Home News Thursday News, August 2nd

Thursday News, August 2nd

Bibler Takes The Witness Stand In Murder Trial

(Le Mars) — In the Thomas Bibler murder trial, the defense called for the defendant, Thomas Bibler to take the stand. The Defense is working on the premise that Bibler had taken some Ambien, which is used as a sleeping pill for insomnia. Earlier testimony, from the Defense witnesses, indicated for some people who use Ambien they don’t have any recollection of their actions. Defense attorney Billy Oyadare questioned Bibler about the medications he had taken during the Saturday, June 11th of 2016, the day of the stabbing incident.

The defense attorney continued his questions relating to the drug Ambien.

Plymouth County Attorney Darrin Raymond then cross-examined Bibler.

Trial has been suspended for a while. The prosecutor’s office may yet call another witness, however, that witness is not available at this time. No date has been scheduled for when the trial will continue.

 

 

Total Motors Celebrates New Facility With Open House

(Le Mars) — Total Motors of Le Mars is celebrating the completion of their new facility this week with a Grand Opening. The nearly week-long celebration began last evening with a classic car show and a live band.
Mitch Christoffel talks about the features of the new auto dealership building.

The open house continues today with a Chamber coffee event, along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Christoffel says visitors can also sign-up for prizes to be given away.

Total Motors will provide another lunch for Friday of the open house celebration. On Saturday, Christoffel says the auto dealership will offer its “Early Bird” special.

 

 

Museum Looking For Historical Quilts For Exhibition

(Le Mars) — If you own a quilt that is at least 40 years old and has a connection to Plymouth County, you are needed now.
The Plymouth County Historical Museum in Le Mars will be hosting a Vintage Quilt Show the first week in October and is now identifying quilts for display. The historic show will be in the Museum’s 1905 Study Hall as a part of the Le Mars Fall Fest.
All vintage quilts need to be delivered to the Museum by Sept. 5. The quilts will be on loan to the Museum for a few weeks. Each person will be limited to two quilts.
Anyone who has questions about the show may contact the Museum at 539-0223.
Margaret Henrich, a Museum volunteer and former registrar, is chairing the quilt show.
The Museum is located at 335 First Avenue Southwest in Le Mars. Museum staff and volunteers will help anyone needing to unload quilts. An informational form must be filled out by each quilt owner in the Museum’s Welcome Room.

 

 

Sioux City Man Pleads Not Guilty To Theft Of Meat

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A man has pleaded not guilty to making unauthorized purchases of meat and cheese while working as the head chef for a Sioux City bar and grill.
The Sioux City Journal reports that 52-year-old Carlos Barrera entered a written plea to a theft charge Wednesday in Woodbury County District Court.
Court documents say Barrera made an estimated 53 unauthorized purchases from Staber Meats between May 9, 2017, and Nov. 9, 2017. The documents say Barrera ordered the items, picked them up in his vehicle and then signed
invoices allowing Staber Meats to automatically withdraw payment from the Ickey Nickel’s bank account. The documents say Barrera never took the food to the bar.

 

 

Governor Reynolds Appoints Woman Judge To Supreme Court

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed Susan Christensen to the Iowa Supreme Court, making her the first woman to be on the state’s highest court since 2010.
Reynolds’ announcement Wednesday will end Iowa’s distinction as the only state in the country that currently has an all-male Supreme Court.
The 56-year-old Christensen is a district court judge from western Iowa who serves in the Fourth Judicial District. She was one of three finalists, after a commission whittled down a pool of 21 applicants.
Christensen will replace Justice Bruce Zager, who’s retiring in
September. He was appointed by former Republican Gov. Terry Branstad.
The pick is the first for Reynolds, who is serving out Branstad’s
term after he stepped down to become U.S. ambassador to China. Reynolds is seeking her own four-year term as governor in this year’s midterm elections.

 

 

Governor Request 30 Iowa Counties Be Given Disaster Status

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa’s governor has signed a letter asking President Donald Trump for a presidential disaster declaration for 30 Iowa counties that sustained significant damage from severe storms and flooding from June 6 through July 2.
Gov. Kim Reynolds requested funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program. Funding from that program is used to rebuild damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during and
debris removal after severe weather. A preliminary assessment of the 30 counties estimates more than $16 million worth of damage that could be eligible under the program.
Reynolds also requested other federal help, including funding under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program for Buchanan, Dickinson, Polk and Winnebago counties.

 

 

Authorities Investigate Death Of Man While In Police Custody

GRINNELL, Iowa (AP) – State investigators are investigating the death of a man in the custody of Grinnell police.
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation special agent Mike Motsinger told The Des Moines Register that 54-year-old Ronald Shook died Monday after being in Grinnell police custody for less than a day. Motsinger says an autopsy Tuesday revealed no external signs of trauma. More results are expected within six weeks.
Why Shook was taken into custody near railroad tracks that run through Grinnell is unclear.

 

 

Coralville Attorney Pleads Guilty To Fraud

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) – Federal prosecutors say a Coralville attorney has pleaded guilty in a fraud case that saw him file false tax returns and steal money from clients.
Soo Hyun Jung, also known as Jay Jung, pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of mail fraud and one count of false claims.
Prosecutors for the southern district of Iowa say the 46-year-old Jung admitted that in 2015, he stole more than $200,000 in federal tax refunds meant for a client and used $83,200 of the funds to buy a BMW sports car. He also filed additional, false tax returns without the client’s consent to get a more than $15,000 refund.
In 2016, Jung cashed out an investment fund for a different client for $200,000 and deposited it into his personal account.
Jung faces up to 45 years in prison when he’s sentenced in December.