(LE MARS)–An Ida Grove contractor is moving north on Business Highway 75, north of Highway Three.
Godberson-Smith has 50 working days to complete the project. As of last week, city administrator Scott Langel said the firm had spent 16 working days on Highway 75.
Listen here
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According to Langel, First Street Northwest, east of Highway 75, is complete. The contractor will work on the paving on the east side and then move to the west
Conservation board member to be appointed
(LE MARS)–A contract and an appointment are agenda items for the meeting of Plymouth County Supervisors today.
Supervisors will be asked to approve the contract with H and H Builders of Kingsley to replace more than 100 Courthouse windows. The project is partially funded with federal stimulus dollars.
Five people sent letters to the board expressing interest in filling a vacancy on the Plymouth County Conservation Board. The volunteer appointment is to be made today.
Those who applied include Bob Schlesser and Stuart Dekkenga of Le Mars, Penny Eickholt of rural Hinton, John Lucken of rural Akron and Cindy Lloyd of rural Westfield.
The vacancy due to a resignation is for an unexpired term through December of next year.
Engineer Tom Rohe’s weekly appointment with supervisors is at 10 this morning.
Agenda: Tuesday, July 20, 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. Appoint a member to serve on the Plymouth County Conservation Board to fill an
unexpired term through December 31, 2011 (Action)
B. Approve the H & H Builders contract for the courthouse window installation (Action)
7. New Business
A. Open and review mail/correspondence (Discussion)
B. Open public forum (Informational)
10:00 AMTom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
(Action Items)
1.Permit For Road Crossing- Private Water Line – Sec 28 Stanton Twp
(Discussion Items)
Questions/Discussion of the Secondary Road Department
(Informational Items)
Update on construction projects
Five openings left for new Le Mars Community Pre-School program
(LE MARS)–Parents who did not apply to send four-year-olds to the new Le Mars Community Pre-School program may still do that.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Carl Turner reported to the Board of Education Monday night that there were 16 applications by the July 16th deadline.
Dr. Turned explained 15 slots for four-year-olds were filled from the applications, but the 16th child is too young to be enrolled.
At this point, enrollment for the half-day sessions includes 11 boys and four girls. The program is designed for 10 students in the morning session and 10 in the afternoon for a total of 20 students.
School officials say parents would be responsible for a materials’ fee and snack fees for a total of $95 for the school year. Pre-School classes are to begin Sept. 2nd. The district is using state funds for the program to be located at Clark Elementary School in Le Mars.
Dr. Turner asks anyone who is interested in the program to contact the district through the Education Service Center at 546-4155.
Council considers rates
(LE MARS)–Services and fees will be discussed by the Le Mars City Council during a public meeting in the Council Chambers at city hall at noon today.
A fee for drainage improvements that’s based on an increase in rates for water meters for both residential and business customers will be discussed again. The initial proposal has been changed to include all businesses, including those without a water meter. The proposed rate increase in residential customers’ rates is to be offset by a decrease in the monthly garbage charge. City officials have said the amount of money being collected for storm drainage work is less than needs.
A proposed reorganization of the fire department, including the number of officers, is before the council based on recommendations from Fire Chief David Schipper.
A recommendation to add a fee for rescue calls and extrications is being also recommended for Fire Service fees. The second change before the council is a recommendation to add fees for inspections previously done by the state Fire Marshal’s office. The city would receive the revenue, effective August 1, if approved by the Council.
Other Council business includes energy improvements at the Le Mars Convention Center and a request for funding from the Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission for a National Register of Historic Places nomination.
AGENDA:
NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 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.Katie Majeres – 5K Walk/Run
3. “Thumbs Up” Award
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 29, 2010 Regular Meeting
2.List of Bills for Period Ending 7/16/10
3.Monthly Financial Statement for June 2010
4.Renewal of Beer Permits (Truck Stop, Godfather’s)
5.KC Request for Transfer of Liquor License
6.Certification of Municipal Utility Liens Resolution
7.No Parking – 3rd Ave SE
8.Fire and Ambulance Personnel Salary Adjustments for FY 2011
9.Request to Close Streets and Parking Lots (Scoop da Loop)
D. ACTION ITEMS
1. Contract for Transportation Services with SRTS
2. Fees for Le Mars Fire Service
3.Reorganization of Fire Department
4. Le Mars Convention Center
5. Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission Request
6.Approval of Public Improvements – Blue Diamond Drive
7. Storm Water Drainage Rate Change
8.Drainage Way Improvements
9.Le Mars Airport – Professional Services
E.DISCUSSION
1.Council/Mayor
2.City Administrator/Public Works Director
3.Assistant City Administrator
F.CLOSED SESSION
1. Pending/Imminent Litigation
G.ADJOURNMENTNext Resolution No. 10-31
Next Ordinance No. 887
Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Ihrke, Nelson, Leonard, Knapp, Rexwinkel. Absent: None.
Nelson moved, Rexwinkel seconded that the following items be approved under the “Consent Agenda.” On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Ihrke, Leonard, Nelson, Rexwinkel. Nays: None.
-Regular meeting minutes of June 15, 2010.
-List of bills for period ending 06/25/10.
-Renewal of American Legion’s Class C Liquor License/Outdoor Service at 110 Plymouth Street SW and Class C Liquor License at the Convention Center.
-Issuance of Outdoor Service Areas for 4 Brothers Bar & Grill.
-Resolution No. 10-29 making certain interfund transfers for the 2009-2010 fiscal year be adopted.
Leonard moved, Ihrke seconded Resolution No. 10-30 designating handicap parking spaces on 3rd Avenue SE be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Nelson, Knapp, Rexwinkel, Leonard, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded Wells’ Dairy’s request to place the Ice Cream Sundae in Central Avenue right-of-way and to modify the west parking accordingly be approved, subject to an agreement to return to original if business closes. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Knapp moved, Rexwinkel seconded the FY ’11 Main Street Façade Program be approved as proposed. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Nelson, Knapp, Rexwinkel. Nays: Ihrke.
Nelson moved, Knapp seconded the second reading of Ordinance No. 886 Amending Chapter 101.03 – Storm Water Drainage System Rates be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: Ihrke, Rexwinkel, Leonard, Nelson, Knapp. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson 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: Rexwinkel, Knapp, Leonard, Ihrke, Nelson. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded to move out of closed session. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded to enter closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5i to evaluate the professional competency of an individual (City Attorney) 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. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Knapp, Rexwinkel, Ihrke, Nelson. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded to move out of closed session. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Leonard moved, Knapp seconded that the City Attorney’s retainer of $7,250/mo. plus $185/hour for extra hours for FY ’11 be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: Nelson, Rexwinkel, Ihrke, Leonard, Knapp. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded to enter closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5i to evaluate the professional competency of an individual (Assistant City Administrator) 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. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Leonard, Rexwinkel, Ihrke, Nelson. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded to move out of closed session. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded to enter closed session per Iowa Code Section 21.5i to evaluate the professional competency of an individual (City Administrator) 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. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Leonard, Rexwinkel, Ihrke, Nelson. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded to move out of closed session. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Knapp moved, Nelson seconded the following salaries be approved effective July 1, 2010: Scott Langel $124,600; Bill Cole $86,000. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Knapp, Nelson. Nays: Ihrke, Rexwinkel.
Knapp moved, Rexwinkel seconded the meeting be adjourned at 4:00 P.M.
_________________________________________________
Beverly Langel, City ClerkDick Kirchoff, Mayor
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 7/16/10 Item No.
C-2
Attached is the list of bills for the period ending 7/16/10.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of bills for the period
ending 7/16/10.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Monthly Financial Statement for June 2010
Item No.
C-3
Attached is the monthly Financial Statement for June 2010.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion acknowledging receipt of monthly Financial Statement for June 2010.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Renewal of Beer Permits (Truck Stop, Godfather’s)
Item No.
C-4
Applications have been received from The Truck Stop for renewal of their Class C Beer Permit, and from Godfather’s for renewal of their Class B Beer Permit. Papers are in order. Approved by Police Chief.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) Class C Beer Permit to The Truck Stop and Class B Beer Permit to Godfather’s.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
KC Request for Transfer of Liquor LicenseItem No.
C-5
Application has been received from the Knights of Columbus for transfer of their Liquor License on August 7, 2010 to the Fairgrounds. Approved by Police Department.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) Knights of Columbus transfer of Liquor License to Fairgrounds.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Certification of Municipal Utility Liens Resolution
Item No.
C-6
A Resolution is needed to allow the City to certify utility bills to the County Treasurer for collection for the current fiscal year.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. _______
certifying rates and/or charges of municipal utility system.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
No Parking – 3rd Ave SE
Item No.
C-7
Information:
At its June 29, 2010 meeting the Council approved three handicap parking stalls by Rejoice Community Church, 1320 3rd Avenue S.E., by the front entrance of their building and directed that no parking be established on the west side of 3rd Avenue.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff also recommends no parking be established directly across the street to the west on 3rd Ave SE.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. ______ designating no parking spaces on 3rd Avenue S.E..
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Fire and Ambulance Personnel Salary Adjustments for FY 2011
Item No.
C-8
Attached are Fire and Ambulance Personnel recommended salary adjustments.
These adjustments are recommendations made by the Fire Chief and the Ambulance Director.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the FY 2010-2011
Fire and Ambulance Personnel salary adjustments.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Request to Close Streets and Parking Lots
(Scoop da Loop)
Item No.
C-9
Information:
The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Committee has requested the following Street and Parking Lot Closings for their Annual Scoop da Loop Event:
Olson Cultural Event Center Parking Lot, Postal Playhouse Parking Lot and 1st Street and 1st Avenue N.E. surrounding the Olson Cultural Event Center be closed August 18, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Letter is attached.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving that the streets and parking lots surrounding the Olson Cultural Event Center be closed August 18, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for Scoop da Loop.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Contract for Transportation Services with SRTS
Item No.
D-1
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).
Sandy Langel, Director for SRTS, will be available at the meeting to answer any questions.
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:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Fees for Le Mars Fire Service
Item No.
D-2
Information:
Fire Chief David Schipper has reviewed the existing Fire Service fees that were approved by Council on January 5, 2010 (a copy is attached). He is recommending adding a fee for “Rescue Calls and Extrications” in the amount up to $1,000. In addition, he is recommending adding fees for inspections that previously had to be done by the State Fire Marshal’s Office; however, based on his certifications he can do these and we keep the fee instead of the State receiving it. This change is acceptable to the State Fire Marshal Division if Council approves the change.
Also, attached are the new proposed Fire Service Fees, (additions to the current approved Fire Service Fees are shown with an asterisk). Chief Schipper will be at the Council meeting to answer any questions. If approved, these fees will become part of the list of fees that Council approves each January 1st.
Staff Recommendation:
City Administration supports the additional fees proposed by Chief Schipper.
Financial Impact:
If approved, this action will allow us a new revenue source. The source is fees that are already being paid by the entities but currently is being paid to the State. These fees will now be a source of revenue for our City.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No.__________
approving the recommended additions to
Fire Service Fees effective 08/01/10.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Reorganization of Fire Department
Item No.
D-3
Information:
Fire Chief David Schipper is proposing changes to Chapter 36 “Fire-Rescue Department”. Attached are copies of the current and proposed sections.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff is recommending the following schedule:
July 20th Council establishes August 17, 2010 public hearing.
August 17th Public hearing and Council approves first reading.
September 7th Council approves second reading.
September 21st Council approves third reading.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion declaring City intent to change Code of Ordinance Chapter 36 and establishing August 17, 2010 at 12:00 PM as the date and time for public hearing.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Le Mars Convention Center
Item No.
D-4
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 and make recommendation. Karl Seggerman will be available to summarize the information gained through MidAmerican and Nexant.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission Request
Item No.
D-5
Information:
Attached is a letter from the Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission (LHPC) requesting support for the filing of a grant application to help place a portion of downtown Le Mars on the National Register of Historic Places.
Iris Hemmingson will be available at the meeting with a proposed budget.
Staff Recommendation:
City Staff is recommending the approval of this grant application and recommends that the Council assign the previous funding source for the required cash match should this grant be awarded.
Financial Impact:
Should this grant be awarded the City match could be funded over two fiscal years, $5,000 per year. Possible funding sources could be Local Option Sales Tax, Hotel / Motel Tax, Economic Development Dollars.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the Council support of LHPC filing for a grant to facilitate the placing of a portion of downtown Le Mars on the National Register of Historic Places and pledging to fund the cash portion of the grant up to $10,000 from Local Option Sales Tax.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Approval of Public Improvements – Blue Diamond Drive
Item No.
D-6
Information:
The Engineer is requesting Council consideration of acceptance of the public improvements for Blue Diamond Drive – RISE Project. Attached are a Certificate of Completion and Final Agreement of Agreement Work.
Staff Recommendation:
City Engineer’s recommendation is to accept the public improvements. Resident Inspection was provided by PSS, Inc. and Punch List should be completed prior to the meeting. We believe the following will be available by the time of the meeting:
“Lien Waivers
“Engineer’s Certificate of Completion
“As-Built Drawings
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion accepting the public improvements for Blue Diamond Drive – RISE Project.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Storm Water Drainage Rate Change
Item No.
D-7
Information:
At its June 29, 2010, The Council approved the second 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 the 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.
Additional language has been added to incorporate non- metered buildings and hard surfaced lots.
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 third reading of Ordinance No. 886 Amending Chapter 101.03 – Storm Water Drainage System Rates.
(Roll Call)
Motion adopting of Ordinance No. 886_ Amending Chapter 101.03 – Storm Water Drainage System Rates.
(Roll Call)
Motion approving Resolution No. _____ Approving Storm Water Fees and Solid Waste Fees.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Drainage Way Improvements
Item No.
D-8
Information:
The drainage way on the west side of Business 75 adjacent to Mc Donald’s has been the topic of conversation several times by a variety of people over the last two months.
Park Committee – due to Recreation Trail
Noddle Development – due to easements and sidewalks
Mc Donald’s – due to maintenance issues
PSS, Inc. – due to ALTA Survey/Easements
Public Works Department – due to maintenance
Ernst made modifications
The Mayor and Administration have reviewed and inspected the location and will be available to discuss further with council at the meeting.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
As desired.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
July 20, 2010
Description:
Le Mars Airport – Professional Services
Item No.
D-9
Information:
Attached are as follows:
1)Ron Roetzel of Bolton & Menk, Inc. email with FAA requested schedule
2)Master Agreement for Professional Services with Bolton & Menk, Inc.
3)Work Order No. 1 – for Snow Removal Equipment
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.
Financial Impact:
Staff recommends funding Work Order No. 1 from Le Mars Urban Renewal TIF Revenue.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) the Master Agreement for Professional Services and Work Order No. 1 in the amount of $15,500 and the FAA requested schedule.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
June 1, 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)
Schnepf is O’Brien County Fair Queen
(PRIMGHAR)–The Pedal Pull and entertainment by Danika Portz of Remsen are highlights of the O’Brien County Fair today.
Judging today includes the beef show. The Bottle/Bucket Calf Show is at four this afternoon. Portz performs at 7:30 tonight.
Tomorrow the swine show is at eight in the morning with Ag Olympics at four tomorrow afternoon. Entertainment Wednesday night at 7:30 will be Auto Races sponsored by Primghar Jaycees
The Fair Queen crowned Monday night is Sterling Schnepf who is the daughter of Richard and Sharon Schnepf of Granville. The nine-year 4-H member is the granddaughter of Don and Ruth Ohlrichs and Loretta Schnepf, all of Le Mars.
The O’Brien County Fair continues through Wednesday.
TUESDAY, JULY 20
8:00 am – Beef Show
10:00 am – 4-H Exhibit Building Opens
2:00 pm – Children’s Entertainment provided by O’Brien County Library Association – Administration Building
4:00 pm – Bottle/Bucket Calf Show
5:00-7:30 pm – Farm Credit Services Ice Cream Social
6:00 pm – Pedal Pull
7:30 pm – LIVE ENTERTAINMENT-Danika Portz
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21
8:00 am – Swine Show
9:00 am – Discovering 4-H Pet Judging followed by 4-H Pet Show
10:30 am – Dog Show (or immediately following Pet Show)
2:00 pm-Goat Show
3:00-3:30 pm – Livestock Judging Registration (or immediately following goat show)
3:30 pm (or immediately following goat show)- Livestock Judging Contest
5:00-7:00 pm – O’Brien County Farm Bureau Watermelon Feed
4:00 pm-Ag Olympics
7:30 pm – Auto Races sponsored by Primghar Jaycees
7:30 pm – All 4-H Livestock may be released
THURSDAY, JULY 22
9:00 am – Awards/Announcements and Livestock Sale
9 -12:00 – 4-H Non-livestock exhibits may be released.
4-H’ers & parents are encouraged to help with cleanup.
9:00 pm – 12:00 am – Teen Dance
MidAmerican reports bypass at Sergeant Bluff
SERGEANT BLUFF)–An equipment failure led to a bypass of wastewater treatment in Sergeant Bluff.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the MidAmerican Energy plant inadvertently bypassed about 75-thousand gallons of an industrial byproduct to the Missouri River for about nine hours The bypass ended at eight Monday morning.
Bottom ash, a residual product of burning coal, reached the river after portable pumps were installed late Sunday night. The byproduct is normally pumped to a storage area, but was pumped to the wrong storm water drain which leads to the river.
Could feds keep Barefoot Bandit, mom from profit?
.
SEATTLE (AP) The tale of the Barefoot Bandit seems Hollywood-ready, with 19-year-old Colton Harris-Moore allegedly dodging police in stolen planes, cars and boats before getting caught in the Bahamas.
An entertainment lawyer hired to represent Harris-Moore’s mother, Pam Kohler, says he’s being swamped with offers for movie and book rights.
But some legal experts say prosecutors could insist the pair turn over any future publicity profits in exchange for a shorter prison sentence for Harris-Moore. The goverment could use the money to repay victims.
Kohler’s attorney, O. Yale Lewis, says the family has not solicited any offers, and talk of the pair profiting is just speculation. But he says it would be “grossly unfair” to require Kohler to give up future profits when she’s not accused of breaking any laws.
Harris-Moore is a suspect in burglaries in Yankton.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Branstad reports raising $2 million for gov’s race
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Former Gov. Terry Branstad reports raising more than $2 million in the last six weeks alone for his campaign for Iowa governor.
Branstad announced Monday that he’s now raised more than $5.5 million since he began campaigning to get his old job back.
The latest reporting period began June 2 and ran through July 14. Campaign disclosure reports for that period are due this week.
Branstad, a Republican, says he has more than $1.5 million in cash reserves.
Aides to Democratic Gov. Chet Culver’s campaign say he raised about $700,000 during the latest period for an overall total of more than $6.6 million and has $3.2 million in the bank.
Police: Cause of Bellevue parade trampling unknown
Parade probe continues
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Police say it’s still unclear what spooked two horses that trampled spectators and killed one woman during Bellevue’s July 4th parade.
The horses broke free from the buggy they were pulling after it struck a tree, then bolted down the parade route before coming to a stop after colliding with a van.
Sixty-year-old Janet Steines, who was thrown from the buggy, died from her injuries. Nearly 30 others were injured.
In a news release issued Monday, Bellevue police say the investigation has not determined what caused the horses to become startled. Police say there were no fireworks, sirens, vehicle horns, backfires or squealing tires.
One horse suffered a broken leg and had to be put down.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Demolition of 180-foot tall smokestack begins
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) With the spraying of water and the revving up of a pneumatic jackhammer, demolition is under way of a smokestack made famous by efforts to save it.
Starting early Monday, and at a rate of about one foot an hour, the century-old brick structure began falling.
Cedar Rapids manager for flood demolition John Riggs says the former meatpacking site, flooded in 2008 and damaged by two subsequent fires, is being treated as if contains hazardous materials, such as asbestos.
A decision last month by the Cedar Rapids City Council to demolish the smokestack came despite requests from historic preservationists to keep at least the structure’s base from demolition. The 41-foot-tall base is said to be structurally sound.
Riggs says bricks that drop from the top of the structure could be damaging to the base of the smokestack.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Health department sees disease spike
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Polk County’s health department is reporting a spike in the number of syphilis cases.
Health department officials say they have confirmed six cases of the sexually transmitted disease in the past six weeks. That is approximately the number the agency confirms in a typical year.
Health department nurse Sandra Scholten says there is concern among officials because investigators haven’t tracked the outbreak to its source.
Scholten says there is an assumption other local residents have contracted the disease from one of the six people who have confirmed cases.
The disease causes sores on various parts of the body. However, the sores can disappear, though syphilis bacteria continue to attack internal organs. They can cause damage to bones, the heart and the brain.
Scholten says free tests for syphilis are being offered.
Lawsuit alleges developer destroyed home
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A developer and his wife are accused in a federal lawsuit of being responsible for a fire that destroyed their 13,000-square-foot house in Urbandale.
American Family Mutual Insurance Company alleges John Kline and his wife, Michelle, concealed information about the nature and circumstances of the Feb. 9, 2009 fire, which remains under investigation.
The lawsuit contends the couple was attempting to fraudulently collect damages for the loss of the house and a vintage Corvette under a homeowners and auto insurance policies.
The lawsuit asks the court to remove American Family’s responsibility to make payment to the Klines for the losses.
Attorneys for Kline were unavailable for comment Monday.
Kline is a longtime central Iowa developer with a variety of companies. In September, his attorney, Jerrold Wanek, said Kline is being investigated by the U.S. attorney’s office.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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