Iowa State Patrol Says More Motorists Are Speeding
(Le Mars) — The Iowa State Patrol is reporting more motorists are speeding on Iowa’s roadways, now more than they have for quite some time. Trooper John Farley with the Iowa State Patrol says it is a disturbing trend. He says the recorded speeds are not just a few miles per hour over the limit, but several
miles per hour over the posted speed limits.
Farley says the higher speeds are not just limited to the state’s interstates and other four-lane highways, but it is happening on all roads.
Farley says the Iowa State Patrol isn’t sure as to why the higher speeds are occurring.
Farley says motorists need to watch their speeds, because the Iowa State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies certainly are watching the motorists speed.
Fire Department Issues June Monthly Report
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to a total of 48 calls during the month of June. There were 15 fire calls, 10 rescues, 15 investigations, and five times the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department offered mutual aid, four times with the Oyens Fire Department, and once with the Remsen police department. The Le Mars Fire Department had three requests for services. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says there were 77 people that attended a Hazard Materials Operations training course held at the Le Mars Fire Station number 1. The course included all 27 members of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department, all deputies with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, all officers of the Le Mars Police Department, and the Le Mars Ambulance Service. The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department assisted Military E.O.D. with the disposal of found 60 MM mortar round. The local fire department also participated in the send-off of the 113th Troop C of the National Guard. The fire and rescue department also assisted the Plymouth County Dive Team with the recovery of a 13 year old drowning victim.
Judge Blocks Iowa’s New Mandatory 24-Hour Waiting Period For Abortions
(Iowa City, IA) — A judge in Johnson County has blocked the state’s new mandatory 24-hour waiting period for abortions. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law Monday and it was set to go into effect today (Wednesday). The circuit court judge put it on hold Tuesday while a legal challenge from the A-C-L-U and Planned Parenthood is resolved. The new law
would require anyone seeking an abortion to show up for an additional appointment at least 24 hours before the procedure. The Iowa Supreme Court struck down a 72-hour abortion waiting period two years ago, deciding it was unconstitutional.
Protester Says Governor’s SUV Hit Him Intentionally
(Ackley, IA) — A Black Lives Matter protester says he thinks an S-U-V carrying the governor hit him intentionally. Jaylen Cavil was among two dozen protesters who were trying to block Governor Kim Reynolds’ vehicle as she left an event at Family Traditions Meat in Ackley. Cavil wasn’t injured.
The Iowa State Patrol blamed Cavil for making contact with the S-U-V.
Directors Council Shares Blueprint To Address Racial Disparities In Polk County
(Des Moines, IA) — The median income in Iowa’s Polk County is 63 thousand dollars-a-year, but it’s only 34 thousand for African American households.
Members of a group calling itself The Directors Council say they have a blueprint to address racial disparities. A spokesperson says Black workers will need more job training, but companies should commit to hiring them.
Part of the blueprint is the creation of a Black job-seekers database and specific intern programs for Black students aimed at helping them find higher-paying jobs.
Garcia Appointed To Oversee Iowa Department Of Public Health
(Des Moines) — Governor Reynolds appointed Kelly Garcia to serve as interim director of the Iowa Department of Public Health. She will continue to serve as director of the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Reynolds says, “Kelly Garcia has done an outstanding job at DHS, and her expertise and work ethic will bring great value to IDPH,” said Gov. Reynolds.
“This is an opportunity to increase cooperation and collaboration between these two agencies to better serve Iowans. I also want to express my continued gratitude to IDPH, DHS employees for their efforts during these unprecedented times.”
Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Garcia to oversee DHS in November 2019. She was unanimously confirmed by the Iowa Senate on February 26, 2020. Before moving to Iowa, Kelly served in a series of executive positions at the Texas
Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). This included serving as a deputy executive commissioner at HHSC.
Grinnell College Cancels Falls Sports Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
(Grinnell, IA) — Officials at Grinnell College have decided to cancel fall sports in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. The Division Three school competes in football, soccer, golf, cross country and volleyball. In a news release, the college says the decision is based on a public health framework that prioritizes the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the
community. A decision on sports later in the school year will be made at a future date. Just last year, Grinnell canceled much of its football season because it only had 28 players on its roster. It intended to resume the program this season.
