Pickup Truck Slams Into Utility Pole Causing Power Outage For Neighborhood
(Le Mars) — A vehicle accident involving an intoxicated driver left several homes on the north-side of Le Mars without power last night. The accident happened on the 100 block of 6th Street northeast at about 8:30 p.m. A pickup truck slammed into an utility pole, snapping off the pole, and creating a domino effect with a second pole also breaking off. One of the utility poles was equipped with an electric transformer. Power lines were down hanging on the vehicle. A total of eight residences had lost power
due to the accident. Mid-American officials indicate two of the homes had their electric meters pulled from their homes. The driver, who has yet to be identified, had left the scene of the accident. Le Mars Police officers had spotted him a few blocks away from the accident scene, and had placed him under arrest, charging him with an Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Work crews had worked through the evening in an effort to restore power to the neighborhood. City Street Department personnel set up barricades closing the street while utility crews try to fix the power outage problem.
Responding to the accident were the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department, the Le Mars Police, Le Mars Public Works Department, and Mid-American Electric.
Dordt College Changes Its Name To Dordt University
(Sioux Center) — Officials with Dordt College of Sioux Center made an announcement Thursday regarding the future of the Christian-based, four-year higher education institution. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered to listen to President Dr. Erik Hoekstra inform the group that Dordt College is changing its name and will be known as Dordt University. Hoekstra says
the change will be in effect as of May of next year.
Hoekstra says the name change has been considered by college officials and trustees for the last year. Hoekstra says the Board of Trustees formally approved of the name change during its recent director meeting. The Dordt College president says the word “University” behind Dordt reflects on the school’s expansion with academic programs.
The Dordt President says the name change should assist with recruiting efforts, especially for international students, but the name change will not change the school’s mission.
The student body was excited to hear about the name change. Upon hearing the name change announcement, students gave a long and loud applause. Dordt College’s student government president, Megan Van Den Berg, a junior from
Wisconsin, says she and her fellow students are excited for the name change.
Van Den Berg says the name change from Dordt College to Dordt University reflects on the academic excellence and programs being offered by Dordt.
Hoekstra says the changing the school to an university will allow for additional scholarships, research, and fellowships.
Bibler Trial Delayed Again
LE MARS, Iowa (AP) – A trial has been delayed again for a Le Mars man accused of fatally stabbing his sister.
Trial had been set to begin May 15 for Thomas Bibler. He’s pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other counts in the June 11, 2016, death of 27-year-old Shannon Bogh, of Le Mars. He was arrested that day after a short standoff at his Le Mars apartment.
On Wednesday, Judge Jeff Neary granted the defense request, which said in its motion that reports from recent mental health evaluations of Bibler had not yet arrived. Judge Neary said he’ll set a new trial starting date after the opposing attorneys consult with witnesses about availability.
Previous starting dates for Bibler were Jan. 30, Dec. 19, May 16, Feb. 14 and Dec. 13, 2016.
American Bank Donates Books To Le Mars Public Library
(Le Mars) — American Bank of Le Mars made a donation of books yesterday to the Le Mars Public Library. Paul Jacobson, President of American Bank, presented Lisa Vander Sluis, Children’s Librarian, with several books focusing on lessons about smart money management for kids of all ages. These
books are recommended by the American Bankers Association to promote readership and financial literacy throughout the nation. Jacobson says“the staff at American Bank is proud to present these books in commemoration of our beautiful new library, and as part of American Bank’s Community Banking Month activities.”
photo contributed.
Clovis Resigns From USDA Post
(Washington) — KLEM news has learned that Sam Clovis, of rural Plymouth County has resigned his position at the U-S Department of Agriculture.
Clovis served as one of President Donald Trump’s close advisors during the presidential campaign, leading up to the election. Clovis was initially tapped by President Trump to serve as the U-S-D-A’s lead scientist and economist, at which Clovis came under media criticism. Clovis withdrew his name from consideration from that post, and settled at another position
within the U-S Department of Agriculture, while still serving as a special adviser to the president.
County Treasurer To Hold Office Hours At Remsen and Akron To Sign-up Applicants For State Credit
(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Treasurer, Shelly Sitzmann has announced she will be in Remsen and Akron to sign up participants who qualify for a state credit on their house taxes, mobile home taxes, or for rent reimbursements.
Sitzmann has scheduled the visits on Monday and Tuesday, May 7th and 8th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sitzmann will be in Remsen at the Remsen Public Library on Monday, and at the Akron Public Library on Tuesday, May 8th. To qualify and receive a credit on your real estate taxes, Iowa residents who own their
homes must be 65 years or older as of December 31st of 2017, or be totally disabled and 18 years or older, and have a total household income under
$22,855 for 2017.
Medical Equipment Supplier Agrees To Settlement Fine
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Federal prosecutors for Iowa say a Des Moines medical equipment supplier has agreed to pay nearly $190,000 to resolve allegations it overbilled the state’s Medicaid program.
The office of U.S. Attorney Marc Krickbaum said in a news release Thursday that the settlement resolves claims that Catholic Health Initiatives-Health at Home, doing business as Mercy Respiratory Care and Med Supply, improperly billed Medicaid for durable medical equipment. Officials
say that in 2013 through 2015, the business continued to charge for the equipment after receiving full payment for it.
Krickbaum says the $189,062 settlement “sends the message to health care providers there will be consequences if they fail to comply with state and federal regulations.”
Planned Parenthood Sees Reduction In Patients
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Newly released data show that an Iowa family planning program that Republican lawmakers established last year to cut funding for
Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers has seen a marked decline in patients and participating health care providers.
Iowa Department of Human Services data obtained by The Associated Press show that just over 5,300 people were enrolled in the program as of March 1, compared to roughly 8,200 when it launched July 1.
Critics say the decline shows that the program isn’t working as
promised.
When foregoing millions of dollars in Medicaid funding to launch the program, Republican lawmakers said the exclusion of Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers would be offset by rural health providers who would step up to offer family planning services such as birth control, pregnancy testing and health screenings.
Officer Will Not Face Charges For Shooting Suspect
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Pottawattamie County’s top prosecutor says no charges will be filed against an officer who shot a suspect during a chase earlier this week.
County Attorney Matt Wilber said Thursday that Officer Jason Burleigh acted lawfully when he fired nine rounds early Tuesday morning at 28-year-old Clifton Wade, hitting Wade with three rounds. Omaha, Nebraska television station WOWT reports that Wade has undergone three surgeries at an Omaha hospital and is expected to recover.
Police say Wade led officers on a chase after they tried to stop him around 3 a.m. Tuesday at a closed construction site. Police say Wade intentionally rammed two police cruisers, leading Burleigh to fire his service weapon.
Two officers suffered minor injuries.
Wade faces charges of attempted murder, assault on a police officer and eluding.
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