(CHEROKEE)–Highways in Cherokee and Woodbury County remain closed by flooding.
The Iowa Department of Transportation reports Highway 59, between county road C-44 and Highway Three, is closed at the Little Sioux River and a detour is marked. However, Highway Three in Cherokee has reopened.
In Woodbury County, Highway 31 is closed between county road D-22 and and Highway 20, near Correctionville. Traffic is being detoured. Also, Highway 31 is closed north of 11th Street in Correctionville to two miles north of Correctionville.
(LE MARS)–A contract for construction is expected to be considered at the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors meeting this morning.
H-C-I Construction of South Sioux City was the low bidder for the Courthouse Annex office and storage building with a bid of 637-thousand dollars.The bid was awarded by supervisors last week.
Board members last week expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of being billed by Sioux County for state human services staff handling Plymouth County work.
A decision to reduce the fulltime Iowa Department of Human Services office in Le Mars to part-time has shifted workers to Sioux County facilities. The change is due to state budget cuts and was opposed by Plymouth County supervisors in meetings with Human Services administrators.
The board will discuss what to do about a request from Sioux County as part of old business at 9:30 this morning.
Agenda:
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
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 funding to Sioux County for DHS (Discussion)
7. New Business
A. Approve a memo of understanding for LOST funds for Juvenile Drug Court (SHIP) (Action)
B. Approve an extension to file Sitzmann’s Homestead, a minor subdivision in Stanton
Township (Action)
C. Approve Siouxland Regional Transit System agreement for FY 10-11 (Action)
D. Open and review mail/correspondence (Discussion)
E. Open public forum (Informational)
10:10 AMBoard of Supervisors – Review and approve HCI Construction contract for courthouse annex
(Action)
10:30 AMTom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
(Action Items)
1.Permit-Premier Communications Sec 8 Lincoln Twp on 300th St.
(Discussion Items)
Questions/Discussion of the Secondary Road Department
(Informational Items)
Update on construction projects
(LE MARS)–Followups to earlier meetings fill the agenda for the Le Mars City Council’s noon public meeting in the Council Chambers today.
The Council is slated to consider for a second time a city requirement to raise the monthly charge for storm water drainage. Water meter customers pay $2 per month per water meter. A committee recommendation to raise the rate to residential customers to $4 and charge all other customers $7 per month per meter was approved at its first consideration June 15th. Also part of the Council action was a move to lower monthly garbage bills for residential customers by $2 to offset the storm water drainage increase.
The impact, if the change is approved, is 110-thousand dollars more a year to help fund previous and ongoing storm water drainage system improvements. The solid waste revenue would be reduced by about 80-thousand dollars a year.
The Le Mars City Council has approved 25-thousand dollars for Main Street Facade work. The Council asked for guideline changes that included a possible payback option. Those guidelines are to be considered today.
Federal stimulus funds were awarded to the city to improve the energy efficiency of the Le Mars Convention Center. Options for the work will be presented today.
The Council is expected to close a portion of the meeting to the public for individual evaluations for the performance of the city attorney, assistant city administrator and city administrator.
NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER – MAYOR
ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK
COUNCILMEMBERS: NELSON_____, KNAPP_____ REXWINKEL_____,
LEONARD______, IHRKE_______
B. GENERAL DISCUSSION
1Citizens
2. “Thumbs Up” Award
3. Siouxland Blood Bank / Life Serve – (Mary Kovarna)
4. Library – Space Needs Assessment Report
C.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 June 15, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes
2.List of Bills for Period Ending 6/25/10
3.Renewal of Liquor License/Outdoor Service Area (American Legion)
4.4 Brothers Bar & Grill Request for Outdoor Service Area
5.Interfund Transfer Resolution
6.Contract for Transportation Services with SRTS
D.ACTION ITEMS
1.Handicap Parking Spaces
2.14th Avenue SE Sidewalk Construction
3.Wells’ Dairy Inc. Request To Use Central Avenue
4.Main Street Façade Improvement Program
5.Le Mars Convention Center
6.Storm Water Drainage Rate Change
E.DISCUSSION
1.Council/Mayor
2.City Administrator/Public Works Director
3.Assistant City Administrator
F.CLOSED SESSION
1. Pending/Imminent Litigation
2. City Attorney – Performance Review
3.Assistant City Administrator – Performance Review
4. City Administrator – Performance Review
G.ADJOURNMENT
Next Resolution No. 10-29
Next Ordinance No. 888
Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Ihrke, Nelson, Leonard, Knapp, Rexwinkel. Absent: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded that the following items be approved under the “Consent Agenda.” On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
-Regular meeting minutes of June 1, 2010.
-List of bills for period ending 06/11/10.
-Monthly Financial Statement for May 2010.
-Renewal of Class C Liquor License and Outdoor Service Area to Louie’s Place and Class C Liquor License to Archie’s Waeside, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Mr. P’s.
-Resolution No. 10-24 granting cigarette permits for the period July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 be adopted.
-Appoint Frank Summerside to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board for a four year term.
-Street closing as requested by the Pizza Ranch.
-Street closing as requested for the All-School Reunion 2010.
-City of Le Mars Health and Flex Benefit plan administration be awarded to Avera for FY 11 and the reinsurance plan to be awarded to Northwind for FY 11 at the proposed amounts.
-Wells’ Dairy, Inc. to place one sign in public right-of-way.
-Jensen Motors to place two signs in public right-of-way.
-FAA Grant Agreement for $9,172, Part 1 – Offer, Project No. 3-19-0127-09-2010, for Acquiring Land for Approaches and the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the same.
Nelson moved, Ihrke seconded Resolution No. 10-25 awarding the contract for the 2010 Sanitary Sewer Project – Key Avenue to First Rate Excavating, Inc. of Sioux Falls, SD in the amount of $135,020.00 be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Leonard, Rexwinkel, Nelson, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded Resolution No. 10-26 awarding the contract for the 2010 Water Main Extension Project – C38 to Vander Pol Excavating, LLC of Orange City, IA in the amount of $126,135.00 be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Nelson, Knapp, Rexwinkel, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Knapp moved, Nelson second to proceed with Engineering Proposal with DGR and Associates Co. for the 12th Street Reconstruction Project to develop a design and cost estimate for Council consideration. On Roll Call: Ayes: Rexwinkel, Leonard, Knapp, Nelson. Nays: Ihrke.
Ihrke moved, Rexwinkel seconded Resolution No. 10-27 authorizing stop signs Blue Diamond Drive be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Nelson, Knapp, Leonard, Ihrke, Rexwinkel. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded Resolution No. 10-28 authorizing street lights at Blue Diamond Drive intersections be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Leonard, Ihrke, Nelson. Nays: None. Abstain: Rexwinkel.
Leonard moved, Rexwinkel seconded the LBIC be authorized to accept the Offer to Purchase on the acreage parcel of Crescent Ridge as recommended by the Joint Urban Renewal Board. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Leonard seconded staff be authorized to request proposals for updating the City’s 2005 Comprehensive Plan. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded the first reading of Ordinance No. 887 Amending Chapter 101.03 – Storm Water Drainage System Rates to a two-tier rate structure be approved and that a reduction in residential solid waste fees be implemented with the storm water fee increase. On Roll Call: Ayes: Ihrke, Leonard, Rexwinkel, Nelson. Nays: None.
Knapp moved, Nelson seconded the non-bargaining salary pay ranges be approved with a 3% increase on the top range rates only and that a 3% pool of funds be approved for FY ’11 non-bargaining merit increases. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Nelson, Leonard. Nays: Ihrke, Rexwinkel.
Ihrke moved, Rexwinkel seconded 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. On Roll Call: Ayes: Nelson, Leonard, Knapp, Ihrke, Rexwinkel. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Rexwinkel seconded to move out of Closed Session. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Rexwinkel 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 29, 2010
Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 6/25/10
Item No.
C-2
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of bills for the period
ending 6/25/10.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Renewal of Liquor License/Outdoor Service Area
(American Legion)Item No.
C-3
Application has been received from American Legion for renewal of their Class C Liquor License and Outdoor Service Area at 110 Plymouth Street SW and Class C Liquor License at the Le Mars Convention Center. Papers are in order. Approved by Police Department.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) renewal of Class C Liquor License and Outdoor Service Area at 110 Plymouth Street SW and Class C Liquor License at the Le Mars Convention Center to the American Legion
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
4 Brothers Bar & Grill Request for Outdoor Service AreaItem No.
C-4
Application has been received from 4 Brothers Bar & Grill for an Outdoor Service Area adjacent to their location for July 2, 2010 during the All School Reunion and on July 11, 2010 for a private party. Approved by Police Department.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) issuance of Outdoor Service Area to 4 Brothers Bar & Grill.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Interfund Transfer Resolution
Item No.
C-5
Information:
A resolution making certain interfund transfers from one fund to another is needed for the 2009-2010 budget year and will be available at the meeting.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends Council approval.
Financial Impact:
These transfers will account for the expenditures properly and within the appropriate fund.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. _______ making certain interfund transfers for the
2009-2010 fiscal year.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Contract for Transportation Services with SRTS
Item No.
C-6
Information:
SRTS (Siouxland Regional Transit System) is requesting to extend the current Contract for Transportation Services (i.e., Taxi Service) for an additional twelve months from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 at the cost of $659.00/month for five (5) days per week ($7,908/Yr.). (Was $660/mo./ $7,920/Yr.).
Under this contract passenger fairs will be $3.50 per trip for curb to curb and $6.00 per trip for door to door service (was$3.00 and $5.00 respectively).
Staff Recommendation:
The Senior Citizen Committee and Administration are recommending that the SRTS contract be approved as presented for FY ’11.
Financial Impact:
The SRTS Bus Service is a budgeted item. No additional financial impact.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the Contract for Transportation Services with SRTS for the period July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 at a cost of $7,908.00.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Handicap Parking Spaces
Item No.
D-1
Information:
Rejoice Community Church, 1320 3rd Avenue S.E., is requesting three new handicap parking stalls on 3rd Avenue S.E. by the front entrance of their building. Their letter is attached.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff has had discussion with the church and neighbors. Attached is possible locations for handicap stalls. More information will be available at the meeting.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. ______ designating additional handicap parking spaces on 3rd Avenue S.E..
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
14th Avenue SE Sidewalk Construction
Item No.
D-2
Information:
City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 136.06 entitled “SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION ORDERED” states the Council may order the construction of permanent sidewalks upon any street or court in the City and may specially assess the cost of such improvement to abutting property owners in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 384 of the Code of Iowa. (see attached)
City Code Department has worked for over three (3) years to obtain sidewalk compliance along the west side of 14th Avenue SE.
Last month the City installed sidewalks within Adler Park along both Plymouth Street and 14th Avenue SE.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends Council authorize the Special Assessment provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 384 in order to obtain compliance with sidewalk requirements along 14th Avenue SE.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to authorize the Special Assessment provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 384 in order to obtain compliance with sidewalk requirements along 14th Avenue SE.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Wells’ Dairy Inc. Request To Use Central Avenue
Item No.
D-3
Information:
Attached is a site plan and request letter showing the location and impact to Central Avenue which is in front of the future Visitor Center.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends Council approval.
Financial Impact:
All costs will be paid by Wells’ Dairy.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving I denying) Wells’ Dairy’s request to place sundae in Central Avenue right-of-way and to modify the west parking accordingly.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Main Street Façade Improvement Program
Item No.
D-4
Information:
At its May 4, 2010 meeting, the Le Mars City Council approved funding the Main Street Façade Program in the amount of $25,000 for FY 11. The Council at the same time requested that the Main Street Manager return to the Council in the near future with revised guidelines relating to the Façade Program, including a possible payback option. Provided separately is an informational application packet and program guidelines established by the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Main Street.
Mary Reynolds, Main Street Manager, will be at the Council meeting to answer questions concerning their proposed program.
Recommendation:
The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Main Street is requesting approval of their FY 11 Façade Program as presented.
Financial Impact:
Council has already approved the $25,000 funding for the FY 11 Façade Program. No new funds are being requested.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving I denying) the FY 11 Main Street Façade Program as proposed (or as amended).
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Le Mars Convention Center
Item No.
D-5
Information:
Attached is a summary of four (4) alternatives to the existing project dealing with Heating (and/or Cooling) System at the Le Mars Convention Center, as follows:
Existing Project (Boiler & Associated Components)$67,000
ALT. 1A – Existing Project plus$130,804
– Upgrade all pneumatic controls to electronic
– Upgrade all operators to electric operators including
four (4) air handlers
ALT. 1B -Existing Project plus $212,209
– Replace three (3) air handlers with four (4) new,
different air handlers
ALT. 2- Not do Existing Project$188,023
-Convert all to force air heat, but retain chilled
water system
ALT. 3- Replace entire hydronic system (water) with all new$298,103
forced air heating and cooling systems
Staff Recommendation:
Staff will be available to discuss the alternatives.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
As desired.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Storm Water Drainage Rate Change
Item No.
D-6
Information:
At its June 15, 2010, the Council approved the first reading of an Ordinance amending the existing Storm Water Drainage Ordinance to reflect the two tier rate structure listed below and their intent to lower the rate of residential trash pick-up by a corresponding equal amount.
The Committee is recommending that the current Ordinance be changed to allow for a two (2) rate system for storm water drainage fees. Currently each user is assessed a charge of $2 per month per water meter. The committee is recommending that the rate residential users pay be increased from $2 per month per meter to a new rate of $4 per month per water meter. All non-residential users would have their rate be increased from $2 per meter per month to a new rate of $7 per month per meter.
In an effort to help offset the increase for the residential user the Committee is recommending that if the storm water drainage fee increase be approved the rate charged to residential customers for there trash pick-up be lowered by an equal amount.
Staff, Storm Water Committee and Solid Waste Committee Recommendation:
Recommendation of the above groups is to amend the existing Storm Water Drainage Ordinance to reflect the two tier rate structure listed above and if that is done then to lower the rate of residential trash pick-up by the corresponding equal amount.
Financial Impact:
This action, if approved, will generate an additional $110,000 per year to help fund previous and ongoing storm water drainage system improvements. If approved as proposed it will reduce revenue to the solid waste fund by approximately $80,000 per year.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the second reading of Ordinance No. 887 Amending Chapter 101.03 – Storm Water Drainage System Rates.
(Roll Call)
Motion to waive the third reading of Ordinance No. 887 Amending Chapter 101.03 – Storm Water Drainage System Rates.
(Roll Call)
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 887_ Amending Chapter 101.03 – Storm Water Drainage System Rates on its second reading.
(Roll Call)
Motion approving Resolution No. _____ Amending Chapter 101.03 – Storm Water Drainage System Rates and Solid Waste Fees.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Closed Session – Pending/Imminent Litigation
Item No.
F-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)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Closed
Session
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 29, 2010
Description:
Performance Review – City Attorney
Item No.
F-2
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss the City Attorney’s performance and the City Attorney has requested the Closed Session. The current retainer is $7,000/month and $180/hour for extra hours.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5i to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of closed session.
(No Roll Call)
Potential Action After Closed Session
Motion (approving) (denying) City Attorney’s retainer of $_______ plus $_______/Hour for extra hours for FY ’11.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Closed
Session
REQUEST FOR ACTION
Date:
June 23, 2009
Description:
Assistant City Administrator – Performance Review
Item No.
F-3
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss the Assistant City Administrator’s performance and the Assistant City Administrator has requested the Closed Session.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5i to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of Closed Session.
(No Roll Call)
Potential Action After Closed Session:
Motion (approving) (denying) Assistant City Administrator’s salary level of $_______ plus mileage for City business at the approved City (IRS) rate for FY ’10.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Closed
Session
REQUEST FOR ACTION
Date:
June 23, 2009
Description:
City Administrator – Performance Review
Item No.
F-4
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss the City Administrator’s performance and the City Administrator has requested the Closed Session.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5i to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of Closed Session.
(No Roll Call)
Potential Action After Closed Session:
Motion (approving) (denying) City Administrator’s salary level of $_______ plus mileage for City business at the approved City (IRS) rate for FY ’10.
(No Roll Call)
(LE MARS)–Plymouth County jurors do not need to report for jury duty today. Jurors who were called to serve during the month of June have completed their service. The court system thanks June jurors for their availability.
(ORANGE CITY)–Officers from the Iowa State Patrol and Sioux County Sheriff’s Office plan a second Saturation Patrol project tomorrow.
Statistics indicate Sioux County ranks 16th out of 99 counties for traffic accidents that involve deaths.
In an attempt to end the trend, three locations were announced for Saturation Patrol projects and a fourth drug and alcohol interdiction effort is planned next month at a time and place that is not being made public.
The next traffic project is tomorrow (Wednesday) from six in the morning until midnight on Highway 18, from Rock Valley to Sheldon.
Both the State Patrol and the Sheriff’s Office assign extra officers for the project tomorrow and use the State Patrol speed enforcement aircraft.
The enforcement effort will be on the eve of changes in state law that hike penalties for violations and ban texting while driving by teens.
(Little Rock)–Clean up efforts continued Monday after a tornado caused significant damage in the Little Rock and Sibley areas Friday evening.
Lyon County Emergency Management Coordinator, Wayne Jepsen, says rural areas near Little Rock received serious building and crop damage — but things are looking up.
He says they had a tremendous amount of volunteers that showed up Saturday and Sunday to help clean up the damage, and the operations have gone quite smoothly. Jepsen says the recovery is about to the place where they don’t need any more volunteers and the contractors will now do the heavy work to clean up the rest. The tornado touched down west of Little Rock and moved east-southeast. It then strengthened, reaching its maximum strength of E-F-4 two miles southwest of Sibley. (Report from Radio Iowa)
BLOOMFIELD, Neb. (AP) A Bloomfield teenager has died and other has been critically injured in a crash near Bloomfield in northeast Nebraska.
Knox County Sheriff Jim Janecek says 17-year-old Jessica McDonald died in the Saturday afternoon crash southeast of Bloomfield. He says 17-year-old Dustin Poppe, also of Bloomfield, was flown to a Sioux City, Iowa, hospital with serious injuries.
Investigators say the vehicle McDonald was driving went off the road and rolled in a field.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Listen to the newcast
{audio}images/stories/mp3/am062910.mp3{/audio}
MARENGO, Iowa (AP) A judge in Iowa County has sentenced 20-year-old Jessica Dayton of Belle Plaine to life in prison without parole in last year’s beating death of her former employer.
Sixth Judicial District Judge Denver Dillard handed down the sentence Monday against Dayton, who was convicted in April of first-degree murder for her part in the death of 33-year-old Curtis Bailey of Marengo.
Prosecutors said Dayton, along with Bailey’s former live-in girlfriend Denise Frei, and Frei’s 19-year-old son, Jacob Hilgendorf, had a plan to get Bailey drunk and kill him.
Dillard also ordered Dayton to pay $150,000 to Bailey’s estate and nearly $8,000 to the crime victim’s assistance program.
Frei and Hilgendorf are scheduled to stand trial for first-degree murder in January.
OTTUMWA, Iowa (AP) Authorities say they are continuing to investigate the stabbing death of a 40-year-old Ottumwa woman.
The body of Anessa Kay Johnson was found by investigators summoned to an Ottumwa address late Sunday. Police have not indicated the extent of the injuries that led to the woman’s death.
The Iowa State Patrol says they have arrested a person identified by police as a suspect in Johnson’s death.
Police say their investigation into the slaying continues, and charges against the suspect are pending.
PRAIRIESBURG, Iowa (AP) The Linn County Sheriff’s office is investigating a fatal accident in which a motorcyclist was struck by a mattress that flew out of the back of a pickup truck.
Police say 73-year-old John Saddler of Cedar Rapids was riding his motorcycle near Prairiesburg on Saturday afternoon when he was struck by a mattress that blew out of the bed of a pickup driven by Roger Ockensfels.
Saddler, who was wearing a helmet, was knocked off his motorcycle and onto the shoulder of the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
TOLEDO, Iowa (AP) Authorities in Tama County say three men and one woman are in jail after jumping off a bridge into the Iowa River while under the influence of alcohol.
Authorities say they were called to the scene early Monday evening after someone who was passing by saw the four floating down the river.
Meskwaki Settlement Police Chief Chris Knuse says all four were being charged with public intoxication.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Just two days after formally accepting his party’s nomination for governor, former Republican Gov. Terry Branstad is going on the offensive with television ads that declare “change is coming.”
Branstad and incumbent Democratic Gov. Chet Culver are wasting no time in opening their fall campaigns a good two months before the traditional Labor Day push. It’s expected to be the most expensive gubernatorial campaign in state history. It also is becoming apparent it will be relentlessly negative.
Culver is pushing back, airing spots that remind voters that Branstad repeatedly raised taxes during his 16 years as governor and even gave himself eight pay raises.
The dueling spots are airing after Branstad formally claimed his party’s nomination and made Sen. Kim Reynolds, of Osceola, his running mate.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) Iowa City officials say since the 21-only ordinance went into effect earlier this month, several businesses have requested and received exemptions.
City Clerk Marian Karr says to be granted the exception, the businesses had to show more than 50 percent of their sales were for items other than alcohol, such as food or merchandise. With the exception, there are no age restrictions for patrons, meaning those who are younger than 21 can be on the premises after 10 p.m.
Iowa City Police Sgt. Denise Brotherton says many of the businesses with exceptions previously had exemptions following the city’s decision to prevent 18-year-olds from being in the bars. He says despite the exemptions, authorities will be watching the businesses for underage drinking.
WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded two competitive grants totaling more than $8 million to the University of Iowa and Metabolic Technologies in Ames.
The Iowa Republican said Monday the university received a grant of more than $7.9 million through the National Center for Research Resources. The university will use the funds for a whole body 7T MRI scanner.
Metabolic Technologies received a $100,000 grant through the National Institute on Aging. Metabolic Technologies will use the Small Business Innovation Research Grant to conduct aging research.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) An Iowa state senator has located a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Sen. Dennis Black of Lynnville says he located the copy while researching a central Iowa family’s Civil War roots.
The document was printed in 1843 from a copperplate that is now on display in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Black calls the print “an absolute treasure” that is owned by the citizens of Iowa. He says it will receive the special treatment it deserves and be put on public display for special occasions.
The document, printed on rice-paper, has been matted and encased in an inert environment.
Cultural affairs director Cyndi Peterson says the document will be on display during this year’s Independence Day celebrations at the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines.
(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.
