Heat Lamp Causes House To Catch On Fire
(Ireton) — A faulty heat lamp is to blame for starting a house on fire Saturday night at a farm approximately a mile and a half east of Craig. The fire was reported at about 7:50 p.m. on county road C-12. Ireton Fire Department and the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to the house fire. Le Mars
Fire Chief Dave Schipper was the first to arrive on the scene. He says the family discovered the fire just prior to going to bed.
Schipper says the 9-1-1 call went to both Ireton and Le Mars at the same time.
Damage was mostly confined to the back outside wall and deck area.
The Le Mars Fire Chief explains how the heat lamp may have started the evening blaze.
Schipper tells of the strategy and tactics used by Ireton and Le Mars Fire Departments to combat the fire.
The family was able to escape the fire without any injuries. Schipper says the home will be able to be repaired. No estimate was given to the extent of damage done to the house. Firefighters were on the scene for approximately an hour and
45 minutes. Plymouth County Sheriff’s office and Ireton Ambulance also responded to the scene.
Bibler Trial Delayed…Again
(Le Mars) — The trial for Thomas Bibler is being delayed one more time. Trial was set to begin on January 30th, but following a status hearing held on Friday, Judge Jeff Neary has ordered the new trial date for May 15th. Bibler is accused of stabbing his sister, Shannon Bogh, to death back in June of 2016. Bibler’s
defense attorney asked for the extension due to the introduction of a new expert witness. Judge Neary has ordered the defense to formally identify and designate the expert witness to the State no later than February 9th. The expert witness written reports should be provided to the State no later than March 30th, with
the deposition to be conducted by April 6th.
Area Catholic Schools Celebrate Catholic Schools Week
(Le Mars) — Gehlen Catholic along with Remsen St. Mary’s and Spalding Catholic are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, which began yesterday, January 28th and continues through Saturday, February 3rd. This year’s theme is: A Dozen Reasons to Choose Catholic Schools. The dozen reasons talk about quality education with a Catholic focus, service to others, children are taught respect of themselves and others, high graduation rates along with a high percentage of students that pursue a higher education. Each of the area’s catholic schools will be
celebrating Catholic Schools Week with various activities that are planned for each day.
Sioux City Teenager Charged With Murdering Two Other Teens
(Sioux City) — Sioux City Police have arrested a teenager following the deaths of two other teens from a fatal stabbing incident. Early Sunday morning at approximately 1:19 a.m., Sioux City officers responded to the area of Jay Ave. and S. Cecelia St. for two individuals that were the victims of apparent stab wounds.
A 17-year-old juvenile female (name is not being released) and Felipe Negron Jr., 18 years old, both of Sioux City, were located at the scene and were taken to the hospital for treatment of knife wounds. They would both be pronounced dead at the hospital as a result of injuries suffered. Shortly after 2
a.m.,Woodury County Sheriff’s Office and Sioux City Police responded to the Gordon Dr. Hy-Vee store, in regard to an injured person that showed up at the business. That individual would turn out to be the suspect currently being sought regarding the stabbings, and was taken into custody.
Tran Walker, 18, of Sioux City, was taken to a local hospital for the treatment of a non-life-threatening knife wound. After treatment, he was interviewed at police department. Following the interview with SCPD detectives, Walker was charged with two counts of Murder 1st degree. He is currently being held in the Woodbury County Jail without bail. Police say Walker and the girl were once linked romantically.
The investigation into the details of the homicides is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.
2018 RAGBRAI Overnight Destinations Announced
(Des Moines) — This year’s RAGBRAI bicycle ride across Iowa will join the Cyclone-Hawkeye rivalry. The communities of Ames and Iowa City have both been chosen as overnight destinations as thousands of bike riders cross the state. The announcement of the overnight towns was announced Saturday evening. The
annual bike ride will take a central Iowa path, starting at Onawa, staying at Denison, Jefferson, Ames, Newton, Sigourney, Iowa City, and finishing at Davenport. RAGBRAI will be held during the last week of July, beginning Saturday, July 21st, and continuing until Saturday, July 28th.
Legislature Considers Bill On Illegal Immigration
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa has jumped into the national debate over immigration with an expansive enforcement bill that would require local governments to comply with federal immigration agents or risk losing state funds.
The measure is scheduled for at least one vote this week in the
Republican-controlled statehouse.It would force law enforcement to hold a jailed person for possible deportation if requested by federal agents. Legal experts say holding people longer than normal is unconstitutional.
The bill is framed as a ban on so-called sanctuary cities, a catch-all label for jurisdictions that limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
Supporters say the bill focuses on immigrants in Iowa illegally who are accused of crimes, but the legislation has a wide scope and raises questions about local government control.
The bill could plunge Iowa into costly litigation.
