Donlin Offers City Council An Update On Community Betterment Funds
(Le Mars) — During the Le Mars City Council meeting held Tuesday, the Le Mars Eagles Club contributed $1,000 to the Le Mars Area Community Betterment Project.
Accepting the check were Le Mars Mayor, Dick Kirchoff and Mike Donlin, President of the Le Mars Area Community Betterment Foundation. Eagles members present for the donation presentation included Tom Burnett, Dennis Toel, and
Christopher Langel. Donlin briefed the city council as to the amount of money that has been raised to date.
He says the brick campaign has garnered over $5,000.
Donlin says the Betterment Foundation has turned over to the city more than $214 thousand dollars for the Community Betterment Municipal Park renovations, which are nearing completion.
City Council Approves First Reading On Animal Control and Dog License Revised Ordinances
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars City Council approved the first reading of the animal control and protection revised ordinance, as well as the first reading of the revised dog license ordinance. Owners of dogs are required to obtain a license for each dog they own. All dog tag licenses can now be purchased at the city hall offices. The city council also approved the first reading of the proposed
airport zoning ordinances. Le Mars residents are reminded the city council will still need to approve the proposed rules with two additional readings. City residents are encouraged to offer comments to the city council.
City Reminds Homeowners To Trim Low Hanging Trees
(Le Mars) — More than 180 homeowners of Le Mars will soon receive a letter from city code and ordinance enforcement officer, Greg Smidt reminding them that it is the responsibility of the homeowner to trim trees that hang too low over the
street, or over a sidewalk area. Smidt informed the city council during its meeting on Tuesday, that a second round of letters will be mailed within the next few days. Smidt reminds people of the height requirements for trees.
Smidt says many people have the mistaken idea believeing it is the city’s responsibility if the tree is located within the parking area, or the area between the street and the sidewalk. However, Smidt says it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain and trim the trees, even in the alleys.
Smidt says city residents have 30 days to take action, but he says that timetable can be flexible, as long as the city is made aware of the property owner’s intentions to correct the problem.
The city code enforcement officer reminds people that it is also the property owners responsibility to dispose the tree limbs to the city disposal site located on the west side of town. Smidt says it is illegal in Le Mars to burn any tree limbs or leaves.
Plymouth County 4-H Members Celebrate “National 4-H Week”
(Le Mars) — This week is recognized as National 4-H Week, and Plymouth County 4-H members are performing several tasks to celebrate. 4-H got its start in Iowa more than a hundred years ago as an after school program to help teach youth from the farm about technological advances in agriculture and home
environment. It is a youth organization for students between fourth grade and 12th grade. Since its beginnings, the 4-H organization has grown to include youth from rural and urban areas, every state across the nation, and it has even
spread to nations around the world. Today, officials say one of every five youths in Iowa is a member of 4-H. Plymouth County ranks as one of the top counties in Iowa for having nearly 500 members. Ann Schoenrock, County Program Youth Coordinator says 4-H has broaden to include many areas of interests for
today’s youth.
Schoenrock says by becoming a member of 4-H, it helps youth grow and develop self-confidence.
Schoenrock says many practical skills, such as learning to keep records as a 4-H member will help later in life.
The Plymouth County 4-H official says the 4-H year is just getting under way.
Plymouth County 4-H members have been showing their pride of 4-H all week long. On Monday, many 4-H members displayed a clover on their school locker, desk, or car. Tuesday, 4-H members were encouraged to post on social media what 4-H
means to them. Wednesday, many Plymouth County 4-H members wore 4-H clothing to school. Today, some 4-H clubs will be delivering treats to businesses, and on Friday, some members will visit classrooms at their school and share their 4H
experience. Schoenrock says some clubs are participating in a window decorating contest across the county.
Sutherland Woman Among Those Killed At Las Vegas Concert
SUTHERLAND, Iowa (AP) – A northwestern Iowa woman was killed in the Las Vegas concert shooting.
Carly Kreibaum of Sutherland was among the 58 people who died from injuries sustained Sunday during the deadliest shooting in U.S. history. Kreibaum’s sister-in-law confirmed the death Wednesday but declined to comment further, saying the family wanted privacy.
Kreibaum was 33. She attended the outdoor music festival with two friends who say they got separated from Kreibaum
but saw her get shot.
Kreibaum was a mother of two and Sibley native who graduated from Sibley-Ocheyedan High School. She later attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. The Sutherland Church of Christ has set up a bank account for donations to her husband and children.
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Adoptive Parents Now Face Murder Charge For Dead Daughter
ADEL, Iowa (AP) – The adoptive parents of a 16-year-old who weighed only 56 pounds when she died have been charged with another crime in Iowa: first-degree murder. Court records show a Dallas County judge on Tuesday approved the prosecution’s request to bring more charges against Misty and Marc Ray. They’re the adoptive parents of 16-year-old Sabrina Ray. She was found dead May 12 inside the Perry home she shared with Marc and Misty Ray and her siblings. Marc and Misty Ray already have pleaded not guilty to charges of child endangerment causing death, child endangerment causing serious injury and
neglect. Police say preliminary autopsy results show Sabrina Ray was severely malnourished. A trial isn’t expected until next year.
Iowa Candy Factory To Close
CRESTON, Iowa (AP) – A southern Iowa candy factory is closing its doors, taking more than 250 jobs from the area. The Des Moines Register reports Ferrara Candy Company announced
Wednesday it would close its unionized Creston plant sometime in December. The company makes well-known candy brands, including Brachs, RedHots, Jujyfruits, Lemonheads and Trolli Gummi candies. The plant has operated in Creston for more than 30 years. The company says in a statement that it would offer severance pay and transition assistance to its Iowa employees. The factory, which sits on the southeast side of town, is one of the largest employers in Creston, a town of roughly 7,800. Creston Mayor Gary Lybarger says the news came as a surprise to the community. —
Des Moines Pharmacist Facing Charges
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A former Des Moines hospital pharmacy worker accused of stealing painkillers from hundreds of patients has been arraigned on federal charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Des Moines says Victor Van Cleave was in
court Wednesday, charged with to face two criminal counts: tampering with consumer products and obtaining fentanyl by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge. Officials say Van Cleave was a pharmacy technician at Iowa Methodist
Medical Center who used a syringe to steal fentanyl and other powerful painkillers from vials, then replaced them with sterile water. Many of the painkillers were to be used for patients undergoing surgery or giving birth. Van Cleave could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted. His trial is set for Dec. 4.
