Home News KLEM News Update May 29, 2010

KLEM News Update May 29, 2010

(WESTFIELD)–Four people were injured when a car and a van collided just north of Westfield on Highway 12 early Friday afternoon.  According to Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo, a Chevrolet Metro was being driven south on Highway 12. In a preliminary investigation, authorities say they believe the Metro crossed over into the northbound lane and struck the Chrysler van.  Akron Fire and Rescue worked about an hour to free one of the drivers from a vehicle.  Four people were taken to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City with injuries that ranged from minor to serious.  The injured include 19-year-old Alexander Russell Waterbury, Akron, Cody Richter, 16, Akron, Nicole Wardrip, 15, Westfield and Spencer Wardrip, 13, Westfield.  The condition of the injured have not been released.  It is believed that at least one of the four did have a life-threatening injury.  Akron Ambulance, Siouxland Paramedics, Mercy Air Care, Akron Police and the Iowa State Patrol assisted the sheriff’s office at the accident location and with the crash investigation.

(LE MARS)–A route to an industrial area is under construction near Business Highway 75 in Le Mars.  City administrator Scott Langel says Blue Diamond Drive is being built between Business Highway 75 and Holton Drive in Southwest Le Mars.

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Langel says the earth work is being done now. Blue Diamond Drive completion is slated by the end of June, weather permitting.

(Le Mars) Two people were taken to Floyd Valley Hospital with non-incapaitating injuries as the result of a two car accident around 5:30 Friday afternoon.  The accident occured at the intersection of Plymouth County road K-42 and C-16.  According to a written report from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, a 1999 Ford Explorer driven by 43-year-old Richard John Gradert of Ireton struck the rear of a 1999 Oldsmobile that had pulled into it’s path from C-16, driven by 61-year-old Lee Wohlman Gayden.  The report lists a Minnesota drivers license for Gayden.  The Gayden vehicle had pulled next to the right side of a van that was stopped at the intersection, and then made a right turn onto K-42.  Gayden did not see the approaching Gradert vehicle.  Passengers in both vehicles were taken by Le Mars rescue to Floyd Valley Hospital.  Tammara Marie Boock, 40, of Ireton was a passenger in the Gradert vehicle, and Linda Wohlman, 61, of Le Mars was a passenger in the Gayden vehicle.  Gayden was charged with failure to yield right-of-way from a stop sign.

(SIBLEY)–A Sibley man is charged with identity theft.  The Osceola County Sheriff’s Department arrested 41-year-old Elmer Monzon Wednesday following a traffic stop in Sibley. Authorities charged him with operating a motor vehicle without a license.  According to written information from the sheriff’s office, there was also a warrant for Monzon’s arrest for felony identity theft. He was taken to the Osceola County Jail where he was held on cash bond.

(SIOUX CITY)–Siouxlanders can help save a life with training offered next week.  June 1-7 is National C-P-R Week. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for people over the age of 45. Cardiovascular disease is also a risk factor in sudden cardiac arrest.  The Siouxland Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering a C-P-R/automated external defibrillator and first aid training at the chapter office at 4200 War Eagle Drive in Sioux City.  Red Cross Health and Safety Services director Jean Grove says knowing how to perform C-P-R and how to use a defibullator are essential life skills that everyone needs.   The six-hour training session will be offered for $40 including lunch and a first aid book. Registration in advance is required.  Registration information is available by contacting the Red Cross in Sioux City.

(LE MARS)–A state conservation officer who works in Plymouth County is emphasizing safety for boaters who are on the water beginning this Memorial Day Weekend.  Chad Morrow of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says boat operators need to make sure they updated their registrations which were due April 30th. Murrow says a properly-sized life jacket should be on the boat for each person, including children under 13 who need to wear life jackets at all time. He says the life jackets need to be accessible.

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Life jackets should be U-S Coast Guard approved and are labeled by weight. Ones stored in the boat should be checked to make sure they weren’t damaged in the off season.  Morrow explains what other safety equipment is required.

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Morrow tells boat operators not to consume alcohol.

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Alcohol is allowed on a boat as long as the operator is not over the legal limit which is point-one-zero.