(LE MARS)–Attention to a shooting spree west of Le Mars on a 13-mile stretch of Highway Three stopped the criminal mischief.
More than a dozen houses were shot at beginning in early February. Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo asked for the public’s help last month. The sheriff told reporters he wanted to find out who was shooting at large windows because he said he was concerned someone would be seriously injured or killed.
Van Otterloo issued written information today that the sheriff’s office has not received any additional reports of property being shot. The sheriff terms this good news explaining a message was hopefully sent to whoever was shooting that law enforcement and the public are watching and any unusual activity will be reported and investigated.
The sheriff’s office has received several calls about suspicious activity, but this has not led to an arrest. Leads are being pursued as they are called in or identified for the sheriff’s office.
(LE MARS)–A new report on water quality in Le Mars is out.
Water superintendent Gayle Sitzmann says there were no violations involving water quality. That means the city will not be required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to mail each water customer a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report.
The report lists the source of the city’s water as the Dakota aquifer which the report states was determined to be free of contamination.
Work completed in 2009 by the Water Department listed in the report includes changing five fire hydrants and valves; moving three fire hydrants to accommodate a storm sewer project; looping a water main and eliminating a dead end. Water main was also installed along business Highway 75 and under the Floyd River; on Madison Avenue, the former Highway 60; on Seventh Avenue to 18th Street Southeast and a main and fire hydrant were added on Yager Drive Northeast.
The report is available at the Water Department at 1298 18th Street S.W. during business hours, as well as city hall and the library. Copies will be delivered to some places in Le Mars to help reach citizens, visitors and workers from out of town.
2009 Water Quality Report (CCR) Consumer Confidence Report
For City of LeMars Water Department
This report contains information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is ground water which comes from the Dakota aquifer(s). Our water testing shows the following results.
Note: Contaminants with dates indicate results from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations.
TEST RESULTS
Contaminant Violation Y / N Level Detected Unit Measurement MCLGMCLLikely Source of Contamination
DS 950 Distribution System
Total Coliform Bacteria
N
0
0Presence of Coliform bacteria in >5% of monthly samples
Naturally present in the environment
Copper
2009
N
.98 0.12-
1
PPM
1.3
AL=1.3Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
Lead
2009
N2
ND-6PPB0AL=15Corrosion of household plumbing systems: erosion of natural deposits
Chlorine (ppm)
MRDL level N 1.2 0.39 – 1.9PPMMRDLG = 4MRDL = 4 Water additive used to
control microbes
Nitrate N .8
PPM 10 10 Run off from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride
4/19/2004
N
.89
PPM
N/A
4Water additive which promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer
Sodium
5/2/2007N49PPMN/AN/AErosion of natural deposits
Sulfate
4/20/2004N360PPMN/AN/AErosion of natural deposits
Total Trihalomethanes
(TTHM)
7/07/2007N20PPBN/A80By-products of drinking water
Secondary Drinking Water Regulations
ContaminantLevel
Detected
LeMarsUnit
MeasurementLimitEffect
1. Chloride 7. 5MG/L250Taste and Corrosion of pipe
2.Total Dissolved solids
(TDS)1000MG/L500Taste and possible relation between low hardness and cardiovascular disease, also an indicator of corrosivity(related to lead levels in water), can damage plumbing and limit effectiveness of soaps and detergents
4. Iron.7MG/L 0.3Taste and red staining of clothes and plumbing fixtures
5. Manganese.2MG/L 0.05Taste and black staining in clothes and fixtures
After the Water Treatment Plant the Iron is averaging .03 mg/l or less and Manganese is averaging .01 mg/l or less before going out to the distribution system.
DEFINITIONS
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) — The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
ppb — parts per billion.
ppm — parts per million.
pCi/L – picocuries per liter
N/A – Not applicable
ND — Not detected
Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) – The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) – The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water posed a health risk. More information about contaminants or potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. [City of Le Mars Water Dept.] Is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at https://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
CONTAMINANT Violations
none
OTHER VIOLATIONS
none
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
The City of LeMars Water Department water supply obtains its water from the Dakota aquifer. The Dakota aquifer was determined to be free to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials and formation. The wells will deliver to activities such as a treatment plant. A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the IDNR, and is available from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the water department at 1298 18th St. SW. Or phone 712-546-5555.
Capital Projects
Changed 5 Fire Hydrants and valves
Moved 3 fire hydrants to accommodate storm sewer project
Lowered 8 in. water main to accommodate storm sewer project
Lopped 4in. main to 8 in. main and eliminate 4 in. dead end
Installed 12 in. water main 4500 ft. along business 75 and under Floyd River
Installed 10 in. main 4500 ft. on Madison Ave former Hyw. 60
Installed 12 in. main 800 ft. on 7th Ave to 18th St. SE
Installed 500 ft. 6 in. main and fire hydrant along Yager Dr. NE
CONTACT INFORMATION
Decisions regarding the water system are made at the Council meetings held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 12:00 p.m. at City Hall 40 Central Ave SE and are open to the public.
The LeMars Water Department is happy to provide information and assistance on any question concerning the operation and quality of our water and services. We strive to provide quality water to every tap and every customer. Water is an important natural resource that we use in so many wonderful ways: Drinking, bathing, cooking, food processing, and gardens. That’s why at the water department we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that we provide you the best water and services possible.
Since we have no violations the DNR does not require us to mail each customer a copy of the CCR (consumer confidence report). We are putting the report in the paper and it will also be on the agenda at the City council meeting to help inform all our customers that the information is available at the water department at the address below. Flyers will also be available at City Hall and the Library; we will also deliver copies to retirement homes, hospital and large employers to mention a few to help reach citizens, visitors and workers from out of town.
This report was on the agenda for City Council 4/6/2010
(Source: City of Le Mars Water Department)
(ORANGE CITY)–A Hull woman has been convicted of drug delivery in Hull in July of last year.
Written Information about the sentence for 38-year-old Darcy Jo Techen was released today by Sioux County attorney Coleman McAllister.
Techen was arrested by officers of the sheriff’s office and Northwest Iowa Drug Task Force on a charge of delivering meth to an informant at a car wash in Hull.
Authorities said they seized cash and eight packages of crystal meth.
A ten-year prison sentence was suspended. A judge placed her on probation for two years and ordered Techen to pay a $1000 fine.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A teenager from northwest Iowa caught the first home run ball at the Minnesota Twins’ brand new ballpark.
A.J. Nitzchke of Lawton caught the ball that Jason Kubel hit to right field in the seventh inning on Opening Day at Target Field Monday afternoon.
Twins curator Clyde Doepner says the 13-year-old didn’t give up his home run ball without getting some guarantees.
A.J. got to meet his favorite Twins player, Joe Mauer, who signed a jersey for him.
The teen’s name and photo will be on permanent display at Target Field, along with the historic home run ball.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved
(SIOUX CITY)–A new record high temperature was recorded at Sioux Gateway Airport Monday. The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls reports the temperature was 86 degrees at 5:04 p.m.
This broke a record set more than 100 years ago in 1899 when the record was 85 degrees.
(KINGSLEY)–Kingsley-Pierson Middle School Early Dismissal today, Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at 12:30pm due to a power outage.
(LE MARS)–**UPDATE**This project is delayed to a future date: According to information from the City of Le Mars, the Le Mars Post Office alley will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14 through 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 15 for manhole repair.
Submit your news release, confidential news tip or news idea by email klemnews@lemarscomm.net, by calling 712.546.4121 or 712.546.9672 fax.
Listen to the newscast
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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) A report on average faculty salaries shows the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa lost ground among their conference peers, while Iowa State University held steady
The report by the American Association of University Professors shows Iowa dropped one spot to sixth among Big Ten schools. Iowa’s average salary for all faculty is $94,100.
Northern Iowa slid two spots to sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference. UNI’s average pay is $67,800.
Iowa State remained in sixth place in the Big 12 Conference for the third straight year, with an average pay of $84,800.
Budget cuts and pay freezes at the schools are likely factors.
ALLISON, Iowa (AP) The man convicted of killing an Iowa high school football coach wants a new trial.
Online court records for Butler County show Mark Becker’s attorney filed a motion for a new trial last Thursday. Judge Stephen Carroll has not yet issued a ruling on the request.
The 24-year-old Becker was convicted of first-degree murder last month for gunning down Aplington-Parkersburg coach Ed Thomas in June 2009. The jury rejected Becker’s claim that he was legally insane at the time of the shooting.
Becker, of Parkersburg, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is set for Wednesday.
BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) A Burlington woman accused of depositing empty envelopes at a bank ATM then withdrawing nearly $3,000 in cash has been placed on probation for three years.
Krystina Cardin was given a deferred judgment on Monday for second-degree theft, which means if she successfully completes probation the charge will be erased from her record.
Cardin faced five years in prison.
According to police, Cardin deposited three deposits totaling $2,800 in one weekend last September, then made several withdrawals, emptying her account.
Bank officials serviced the ATM and discovered the envelopes Cardin deposited were empty.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A judge has ordered a Texas company to answer Iowa’s questions about its treatment of mentally disabled workers who worked in a turkey-processing plant.
Henry’s Turkey Service housed the men in a dilapidated bunkhouse in Atalissa and put them to work at the plant in West Liberty.
The company faces a $900,000 state fine for alleged labor-law violations. It has appealed.
As part of the discovery process, Henry’s is to answer questions about the workers’ pay.
Henry’s says the Texas attorney general never returned the payroll records that were seized last spring, and until the records are returned, it can’t answer the questions.
A judge has ordered the company to provide answers by Thursday.
Henry’s is also being sued by the U.S. Labor Department.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
