Dean’s Foods Now A Part Of Kemps
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Oct. 7, 2020) – Kemps®, a well-known Midwestern dairy processor, today announced that the milk processing facility, located at 1188 Lincoln Street SW in Le Mars, Iowa, is transitioning to become a part of the Kemps family.
Kemps has been nourishing families throughout the upper Midwest with wholesome dairy products for more than 100 years. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, Kemps products also help support local dairy farm families.
“Kemps has always been about bringing goodness — in the products that we produce and the communities that we serve,” said Greg Kurr, chief executive officer of Kemps. “We’re thrilled to introduce our line of great-tasting products to consumers and retailers throughout Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas City.”
The Le Mars facility, which currently employs more than 200 people, produces fluid milk, cottage cheese, cream, dips, fruit juices, ice cream mix and sour cream. Additionally, the current
management team will continue to handle the plant’s day-to-day operations, and all employees will retain their current positions.
Authorities Involved With Police Chase Across Three Counties
(Le Mars) — Authorities from three different counties, and multiple law enforcement agencies, participated in a high-speed chase that happened during the early morning hours of Wednesday.
The incident started at about 1:30 a.m. when Sioux City Police lost sight of a vehicle heading north into Plymouth County on county road K-22 near the C-80 intersection. A few minutes later, a Plymouth County Sheriff’s Deputy saw a vehicle that matched the description of the vehicle in question, heading
north on county road K-22. Before the deputy was able to turn around, the suspect vehicle accelerated. The deputy gave chase to the vehicle, and at times the vehicle was traveling at speeds of 100 to 110 mph. At the south intersection of K-22 and Highway 3, another deputy was able to successfully deploy stop sticks and deflate the left front tire on the suspect vehicle.
The vehicle continued heading north on K-22 trying to elude deputies.
Ultimately, the suspect vehicle drove into a ditch near the Highway 10 and K-22 intersection in Sioux County. The driver has been identified as 35-year old, Russell Camp of Minnesota. He was taken into custody without further incident. Camp was taken to the Plymouth County Jail where he was booked for
possession of a stolen motor vehicle, felony eluding, O-W-I drugged, speeding, no valid driver’s license, and no insurance. Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Hawarden Police Department, Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, Ireton Ambulance, and Ireton Fire and Rescue Department.
Camp is being held on a $10,000 bond at the Plymouth County Jail.
Authorities Identify Dead Kingsley Woman
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the victim in a suspicious death investigation involving a Kingsley woman.
Claudia Ferguson, age 54, of Kingsley was found dead on Monday, October 5th.
Her body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for an autopsy surrounding her death. When emergency officials arrived at Ferguson’s residence on Monday morning, they concluded that the death was suspicious and additional investigation was warranted.
City Council Approves Cleveland Park Restroom Construction
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars city council held a public hearing regarding the Cleveland Park proposed new restroom facilities. Following the hearing, the city council approved to proceed with the acceptance of bids and the construction of the estimated $90,000 facility. Bids will be accepted from now until October 29th with the opening of the bids scheduled at 10:00 a.m.
The awarding of the construction contract will take place on November 3rd.
Construction is projected to begin on or around May 1st of 2021 with construction completed by June 30th.
City Council Approves Ordinance For Police Officers Residency
(Le Mars) — The city council also approved a new ordinance regarding the residency of police officers. Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte explained to the city council that Le Mars has a recruit that is attending the law enforcement academy that currently is residing outside the Iowa borders.
Vande Vegte says the recruit needs to move to Iowa in order to be certified.
Iowa Hospitals Report Highest Number Of COVID Patients
(Des Moines) — Iowa’s hospitals are reporting the highest numbers of COVID-19 patients since the pandemic began in late February. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the issue during her Wednesday morning news conference.
Reynolds says although all age groups are seeing an increase of COVID-19 cases, it is generally the older age demographic that are needing hospitalization as a result of the COVID-19 virus. She says Iowa’s hospitals have been able to handle and manage the increase number of patients.
Reynolds then praised the healthcare professionals that are on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 virus.
It was just last Friday when Governor Reynolds was in Le Mars to visit with Floyd Valley Healthcare officials about the coronavirus. Floyd Valley officials wouldn’t give a specific number of the COVID-19 patients they currently have at the local hospital, only to say they have treated patients in the emergency care, as well as walk-ins in-patient care.
October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
(Le Mars) — Statistics indicate that one of every four women are the victims of domestic abuse. October serves as the Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Cathy VanMaanen with SafePlace, the organization formerly known as CSADV,
says whether or not we realize it, all of us probably knows a domestic violence victim.
VanMaanen says domestic violence is not just a woman’s victim issue, but in fact some men are also the victims of domestic violence.
The SafePlace official says domestic violence calls rank as among the top for law enforcement authorities.
VanMaanen says domestic violence doesn’t necessarily have to mean an assault has occurred. She says it can be emotional and mental, as well as physical abuse.
VanMaanen says possible “red flags” in a domestic violence relationship may include a spouse that checks phone calls, or constantly looks at the spending of money from their spouse or significant other.
