Remsen Fire Department Battle Farm Equipment Fire
(Remsen) — The Remsen Fire Department was called to 47732 180th Street on Monday afternoon to put out a fire that was burning some farm equipment. That call came in at about 2:45 p.m. No word as to how much damage was sustained to the farm equipment as a result of that fire. Fire officials were on the scene for about an hour.
Two People Arrested On Drug Charges
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office has charged two individuals for drug violations. At approximately 1:20am, Sunday, Jessica Thornton, age 24 of Moville, Iowa was stopped in Merrill for an equipment violation. Thornton was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The passenger, Samuel Scott Iverson, age 26 of Merrill, was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Thornton was cited into court for simple misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and released.
Iverson was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver (Class C felony), possession of marijuana 3rd or subsequent offense (aggravated misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor). Iverson was jailed at the Plymouth County Jail. Iverson was seen by a judge and bond was set at $15,000.
Supervisors To Hear About Proposed Sioux City Casino
(Le Mars) — In today’s Plymouth County Board of Supervisor’s meeting, the board will review their insurance programs with Rob Bixenmann and Clarence Hoffman, the president of the ICAP. The supervisors will also decide upon three different real estate subdivisions. Also on the agenda will be Brian Chamberlain of Warrior Entertainment who will share information regarding the possible casino license in Sioux City. Chamberlain is seeking a letter of support. County engineer, Tom Rohe will review the proposed construction project for 5th Street in Merrill.
City Council To Discuss Start Time of Meetings
(Le Mars) — During today’s city Council meeting, the Le Mars City Council will again discuss the start time for council meetings. Two of the council members have previously discussed and asked the council to consider having the meetings start later in the day, so more city residents and constituents may be able to attend council meetings. In other action during the council meeting, city leaders will hear from Hy-Vee representatives regarding a development request, and the council will discuss a sales agreement with city owned real estate. The city council will also discuss the city’s ISO rating which helps determine the insurance rates for residents.
Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty To Vehicular Homicide
ONAWA, Iowa (AP) — A Sioux City man has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in connection with a fatal crash. Lenley Schofield Jr. pleaded guilty Monday to vehicular homicide and operating while intoxicated. The plea agreement includes an 11-year prison sentence. Prosecutors say the 28-year-old Schofield was driving on Iowa Highway 141 near Mapleton in November 2011 when his car veered into an oncoming truck. His passenger, Robert Palmer, later died.
Legislators Want Three-Fifths Majority To Decide On Tax Increases
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Republican lawmakers want to require a three-fifths majority vote for any state tax increase.
Legislation discussed Monday by a subcommittee in the state House would change the Iowa Constitution to require a three-fifths majority to approve any tax hike or new tax. Rep. Mark Lofgren, one of the sponsors, says he wants to make it difficult to raise taxes
in Iowa.
Lofgren argued that Iowa needs low taxes to compete with other states. But Democratic Rep. Tyler Olson says he was concerned that changing the voting rules could make it harder for future
legislators to respond to budget matters, such as a drop in revenue during the 2008 recession.
Iowa Officials Seeding Roadsides By Airplane
AMES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa officials are controlling roadside erosion statewide. The Iowa Department of Transportation has hired aviation contractors to perform aerial seeding and fertilizing
along the state’s highways. Several seeding projects are scheduled to be completed in February and March.
Des Moines Woman Charged With Theft and Impersonating A Officer
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A 36-year-old Des Moines woman has been charged with theft and with impersonating an officer.
The Des Moines Register reports (https://dmreg.co/WO3CRH ) that Danielle Shaffer was arrested Sunday afternoon.
Officers say Shaffer flashed a badge when she was stopped by Wal-Mart workers outside a store in south Des Moines. A police report says Shaffer had put merchandise into bags she’d taken into
the store, and then she bypassed the cash registers on her way out.
Officers say the badge she flashed said Bussey Police. The southern Iowa town of Bussey hasn’t had a police force for more than seven years.
Shaffer remained in Polk County Jail on Tuesday, pending $7,000 bail. Online court records don’t list the name of her attorney.
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Lawsuit Filed Against Anita School Officials
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former elementary student in the small western Iowa community of Anita has filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming the school’s principal and superintendent knew a former teacher abused girls and failed to report it. The girl and her mother, who are not named, claim she also was abused. The girl was a student until 2011 at Anita Elementary, one of the schools in the
consolidated CAM School District. Last October, 66-year-old former teacher William Foulkes pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor. He received a suspended prison sentence and probation. The lawsuit filed Monday claims Principal Larry Hunt and Superintendent Steve Pelzer knew about Foulkes’ behavior but allowed him to resign in 2010. Foulkes wasn’t charged until last March.
