Home News Tuesday News, May 16th

Tuesday News, May 16th

Two Pick-up Trucks Collide At Country Intersection

(Le Mars) — Two pick-up trucks collided Monday afternoon at about 1:20 p.m. at the intersection of 150th Street and Lake Avenue, NW of LeMars. Robert Langel, of LeMars was operating a 2015 Chevrolet pickup, pulling a seed tending trailer eastbound on 150th Street. Andrew Johnson, also of LeMars was northbound on Lake Ave in a 1996 Ford pickup. Langle did not yield to Johnson, who was to his right and the pickups collided in the uncontrolled intersection.
Both pickups were considered a total loss. Langel was transported in a private vehicle for minor injuries. Johnson was uninjured and likely saved from serious injury because he was wearing his seat belt.
Langle was cited for failure to yield to a vehicle on his right. The collision was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, with assistance from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.

 

 

City Changes The Dates For Park Lane To Be Closed

(Le Mars) — Le Mars city officials have changed the dates for Park Lane to be closed for a paving overlay project. Originally, the city had announced the street that goes through Municipal Park was to be closed between May 16th and May 26th. The new dates for the road to be closed will be Monday, May 22nd
through Wednesday, May 31st.

 

Supervisors To Discuss Veterans Affairs and Fireworks Legislation

(Le Mars) — During today’s Plymouth County Board of Supervisors meeting, the county governing board will hear from Brenda Miller, the Veterans Affairs Commission chair, along with Wayne Thieman, Veteran Affairs Director, as they will discuss the Plymouth County Veterans Affairs Director position. Le Mars
Fire Chief Dave Schipper will meet with the county board of supervisors to discuss the recently passed and signed Iowa fireworks legislation. County engineer Tom Rohe will submit some permit requests for tile crossing to occur in Johnson Township, as well as request the supervisors to approve construction contracts with Richards Construction of Sac City for two culvert projects on Kestrel Avenue and Iris Avenue.

 

 

City Council Will Hold Public Hearings And Discuss Ply-wood Trail

(Le Mars) — The Le Mars City Council will hold public hearings today at the start of their meeting. The hearings will focus on the sewer revenue refunding loan agreement, and the fiscal year 2016-2017 budget amendment.
The hearings will begin at 12:00 noon today from the city council chambers. The city leaders will take action on the proposed Community Betterment Project Two with regards to the Plywood Recreational Trail that is proposed to go from Le Mars to Sioux City. The city council will also award a contract for the bid
package #2 for the public library renovation. The city council will also discuss the bid package number 3 for the library’s renovation. The proposed postal playhouse north addition will be discussed during the city council meeting. The council is also expected to take action on the Airport Capital
Improvement Program. During general discussion, the council will hear updates regarding the water superintendent position and the police chief replacement.
The city council will also take a few minutes to discuss the city’s employee handbook.

 

 

Reynolds Won’t Reveal Her Plans After Taking Over As Governor

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds says she’s decided whether she will appoint a lieutenant governor when she replaces Gov. Terry Branstad, but she won’t disclose those details yet.

Reynolds told reporters Monday her transition team has a plan in place, but the public will need to wait until Branstad is confirmed as U.S. ambassador to China and resigns as governor.

Democratic Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller recently released an opinion that Reynolds will have the title and powers of governor, but not the authority to choose a new lieutenant governor. He cited wording in the Iowa Constitution
and historical precedent.
Reynolds, Branstad and other top Republicans have criticized Miller’s opinion, with many calling it a political move.
If Reynolds appoints a No. 2, she could face a legal challenge.

 

Schools Need Additional Funding For English As A Second Language

STORM LAKE, Iowa (AP) – Iowa school districts are struggling to meet the need for more English language teachers amid growing demand from students and stagnant state funding.
The Des Moines Register (https://dmreg.co/2pOJsvO ) reports that enrollment in English language learner programs has grown five times in the last 25 years to more than 27,200 students in 2016. Forty-one percent of students in Storm Lake are still learning English.
State funding for ELL programs and services has nearly doubled over the last 10 years from $25.9 million in 2006 to $55.4 million in 2016. Still, Iowa educators say school districts need more state funding to cover additional years of ELL classes for students who have difficulty picking up English.
Recent efforts to continue increasing state funding haven’t gained traction, including legislation introduced this session that would’ve boosted per-student state funding from five to seven years.