(PLYMOUTH COUNTY)–The Union Vikings 4-H Club from Remsen have encouraged all Plymouth County 4-H Clubs to donate to a good cause this holiday season. Scott Schroeder, president of the Union Vikings, explains.
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He added that they got all clubs involved to maximize their efforts.
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$140 dollars was collected across the clubs. Jessica Larson from the Christian Needs Center in Le Mars explains how the beef certificates will be used.
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Certificates were also donated by other groups and individuals in the community. In addition to the certificates, adopted families will receive other food items, toiletry items and gifts for kids just in time for Christmas.
Larson says it’s great to see young people get involved in the spirit of giving.
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Scott from Union Vikings 4-H says that he feels that giving back to the community means giving to the people who support 4-H.
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Other Plymouth County 4-H groups are tackling other holiday related community service projects, including helping with Pioneer Village at the Fairgrounds.
(ROCHESTER MN) Motorists will encounter icy and snow-compacted roads through mid-week, according to The Iowa Department of Transportation and the Minnesota DOT.
DOT crews are doing their part to make highways safe; however, subzero temperatures have restricted the use of chemicals, rendering them ineffective and causing numerous crashes and spin outs. It is anticipated that roads will not improve until mid-week, when temperatures are expected to rise. Crews will continue to do cleanup work, including snow removal from shoulders, ramps and bridges. These areas are particularly prone to icy conditions.
If you must travel, the DOT reminds motorists to follow safe winter driving practices…
Wear your seat belt.
Drive slowly on bridges, ramps and overpasses.
Use a safe speed for winter driving conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Keep a safe stopping distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel, your eyes on the road and your attention on your driving.
If you go into the ditch, do not get out of your vehicle. Call for help.
Iowa man killed while hunting in NW Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Authorities say a Sheldon man died when his black powder revolver when went off while deer hunting in O’Brien County in northwest Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says 60-year-old Jeffrey Marienau died on Monday southwest of Sutherland. Spokesman Kevin Baskins says Marienau was putting away his .44-caliber revolver, when it discharged, hitting him in the chest. The accident happened shortly before 10 a.m.
Marienau, who was hunting with his brother, died at the scene.
Commission begins accepting justice applications
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The State Judicial Nominating Commission has begun accepting applications for vacancies on the Iowa Supreme Court created when voters ousted three justices for their role in an unanimous decision legalizing same-sex marriage in Iowa.
The deadline for submitted applications is Jan. 14.
The terms for Chief Justice Marsha Ternus and justices David Streit and David Baker expire on Dec. 31.
The commission plans to meet the week of Jan. 24 to interview applicants. The commission will open the interviews to the public by streaming them live on the Internet. The 15-member panel has 60 days to send a list of nominees to the governor, who makes appointments to the court.
Lande to head Iowa Natural Resources Department
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A Muscatine lawyer has been selected to head the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in the upcoming administration of Terry Branstad.
Branstad’s transition team announced the selection of Roger Lande (LAN-dee) on Monday.
A news release says Lande “has long been active in protecting and preserving Iowa’s natural resources as a hunter and fisherman, and also with involvement in various organizations such as the Izaak Walton League.”
The department cares for Iowa’s state parks, forests and other resources.
Lande is a former chairman of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.
Branstad names Findley as administration’s counsel
Des Moines, Iowa (AP) Gov.-elect Terry Branstad has named Brenna Findley to serve as his administration’s legal counsel.
Branstad announced Findley’s appointment on Monday.
The 34-year-old Findley is currently in private practice but most recently ran unsuccessfully for Iowa attorney general. The Dexter Republican also has served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Steve King.
She received her law degree from the Chicago Law School.
Branstad says Findley’s work in the private sector and her experience in government give her the “strong framework” needed to serve as his administration’s chief lawyer.
Findley says she’s excited to serve in Branstad’s administration and will work to ensure its goals are met.
Iowan convicted in elderly woman’s death
WASHINGTON, Iowa (AP) An eastern Iowa woman charged in the death of an elderly woman under her care has been convicted of several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, theft, and dependent adult abuse.
A Washington County jury on Monday found Lori Jo Bean, of Ainsworth, guilty in the 2008 death of 78-year-old Joye Gentzler.
At the time of her death, she weighed about 70 pounds. An autopsy showed she had several fractured ribs that healed without being treated and a broken right arm.
The Washington Evening Journal says prosecutors claimed Bean exploited Gentzler’s finances and was responsible for her deteriorating health. Bean’s defense attorney argued Bean’s husband, Rodney, was the one who exploited Gentzler.
Lori Bean’s sentencing is Feb. 14.
Rodney Bean, who’s also charged, is to go on trial March 1.
Information from: Washington Evening Journal, https://www.washjrnl.com
Iowa prosecutors, principals warn against sexting
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Federal prosecutors and some Iowa high school principals are joining forces to warn that sexting is dangerous and can lead to prison.
At a news conference Monday in Cedar Rapids, officials cited the case of a Plymouth man who was sentenced to more than six years in prison for threatening to post a sexually explicit photograph of his former girlfriend when she was a minor over the Internet. U.S. Attorney Stephanie Rose says Garrett Roegner, now 25, was sentenced last week for transporting child pornography and extortion.
Rose says it’s important that students and parents realized the risks of sexting. She says there’s only one way to prevent it don’t take the pictures in the first place.
Fire at Chickasaw County attorney’s office in Iowa
NEW HAMPTON, Iowa (AP) Fire crews are on the scene of a fire at the Chickasaw County attorney’s office in New Hampton in northeast Iowa.
KWWL-TV in Waterloo says firefighters were called to the office just after 8 a.m. on Monday. The county attorney’s office is located in a law office just off Main Street.
No injuries have been reported. There’s no word on the possible cause of the fire or the potential damage. Owners of the law office, however, are worried they may have lost all of their documents.
Information from: KWWL-TV, https://www.kwwl.com
Recall: Barbecue sauce
The following recall has been announced:
Brinkman Turkey Farms Inc., of Findlay, Ohio is recalling Brinkman’s Gourmet Barbecue Sauce in 22-ounce and 40-ounce glass jars and 160-ounce plastic jugs because it contains milk and soy that is not revealed on its packaging. People who have allergies to milk and soy run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products. No illnesses have been reported.
The products were distributed to retail stores and distribution centers in Ohio and direct to consumers in Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa.
The items carry the UPC numbers 033244000215, 033244000222 and 033244000208. They can be returned to the place of purchase for full refund. Consumers with questions may call (419) 365-5127.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
