Home News Tuesday Afternoon News, January 31st

Tuesday Afternoon News, January 31st

Police Release Additional Information On Hwy 75 Accident

(Le Mars) — More information is now known about that auto accident that happened Monday morning on Highway 75, just south of the county road C-38 intersection.
The accident occurred at about 10:12 a.m. The Le Mars Police Department investigated the accident scene. Darlene Kay Agnitsch, age 76 of Cherokee had just turned southbound onto Hwy 75 from the crossover at Hwy 75/C38 in a 2008
Chevrolet Equinox. Agnitsch failed to see Kyle James Jacobs, age 28 of Alcestor, SD who was also southbound on Hwy 75 in a 2007 Ford F150 pick-up truck. Jacobs stated there was a semi in the outside lane so he was unable to move over and as
a result he hit the rear end of Agnitsch with the front end of his vehicle.
Agnitsch had possible injuries and was transported to Floyd Valley Hospital by the Le Mars Ambulance.
Agnitsch was cited for Fail to Yield Upon Entering through Highway.  Agnitsch’s vehicle sustained approximately $12,000.00 in damages.
Jacobs’ vehicle sustained approximately $8,000.00 in damages.

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Grasz Pleads Guilty To Sexual Exploitation And Invasion Of Privacy

(Le Mars) — The Craig man that was accused of sexual exploitation of a minor, and invasion of privacy has pleaded guilty in Plymouth County District Court. 66-year old James Grasz entered his guilty plea on Monday. Sentencing is scheduled
for March 3rd. The incident dates back to March of 2016 when a complaint was reported to the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office regarding some suspicious activity that had occurred at a Craig residence. The victim reported that she felt she was being spied on by a male subject. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s
Office conducted an investigation and found that individuals had been videotaped in various states of nudity without their consent or knowledge. The individuals were both adults and juveniles at the time of the incidents. The investigation
determined the incidents had taken place over the course of ten years. Grasz faces a possibility of serving 41 years in prison as a maximum penalty.

Grasz, James

 

Argosy Riverboat Casino Against MHRD Set For February of 2018

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A trial date has been set next year for the lawsuit filed by the owner of the former Argosy Sioux City riverboat casino against its local partner.
Penn National Gaming’s breach of contract action against Missouri River Historical Development is set to go to trial Feb. 12, 2018, in Des Moines.
The development group was the state-licensed nonprofit group that held the Argosy’s gambling license. The lawsuit says the development group schemed to replace the Argosy with another operator even before their contract expired in
July 2012.
The Argosy closed in July 2014 after Iowa regulators denied its license renewal. The development group had formed a partnership with developers who opened the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in downtown Sioux City.

 

Council Bluffs Fire Bell Is Hung By Fire Station

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A bell that tolled for Council Bluffs fire calls as early as the 1800s is again hanging outside a city fire station after years in storage.
Fire Chief Justin James says the bell is now hanging from a newly constructed Centennial Bell Tower at a fire station in the center of the city. It was placed in its new home Monday.
Jim and Kelly Salvo of Salvo’s Construction provided the heavy equipment needed to hang the 1,300 pound brass bell with a crane. The Salvos are also Council Bluffs firefighters.
James says the $200,000 cost to construct the tower and restore the bell was funded by donations. He says the fire department’s next task is working on the roof and the plaza below.

 

Sorenson Appealing Prison Sentence

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Former Iowa Sen. Kent Sorenson, who accepted money for endorsing presidential candidate Ron Paul in 2012, is appealing the 15-month prison sentence handed down earlier this month.
Judge Robert Pratt shocked Sorenson on Jan. 17 when he sentenced the former lawmaker to prison even though federal prosecutors sought probation. Pratt said those who betray the public trust must be punished. Sorenson pleaded guilty to
causing false campaign finance reports to be filed and obstructing an investigation.
Sorenson notified the court Monday of his appeal to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Sorenson was paid $73,000 for switching from Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann’s presidential campaign to Ron Paul days before the 2012 Iowa caucuses.
Three Paul campaign staffers were convicted of filing false campaign finance reports and are appealing.

Sorenson, Kent