Home News Monday Afternoon News, June 1

Monday Afternoon News, June 1

Local National Guard Unit Is Deployed To Africa

(Le Mars) — 80 soldiers from the 113th Calvary Troop “C” left Le Mars this morning (Monday) for a nearly year long deployment to Africa. The send-off ceremony was held at the National Guard armory building, but was closed to the general
public. Families were not even allowed to attend the ceremony, because of the threat of the COVID-19 virus. Among the speakers at today’s event was Brigadier General Steve Kremer, who is the assistant adjutant general for readiness for the Iowa National Guard. Kremer spoke fondly of his memories of the 113th Calvary, Charlie troop, when he addressed the
soldiers ready to leave behind their families and friends.

The Brigadier General says he recalls how the guard unit has always understood success, and mission accomplishment, every day, week, and month of deployment is based on the collective effort of working as a team. Kremer says he is confident with the leadership of the 113th Calvary with its “C” troop.

General Kremer challenged the soldiers to give their 100 percent, and to watch over each other. Kremer says their mission is important and has meaning. He says many of the departing soldiers and their families were probably wondering if they are ready for this deployment?

General Kremer then tried to offer some reassurance to the soldiers about their year-long mission.

Kremer emphasized to the departing soldiers that their families are not alone, as the Iowa National Guard provides outstanding support.

Kremer concluded his message by thanking the families, friends and the community for the love and support shown to the soldiers. Le Mars mayor Dick Kirchoff also addressed the troops and wished them well on their deployment mission. Kirchoff reminded the local guard unit that all of Le Mars stand
behind the unit and the mission.

Before boarding the buses, Kirchoff and
Kremer presented to Commanding Officer Kyle Cooper an Iowa flag which is to
be carried and raised during their deployment.

 

 

(Le Mars) — Following the speeches, the soldiers than boarded awaiting buses and were led through Le Mars for a send-off parade by the Northwest Iowa Legion Riders motorcycle club. The parade went through the Le Mars Municipal Park then on to Central Avenue where hundreds of people were waving American
flags and holding signs and posters wishing the soldiers well. The parade traveled south on Central Avenue then turned on 18th Street southwest until it left town on Hawkeye Avenue or Business Highway 75. Commanding Officer, Captain Kyle Cooper says the group of soldiers will initially attend training
in Minnesota.

Following the training in both Minnesota and in Texas, the 113th Calvary, C troop will then be deployed for nearly a year to Africa.

The ceremony can also be seen on the KLEM Facebook page.

 

 

Le Mars Municipal Band Will Not Perform This Summer

(Le Mars) — Another Le Mars summer tradition has fallen victim to the COVID-19 virus. It was announced on Monday the Le Mars Municipal Band will not be performing this summer at Foster Park. For more than 100 years, the Le Mars Municipal Band has played music to a gathered audience sitting on their lawn chairs. Corbet Butler is the president of the Le Mars Municipal
Band and says the decision not to perform this summer was a difficult decision.

Butler says although band members are sad to see a summer without the municipal band, he says it was the right decision. Butler says Foster Park may be large enough to accommodate sufficient space distancing for the audience,
he says concerns were with the band members.

Butler says the municipal band is looking forward to 2021 when they will return for the 115th year of existence.

 

 

Bodies Found In Evansdale Linked To Missing Persons In Arizona

(Evansdale, IA) — Investigators say two bodies found inside a car that was buried near Evansdale are connected to a missing persons case in central Arizona. The bodies have tentatively been identified as those of Elissa Landry and her step-father David “Nick” Batten of Chino Valley, Arizona, pending medical examiner results. The bodies and vehicle were unearthed
Friday after the F-B-I and local law enforcement spent three days last week digging up an undeveloped property at the end of a dead-end road in a wooded Evansdale neighborhood. Landry and Batten disappeared April 19th. No charges have been filed in the case, but Landry’s boyfriend, 24-year-old Mitchell
Mincks, formerly of Waterloo, has been detained.

 

 

 

Coralville Lake Campgrounds Open To Public Again

(Coralville, IA) — The U-S Army Corps of Engineers says campgrounds at Coralville Lake are open to the public again, effective today (Monday). All sites will require reservations and they can be secured at recreation-dot- gov. Restrooms, dump stations and playgrounds will be open for use, but picnic shelters, beaches and the visitor center will remain closed. Users
are being asked to continue to follow coronavirus guidelines like social distancing.

 

 

Authorities Investigating Discovery Of Woman’s Body In Melcher-Dallas

(Melcher-Dallas, IA) — Authorities in Marion County are investigating the discovery of a woman’s body inside an apartment in Melcher-Dallas.
Investigators say the discovery was made last week. The woman’s name hasn’t been released. An autopsy is being done to determine the cause of her death.

 

 

Hawkeyes Not Preparing For Capacity Limitation At Kinnick Yet

(Iowa City, IA) — The University of Iowa isn’t preparing for capacity limitations at Kinnick Stadium football games yet. Athletic Director Gary Barta has said the school will get ready for those limitations when it is determined that they are necessary. Barta also says fans can get a credit or refund for their tickets if the season is interrupted or canceled.