Train Collides With Semi Truck and Trailer
(Le Mars) — A semi truck and trailer collided with a north bound Union Pacific Train Wednesday afternoon at Le Mars. The accident happened at 18th Street Southwest and Highway 75. There were no injuries involved with the collision as the back of the trailer came into contact with the train. The truck, owned by Westside Transport of Cedar Rapids and driven by 28 year old Randy Brown Jr. of Euclid, Ohio, was hauling bales of cardboard waste. The train consisted of grain cars. The truck was attempting to cross the railroad tracks, when it appears to have yielded to north bound traffic on Highway 75, leaving the trailer exposed, and remaining on the tracks when the train hit it, spilling the contents of the truck into a ditch. The Le Mars Police Department and Union Pacific rail officials are investigating the accident.
Field and Hay Bale Fires Create Problems For Area Fire Departments
(Le Mars) — Field fires and haybale fires continue to be a problem for area fire departments. Hinton Fire Department was called to a fire located near the intersection of County Road C-60 and K-22, about three miles west of Hinton. Several haybales had caught fire. Hinton had to ask for mutual aid from Merrill, Le Mars, Lawton, and even Sioux City. Fire officials were on the scene for more than four hours. The Kingsley Fire Department responded to a field fire at 43637 County Road C-60. Officials were at that fire for about an hour. As a result of the many fires, the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department had to cancel their planned disaster drill that was supposed to have happen at Dean Foods.
With School Starting, Iowa State Patrol Reminds Motorists of “Kadyn’s Law”
(Le Mars) — Today is the first day of school for Le Mars Community and Gehlen Catholic. Many other schools have already started their session. The Iowa State Patrol wants to remind people there is no better time to think about the safety of our children. The Iowa State Patrol will hold a media news conference this morning in Sioux City to emphasize the importance of the Kadyn’s law. Trooper Vince Kurtz says previously Iowa had laws against passing a stopped school bus, but now the penalties and fines are stiffer if you violate the law.
Listen to
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Kurtz says if there is an injury or death involved, the fines now can be up to $1800 plus jail time, as well as the loss of driving privileges for six months.
Third “Cash Mob” Scheduled for Tonight
(Le Mars) — Tonight will be the third “Cash Mob” sponsored by the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce. This time around a food business located within the downtown district will be selected. Le Mars Mayor Dick Kirchoff will select the name in front of the Chamber office at 5:15 p.m. this evening. The five eligible businesses include the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor, Fareway, Hugo’s, Pizza Ranch, and the Habitue Coffee House.
Sioux City Man Found at Lake Okoboji
OKOBOJI, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say the body of a Sioux City man has been found in West Lake Okoboji (OH’-kih-BOH’-jee) in northwest Iowa.
Dickinson County sheriff’s divers found the body of 39-year-old Juan Gonzales Wednesday morning.
Gonzales was reported missing on Sunday after he jumped off a boat into the water and never resurfaced.
The dive team found the body in an area south of where Gonzales went in.
Sioux City Councilman Wants Pit Bull Ban To Continue
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A city councilman says a pit bull rescue group hasn’t changed his mind about Sioux City’s ban on the dog breed.
Councilman John Fitch met with Sioux Empire Pit Bull Rescue members on Wednesday, and they pressed for his support in lifting the city ban. The ban was adopted in 2008. Pit bulls and pit bull
mixes already in the city were allowed to remain.
The group says a blanket ban on the breed is unfair and that prosecuting and punishing the owners of problem animals would be more appropriate.
Fitch says the council isn’t likely to revisit the issue.
The group plans to bring up the ban at the next Coffee with Council community meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 13.
