Fire Department Responds To Skid Loader On Fire
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department were called Monday evening to a skid loader that had caught on fire. The incident happened at about 6:38 p.m. at 14035 Hickory Avenue, northwest of Le Mars. When firefighters arrived
at the scene, the skid loader was found to be fully involved. Fire Chief Dave Schipper says the Bobcat S-250 skid loader caught on fire due to corn stalks and silage that had accumulated around the motor from farming operations. Schipper says firefighters were able to quickly control the fire and were on the scene
for about 20 minutes. Schipper estimated the damages at around $20,000.
Developers of Former Sioux City Badgerow Building Defaulted
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A California-based developer has defaulted on a $6 million bond agreement, raising questions about the future of a 12-story art deco structure built in 1933 that has fallen into disrepair in Sioux City.
The Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust filed for foreclosure on the building earlier this month, saying Mako One Corp., its managing partner Bruce DeBolt and two other limited liability companies owe more than $4.4 million in principal, interest and advances.
Officials with the bank say the default puts the issuance of state and federal tax credits in jeopardy, leaving it at risk of losing “a significant portion” of collateral.
The bank has asked a judge to appoint a receiver to take over the property.
DeBolt didn’t immediately return the Associated Press’ messages seeking comment.
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Former “Bachelor Star”Arrested For Leaving Scene Of Fatal Accident
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Iowa authorities have arrested former “The Bachelor” star Chris Soules, alleging that he fled the scene of a deadly traffic accident.
The Iowa State Patrol reports that a pickup truck rear-ended a tractor on a highway in Buchanan County on Monday night, sending both vehicles into a ditch and killing the tractor driver, whose name wasn’t released.
The crash happened on County Highway 45, about 15 miles south of Soules’ farm in Arlington, which is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Iowa City.
The county jail says the 35-year-old Soules was booked early Tuesday on a charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Court records show that Soules was convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in 2006.
He starred on season 19 of the ABC reality show in 2015.
City of Des Moines To Use Eminent Domain To Acquire Property
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The city of Des Moines has initiated eminent domain proceedings for nearly 60 properties as it moves ahead with plans to build a $70 million municipal services center and vacate sought-after land near downtown.
The Des Moines Register (https://dmreg.co/2q2xFOO ) reports the move means demolition of a church, a smattering of abandoned houses and a recently renovated used car and salvaged auto parts lot.
Construction on the new public works facility could begin as early as this year, but it depends on how willing and ready property owners are to vacate.
The city’s Public Works Department currently is located along four blocks in the up-and-coming Market District. City leaders say they’re anxious to move the department’s assortment of vehicles and equipment to make way for businesses development in the growing area.
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Branstad Defends Spending Devoted To Upgrade Utilities Board State Building
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad is defending the Iowa Utilities Board’s plan to renovate its six-year-old building despite budget cuts across state government.
Branstad said Tuesday that money for remodeling the interior of the IUB building is not part of the state budget that goes into effect in July. He added it’s too late to rescind funding now because the legislative session is over.
The board is using $330,000 left over from its 2016 budget and a $250,000 appropriation that lawmakers approved last year to fund the project, which is expected to cost $464,000. The renovations to its customer service area include
new walls and doors and a 75-inch Samsung television.
The upcoming $7.2 billion budget cuts everything from crime victims’ services to childhood obesity prevention. Several agencies also received mid-year cuts.
