Home News Monday News, June 12th

Monday News, June 12th

Wernli Plaza and Eagle Dedicated 

(Le Mars) — More than two hundred people attended the dedication ceremonies held Saturday afternoon for the new eagle sculpture located next to the Veteran’s Memorial Park. The eagle was the mascot character for the former Westmar College, and now serves as the focal point of what now will be known as
Wernli Plaza, an area that is dedicated to the founder of the former Westmar College, Jacob Wernli. Terry Utesch of Le Mars was the artist sculptor of the eagle. He says when he finished the eagle it had turned out better than he imagined two years ago when he started the project.

The final product seemed to meet with approval of the attending crowd, as well with the Westmar Eagle committee, who were responsible for soliciting donations for the eagle sculpture. Utesch explains how he kept focused and motivated on
the intricate detailed work that took more than two years to complete.

Prior to starting the actual sculpturing, Utesch says he conducted an extensive amount of research on eagles, examining how they fly, the dimensions of various eagles, even noting the characteristics of eagles and the number of feathers.

Utesch says when he was working on creating the soaring metallic eagle, he constantly had to make changes to the dimensions.

Utesch, (center) stands with the Westmar Eagle Committee.  Left to right, Janis Kooiker, Wayne Marty, JoAnn Schleis, Terry Utesch, Al Maser, Barb Wernli-Collins, Cory Isebrand, and Steve Collins.
Utesch admitted he had to make a second head for the eagle, as the first one didn’t meet his standards. The sculptor says the legs were an unique challenge to create, and to make certain they would appear natural, but also capable of
holding up the weight of the metallic eagle. However, Utesch says his greatest challenge was making certain the eyes of the eagle were correct.

Many people during the dedication ceremony, and the reception following, expressed their congratulations and appreciation to Utesch for his work on the eagle. Utesch says he is pleased with his work, and is pleased the community appreciates his craft.

 

 

School Board To Review Year-End Reports

(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Community Board of Education is scheduled to meet this evening. Much of the agenda is focused on year-end reports. The school board will hear from members of the Teacher Leadership and Comprehensive Committee as
they will present the Year End Report for 2016-2017. Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Steve Webner will present to the school board’s attention on progress made on the district’s student achievement goals. High School principal Dr. Mark Iverson will present to the school board’s attention, the 2016-2017 report. The school board will also discuss the upcoming school board election scheduled for September 12th. The first date for candidates to file nomination papers is July 10th, and August 3rd is the last date to file nomination papers. Each candidate
is required to submit 50 signatures for nomination. District 1 currently being held by Todd Lancaster, District 2 currently being held by Scott Kommes, and District 4 currently held by Brenda Phelan are all up for election. The school board will decide upon bread and milk contracts for the 2017-2018 school year.
The school board will also conduct a second reading of the Board Policy’s “meal charges” and consider adoption of policy. The school board will decide whether to enter an agreement with Mid-Sioux Opportunity regarding transportation of
Head Start students for the 2017-2018 school year. Middle School Principal Steve Shanks will present recommended changes to the Middle School handbook for board consideration.

 

 

Iowa Could See A Loss Of Funds From Federal Budget

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa could see more than $100 million cut from federal grants that would reduce finances for early education, job training and low- income assistance.
The budget proposal by President Donald Trump was analyzed in new documents from a nonpartisan state agency that highlight Trump’s suggested elimination of several block grants for the state.
While Trump’s suggested cuts face an uphill battle in Congress, Iowa could be responsible for offsetting federal reductions as early as October or allowing programs to end.
Bill Brand, a division administrator for an energy efficiency program in low-income homes, says while he hopes some of the programs are saved, it cannot be assumed that funding will continue.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Kim Reynolds says the office will work with federal partners to ensure funding priorities are met.

 

 

Fire Detected At University of Iowa Science Building

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Authorities are investigating what caused a fire at the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City.
Authorities say firefighters were dispatched around 5:45 p.m. Sunday to the Bowen Science Building. It took them about 30 minutes to put out the blaze. No injuries have been reported.
A damage estimated isn’t yet available.
The building opened in 1972. It houses a variety of department and teacher offices and classrooms.

 

 

Sheriff’s Deputy Fatally Shoots Suspect

NORTH ENGLISH, Iowa (AP) – Authorities have released the name of a man fatally shot by an officer in eastern Iowa’s Iowa County.
The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as 53-year-old Robin Blaylock, who lived in North English. An autopsy has been ordered.
The office had reported that its deputies and Williamsburg Police were called around 8:30 p.m. Saturday for a domestic disturbance involving a gun at a house in North English, which sits about 35 miles (56 kilometers) southwest of Iowa City.
The Sheriff’s Office said the confrontation culminated in an officer shooting a man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not provided details about what led to the shooting. The officer’s name hasn’t been released.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has taken over the
investigation.