Blizzard Conditions Continue -Tow Band Issued For NW Iowa
(Le Mars) — All roads in northwest Iowa are 100 percent snow and ice covered, according to the latest Iowa Department of Transportation Road Condition report.
However, for motorists, the real problem may not be the depth of snow, but rather the poor visibility due to the strong north-northwest winds that are blowing at speeds of 20 to 40 mph., causing blowing snow. Iowa State Patrol trooper Vince Kurtz says in some situations, visibility is down to zero.
Several schools, businesses, and factories have shut down for the day, due to the winter snow storm, so, is there much traffic on the roads?
As of 12:30 p.m. (Monday) Le Mars has received seven inches of snow, with more snow expected. Kurtz advises not to travel if you don’t need to. Kurtz says Iowa Department of Transportation officials, along with county road crews are trying to keep the roadways clear.
The Iowa State Patrol trooper says effective immediately, a tow ban has now been issued for northwest Iowa.
Scott Kneip, superintendent for the Le Mars Public Works Department says the city snow plows began at around 5:00 a.m. this morning, and have continued up until the noon hour. Kneip says due to the low visibility, the city plows have suspended operations for at least a few hours until the visibility is better.
Kneip reminds those motorists that are traveling the city streets to make certain to have headlights on. Kneip says his work crews
have had difficulty seeing oncoming cars when they don’t have their lights on.
Plymouth County Sheriff Advises No Travel
(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo is advising motorists that due to visibility issues, travel in Plymouth County is not advised. Deputies will not risk their safety for any non-emergency calls. In a release, Van Otterloo says, if you are stuck in the ditch with no injuries, it is not an emergency.
Downed Power Line Interrupts Intersection Causes Power Outage For Neighborhood
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Street Department has blocked off 4th Street Southwest at the intersection of Business Highway 75 and 4th Street Southwest due to a high voltage wire that had fallen at around 6:00 a.m. this morning. The wire came down, and apparently hit the traffic control cabinet and took out the electronic equipment. That fallen power line, also created a power outage for the area around that intersection. North and south bound traffic on Business Highway 75 is able to continue, but the traffic on 4th Street southwest will be closed until further notice.
State Representative Chip Baltimore Loses Chair Seat On House Judiciary Committee
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A lawmaker in the Iowa House has been booted from a key committee leadership role after he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.
Rep. Francis “Chip” Baltimore, a Boone Republican, has been removed as chairman of the House judiciary committee. He will be replaced with Rep. Zach Nunn, a Bondurant Republican.
House Speaker Linda Upmeyer announced the decision Monday. She says in a statement that Baltimore’s actions were “clearly irresponsible and he is being held accountable.”
Baltimore, an attorney, was arrested Friday morning in Ames near Interstate 35. His blood alcohol tested out at nearly twice the legal limit to drive, and a pistol was found under the driver’s seat.
Baltimore says in a statement he’s taken full responsibility for the arrest, and he supports Upmeyer’s decision.
State Auditor Fines Discrepancies With Johnston City Finances
JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) – A state audit of the city of Johnston books has determined that nearly $14,000 collected from library fines and fees and other revenue sources has not been deposited in city accounts.
A news release from the office of state auditor Mary Mosiman says Monday that the investigation was requested by city officials for the period of July 1, 2015, through July 31, 2017. The news release says officials were concerned about deposits processed by a former accounting clerk, Teresa Osburne.
A city news release says Osburne falsified records and was fired. The city also says police are investigating.
Online court records don’t list any charges against Osburne. Efforts by The Associated Press to reach her were unsuccessful. It’s unclear whether she has an attorney who could comment for her.
