Governor Reynolds Visits Western Iowa Flood Regions
(Sioux City) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds met with members of the media following a tour of western Iowa on Sunday to view the damage done by flooding waters. The governor was flanked by Iowa Homeland Security Director, Joyce Flinn; Iowa Public Safety Commissioner, Stephan Bayens, State Senator Jim Carlin, and State House Representative, Jacob Bossman. Reynolds
told reporters she believes this flood in March has done more damage than the two previous floods to hit western Iowa in September of 2018 and May of 2018, and worst than the flood of 2011.
Governor Reynolds toured Missouri Valley earlier in the day, then traveled to the Woodbury community of Hornick where she spoke with the residents that were forced to evacuate due to rising flood waters. Reynolds informed news media that she planned to travel to southwest Iowa on Monday to visit with
Hamburg and Pacific Junction as she continues to inspect flooded regions.
Reynolds says she has been impressed with the coordination of first responders for the flooding.
She assured reporters that an application has already been forwarded to officials with the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to get relief for those adversely affected by the flooding.
The governor told reporters her impressions and the scene she witnessed at the town of Hornick.
On Saturday, State Senator Jim Carlin, House Representative Dr. Tom Jeneary and Plymouth County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Don Kass inspected some of the flood ravaged damage through out Plymouth County.
Governor Reynolds Declares State Of Emergency For 36 Counties
(Des Moines) — Governor Reynolds has declared a state of emergency for 36 Iowa counties, allowing for state and federal funding assistance for victims of the flooding.
The northwest Iowa counties included in the emergency designation involve: Plymouth, Woodbury, Sioux, O’Brien,
Ida, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Monona, Clay, and Emmet.
Helping Hands Asking For Flood Relief Donations
(Le Mars) — Helping Hands Resource and Thrift Center of Le Mars is accepting donations to assist with flood victims. They are particularly seeking cleaning supplies and toiletries. Jim Plueger with the Helping Hands Resource and Thrift Center says they hope to obtain a covered trailer in which supplies can be dropped off. Helping Hands is located on Central Avenue N.E. next to Claussen’s Clothing Store.
Le Mars Is Ranked Among Iowa’s Safest Communities
(Le Mars) — This past week, the city of Le Mars had learned, for the second year in a row, that it ranks as one of the safest communities in Iowa. Le Mars Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte says Le Mars is placed as the sixth safest community, a year ago, Le Mars ranked seventh.
Vande Vegte says what helps Le Mars is we have few violent crimes against people. He says, for the most part, the crimes committed in Le Mars are property related crimes.
The Le Mars Police Chief says all communities are required to submit their crime statistics to the federal government. He says that’s how the survey and ranking was conducted. Vande Vegte says Le Mars is fortunate to have a relatively low crime rate. He says cities need to balance economic development with maintaining safe neighborhoods.
The survey and ranking was conducted by a company called Safe-Wise.
University of Iowa Student Found Dead From Fall In Utah
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, Utah (AP) – Authorities say a 33-year-old University of Iowa graduate student found dead at Canyonlands National Park in southern Utah apparently fell 500 feet (152.4 meters) from an overlook.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office said Jonathan Hogue’s body was found Friday at the base over the Green River Overlook following a search that began Tuesday.
His car was found near the overlook in the park’s Island in the Sky district.
Hogue was described as an avid hiker known for going off trail and traveling long distances.
Trial Has Been Scheduled For Husband Accused Of Killing Wife
EARLVILLE, Iowa (AP) – A May trial has been scheduled for a northeast Iowa man accused of using a corn rake to stab his wife while killing her.
Delaware County District Court records say 42-year-old Todd Mullis last week entered a written plea of not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder.
He was arrested last month. His trial is set to begin May 13.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office says an autopsy showed Amy Mullis died after receiving injuries that included multiple stab wounds to her back with a corn rake. Authorities initially reported that the 39-year-old woman had been fatally injured in a fall at her farm about 4 miles (7 kilometers) northwest of Earlville.
