Home News Wednesday Afternoon News, February 26th

Wednesday Afternoon News, February 26th

Kluckholn Music Teacher Honored As “Employee Of The Month”

(Le Mars) — The Kluckholn elementary music instructor is the latest to be recognized as the Le Mars Community School District’s “Employee of the Month.” Julie Drees has been teaching music to Le Mars Community students for the past 26 years. Kluckholn’s fifth grade students submitted the nomination for Julie Drees saying she is not afraid to jump in and help
whenever needed whether that is with reading or math. She works really well one-on-one with students that need extra practice. She is patient while working side-by-side with those fifth graders. Her willingness to help is always appreciated. The presentation of a plaque was given to Julie Drees during a small ceremony held Monday.

Julie Drees, (left) receives the Le Mars Community School District’s Employee of the Month recognition, earlier this week.  Standing with Drees is Deb Ahlers with the Le Mars Community School District Foundation and Alumni Association.

(photo courtesy of Carolyn Vance)

 

 

State Senator Randy Feenstra Addresses Issues In The State Legislature

(Le Mars) — Last Thursday was the first funnel date for the Iowa legislature, which means all bills, unless they were tied to an appropriations and spending, needed to be introduced and through the various legislative committees. State Senator Randy Feenstra of Hull says the state senate has been busy with bills relating to felons voter restoration privileges, and with the newly introduced abortion bill. The bill was split down party lines last week. Feenstra explains the state senate’s
objectives with the bill.

As for restoring the voting privileges for felons, Feenstra says he is in favor of such action, with the exception of serious felonies such as murder, and kidnapping, sexual predator, and other egregious crimes.

Governor Kim Reynolds introduced a measure during her “Condition of the State” address calling for an increase of a one-percent sales tax to help fund water quality projects and provide money for mental health. Feenstra says he isn’t in favor of any tax increase, and believes those programs can be funded with available money.

Feenstra is a member of the State Senate Ways and Means Committee, having served as the committee chair until this legislative session. Feenstra says he gave up the chairman position to focus more attention on his campaign
running for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District.

 

 

Man Pleads Not Guilty To Vehicular Homicide Following Fatal Accident

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A man has pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide in the crash deaths of two men in Des Moines. Polk County court records say the lawyer for 23-year-old Alejandro Contreras entered the pleas Tuesday. No trial date has been set. Police say the crash occurred around 11:45 a.m.
Thursday, when a southbound car struck an eastbound car that had just entered a roadway. Two men in the eastbound car died after being rushed to a hospital. They’ve been identified as 26-year-old Mauricio Ruiz Quintana and 22-year-old Brayan Martinez Ruiz. They lived in Windsor Heights.

 

 

Landlord And Father Of Child Plea Not Guilty To Child Endangerment Charges

OSKALOOSA, Iowa (AP) – An Oskaloosa landlord and the father of a 7-year-old boy killed in a house fire have pleaded not guilty to child endangerment and other charges. Court records say Ronald Fogle and Kahal Chauhan were indicted for child endangerment and neglect of a dependent person. Chauhan’s
trial is set to begin May 19. Fogle’s trial hasn’t been scheduled. David Fogle’s mother was burned trying to rescue him from the Feb. 15, 2019 blaze. The records don’t provide any specifics on what prosecutors say Chauhan and Ronald Fogle did or failed to do that merited the charges.

 

 

Two Students Transported To Hospital Following Welding Accident

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) – Two students have been taken to a hospital for treatment after a welding accident at a community college facility in Davenport. An Eastern Iowa Community Colleges spokesman says one student was injured Tuesday at the Blong Technology Center when a spark flew into her
clothing and burned her. The second student was burned when he tried to help her. Their names and the extent of their injuries have not been released.

 

 

Crittenton Center To Hold Fund Raiser

(Sioux City) — A non-profit organization that’s served children across northwest Iowa for one-and-a-quarter centuries is launching a fundraising campaign. The Crittenton Center, based in Sioux City, reaches more than 25-hundred children and families each year through a variety of important
programs, according to development director Tracy Feathers.

The center is marking its 125th year in operation with an effort to raise 250-thousand dollars over 125 days.

The center was founded in 1895 and now has a staff of 85. The fundraising campaign will conclude June 24th. Donations can be made via the website: https://crittentoncenter.org/