is a nonprofit Human Resources association and compensation authority. The Seal is an unique mark of excellence designed to
identify organizations with a strong total rewards portfolio that delivers a positive workforce experience. Wells Enterprises, along with the other recipients of the award will be formally honored during a conference scheduled for May in Washington D.C. A total of 160 companies nationwide are being honored. In addition to Wells Enterprises, Iowa’s other two honorees include Principal
Financial Group and I-T-A Group, Incorporated.
Steve King Believes Northey Would Make A Good USDA Secretary
(Le Mars) — The position of Secretary of Agriculture is the only position within president-elect’s Donald Trump administration that has not had a nominee named. Last week, we heard from Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley say he had spoken
to vice presidential-elect Mike Pence and had advocated the Trump Administration select Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey. Iowa’s 4th District Republican Congressman Steve King is also advocating for Northey to become the next U-S-D-A Secretary.
King says he’s not troubled by the fact that no one has yet been named to the Agriculture’s Department top post, and he’s confident Donald Trump will be a supporter of American farmers.
The Iowa Congressman says at one point, he had heard the name of former Georgia governor Sonny Perdue being spread around Washington D.C. as the next Agriculture
Secretary, but King says for what ever reason, Perdue’s name has been dropped from the list.
Education Initiatives May Be Dropped Due To Budget Cuts
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Two education initiatives created to improve Iowa schools could be at risk of delay or even disposal due to budget shortfalls.
The state Department of Education has not requested money from Iowa to implement a crucial summer reading program as part of the state’s third-grade retention law. Starting in the spring of next year, third-graders reading below grade level will be required to either repeat the grade or go to an intensive summer reading program to move on to the next year.
The second initiative would switch schools from the current statewide exams to computer-based tests, which adjust the difficulty level of math or reading questions based on the students’ answers.
Iowa lawmakers are struggling with a $110 million budget shortfall, and are unsure if enough funding is available for the initiatives.
—
