NTSB Releases Findings From Fatal Airplane Crash
(Des Moines) — The National Safety Transportation Board has completed its investigation into the fatal airplane crash last month that killed four people from Le Mars and Merrill. According to the accident investigation report, the NTSB says examination of the plane wreckage at the accident site in a pasture near Guthrie Center, revealed a two-inch long crack in the
engines aft exhaust muffler. The inner surface of the muffler heat shroud was coated in sooty tan and grey colored deposits. Similar deposits were also present on the inner surface of the cabin heat hose that ducted air from the shroud to the cabin heat distributor box assembly. Toxicology testing performed by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office revealed elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the blood of all four occupants.
Killed in that plane crash were 49-year old Ed Anderson, of Le Mars, the pilot. 36-year old Patrick Kellen of Le Mars, 15-year old Samantha Clark of Le Mars, and 28-year old Tyler Douvia of Merrill.
Christian Activist Who Burned Books Is Charged With Criminal Mischief
(Orange City) — A Christian activist that burned homosexual-themed books after checking them out from the Orange City Public Library has been charged with a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge. Paul Dorr, 62, of Orange City, had checked out five books on October 6th, and burned them in protest of the
Orange City Pride festival held October 19th. Dorr had produced a video which was posted on the social media platform, showing him burning the books in a burn barrel. Dorr is scheduled for a January 22nd appearance at the Sioux County Courthouse in Orange City.
Le Mars Ambulance Releases Quarterly Report
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Ambulance Service has released its quarterly report for the time period between September 1st through November 30th. The local ambulance had 301 calls during the three-month quarter, which was an increase of 37 calls from the same period one year ago. The additional 37
calls represents a 14 percent increase from last year. Since January 1st of 2018, through November 30th, the Le Mars Ambulance has responded to 997 calls, which is an increase of 112 calls, or a 13 percent increase. Le Mars Ambulance Service has hired two individuals, had one individual switch from
a basic provider to an advanced provider as well as one member retire during this period. In September we hired a driver for the service Daniel Bohlken.
A crew member (Chris Eckstaine) has just completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and transitioned from an EMT to an RN-Paramedic in November. The ambulance service had one EMT provider, Jody Ohm resigned as of November 15, 2018 after 28 years of service. In December Erik Baccera was hired as an EMT level provider. One individual from Le Mars has finished taking EMS classes and will be joining the crew after they pass the test within the next 90 days.
Also, another crew member (Pat Rosacker) will complete the Paramedic Program within the next 4 months and will transition from a basic provider to an advanced provider.
Floyd Valley Goodie Sale Re-scheduled For Friday, December 7th
(Le Mars) — Last weekend’s winter snow storm caused several events and activities to be postponed, including the Floyd Valley Healthcare Auxiliary Goodie Sale. Ruth Farley serves as the chairperson of the hospital’s annual goodie sale. She says the popular event will now be held on Friday, December 7th,
Farley says those people that ordered pre-cut Christmas cookies can stop by the hospital conference center Friday afternoon to pick up their orders.
The Floyd Valley Healthcare Auxiliary Goodie Sale is scheduled for Friday between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Baked good donations for the sale need to be brought to the hospital’s conference center between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
on Friday.
Le Mars Little League Receives Funding From MRHD
(Sioux City) — The Missouri River Historical Development, or MRHD the non-profit agency that acts as the agency to distribute funds generated from casino and gaming entities in Sioux City announced this week the various charities and organizations that received grants. One of those organizations to benefit was the Le Mars Little League. After last September’s flooding that destroyed equipment and uniforms, the Le Mars Little League has been trying to raise enough funds to get the program back before the spring baseball and softball season begins in April. MRHD gave the Le Mars Little League a grant amounting to $25,000.
Audit Shows Waukee School Officials Misused Credit Cards
WAUKEE, Iowa (AP) – A special state audit report says Waukee Community School District administrators improperly used state credit cards and spent nearly $129,000 on items and services that “were not in the taxpayers’ best interest.”
The report issued Thursday says the items included nearly $28,000 for lounge chairs and furniture for the superintendent’s office and more than $83,000 on district administrators’ retreats.
The report says the audit covered July 1, 2013, through Dec. 31, 2017, and was conducted in response to lawmakers’ and residents’ concerns about the district’s chief operating officer.
In May the district reached a lawsuit settlement with the second of two former employees who had reported what they say was misconduct by the officer, Eric Rose. The district superintendent has denied the allegations.
Southwest Community College Dean Charged With Theft
CRESTON, Iowa (AP) – A former Iowa community college dean has been arrested after an audit found she spent thousands of dollars in public funds for her wedding, personal travel and other purchases.
Police in Creston arrested Beth Kulow, the former dean of students at Southwestern Community College, on Monday on three counts of second-degree theft and falsifying public records. She allegedly embezzled $15,000 between 2015 and 2018 and submitted an altered email to cover her tracks when
questioned.
The misspending included nine travel-related expenses that weren’t related to college business and dozens more for personal items, including expenses related to her 2017 wedding.
The college hired outside auditors to Kulow’s spending after learning that she claimed to have attended a training in Ohio that never occurred.
College President Barb Crittenden told board members last month that Kulow admitted two trips and several purchases were personal in nature and she reimbursed the college.
Kulow, 35, has been released from jail pending a court appearance next week.
