Kingsley Fire Dept. Responds to Farm Accident
(Kingsley) — The Kingsley Fire Department responded to a farm accident last evening. At about 10:20 p.m. the call came in when apparently a tractor, believed to be occupied, was in a river. Little is known about the accident at this time, other than fire and rescue officials responded to the scene near 280th Street and Tamarack Avenue, and were on the scene for nearly four hours.
Supervisors Discuss Jake Brakes Ordinance
(Le Mars) — The use of jake brakes by trucks was discussed during Tuesday’s County Supervisor meeting. Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo and Plymouth County Engineer Tom Rohe appeared together before the supervisors to answer questions about the proposed ordinance. The Board of Supervisors are considering implementing jake brake ordinances on county road C-80 in the southern portion of the county between county road K-22 and U-S Highway 75. The other location for consideration is on county road C-38 starting at Highway 75 and going west for about a half a mile. Sheriff Van Otterloo informed the supervisors that he wasn’t certain his staff could devote a specific number of minutes or hours each month for the enforcement of violators of the proposed jake brake ordinance. Van Otterloo told the board that often times, only a few complaints are shared, and when signs are erected, indicating the use of jake brakes are forbidden, then many times the problem is resolved. Supervisor Mark Loutsch, a farmer by trade, spoke in opposition of the proposed ordinances, saying sometimes it is needed. Loutsch shared his concern about how some regulations in areas of the nation are being too restrictive to agriculture. Supervisor Craig Anderson said he understands Loutsch’s position for speaking in opposition to the proposed jake brake ordinance, but added that “sometimes the truckers could be a bit more courteous”, referring to when trucks drive by a subdivision housing area. Chairman Jim Henrich asked Van Otterloo and Rohe how many complaints have been received regarding the use of jake braking. Both Rohe and Van Otterloo indicated there have been very few complaints expressed. Rohe indicated the cost for instalation of signs forbidding the use of jake brakes could be $1000. Henrich suggested to the supervisors since there have been very few complaints, that the issue should be tabled for future discussion.
Sheriff Gives Financial Report
(Le Mars)– Plymouth County sheriff Mike Van Otterloo gave a financial report to the county board of supervisors. A total of $51,981.16 was collected through inmate fees. Van Otterloo says the increase was a result of holding additional federal inmates from the U-S Marshall’s service.
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/May2012/Van Otterloo.mp3{/audio}
Van Otterloo anticipates additional revenue to come to the county as the result of the Plymouth County Corrections Center.
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/May2012/Van Otterloo2.mp3{/audio}
Rasmussens Selected As Chamber’s “Boss of the Quarter”
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce has announced the Boss of the Quarter. Tim and Bonnie Rasmussen of Timmy’s Catering have been selected as the Boss of the Quarter. Some of the comments from their employees who nominated the Rasmussens say: “For over 25 years, Bonnie and Timmy have provided good meals at family’s happiest events as well as being there for them during fellowship and meal at a funeral. They take pride in all events they cater and donate large amounts of food to local churches and organizations. I am proud to work for such generous employers.” Another submitted nomination says: “Bonnie and Timmy are perfect examples of what bosses should be. They are both selfless and giving. If an employee is in a “rough patch” they are both willing to stop and listen. We all appreciate and care for them.” Our Congratulations to Tim and Bonnie Rasmussen for being named the Le Mars Chamber’s “Boss of the Quarter.”
City To Consider Sewer Line for Willow Run Development
(Le Mars) — At last week’s city council meeting a good deal of attention was devoted to a proposed sewer line for the residents living in the Willow Run development area near the golf course. Le Mars city administrator Scott Langel says the idea to install a sewer line was brought to the city’s attention when a resident had problems with his septic system. Langel says if the city was to install a sewer line it would stretch for nearly a mile.
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/May2012/Langel sewer.mp3{/audio}
Langel says conditions are move favorable today for a sewer line in the Willow Run area as opposed to when the area was first developed.
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/May2012/Langel sewer2.mp3{/audio}
The city council has instructed the city staff to conduct a cost analysis before they make a final decision. There may be some people wondering if the golf course would be interupted as a result of a new sewer line being installed?
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/May2012/Langel sewer3.mp3{/audio}
Once the cost analysis is complete, then the city council will again address the topic.
