Home News Saturday Afternoon News, May 18th

Saturday Afternoon News, May 18th

Senator Ernst Visits With Good Samaritan Society Officials

(Le Mars) — U-S Senator Joni Ernst made a visit to Le Mars this morning. The Republican Senator was given a tour at the Good Samaritan Care Center of Le Mars where she met with some of the residents. Following the tour, Ernst sat down with Karen Mousel, administrator for the Le Mars nursing care facility, and with Tom Syverson, Operations Director with the Good Samaritan Society overseeing many of the regional care facilities. The Good Samaritan officials discussed with Senator Ernst three areas of concern. Mousel says they are constantly facing the shortfalls of Medicaid with their residents, which often times ends up costing the family, or the care facility money. Mousel also informed the Senator the challenge to find employees with the work force shortage. Mousel says the greatest need are for certified nursing assistants, and with the dietary and housekeeping staff. The Good Samaritan Society officials discussed the recent merger of Good Samaritan Society with the Sanford Healthcare Center based in Sioux Falls. Another topic of discussion focused on rural health care, and how tele-health and tele-medicine are assisting with health care needs in the rural areas. Ernst told the nursing care officials she is a supporter of tele-health care, and tele-medicine in which health care can be extended to remote rural areas. Ernst told reporters she was impressed with the Le Mars nursing care facility, and said she has had family members reside at Good Samaritan Society nursing care facilities.

 

 

Ernst Speaks About Trade Tariff Issues

(Le Mars) — While visiting Le Mars, Senator Ernst answered questions from the local media. She was asked about the Trump Administration’s actions on Friday lifting the tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from Mexico and Canada, and whether that would clear the way for the Senate to ratify the USMCA trade agreement. Ernst says the trade agreement would first need to pass the House of Representatives.

Ernst offers what she believes will be the timetable for the Mexico and Canada trade agreement.

Continuing on the topic of trade and tariffs, Senator Ernst was asked about the recent actions taken by President Trump saying he would ratchet up the tariffs to 25 percent on all goods coming from China?

 

 

Ernst Is Hopeful “Third Time Is A Charm” For Disaster Relief Assistance Vote

(Le Mars) — Twice during this Congressional session, a disaster relief bill has failed to gain support in the Senate for relief assistance for people adversely affected by the flooding. Another attempt to pass the disaster assistance bill comes up for a Senate vote this next week. Senator Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, was asked if the Democrats will support the measure, and if the third time would be the charm for families, businesses, farmers, and others affected by the floods.

The House of Representatives approved a disaster relief bill last week.

 

 

Arrest Made For Home Invasion Robbery And Sexual Assault

KELLEY, Iowa (AP) – Law enforcement in central Iowa says one of three suspects has been arrested for a home invasion robbery last year in which an 82-year-old woman was sexually assaulted. The Story County Sheriff’s Office says a 17-year-old from San Antonio was recently arrested by police in Eagle Pass, Texas. Police continue to search for two other men. Investigators say
the three broke into the woman’s home late at night in August, sprayed her in the face with a chemical, beat her and sexually assaulted her.

 

 

Two People Killed In Overnight Shooting Incident

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – Police in eastern Iowa say two people have been killed and two more injured in an overnight shooting.
Television station KCCI reports that Cedar Rapids police were called around 1:20 a.m. Saturday to the Iowa Smoke Shop on the southwest side of the city. Arriving officer found three people with life-threatening injuries in the shop’s parking lot. Two of them were later pronounced dead. A fourth victim arrived at a local hospital in a separate vehicle with life-threatening injuries.
Police have not released the names of the victims.
Investigators believe the victims were in a vehicle in the parking lot at the store when someone approached them firing a gun.

 

 

Increased Patrols For Pedestrian Bridge Between Council Bluffs and Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Omaha police say they’re planning to increase patrols of a downtown pedestrian bridge after a shooting there. Police say the increased focus on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge comes after shooting around 1:45 a.m. Thursday on the bridge injured a 20-year-old man. Police say they’ve arrested a juvenile in the shooting. The bridge spans the Missouri River, connecting Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

 

Law Enforcement Officials Say “Click-it Or Ticket” For Memorial Day Holiday Traffic

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Department of Public Safety says motorists in Iowa can expect to see stepped up enforcement on roads next week for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. The increased focus on seat belt enforcement is part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign taking place from May
20 through June 2. Memorial Day is regarded by many as the traditional beginning of summer.