Le Mars Police Department Prepares For “National Night Out”
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Police Department will be holding an open house at the police headquarters Tuesday evening, in observation of “National Night Out.” This is the 35th year for National Night Out, and it serves as an opportunity for the community to meet with the officers of the Le Mars Police
Department and build relations. Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte says it began with neighborhoods forming “Block parties” to discuss potential crime issues.
Vande Vegte says he knows of at least six block parties scattered throughout Le Mars that are scheduled for Tuesday evening. The Le Mars Police chief highlights the events being planned as part of the National Night Out Open House to be located at the Le Mars Police Headquarters.
In addition to visiting with local police officers and seeing the equipment, visitors will have the opportunity for a free meal to be served.
The Le Mars Police Department has been distributing ice cream treats to the Le Mars youth during the past week. Vande Vegte says the program has been successful.
During the open house activities scheduled for Tuesday evening, will also be the drawing for the various prizes of the K-9 raffle program. Vande Vegte says each chance is only $5. He explains the various prizes that are part of the raffle.
The National Night Out open house will be at the Le Mars Police Department Headquarters located at 22 2nd Street Northeast, and will take place between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Le Mars Police Officers will also be at the Hy-Vee supermarket between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. this evening to sell those raffle tickets.
Deadline Is Tuesday For Sign-up For Police Citizens Academy
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Police Department wants to remind people that tomorrow evening, Tuesday, August 7th is also the deadline to sign-up for the Police Citizens Academy program.
Body Found Is Not That Of Missing University Of Iowa Student
WEST POINT, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say the body of a young woman found in southeast Iowa is not that of a missing college student.
The body was found early Sunday in rural Lee County near West Point. The eastern Iowa city is about 87 miles (140 kilometers) southeast of where 20- year-old Mollie Tibbetts was last seen on July 18 in her hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa.
Special Agent Rick Rahn of the Iowa Criminal Investigation Division tells The Des Moines Register that officials have confirmed the body is not Tibbetts.
Rahn says investigators have identified the body and are contacting next of kin. The woman’s name and the circumstances of her death haven’t been released.
Tibbetts is a University of Iowa student. The reward for her safe return has risen to $260,000.
Burlington Fire Injures Two Firefighters
BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say two firefighters were injured battling a blaze that left a two-building complex partially collapsed in downtown Burlington.
The fire was reported a little before 11 p.m. Saturday. Fire
departments and emergency medical teams from three southeast Iowa counties and all off-duty Burlington firefighters eventually responded to the city’s calls for help. Aerial trucks shot water down from above, while ground crews
attacked flames from various angles.
Burlington Fire Chief Matt Trexel says the two firefighters were
taken to a hospital. One was treated for a back injury and one for smoke inhalation. Trexel says both returned to the fire scene.
The fire cause is being investigated. Developer Doug Wells had been redeveloping the complex to hold ground-floor businesses and upper-floor apartments.
Casino’s Future Is Uncertain
KEOKUK, Iowa (AP) – The future for a former casino barge remains uncertain as officials in southeastern Iowa talk of turning it into an event center, boutique bed and breakfast or a floating mall with a restaurant.
The Quad-City Times reports that a commission in Keokuk meets twice a month to discuss plans for the barge.
City Administrator Cole O’Donnell says it could draw residents and visitors to the city’s river front.
Newt Marine Service transported the barge last year from Davenport to Keokuk for about $200,000. O’Donnell says the city paid $1 for the barge itself.
O’Donnell says a developer wouldn’t have to pay for the property, but would have to be able to repair and operate it. He says water and power also need to be restored before commercial development can begin.
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