(LE MARS)–A new type of street project is about to be constructed in southeast Le Mars.
City administrator Scott Langel says Third Avenue Southeast, near the Courthouse, will be resurfaced not with asphalt, but with concrete.
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Langel says traffic on Third Avenue Southeast will be detoured between Second and Fifth Street Southeast.
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The construction project is slated to begin today.
(LE MARS)– Plymouth County Board of Supervisors candidate for District 4 Craig Anderson of rural Merrill is completing his fifth year on the board after being elected to a vacancy following a resignation.
Anderson cited a number of projects that have been completed during his first term,including space issues.
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Anderson cites a number of challenges facing the board of supervisors.
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The primary election will be held Tuesday, June 8. Anderson, a Republican, is unopposed in his re-election bid. (News report by Dave Ruden)
(LE MARS)–Plymouth County supervisors today hear comments on a proposal to change the county budget to reflect new income and expenses.
The budget being considered for change was adopted in March of last year and began July first of last year.
Comments on the proposed changes will be heard at 10 this morning.
Contracts for annual services from Plains Area Mental Health Service and Courthouse window replacements will be considered.
A bill for a new fire alarm system for the Pride Group-leased residential care facility will also be discussed.
Complete Agenda:
9:30 AMJim Henrich, Plymouth County Board Chairman
1.Call meeting to order
2.Approve this agenda (Action)
3.Approval of prior Board meeting minutes (Action)
4.Approval of claims and payroll (Signatures)
5. Committee Reports (Discussion)
6. Old Business
A. Discuss the courthouse window replacement contracts and H & H Construction and
Lamperts (Discussion & possible action)
B. Review new fire alarm system bill for approval for the Pride Group, RCF (Action)
7. New Business
A. Open and review mail/correspondence (Discussion)
B. Open public forum (Informational)
10:00 AMBoard of Supervisors – Public hearing for County Budget FY 09-10 budget amendment (Action)
10:10 AMSharon Nieman, Plymouth County CPC and General Relief Director – Approve Plains Area Mental
Health contract for FY 10-11 (Action)
10:20 AMTom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
(Action Items)
none
Questions/Discussion of the Secondary Road Department
(Informational Items)
Update on construction projects
(LE MARS)–It’s a city service residents and businesses depend on. Today, the Le Mars City Council considers a study that looks to the present and future of the city’s water system and rates.
After evaluating information from six firms, the city’s Water Committee recommends McClure Engineering perform the water system and rate study. A contract and fee is to be negotiated for Council consideration, if the Council today approves the firm.
Le Mars residents may be putting out garbage totes every other week starting in January. The Solid Waste Committee recommends the next steps in the expansion of the Le Mars recycling program. Based on the recommendation, as of January first, the city would go to alternating weeks of pickup of regular trash and recycling totes. The city would provide the recycling totes to those who do not already have the free recycling option.
A solution to a bumpy and pothole filled Business Highway 75 from Highway 3 south to 18th Street Southwest is to be discussed. The Council is being asked to upgrade signals at Sixth Avenue and Sixth Street and 75 to a camera system and pursue a repair alternative for the roadway surface. Details are to be presented at the meeting.
A portion of the meeting will be closed to the public to discuss strategy in threatened or pending legal action.
The Council meets at city hall beginning at noon today.
NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER – MAYOR
ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK
COUNCILMEMBERS: NELSON_____, KNAPP_____ REXWINKEL_____,
LEONARD______, IHRKE_______
B. HEARINGS
1.2010 Sanitary Sewer Project – Key Avenue
2.2010 Water Main Extension – C-38
3.Vacate Street Right-of-Way
C.GENERAL DISCUSSION
1Citizens
2. “Thumbs Up” Award
D.CONSENT ITEMS
All items listed under “Consent” Agenda will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on those items unless a request is made prior to the time the Council votes on the motion.
1.Approval of May 18, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes
2.List of Bills for Period Ending 5/31/10
3.Issuance/Renewal of Beer/Liquor (Pizza Ranch, Fareway Stores, Inc.)
4.Change Council Meeting Date
E. ACTION ITEMS
1.US 75 North STP Project – Award of Contract
2. LBIC Request – Interest Buy-Down Program
3. Water System and Rate Study
4. Water Tower and Ground Space Supplemental Lease Agreement
5. Business 75 – Asphalt Rehabilitation
6. Solid Waste Committee Recommendations
F.DISCUSSION
1.Council/Mayor
2.City Administrator/Public Works Director
3.Assistant City Administrator
G.CLOSED SESSION
1. Pending/Imminent Litigation
HADJOURNMENT
Next Resolution No. 10-20
Next Ordinance No. 887
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Hearing
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
2010 Sanitary Sewer Project – Key Avenue – 12:00 P.M.
Item No.
B-1
Information:
At its May 18, 2010 meeting, the Council set this as the date and time to hear public comment on the plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the 2010 Sanitary Sewer Project – Key Avenue – from 200th Street to the former 195th Street as prepared by PSS, Inc. of Le Mars, Iowa.
Staff Recommendation:
The Mayor opens the hearing and asks for written or oral objections or comments to the project or to adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs. After hearing all comments, the Mayor announces the time for receiving objections is closed.
Cost Estimate – $150,852.
Proposed Schedule:
Introduced Plans & Establish Public Hearing & BidMay 18, 2010
Public HearingJune 1, 2010 (12:00 PM)
Bid Letting June 10, 2010 (1:30 PM)
Award Construction Contract June 15, 2010
Begin ConstructionJune 28, 2010
End ConstructionJuly 15, 2010
Financial Impact:
Joint Urban Renewal will be used for local funding of this project.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No._____ to adopt plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the 2010 Sanitary Sewer Project – Key Avenue.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Hearing
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
2010 Water Main Extension Project – C38 –
12:00 P.M.
Item No.
B-2
Information:
At its May 18, 2010 meeting, the Council set this as the date and time to hear public comment on the plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the 2010 Water Main Extension Project – C38 from Key Avenue to the east side of the Floyd River Bridge as prepared by PSS, Inc. of Le Mars, Iowa.
Staff Recommendation:
The Mayor opens the hearing and asks for written or oral objections or comments to the project or to adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs. After hearing all comments, the Mayor announces the time for receiving objections is closed.
Cost Estimate – $208,570.
Proposed Schedule:
Introduced Plans & Establish Public Hearing & BidMay 18, 2010
Public HearingJune 1, 2010 (12:00 PM)
Bid Letting June 10, 2010 (1:30 PM)
Award Construction Contract June 15, 2010
Begin ConstructionJune 28, 2010
End ConstructionJuly 15, 2010
Financial Impact:
Joint Urban Renewal will be used for local funding of this project.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No._____ to adopt plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the 2010 Water Main Extension Project – C38.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
HearingREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
June 1, 2010
Description:
Vacate Street Right-of-Way – 12:00 P.M.
Item No.
B-3
Information:
At its May 18, 2010 meeting the Council established this as the date and time to hear public comment concerning a proposal to declare surplus and dispose of its interest in the vacated Evelyn Drive extending from the east line of Sixth Avenue SE to the west line of Paulin’s First Addition. A map of the area is attached.
It is proposed that the previously vacated right of way and underlying real estate be sold and conveyed to the adjoining property owners for the sum of $1.00.
Staff Recommendation:
The Mayor opens the hearing and asks for written of oral objections or comments to the proposals. After hearing all comments, the Mayor announces the time for receiving objections is closed.
Staff is recommending that the property be sold but that a utility easement remains over the entire parcel for maintenance of any existing utilities.
Financial Impact:
None, all costs by adjoining property owner.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. ______ declaring property surplus and conveying to the adjoining property owners.
(Roll Call)
Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Ihrke, Nelson, Leonard, Knapp, Rexwinkel. Absent: None.
NOTE: A hearing was held regarding an amendment to the City’s 2009-2010 adopted budget and no oral or written objections were received.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded Resolution No. 10-16 amending the 2009-2010 adopted budget be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Rexwinkel, Leonard, Knapp, Ihrke, Nelson. Nays: None.
NOTE: A hearing was held on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the US 75 North STP Project and no oral or written objections were received.
Nelson moved, Leonard seconded Resolution No. 10-17 to adopt plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the US 75 North STP Project be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Ihrke, Rexwinkel, Nelson, Leonard. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Knapp seconded that the following items be approved under the “Consent Agenda.” On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
-Regular meeting minutes of May 4, 2010.
-List of bills for period ending 05/14/10.
-Monthly Financial Statement for April 2010.
-Appoint Ralph Klemme to the Floyd Valley Hospital Board of Trustees.
Ihrke moved, Leonard seconded to repair the gutter section with asphalt and change from diagonal parking to parallel parking on the east side of the 1000 block of 3rd Avenue SE. On Roll Call: Ayes: Rexwinkel, Ihrke, Leonard. Nays: Knapp, Nelson.
Nelson moved, Rexwinkel seconded the Engineering Agreement with Bolton & Menk, Inc. to perform a Facility Plan for the Wastewater Treatment Plant at a cost of not to exceed $55,000 be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded the Development Agreement with ICON Ag Solutions, LLC be approved with minor changes as determined by the City Administrator and City Attorney. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Ihrke seconded June 1, 2010 at 12:00 P.M. be established as the date and time for public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the 2010 Water Main Extension Project – C38, and that June 10, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. be established as the date and time to receive bids with said bids to be considered at the June 15, 2010 Council meeting. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded Staff be authorized to proceed with the 2010 Water Main Project – Key Avenue as prepared by PSS, Inc. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Leonard moved, Ihrke seconded June 1, 2010 at 12:00 P.M. be established as the date and time for public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the 2010 Sanitary Sewer Project – Key Avenue, and that June 10, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. be established as the date and time to receive bids with said bids to be considered at the June 15, 2010 Council meeting. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Rexwinkel seconded the IDOT Agreement for Use of Local Agency Roads as Detour for IA 3 Rail Crossing Repair Project be approved with the dates of the special events listed, and that they Mayor and City Clerk execute the same. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Leonard moved, Rexwinkel seconded to proceed with Engineering Proposal with Synergy Energy Engineering LLC for the energy efficiency projects. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Nelson, Leonard, Rexwinkel. Nays: Ihrke.
Nelson moved, Knapp seconded to proceed with Engineering Proposal with DGR and Associates Co. for the IA 3 West Widening Project and the Lincoln St. SW/Lake Ave. Intersection Improvements. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded Bolton & Menk, Inc. be approved as the Engineering Consultant for Airport Engineering Services and the Committee be authorized to negotiate mutually agreeable fee structure. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Leonard seconded Resolution No. 10-18 approving Loan Agreement and providing for the issuance of $2,095,000 GO Refunding Bonds, Series 2010 and Levy of taxes be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Nelson, Rexwinkel, Ihrke, Leonard. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded Resolution No. 10-19 establishing June 1, 2010 at 12:00 P.M. as a public hearing regarding the proposal to declare the vacated Evelyn Drive surplus and dispose of same be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Rexwinkel, Leonard, Ihrke, Knapp, Nelson. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded the meeting be adjourned at 2:15 P.M.
_________________________________________________
Beverly Langel, City ClerkDick Kirchoff, Mayor
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 5/31/10
Item No.
D-2
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of bills for the period
ending 5/31/10.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
Issuance/Renewal of Liquor License/Beer Permit (Pizza Ranch, Fareway)Item No.
D-3
Application has been received from the Pizza Ranch for renewal of their Class B Beer Permit. Papers are in order. Approved by Police Department.
Application has also been received from Fareway Stores, Inc. for issuance of new Class E Liquor License.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) renewal of Class B Beer Permit to the Pizza Ranch and issuance of New Class E Liquor License to Fareway Stores, Inc.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
Change Council Meeting DateItem No.
D-4
Information:
Due to schedule conflicts, City Administrator will not be able to attend the regularly scheduled Council meeting on July 6, 2010. With three weeks between meetings and fiscal year close-out issues, Administration recommends changing that date to June 29, 2010.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) changing the Council meeting date as recommended (or as amended).
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
US 75 North STP Project – Award of Contract
Item No.
E-1
Information:
At its May 18, 2010 meeting, the Council held the public hearing and approved the plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the US 75 North STP Project, PCC Curb & Gutter, from IA 3 North to Floyd River Bridge as prepared by DGR.
Bids were received by the IDOT Office of Contracts in Ames on the Project on May 18, 2010 at 10:00 A.M.
Cost Estimate is $395,000.
Godbersen-Smith$381,566.90
TR Harris Construction, Inc. $389,930.70
Cedar Valley Corp.$413,957.92
Absolute Concrete Construction $467,725.84
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends the Council award the construction contract to Godbersen-Smith Construction Co. of Ida Grove, IA in the amount of $381,566.90. IDOT has concurred with award and have transmitted the necessary contract documents to the City.
Remaining Schedule:
Award Construction Contract June 1, 2010
Begin Construction Late start date on or before July 19, 2010
End Construction 50 working days
Financial Impact:
Maximum Federal = $200,000
Estimated City Cost $200,000 + Engineering Costs
Le Mars Urban Renewal or Joint Urban Renewal are both eligible for local funding
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No._____ awarding the contract for the US 75 North STP Project, to Godbersen-Smith Construction Co. of Ida Grove, IA in the amount of $381, 566.90.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
LBIC Request – Interest Buy-Down Program
Item No.
E-2
Information:
Attached is a request from the Le Mars Business Initiative Corp. (LBIC) Director in the amount of $10,000 per year for three years to fund the Interest Buy-Down Program. Also attached is a sheet detailing the Interest Buy-Down Program. The LBIC Board of Directors discussed this program at its May meeting and decided opening it up to all within the City limits is appropriate.
Recommendation:
LBIC Board of Directors recommends Council approval.
Financial Impact:
This action would realign the expenditure of Local Option Sales Tax Receipts. It would extend the period of time needed to retire all the debt issued to fund previous LOST projects. If approved as requested the Interest Buy-Down Program would be funded in the amount of $10,000 for each of years FY 11, FY 12, and FY 13 with Local Option Sales Tax dollars.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving / denying) the proposed LBIC request for Interest Buy-Down Program utilizing Local Option Sale Tax funds and reallocating the future LOST funds as necessary to facilitate this action.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
Water System and Rate Study
Item No.
E-3
Information:
An RFQ was sent out to Engineering firms for a Water System and Rate Study. Six (6) proposals were returned by the deadline of April 26, 2010. The study is necessary to first, evaluate the four (4) main components of the water system (supply, treatment, storage and distribution) and second, to determine the proper rates needed now and in the next ten years in order to operate the water system with present and future demands on the system. This study represents the third evaluation of the water system since City ownership:
-1986/1987 – Evaluation of System Prior to Purchase (June 1, 1988)
-1996/1997 – Evaluation of System and Rate Study
-2005 – Iron/Manganese Removal Treatment Plant Start-up
-2006-2009 – Installation of several distribution system improvements
Staff Recommendation:
The Water Committee met and reviewed the proposals and is recommending McClure Engineering.
Financial Impact:
To be negotiated by Water Committee.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the selection of McClure Engineering to perform the Water System and Rate Study and authorizing the Water Committee to negotiate an acceptable contract and fee for Council consideration.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
Water Tower and Ground Space Supplemental Lease Agreement
Item No.
E-4
Information:
Attached is a General Dynamics letter and a Water Tower and Ground Space Supplemental Agreement with Telecorp Communications, LLC (AT&T).
These documents have been reviewed by both sides for several months and are now ready for Council approval. The supplement to the original lease agreement deals primarily with adding “structural support” on top of the water tower to accommodate the wireless communication facilities.
Recommendation:
City Attorney, City’s Consultant (Bob Naumann) and City Administration recommend Council approval.
Financial Impact:
General Dynamics/AT&T had previously paid the cost of review and an application fee of $2,500 has been paid. Lease payments remain the same as original lease.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the Water Tower and Ground Space Supplemental Lease Agreement with Telecorp Communications, LLC and authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute same.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
Business 75 – Asphalt Rehabilitation
Item No.
E-5
Information:
City Administrator has been evaluating various alternatives to rehab the surface condition of Business 75 from IA 3 south to the new P.C.C. slab just north of 18th Street S. This is approximately 1.75 miles or 9,200 feet. At 49 feet wide (excluding paved shoulders) there is 450,800 SF of surface area.
Several alternatives include :
1.partial depth patch with hot mix asphalt (HMA)
2.diamond grinding
3.full depth patching, especially at intersections
4.partial milling
5.full width milling
6.full width overlay with HMA
7.chip seal
8.slurry seal
9.various combinations of the above
10.preparation work must address improvement loop detectors (fortunately three manhole covers were repaired in 2009)
Attached is a quote from General Traffic Controls, Inc. for $24,545 to upgrade the existing signals from in-pavement loop detectors to a cameral system at the intersection of 6th Ave. W./6th St. S./Bus. 75. As previously informed, the intersection is not eligible for TEAP Study assistance (since opening the bypass. The accident history has literally dropped to zero (0) in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Whereas prior to bypass, 2004, had total of thirteen (13) accidents). Therefore, Administration recommends no changes to the geometric configuration of said intersection and no further studies; however, proceed with upgrading the signals to the camera system.
Knife River and Barkley Asphalt were both used as surface repair specialists and both have provided input.
At the time of agenda preparation, a summary was not available, therefore the summary and additional information will be available at the meeting.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion authorizing staff to proceed with upgrading the signals to camera system at 6th Ave. W./6th St. S./Bus. 75 intersection.
(and)
Motion directing staff to pursue the recommended repair alternative for Business 75 as presented (as amended).
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
Solid Waste Committee Recommendations
Item No.
E-6
Information:
The Solid Waste Committee met on May 26, 2010 to discuss several items relating to trash pick-up
and recycling. The attached spreadsheet shows the success of the recycling program. We have gone from
recycling 24 tons in the first 4 months of 2005 to the current total of 110 tons in the first quarter of 2010. We
currently have about 1,600 95-gallon recycle totes in use in Le Mars. We have just been awarded our third
Grant / forgiveable loan from the Iowa DNR through their SWAP program (Solid Waste Alternative Program).
The first two $20,000 awards were matched by City funds to purchase recycle totes which have been available
to residents of Le Mars at no cost. This third $20,000 award will also be matched and used to purchase additional recycle totes
The Solid Waste Committee is now ready to recommend the next steps in the expansion of the Le Mars
recycling programs. Those recommendations are listed below for your review and action.
Solid Waste Committee Recommendation:
The Solid Waste Committee is making the following recommendations
1) Increase advertising and promotion of recycling (Newspaper inserts / Radio spots / information packets)
2) Begin delivering blue totes to all residences for use (Detailed recycling info will be included with each tote.)
3) Effective 01-01-11 the City of Le Mars will go to alternating weeks on pick-up of regular trash and recycle totes.
Trash totes will be picked up one week and the next week recycle totes will be picked up. Based on what
we’ve seen with current users by recycling there is no need for regular trash pick-up each week.
Financial Impact:
This action will, at a minimum, lower the cost to the Solid Waste Fund by $1,500 per month. This is the fee
associated with the extra recycle tote pickup instituted a couple of years ago and currently being absorbed by the Solid Waste Fund.
In addition, the Committee believes the above actions will allow the fund to maintain a positive
balance and the City will be able to hold the monthly fee at, or below, the current rate.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the Solid Waste Committee list of three (3) recommendations as presented.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Closed Session
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 2010
Description:
Closed Session – Pending/Imminent Litigation
Item No.
G-1
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss Pending/Imminent Litigation.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter Closed Session under
Iowa Code 21.5c concerning a matter
that is presently in litigation or where
litigation is imminent where its
disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of Closed Session.
(No Roll Call)
(STORM LAKE)–A Memorial Day boat outing on Storm Lake has turned to tragedy.
Buena Vista County Sheriff Gary Launderville, in a written statement, reports a 10-year-old boy, David P. McFarlin of South Sioux City Nebraska, died Monday morning.
Launderville says McFarlin was in a boat going across the lake shortly before 10 when the vessel struck a dredge pipe below the surface in the water. That caused that 175-horsepower outboard motor to flip backwards into the boat and the propeller struck McFarlin. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports alcohol was NOT a factor in the accident.
One other boy in the boat, 11-year-old Ethan Ehlers whose hometown was not released, suffered some minor cuts as a result of the incident. The boat was being operated by 45-year-old Harry Foote of Lawton.
There were a total of six people on board. That includes the boat operator, Foote, the two injured boys, McFarlin and Ehlers, and three other passengers.
WISNER, Neb. (AP) Authorities say a 16-year-old boy has died in a fatal crash on a rural road in northeast Nebraska.
The Nebraska State Patrol says James Ping of Wayne died after he was thrown from the pickup he was driving late Sunday morning or early afternoon near Wisner.
The patrol says Ping lost control of his truck, which went into a ditch and rolled.
He was not wearing a seat belt.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Authorities say at least four water-related deaths and multiple accidents marred a Memorial Day weekend marked by good weather and lots of boat traffic.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says a 10-year-old boy died Monday after being hit with the outboard motor of the boat he was riding in on Storm Lake. A 12-year-old Fairfield girl died Sunday after being struck in the water by a boat on the Coralville Reservoir.
The Des Moines Register reports that authorities found the body of a 23-year-old Illinois man who’d disappeared at Rathbun Lake on Sunday. A 30-year-old Carroll, Iowa, man also drowned at the Hobbs access Saturday.
Natural Resources spokesman Kevin Baskins says officers reported seeing more boats on the water than in previous years.
MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) State officials say a family whose boat stalled on the Mississippi River was able to escape safely before the boat was hit and destroyed by a barge.
The state Department of Natural Resources says the boat’s motor stalled in the main channel just south of Muscatine on Saturday night while being operated by 29-year-old Andrew Oien of Wilton.
When he could not get it restarted, Oien and his wife jumped overboard with their 3-year-old and 1-year-old daughters as the barge approached. They were rescued by a passing boater.
All four family members were wearing lifejackets.
GUTTENBERG, Iowa (AP) A pair of Waterloo teenagers have been hospitalized after their watercraft exploded and sent them into the Mississippi River.
Fifteen-year-olds Brian Hurley and Michael Lathrop were launching the watercraft into the river just north of Guttenberg on Saturday when the engine compartment exploded.
Hurley swam to shore. But Lathrop was knocked unconscious and had to be pulled to shore by his father.
Hurley and Lathrop were wearing life jackets. They were taken to a local hospital with what officials say are non-life-threatening injuries.
BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) The trial of an eastern Iowa man charged with sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl has been delayed until August.
Twenty-one-year-old Aaron Joel-Jon Shafer was to go on trial on June 8 for three counts of third-degree sexual abuse. But Shafer’s public defender told a judge last week that he and his client want the results of a DNA report first.
Shafer is accused of sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s sister on three separate occasions between November and January. Each count carries a possible sentence of 10 years in prison.
Shafer’s trial will now start on Aug. 10, with a pretrial conference set for July 19.
WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) Marissa and Arielle Thornton of Waterloo are in an enviable position few high school seniors can relate to: They have too much money for college.
The sisters, who graduated from Waterloo’s West High School on Friday, went into overdrive applying for scholarships and it paid off.
Marissa is heading to Boston College on a $480,000 Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship. Arielle has received a $56,000 full-ride scholarship to Georgetown University that will be renewed annually.
They have also been awarded $176,000 in other scholarships.
The school’s guidance counselor says the girls earned the scholarships with their volunteer work and good grades.
Marissa plans to major in communications and education before going to law school. Arielle plans to major in Arabic and linguistics before getting a graduate degree in international relations.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The Principal Charity Classic will remain at the Glen Oaks Country Club through 2012.
The contract extension with the West Des Moines course coincides with the Principal Financial Group’s sponsorship renewal of the annual Champions Tour event.
Officials say the golf tournament has raised $1.7 million for local children’s charities over the last three years.
This year’s tournament begins with first-round play on Friday and concludes on Sunday. Stars like Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer and two-time champion Jay Haas are expected to be in the field.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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.
