Home News Friday Afternoon News, December 14th

Friday Afternoon News, December 14th

Bank Robbery Update – Suspects Being Held On $20,000 Bond

(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Police Department has released additional information regarding the Iowa State Bank robbery that happened in Le Mars on Wednesday afternoon. A joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation has resulted in two individuals being formally charged in that
incident. Phillip White, age 32, of Sioux City has been charged with robbery in the 2nd degree, a class C felony, and theft in the 1st degree, which is also a class C felony. Also charged was 35 year old Karen Merrick of Sioux City. She has been charged with robbery in the 2nd degree, and with theft in the 1st degree, both classified as class C felonies. Both suspects have also been charged with eluding. The bank robbery suspects are
being held at the Plymouth County Jail on a $20,000 bond. A preliminary court hearing has been scheduled for December 20th at 9:00 a.m. In the court documents, it says that Patrick White had stated he had a gun, but the court records don’t say if he showed a gun. The police is reporting all the money stolen from the Iowa State Bank was recovered in the U-Haul van that
was involved in the eluding attempt. The investigation is continuing.

 

 

Joel DeJong Honored By Iowa Soybean Association

Ankeny, IA – The Iowa Soybean Association has given a local agronomist its highest honor. Joel DeJong, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach field agronomist and crops specialist, was awarded the Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer Award, sponsored by Cargill, at the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) annual awards banquet in Ankeny.

“DeJong, Joel”

As the ISU field agronomist in northwest Iowa, DeJong has over 35 years of experience working closely with farmers on integrated management of pest populations, crop management issues, and nutrient and manure management
planning.

DeJong currently provides information to producers on proper nutrient and pest management practices and oversees annual pesticide applicator continuing education sessions. He also authors a monthly newsletter on timely topics for farmers in northwest Iowa.

As a professional who routinely works with farmers, DeJong believes in the power of working together.

He routinely invites the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) to have a presence at meetings and events and helps ISA identify key contacts in northwest Iowa.

DeJong served on the ISA Research Advisory Council for several years, and now serves on the ISU Northwest Iowa Experimental Association.

Partnering with Siouxland Agriculture in the Classroom, DeJong helps organize a consumer-engagement event in Plymouth and Woodbury counties.

“The Dine at the County Line event invites consumers to sit down with farmers for a meal and have conversation about agriculture. Our goal is to bring food and agriculture science to teachers, health professionals and others.”

He included Iowa Soybean Association as a participant at one of the “conversation stations” at the event. DeJong is also a member of the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, and has been instrumental in the agricultural education efforts of “aROUND the farm in the BARN” inside
the famous Tonsfeldt Round Barn during the Plymouth County Fair.

 

 

American Legion To Participate In “Wreaths Across America” Program

(Le Mars) — Members of the Wasmer Post #241 American Legion of Le Mars will participate in the annual “Wreaths Across America” celebration on Saturday.
More than 1400 locations nationwide will be placing wreaths at veteran soldiers and sailor’s graves, or as the case for Le Mars, wreaths will be placed at a veterans memorial. The American Legion will place seven different wreaths, one for each branch of the military, Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard, plus a wreath for the POW’s and MIA’s and the Merchant Marines. Past post commander, Wayne Schipper, says this marks the sixth year Le Mars has participated in the “Wreaths Across America” program.

 

The Le Mars program will take place at the Plymouth County Veteran’s Memorial Saturday morning, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

(photos are from 2017 Wreaths Across America program.)

 

 

University Of Iowa To Shut Down Some Fraternities

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The University of Iowa has banned four fraternity chapters after a two-month investigation spurred by a number of alcohol-related incidents.
School officials announced Thursday that Delta Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the UI chapter of Kappa Sigma International Fraternity can no longer operate as student organizations at the university.
The Kappa Sigma chapter, known as Beta-Rho, was also removed from its national organization after hazing allegations.
The university began cracking down on Greek life after a student died at an out-of-state fraternity event in 2017 . Fraternities have since been banned from having events with alcohol.
Students and faculty have been working on a strategic plan on how to improve “risk management, health and safety” at fraternities and sororities. The plan will be announced next spring.