City To Flush Hydrants
(Le Mars) — The city of Le Mars Water Department will flush fire hydrant in the north section of the city beginning on Monday, April 29th through the end of the week. The week of May 6th the city water department will be flushing hydrants in the southwest side of town. Flushing will occur in the southeast sector of town during the week of May 13th. Residents can expect lower water
pressures, and discolored water while flushing is occurring. If your home still has discolored water, following the days of flushing, you are asked to contact the Le Mars Water Department at 546-5555.
Secondary Road Department To Close Bridge Near Merrill
(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Secondary Roads Department has announced the bridge located on county road C-44 just east of Merrill will be closed beginning on Monday, April 29th. The bridge will be closed until mid November. Traffic will be detoured from County road C-44 and Highway 75 at Merrill north on Highway 75 to county road C-38 to K-49 and back to C-44.
Le Mars Optimists To Host “Heroes Day” On Saturday
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Optimist Club will be holding “Heroes Day” which is scheduled for Saturday at the National Guard Armory. “Heroes Day” invites all children to come dressed as their favorite hero. The event was originally scheduled to happen at the Cleveland Park, but due to the forecast calling for cold temperatures and rain, organizers have decided to hold the
event at the National Guard Armory. Children will have the opportunity to meet with local law enforcement officials, and members of the Army National Guard. Activities will include inflatables, games and crafts. Free hot dogs and chips will be served for the family. Saturday is recognized as National
Superhero Day, which was started in 1995. The day is all about honoring all the superheros in our lives and community, both the fictional and our real-life heroes who give put their lives on the line for our safety.
Legislature Passes Bill Allowing For Stun Guns On College Campuses
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A bill approved by the Legislature and awaiting the governor’s signature would forbid Iowa’s public universities from banning stun guns on campus.
The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that bill advocate Rep. Matt
Windschitl says the proposed measure comes in response to some schools in Iowa prohibiting stun guns on their campuses. The campus bans go against a bill approved in 2017 that permitted people over the age of 18 to be allowed to carry stun guns.
A worried father collaborated with his local senator to draft the bill proposal after realizing his daughters wouldn’t have the option of carrying a stun gun on campus.
Windschitl added the bill would help avert sexual violence and keep students safe.
Critics say they disagree that the bill would reduce sexual violence.
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Jack Trice Statue To Be Moved To Central Campus
AMES, Iowa (AP) – Officials say a statue of Iowa State University’s first black student-athlete will be moved back to the central campus in Ames, away from the stadium named after him.
A university news release said Friday that the statue of Jack Trice must be moved because of construction of what will be called the Sports Performance Center. When the construction relocation issue arose, a university committee concluded it was time to permanently return the statue to central campus.
The statue stood between Beardshear and Carver halls from 1988 to 1997. It’s been situated at the stadium since it was named for him in 1997.
The new location will be between Beardshear Hall and the Hub, a high traffic area.
Trice died from internal bleeding two days after being injured on
Oct. 6, 1923, in the game against the University of Minnesota.
Controversy Surrounds Iowa Sheriff For Posting Easter Greeting
DECORAH, Iowa (AP) – A northeast Iowa sheriff is being praised and criticized for posting a religious Easter greeting on the department’s Facebook page.
Sunday’s post remained on the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office page Friday morning, and Sheriff Dan Marx told the Mason City Globe Gazette he doesn’t intend to remove it.
The post includes the words “He is risen” imposed over a photo
showing a cross on the crest of a hill being illuminated from behind by the sun. To its right is a message: “Happy Easter from all of us at the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.”
ACLU of Iowa executive director Mark Stringer says the post on the department’s official Facebook page “is grossly inappropriate under our traditions of religious freedom enshrined” in the Iowa and U.S. constitutions.
Several people posted comments in praise of the sheriff’s action,
while others said the Christian post had no business being on the
department’s page.
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Davenport Police Officer Shot While On Duty
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) – A man suspected of shooting a Davenport police officer has been charged with attempted murder, and a second man has been arrested in connection with the case.
Scott County court records say 27-year-old Brett Dennis also is charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon. The records don’t list the name of an attorney who could comment for him.
The records say Dennis shot Officer Ryan Leabo twice on Thursday afternoon during a struggle following a foot chase. Scott County Sheriff Timothy Lane says Leabo managed to shoot Dennis in a leg. Dennis was treated at a hospital and released.
Police say Dennis originally fled Leabo when Leabo tried to stop Dennis and 27-year-old Nathaniel Viering. Viering remained at the scene and was later charged with several drug crimes. The court records don’t list an attorney for him.
