City and County Offices Closed Today
(Le Mars) — Just a reminder that the city offices will be closed today, as is the Plymouth County Courthouse, as both have a continuation of the Christmas holiday. Since the courthouse is closed, there will not be a Plymouth County Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for today.
Sitzmann Retires From Floyd Valley Clinic
(Le Mars) — After serving as the Director of the Medical Clinic for 25 years, Julie Sitzmann walked away from Floyd Valley on Friday as she enters retirement. Sitzmann saw many changes with the clinic during her tenure. Sitzmann says she enjoyed her duties so much, that she claims she never had to work, and she worked with many wonderful people.
Sitzmann says she acquired the job, first at Medical Associates and later with the merger of Floyd Valley from having a medical appointment.
Sitzmann recalls the transition phase when the clinic was acquired by Floyd Valley Hospital.
During Sitzmann’s tenure, the clinic had expanded into other communities such as Remsen and Marcus. As mentioned, Friday was Sitzmann’s last day of work, and she explains her tasks for her last day.
Des Moines Police Officer Arrested For Drunk Driving
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A Des Moines police officer has been accused of drunken driving.
Authorities say Brett Vanderpool was arrested early Friday in Ankeny after his vehicle was pulled over. He’s been placed on administrative leave while the Des Moines force conducts an internal investigation.
Des Moines Police Sgt. Paul Parizek says Vanderpool is a probationary officer who was scheduled to leave probationary status on Jan. 3. Parizek says Vanderpool’s blood tested out at nearly twice the legal limit.
Dubuque Firefighter Injured While Battling Fire
DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say a Dubuque firefighter was injured while fighting a garage fire.
Fire crews had been sent around 6:10 p.m. Monday to the detached garage behind an apartment building.
The firefighter was treated at Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque. His or her name hasn’t been released.
Blue Grass Fire Claims Four Lives
BLUE GRASS, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say a house fire discovered early Christmas morning has claimed four lives in eastern Iowa.
The city of Blue Grass Police Department said in a news release that fire trucks were sent to the ranch-style house a little after 12:30 a.m. Monday.
The department says that of the four people inside when the blaze erupted, one managed to make it outside but died later at a hospital. The three others died inside.
None of their names have been released. Police say the state Fire
Marshal Division has joined the investigation of the fire’s cause.
Blue Grass is a community of about 1,500 residents 147 miles (237 kilometers) east of Des Moines.
