(LE MARS)–A place in the new Plymouth County budget will be part of a request presented at the Board of Supervisors weekly meeting today.
Le Mars Public Library Director Sue Kroesche makes the request for the 2011-2012 budget at 10:15 this morning.
The board considers a grant award agreement for the I-JOBS funds for the Courthouse Annex Building storm shelter.
Supervisors will be asked to review and sign a letter of support with The Pride Group to the City of Le Mars for street lighting and sidewalks near the county-owned residential care facility on Highway Three East. The Pride Group leases the county property. A resident died recently after being struck on the highway.
Local Option Sales Tax Advisory Board Supervisor district appointments are to be reviewed.
Assistant engineer Terry Marienau presents the weekly construction update at 10:30 this morning.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 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. Review and approve IJOBS grant award agreement with County Attorney waiver letter for
Courthouse Annex storm shelter (Action)
B. Review and sign letter of support with The Pride Group to the City of LeMars regarding
lighting and sidewalk (Action)
7. New Business
A. Approve FY 10-11 Library Contracts for funding distribution (Action)
B. Review the district appointments needed for the 2011 L.O.S.T. Advisory Board
(Discussion)
C. Approve Resolutions authorizing the advancement of funds to the Urban Renewal tax
increment revenue fund for the Jt. Urban Renewal Area and for the Plymouth County
Ethanol Urban Renewal Area (Action)
D. Open and review mail/correspondence (Discussion)
E. Open public forum (Informational)
10:15 AMSue Kroesche, Le Mars Public Library Director – Review FY 11-12 Budget request (Discussion)
10:30 AMTerry Marienau, Assistant to County Engineer
(Action Items)
None
(Discussion Items)
(Informational Items)
Update on construction projects
Source: co.plymouth.ia.us
Developers object to assessements
(LE MARS)–It’s being described as anti-economic development and the state law is on the agenda for the Le Mars City Council today.
According to the agenda, state law requires bare lots to be assessed as an improved lot after three years from the platting. That increases the taxes paid for the undeveloped property because the value has gone up.
Developers have requested agenda time at the Council meeting to discuss the state law.
A renewable energy project for the Wastewater Treatment plant will be discussed with the Council. A proposal being considered would involve an Iowa Power Fund request for a study of a bio-refinery to convert human and animal waste to biofuels and other chemicals. According to the agenda, the city would not own the project but would realize operational savings. John Grosenheider of Le Mars will be at the meeting to discuss the grant for renewable energy for the Wastewater Treatment plant.
Lew Weinberg of Weinberg Investments is expected to provide information to the Council on plans to improve Floyd Valley Apartments in northeast Le Mars. Council members have requested the time schedule after the city took steps requested by Weinberg.
Requests for improvements in lighting and sidewalks along Highway Three East will be presented to the Council.
A proposal would change the city’s Street Light Policy to allow staff to address street lights by work order instead of Council Resolution. A Street Light Policy is to be drafted and available for Council Action by the first meeting of January. The public meeting in the Le Mars City Council Chambers begins at noon today (Tuesday).
NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER – MAYOR
ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK
COUNCILMEMBERS: NELSON_____, KNAPP_____ REXWINKEL_____,
LEONARD______, IHRKE_______
B. HEARINGS
1. Offer to Purchase City Right-of-Way – 12:00 P.M.
C. GENERAL DISCUSSION
1 Housing Developers of Le Mars
2. FHWA Regulations – Visibility of Roadside Signs
3. Citizens
4. “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 November 16, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. List of Bills for Period Ending 11/30/10
3. Le Mars Main Street Program – Resolution of Support
4. Renewal of Liquor License/Beer Permit (4 Brothers Bar & Grill, Pizza Hut)
E. ACTION ITEMS
1. Weinberg Investments, Inc. – Lease for Floyd Valley Apartments
2. Request for Rezoning – The Can Farm
3. Requests for Improvements along Iowa 3 East
4. Le Mars Arts Council Request
5. Amending Chapter 124 of Code of Ordinances
6. Street Lights – Policy and Procedures
7. Renewable Energy Project for Wastewater Plant
F. DISCUSSION
1. Council/Mayor
2. City Administrator/Public Works Director
a. Capital Project Lists
b. Mayor/Council/ Staff List of Assignments
c. Annual List of Fees, Licenses and Charges
3. Assistant City Administrator
a. Budget Schedule
G. CLOSED SESSION
1. Pending/Imminent Litigation
2. Collective Bargaining
H. ADJOURNMENT
Next Resolution No. 10-47
Next Ordinance No. 890
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Hearing
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Offer to Buy City Right-of-Way – 12:00 P.M.
Item No.
B-1
Information:
Mr. Tom Mullally has offered to purchase City right-of-way (2nd Ave NE) by Lally’s Eastside Restaurant. The need to research utilities, easements and to notify adjacent property owners for alternative access has been accomplished.
Staff Recommendation:
The Mayor opens the hearing and asks for written or oral objections or comments. After hearing all comments, the Mayor announces the time for receiving objections is closed.
Staff recommends Council sell said right-of-way to Tom Mullally as proposed and reserving a utility easement for any and all existing utilities.
Financial Impact:
The purchase price is $1.00; however, the City will save long term operation, maintenance and repair costs and the right-of-way will return to taxable property.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. ______ authorizing the sale of Right-of-Way in the Ten Block of 2nd Avenue NE to Tom Mullally as proposed (or as amended).
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
General
Discussion
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Housing Developers of Le Mars
Item No.
C-1
Information:
Attached is a request to address the City Council regarding the concern of full taxes required after three (3) years of platting.
Five (5) developers will be at the meeting to discuss with the Council the hardship this creates.
Also, City Administrator has discussed this situation with Mr. Chuck Soderberg in October 2010 and sent a letter to Chuck dated October 29, 2010 requesting a code change to provide relief.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
General
Discussion
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
FHWA Regulations – Visibility of Roadside Signs
Item No.
C-2
Information:
Attached is a USA Today news article. Information regarding Federal regulations on roadside signs can be found on the US DOT website at www.dot.gov; however, it is very lengthy.
Staff believes the City Council should discuss this issue and ultimately give City Staff direction as to how to proceed.
Options include, but are not necessarily limited to:
1) Do nothing
2) Join the national debate currently underway by contacting our Federal Legislators and/or US DOT/FHWA
3) Start budgeting for and replacing old signs on a “as needed” basis only
4) Start budgeting for and replacing all regulatory signs, immediately and replacing all information/directional signs on an “as needed” basis
5) Start budgeting for and replacing all signs immediately
Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Knapp, Ihrke, Rexwinkel, Leonard, Nelson, Knapp. Absent: None.
NOTE: A hearing was held on a request by Weinberg Investments, Inc. to approve an update of the Lease for Floyd Valley Apartments and no oral or written objections were received.
Leonard moved, Nelson seconded to table action on the Lease regarding Floyd Valley Apartments to a future meeting contingent upon written documentation acknowledging a time table for the project. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Rexwinkel seconded that the following items be approved under the “Consent Agenda.” On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
– Regular meeting minutes of November 2, 2010.
– List of bills for period ending 11/12/10.
– Financial Statement for October 2010.
– Renewal of the City of Le Mars liability insurance with Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) at a cost of $92,545.52 and property insurance with Cincinnati at a cost of $95,013.00.
Ihrke moved, Rexwinkel seconded the contract between Doug Schultz and the City of Le Mars providing Golf Course Management services be approved as amended. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded Resolution No. 10-46 establishing December 7, 2010 at 12:00 P.M. as the date and time for public hearing on the proposed Offer to Buy City Right-of-Way in the Ten Block of 2nd Avenue NE and any and all other offers received by 12:00 P.M. on December 1, 2010 be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Ihrke, Leonard, Rexwinkel, Nelson. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Nelson seconded the Federal-Aid Agreement No. 3-10-STPU-029 for 12th Street SE Reconstruction be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Ihrke moved, Leonard seconded to enter Closed Session under Iowa Code Section 20.17 (3) concerning Collective Bargaining where negotiating sessions and strategy meetings of public employers shall be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 21, open meetings. On Roll Call: Ayes: Nelson, Rexwinkel, Ihrke, Leonard. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded to move out of Closed Session. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded the meeting be adjourned at 2:16 P.M.
__________________________ _______________________
Beverly Langel, City Clerk Dick Kirchoff, Mayor
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 11/30/10
Item No.
D-2
Attached is the list of bills for the period ending 11/30/10.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of bills for the period
ending 11/30/10.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Le Mars Main Street Program – Resolution of Support
Item No.
D-3
Information:
Attached is a Resolution of Support for the Le Mars Main Street Program as requested by Mary Reynolds, Main Street Manager.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approving the resolution.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. ______ of support and financial commitment for the
Le Mars Main Street Program in City of
Le Mars, Iowa.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Renewal of Liquor License/Beer Permit
(4 Brothers Bar & Grill, Pizza Hut)
Item No.
D-4
Applications have been received from 4 Brothers Bar & Grill for renewal of their Class C Liquor License and from the Pizza Hut for renewal of their Class B Beer Permit. Papers are in order. Approved by Police Chief.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) renewal of Class C Liquor License to 4 Brothers Bar & Grill and Class B Beer Permit to Pizza Hut.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Weinberg Investments, Inc. – Lease for Floyd Valley Apartments
Item No.
E-1
Information:
At its October 19, 2010 meeting the Council established a public hearing on a request by Weinberg Investments, Inc. to approve an update of the Lease for Floyd Valley Apartments and said hearing was held November 16, 2010.
Council requested Mr. Weinberg be available at the next Council meeting to address the time schedule of the renovation project and a letter from Mr. Weinberg is attached. Mr. Lew Weinberg will be at the meeting as requested.
A copy of the updated Lease is attached. The Lease updates include several significant changes, as follows:
1) Legal Description Due to removing land for public alley on north side and public street (Obrien-Yoerger Drive) on south side.
2) Clarify Ownership Issues – Floyd Valley Apartments, Ltd.
– Weinberg Investments, Inc. (WII)
– Sioux Falls Environmental Access, Inc. (SFEA)
3) Clarify Easements – for various utilities.
4) Confirm the Ownership Status – Improvements owned by WII
– Land owned by City
– Subordination of both to lender, if necessary
Staff Recommendation:
Legal Staff recommends Council approve the revised, updated Land Lease subject to the stated project time schedule.
Financial Impact:
None.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the long term lease with Weinberg Investments, Inc. regarding Floyd Valley Apartments, Ltd., subject to the stated project time schedule.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Request for Rezoning – The Can Farm
Item No.
E-2
Information:
A request has been received from Barry and Toni Haefs to rezone The Can Farm property from I-2 (General Industrial District) to B-2 (General Business District). A map is attached showing the area under consideration.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council establish the public hearing required for rezoning at the next regular City Council meeting on December 21, 2010. The Planning and Zoning Commission met and considered the rezoning request at their November 30, 2010 meeting and are recommending approval.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion establishing December 21, 2010 at
12:00 P.M. at the regular City Council meeting as a public hearing regarding the rezoning request from Barry and Toni Haefs to rezone from I-2 (General Industrial District) to B-2 (General Business District).
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Requests for Improvements along Iowa 3 East
Item No.
E-3
Information:
Mr. Mike Porter is requesting additional street lights at the intersection of Iowa 3 and 14th Avenue East.
Mr. Mark Kunkel is requesting additional street lights along Iowa 3 south ditch and sidewalks along 14th Avenue East and Iowa 3 East.
Council is asked to consider these requests and allow time for each of these individuals to present their positions.
Don Kass, County Board of Supervisor, did discuss the speed on Iowa 3 with Dakin Schultz of DOT.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
As desired.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Le Mars Arts Council Request
Item No.
E-4
Information:
Le Mars Arts Council is requesting a wheel chair lift at the Arts Center to comply with ADA.
Kathy Moore, Executive Director, will be available at the meeting to discuss the need, requirement, support for and funding needed. A letter is attached.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
As desired.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Amending Chapter 124 of Code of Ordinances
Item No.
E-5
Information:
Chapter 124 currently requires that catering services secure a license to do business at the Le Mars Convention Center. The Willow Creek Golf Course also holds catered events so it needs to be added to the requirement for a license.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff is recommending Council approval.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the recommended amendment to chapter 124 to include the Willow Creek Golf Course.
(No Roll Call)
Motion approving the first reading of Ordinance No. _____ amending Chapter 124, “Food Service Providers at the Le Mars Convention Center and The Willow Creek Golf Course.”
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Street Lights – Policy and Procedures
Item No.
E-6
Information:
Several requests recently received (list attached) have prompted City Staff to review in greater detail the means and methods by which the City deals with and handles street lights. A contact to the Iowa League of Cities, Mr. Mark Tomb, would indicate the Council Resolutions are not necessary. MidAmerican Energy also does not require a Resolution.
Staff Recommendation:
Therefore, Staff recommends changing our procedure to allow Staff to address street lights by Work Order instead of by Resolution.
Staff would be required to periodically review the placement of street lights and make the necessary changes, additions and deletions as appropriate and in accordance with a Council adopted “Street Light Policy.”
A “Street Light Policy” will be drafted and available for Council action by the first meeting in January.
Recent Street Light Requests
Mid-Block Street Lights:
List of sixteen (16) that do not meet 440’ rule (attached)
List of thirty eight (38) that do meet rules (attached)
Prospect Street between 6th Avenue W. & 12th Avenue W.
Central Avenue between 1st Street N. & 2nd Street N.
Iowa Hwy 3 by 14th Avenue NE
195th Street SW at horizontal curve
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the procedural change to handle streets lights by establishing a Council adopted “Street Light Policy” and implementing said policy by City Staff Work Order.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Renewable Energy Project for Wastewater Plant
Item No.
E-7
Information:
John Grosenheider will be available at the meeting to discuss a grant for renewable energy for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Community Grant Application will be used to fund a comprehensive study on the benefits and risks of the potential construction of a Community Integrated Hydrothermalchemical Value-Added Bio-Reactor Plant (to be appropriately located in the Le Mars Area), to the City of Le Mars, major industry and commercial users of the wastewater treatment plant as well as the benefit to the Plymouth County Solid Waste Agency and the users and members thereof. Said plant will be using the technology that resulted from 12 years of research by a major university and is being purchased and/or licensed by John Grosenheider and/or Karl Seggerman and other principals ( in a yet to be formed company) and combining this technology with the processes developed by another individual (chemist, geologist, and fuel specialist) to additionally produce other saleable chemicals and fuel additives along with the bio-fuels made in the process.
This Bio- Refinery is based on a thermochemical process that converts human and animal waste to biofuels and up to 180 different chemicals.
The study will encompass:
1) Determining potential plant location(s)
2) Benefit analysis to the City of Le Mars – in cash payments received and operational savings of the current wastewater plant… including potential additional capacity that may become available at the current plant if this reactor plant was operated in conjunction with the current wastewater plant.
3) Benefit to current and future industrial and commercial users of the wastewater plant
4) Potential of eliminating an expansion of the current wastewater plant
5) Potential financing structures for the plant
6) Environmental requirements and permitting
7) Property Tax Analysis
8) Estimated Revenue to the City of Le Mars and Plymouth County Solid Waste Agency
The reactor project as proposed would not be owned by the City of Le Mars, but the City of Le Mars would realize the operational savings and receive an income check based on an income or royalty payment from the project.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends Council support the Grant Application in two (2) ways: 1) as a “Lead Applicant” and with two (2) forms of financial support: 1) In-kind Staff time for testing, analysis and preparations; 2) cash match.
Financial Impact:
In-Kind Staff time – Value of $___________
Cash Match – $________ of Sewer Revenue
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
To be the lead applicant in an application to the Iowa Power Fund – For a Community Grant of up to $50,000.00 from the Iowa Power Fund (The Community Grant Requires a 1 to 1 match in cash and/or in kind) and authorize appropriate city staff to work with John Grosenheider and Karl Seggerman to complete the application and work with local industry and the manager and members of the Plymouth County Solid Waste Agency to come up with in-kind and cash match for the application.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
DISCUSSION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
City Administrator Report
Item No.
F-2a
Cityscape – November ’10 Issue – CBP “All Star Award”
Reminder – Public review and comment of ISU Design Concepts
LCC – 5 Heat/Cool Units installed
2 Boilers installed
1 Rooftop (primarily cooling) installed
Golf Bridge – Kooiker, Inc.
Remove 2 > Build 1
Black 2 & Black 3 Both
Pool Parking & Sidewalk – Done except cleanup and paint
Will help the traffic congestion problem
Airport Business Park – Waterway & Farm Drainage
Fill along Airport Road
Storm Pipe Extension
Abbey Parking Changes – Load/Unload Zone
HC Ramps (1st / 3rd)
Utility Pole in Alley
Two (2) Water Main Replacements – DNR permits received!
Pavement Joint Seal – 34,000 feet done
Intake Replacements – 2nd Street SW
Pavement Repairs – Misc. Locations
C38 Water – done
Key Avenue Water – done
Key Avenue Sewer – done
Water Main Break on Plymouth Street – Fixed
Business 75 – Six (6) Phases of Repair
1. Traffic signal modification with camera
2. Partial depth patching with ACC
3. Full depth at five (5) intersections with PCC
4. Diamond grind for smoothness
5. Chip Seal for surface renovation
6. Repaint striping and pavement markings
Leaf/Grass Site Cleanup – Used as soil conditioner at Le Mars Industrial Parks & Business Parks
Trail Head along Key Avenue (in front of ICON)
Earthwork 99% done
Grading and sub-base with crushings
Bicycle Rack – Phase I completed
Phase II material purchased
Tennis Courts on 11th Street SE – Resurfaced with ACC
Fence, gates, practice board and nets renovated
Airport Snow Removal Equipment – Specified, bid and ordered using 95% FAA funds
Alley Resurfacing – Numerous alleys have been regraded and surfaced with red quartz rock
Resthaven Cemetery –Gravel roadways have been surfaced with Hot Mix Asphalt
Replaced Intersections at three (3) locations:
1. Central Avenue and Lincoln Street
2. 2nd Avenue W. and 3rd Street S.
3. 4th Street N. and US 75 N.
Assisted DOT at two (2) locations:
1. US 75 and IA 3 – Detour Route
2. IA 3 and Railroad Crossing – Detour Route
Library Roof has been ordered through Nohava to be accomplished in December 2010
Fire Station No. 1 Roof has been replaced.
Detention Basin constructed at two (2) locations:
1. South side 24th Street SW – East of Industrial Road
2. North side 27th Street SW – East of Industrial Road
PSS currently designing Southdale Drive Detention Basin and Storm Sewer Extension
DGR currently designing three (3) STP Projects:
1. 12th Street SE Reconstruction
2. Lincoln Street/Lake Avenue Widening/Turning Lanes
3. Iowa Hwy 3 Widening/Turning Lanes
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 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)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
December 7, 2010
Description:
Closed Session – Collective Bargaining
Item No.
G-2
It is recommended that the Council enter Closed Session to discuss Collective Bargaining
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion to enter Closed Session under Iowa Code Section 20.17 (3) concerning Collective Bargaining where negotiating sessions and strategy meetings of public employers shall be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 21, open meetings.
(Roll Call)
Motion to move out of Closed Session.
(No Roll Call)
Source: https://www.lemarsiowa.com
Marcus trees bring the holiday spirit to troops
(MARCUS)–A Marcus business and its customers are creating Christmas memories for those far from home.
Marie and Neal Bork of Country Pines Tree Farm have been part of the “Trees for Troops” National Christmas Tree Growers Association. Through the state group, they’ve donated home grown Christmas trees for soldiers serving in the military.
Marie Bork explains their donations are different this Christmas.
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/December2010/trees1.MP3{/audio}
They didn’t send just the trees.
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/December2010/trees2.MP3{/audio}
Three trees were mailed at the Cleghorn Post Office Tuesday, November 30th. At noon Sunday (December 5th) one of the soldiers in Aghanistan wrote by email that they’d arrived.
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/December2010/trees3.MP3{/audio}
For the owners of Country Pines Tree Farm Marie Bork says the important part to is to support the troops.
Kingsley voters to fill mayor’s office
(KINGSLEY)–Kingsley voters will be asked to fill a city office with a special election this month.
According to Plymouth County Deputy Auditor Cheri Nitzschke, the candidate for Kingsley Mayor is Rick Bohle.
The Kingsley mayor and mayor pro tem have both resigned.
The special election is from noon to eight in the evening at the Kingsley Community Center Tuesday, December 21st.
Anyone who is interested in casting an absentee ballot may make a request through the Auditor’s office or cast an absentee ballot in the auditor’s office. Auditor’s office hours are from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon Monday through Friday.
Two hospitalized in Sioux City after driver loses control
(HAWARDEN)–Three people were injured in a one-vehicle accident eight miles northeast of Hawarden.
The Sioux County Sheriff’s office reports a medical condition caused 57-year-old Walter Klein of Hospers to lose control of a pickup truck.
The accident was reported around 8:30 Sunday morning on Chestnut Avenue.
One of his two passengers tried to steer the vehicle through a curve. The pickup went into the ditch, rolled through a barbed wire fence and came to rest on the passenger side.
Twenty-two-year-old Jessica Klein and 27-year-old Mark Klein, both of Sheldon, were able to get out of the vehicle by themselves. Walter Klein was extricated by the Hudson Fire Department.
The Kleins were taken to the Hawarden Hospital by ambulance. Jessica Klein and Walter Klein were then air lifted to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City. Jessica Klein is hospitalized in fair condition. Walt Klein is listed in good condition.
Charges filed after guns seized
(ORANGE CITY)–Guns that were reported stolen nine years ago have been found by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.
Written information about the firearms taken in Rock Rapids in 2001 was released by the Sioux County Sheriff’s office Monday.
Fifty-two-year-old Larry Kraayenbrink of Sioux Center is charged with theft in the third degree.
The sheriff’s office found three stolen firearms after Kraayenbrink’s guns were seized when paperwork was being delivered to Kraayenbrink who had been charged with a domestic assault.
Jurors won’t report today
(LE MARS)–Plymouth County jurors do not need to report for jury duty today, Tuesday, December 7, 2010. Jurors are asked to call the clerk of court’s office after 3 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2010 to find out whether to report on Tuesday, December 14, 2010.
Driver faces OWI charge in deadly crash
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) Authorities say a driver who hit and killed a St. Ambrose University student in Davenport will be charged with drunken driving, but not vehicular homicide.
KWQC-TV says police announced Monday that Mark Ballinger, of Davenport, faces an OWI charge in the Oct. 24 accident that killed Bethani Werner. She left a house party and was walking across a street when she was hit.
Police say Werner and Ballinger had alcohol in their systems.
Investigators say driving conditions were poor it was dark and raining. Police say Ballinger was driving drunk, but that under the conditions, even a sober driver would not have been able to avoid the accident.
They say alcohol was not the cause, and because of that, the driver can’t be charged with vehicular homicide.
Teen dies in fire in southern Iowa
VAN WERT, Iowa (AP) Authorities say a teenager died in a house fire apparently caused by a wood burning stove in rural Van Wert in southern Iowa’s Decatur County.
KCCI-TV in Des Moines reports that the fire erupted Sunday morning. Sheriff Bert Muir identifies the teen as 17-year-old Matthew Caldwell. Five others inside the home escaped the fire, which was reported about 4 a.m.
Six fire departments helped fight the fire. Muir says the house was destroyed.
Iowa budget panel says tax revenue up $34 million
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A state budget panel estimates Iowa will collect about $34 million more in taxes than previously expected for the current budget year.
The three-member Revenue Estimating Conference announced Monday that a slow-but-steady rebound of Iowa’s economy also would mean an extra $85 million in taxes for the next budget year, which begins in July.
Legislative leaders welcomed the news, but noted the state still faces budget problems because federal stimulus money wouldn’t be available for the next budget.
Incoming House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says the projection means it will be a bit easier for Republicans to meet their promise to reduce property taxes.
Branstad: Gronstal is ‘dictator’ for marriage view
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Republican Gov.-elect Terry Branstad is calling for a vote to ban gay marriage and equating a Democratic leader with a dictator for not allowing senators to take up the matter.
Speaking Monday at a gathering organized by The Associated Press, Branstad says he expects the Republican-controlled House to approve the referral of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage to voters. But Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal vows to block action on the referral, which he says would enshrine discrimination in the state constitution.
Branstad says the issue hurt Democrats in last month’s election, and he was clearly referring to Gronstal when he stated that “just because you’re a leader in the Legislature doesn’t mean you’re a dictator.”
Gronstal responded that dictators take away people’s rights, and he won’t do that.
3 flu strains identified in Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) State health officials say three separate flu strains have been identified in Iowa as flu season gets under way.
The Iowa Department of Public Health on Monday said the findings are unusual, but point out this year’s vaccine protects against all three.
State medical director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says it’s rare to see three strains so early in the season, which means it’s possible for someone to get the flu three times. She advises Iowans to get a flu shot.
Iowa saw a jump in flu cases last week, which officials say is a clear indication that flu season has started.
The flu shot protects against influenza A, influenza B and the swine flu, or H1N1 virus, that caused so much illness last season.
Suspects in Des Moines killings await extradition
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Police say two men arrested last week in two separate Des Moines slayings are still awaiting extradition back to Iowa.
Sgt. Jeff Edwards told The Des Moines Register on Monday that he doesn’t know when the suspects will be returned.
Lester Richardson was arrested on a charge of first-degree murder in Minneapolis. He’s wanted in the Oct. 14 shooting death of Martin Turks outside a coin-operated laundry.
Orlando Hawthorne was arrested in Milwaukee in the Nov. 18 shooting of LaCarlton Henderson, whose body was found in a sport utility vehicle idling in a parking lot.
Another suspect in Henderson’s death was arrested previously and is being held in the Polk County jail in Des Moines.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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