County Supervisors Discuss Fireworks Ordinances
(Le Mars) — The topic of fireworks was on Tuesday morning’s agenda with the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors. Chairman Don Kass of Remsen says the supervisors established the fee for permits to sell novelty fireworks, and also reiterated that Plymouth County doesn’t allow for roadside stands, unless they are located on private property.
Kass says in order to sell fireworks in Plymouth County, you will first need to acquire a permit from the state fire marshal’s office, then another permit from the county is also required.
The county supervisor chair says Plymouth County will not allow the discharge of fireworks in any of the county parks.
Branstad To Be Sworn In Today As China Ambassador
(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad will resign as governor of Iowa this morning at 10 a.m. and immediately be sworn in as U.S. ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. The U.S. Senate confirmed Branstad Monday by a vote of 82-13.
Governor Branstad commented, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a boy from a small farm in Leland would one day have the opportunity to represent the United States and Iowa on the world stage, working closely with one of the world’s most influential countries and one of America’s largest trading partners,” Branstad said. “While I’m temporarily leaving the state I love and have governed for over 22 years, I know I’m leaving Iowa in great hands with Kim Reynolds.”
Branstad’s resignation will take place on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. in the governor’s formal office at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. He will then be sworn in as U.S. ambassador to the People’s Republic of China by Judge Steven Colloton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.
Following the swearing in of Ambassador Branstad, Gov. Kim Reynolds will take the oath of office in the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda in Des Moines and be sworn in by Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady. Reynolds will then deliver her first address as governor of Iowa.
photo courtesy of Getty.
Supreme Court Refuses To Hear Egg Salmonella Case
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a sentencing appeal by a father and son whose Iowa-based egg production company caused a massive 2010 salmonella outbreak.
The rejection Monday means Austin “Jack” DeCoster and his son Peter DeCoster will be required to serve prison time for misdemeanor food safety violations. The appeal was denied without comment.
The DeCosters were sentenced to three months in prison by a federal judge in Iowa in 2015 but appealed to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals which upheld the sentences last July.
They’ve been free awaiting their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The attorney for the DeCosters and the federal prosecutor who handled the case declined to comment.
District Court Offices To Be Closed On Friday
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa court offices will be closed Friday because of mid-year budget cuts that forced the Judicial Branch to reduce expenses.
Besides closing Friday, the $3 million budget cut approved by the Legislature forced a hiring freeze for judicial positions and travel restrictions, causing delays in some civil trials. The reductions will continue for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Iowa Supreme Court decisions, which are typically issued on Friday, will be published on Thursday because of the closure.
The Legislature’s 2018 budget for the judiciary didn’t restore the mid-year cuts. The Supreme Court will approve a budget for the upcoming fiscal year in late June.
Bob’s Drive-Inn of Le Mars Ranked #2 For Best Loose Meat Sandwich
(Le Mars) — Whether you call them taverns, sloppy joes, maid-rites, loose meats, or perhaps you have another name for the popular ground beef sandwich, it may not be as important as what name is best, but USA Today newspaper recently asked its readers to rate the Best Loose Meat Sandwich in Iowa. Four of the top ten are located in northwest Iowa. Iowa’s Best Loose Meat sandwich can be found at Ottumwa, Iowa, at an out-of-the way restaurant known as Canteen Lunch in the Alley. However, the number two best loose meat sandwich can be found right here in Le Mars. Bob’s Drive-Inn, often known for its hot dogs, placed second in the ranking. Owner Nate Kass explains why Bob’s Drive-Inn loose meat sandwich is so special.
Kass says it is always nice to be recognized for having good tasty meals, and he expects the high ranking may actually bring additional customers to the corner of Business Highway 75 and Highway 3.
Kass also believes the high rating may help attract customers to Bob’s Drive-Inn located at the Iowa Great Lakes.
The restaurant owner explains the voting process that propelled Bob’s Drive-Inn to the number two slot.
Here are the top 10 Iowa’s Best Loose Meat Sandwich Restaurants:
Number 10 is Billy Boy Drive Thru located on Riverside Blvd in Sioux City. Number 9 placing was given to all the Iowa Maid Rite locations. Ross’ 24 Hour Diner at Bettendorf holds down the eighth place. Number 7 went to Lewright Meats of Eagle Grove. Sioux City’s own Tastee In-and-Out was rated as the 6th best loose meat sandwich. Grinnell’s Montgomery’s Sandwich Shop is the number 5 spot. 10th Street Station at Fort Madison has the 4th spot. Miles Inn of Sioux City’s Morningside district was rated at number 3 with Bob’s Drive-Inn at number 2, and Canteen Lunch in the Alley at Ottumwa as the first place finisher.
