(LeMars) — State Representative Chuck Soderberg of LeMars has announced his intentions to seek re-election for a fifth term in the Iowa legislature. Soderberg made his announcement on Wednesday before a group of community leaders at the LeMars Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon. Soderberg, a republican, says with the new re-districting, if elected, he will serve nearly all of Plymouth County including each community. The new district also includes some portions of Woodbury County, east of Sioux City.
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(LeMars) — Commercial Property Tax Relief may be the main focus for the upcoming legislative session, according to two local state legislators. State Representative Chuck Soderberg of LeMars and State Senator Bill Anderson of Pierson appeared together yesterday at the LeMars Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon. Soderburg told the gathering what is the primary goal for the upcoming session.
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The Iowa House Representative says at present time, Iowa is not competitive with our neighbors. Soderburg indicated that Illinois is raising its property tax rate up 60 percent, but it would still be cheaper than in Iowa. Another comparison Soderberg made was the property tax rate for Iowa and New York’s Manhattan. He says something is wrong when Iowa’s property taxes are higher than Manhattan. Soderberg says in 2011 the Iowa legislature was able to pass a budget where spending was less than revenue. He indicated that Iowa was spending $1.18 on every $1 of revenue. Last year, the state legislature was able to reduce the state’s spending so for every $1.00 brought in through taxes, 97 cents was being spent. State Senator Bill Anderson of Pierson was also at the chamber luncheon. Anderson informed the group that because of the Senate’s split of 26 Democrats to 24 Republicans it will be difficult to pass much legislation. Anderson said the property tax relief introduced in the State Senate last year was “a joke” because it did not offer any substanial tax relief to businesses.
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Other topics that were discussed included a proposed road use tax, the Iowa Film Office, Environmental Regulations placed on municipalities, and the governor’s proposed education reform.
(LeMars) — Don’t look for any tax credit programs to come out of the upcoming state legislative session, that according to State Senator Bill Anderson. Anderson says because of the various scandals including the Iowa Film Office and CIETEC, the Democratic Controlled State Senate is weary of creating any new tax credit programs because of the fear it could lead to another potential scandal. Anderson says the Democrats know the scandals occurred during their watch and they don’t want to take any chances of it happening again. Anderson admits there are some legitamate causes that may deserve tax credits, but he says it will be difficult getting anything through the state senate.
(LeMars) — LeMars Police have arrested a LeMars man for sexual abuse and supplying alcohol to a person under 21. On Monday, officers received a complaint of an adult supplying alcohol to a minor and sexual abuse of a 15 year old female. Taken into custody was 21 year old Adam McKee. McKee was booked into the Plymouth County jail on both charges. Sexual abuse is a third degree Class C felony. Also arrested was David Kelly, age 60, also of LeMars. Kelly was also charged with providing alcohol to a person under 21.
(LeMars) — The Holidays can be a time for family gatherings, festive decorations, special treats, and gift giving. However, the Holidays can also present its share of dangers, especially fires. Candles, space heaters, worn extension cords, and dried out Christmas trees can all be the cataylist for a deadly fire. LeMars Fire Chief Dave Schipper offers some holiday safety suggestions.
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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa has a new farmland price record. It happened on Wednesday when a 74-acre tract near Hull in Sioux County in northwest Iowa sold for $20,000 an acre.
The previous record was in October when a 120-acre parcel went for $16,750 per acre near Sioux Center, also in Sioux County
Auctioneer Pete Polleman, of Hull, who called Wednesday’s sale, says farmland in northwest Iowa is very valuable, with good commodity prices and a strong livestock industry.
Economist emeritus Neil Harl of Iowa State University calls the prices “amazing.”
A survey or real estate agents in September put the state average at $6,477 an acre, an increase of over 30 percent in the last year. ISU will release its annual farmland survey Dec. 14.
