Carlin and Holz Hold Legislative Town Hall Meetings
(Le Mars) — Republican State Representative Chuck Holz and Republican State Senator Jim Carlin held four different town hall meetings on Saturday to visit with constituents regarding various legislative bills. One area of interest was the new Republican proposed tax reform bill. Democrats have been critical of
the proposed legislation saying the bill was rushed through the Senate committee without much discussion. However, Carlin refutes the claim saying the issue has been discussed for several years.
Some people wonder if it is wise to cut and reform taxes during a time the state has been short with its budget spending allocation. Carlin, says this is the perfect time to revamp the Iowa tax code. He says Iowa must remain competitive
with our neighboring states, in order to attract additional businesses.
The Sioux City lawmaker says a revision of the state’s tax code, may also lure people, particularly college students, to stay within the state when looking for that career position.
Carlin argues a new state tax code will mean for a healthier economy for Iowa.
Carlin says it is evident that business leaders by-pass Iowa when looking to set
up business.
The Republican State Senator offers specific examples as to how the new proposed tax bill will benefit middle to lower class income Iowans.
Other topics that were discussed at the legislative town hall meetings included: racial justice issues, budget cuts within the court system, economic development, utilities, mental health, and even gun control. The town hall meetings were held at Moville, Pierson, Kingsley, and Remsen.
School Board To Meet On Wednesday Will Discuss Stadium Renovations and Change of Conference
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Community Board of Education has moved its meeting from this evening to instead to be held on Wednesday evening. The school board will consider approving a resolution tentatively approving the plans, specifications,
form of contract and estimate of total costs for the Le Mars Community School District Stadium Renovation project, including the letting of bids, and authorizing and fixing a date, time, and location for hearing and for taking of competitive bids. The school board will hear a report from the stadium
renovation architect: Cannon, Moss, Brygger and Associates. The school board will consider accepting the formal invitation to join the Missouri River Activities Conference beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.
Woodbury County Supervisors Renews Ban On Guns In Courthouse
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Woodbury County supervisors have renewed a ban on guns in the courthouse after a dispute over allowing weapons in parts of the building where court services aren’t held.
The Woodbury County Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday against permitting guns in non-court controlled spaces of the courthouse.
Supervisor Jeremy Taylor switched positions after being a chief
supporter of allowing guns in the courthouse. Taylor says it’s “impractical” to bring guns into portions of courthouse floors, while restricting them on others
above and below.
The issue has been widely debated by county supervisors and residents since the expanded gun rights bill took effect in July. It’s also been the subject of two orders by the Iowa Supreme Court.
The new gun law expands Iowa’s stand-your-ground provision.
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Flu Responsible For 157 Iowa Deaths
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Public Health Department says in its latest report that 157 Iowa residents have died of flu-related illnesses since Oct. 1 – the worst flu season since the swine flu outbreak in 2009.
The department says that at this point last flu season, just 50 confirmed flu deaths had been reported in Iowa.
A federal report released Friday says there are signs the national outbreak could be easing, but illness rates remain higher than normal.
Public health experts say a flu shot is still worth getting. Vaccinated patients can still come down with the flu, but their symptoms are likely to be briefer and less severe.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. The illness typically lasts two to seven days.
Officials Concerned About Stock-piled Stover Bales For Ethanol Production
NEVADA, Iowa (AP) – Public safety officials are concerned about up to 500,000 bales of flammable stover that are stored across central Iowa and will be left over after a cellulosic ethanol plant is sold.
The Des Moines Register reports that the newly merged DowDuPont is selling its $225 million cellulosic ethanol plant in Nevada, leaving many residents asking what will happen to the remaining stover.
The plant’s corn cobs, husks and stalks are a fire liability for the city and county. The leftover stover is scattered around 23 storage sites. A few bales catching fire could turn into a major blaze.
Ricardo Martinez is Nevada’s public safety director. Hey says their concern is who will be responsible for the bales once the plant is sold. Martinez says DowDupont is working with the city.
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