Community Shows Support For Floyd Valley Hospital Expansion Project
(Le Mars) — Floyd Valley Hospital has seen a strong response from the community in support of the North Addition capital fundraising campaign efforts. According to Chuck Jespersen, Hospital Foundation manager, local donors have already contributed more than $2.1 million, leaving less than $500,000 needed to make the new expansion project a reality. Jespersen encourages each family residing in Plymouth County to consider making a gift to the Floyd Valley Hospital. In addition to the new clinic and surgery unit, a new indoor MRI suite will be added so patients no longer have to go to an outdoor trailer for MRI scans. Renovations also include needed updates in infrastructure including new generators, boilers, electrical systems and geo-thermal wells. Hospital administrator, Mike Donlin says the new addition will also help with the recruitment of physicians to Le Mars and the Floyd Valley hospital. Gifts to the campaign are currently being accepted and can be paid throughout a period of five years. Gifts can also be made in the form of stock, grain or other commodities. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS. Donors who would like to make a gift to the hospital campaign before the end of the year are encouraged to contact Jespersen. Jespersen says, “gifts of all sizes will help the hospital and clinic help heal bodies and save lives for future generations.
Floyd Valley Hospital Trustees To Meet Tuesday Evening
(Le Mars) — Speaking of Floyd Valley Hospital, the hospital trustees will meet this evening. They are expected to review and approve a resolution that approves the final contracts and performance and/or the payment of bonds for the bid package for the construction of the hospital and associated site work.
School Board Approves Land Exchange
(Le Mars) — No one from the public appeared last night at the Le Mars Community School Board meeting to speak either in favor or opposed to the school’s intention to make a land exchange. Three board members, Dr. Mark Stelzer, Chris Collins, and Pat Murphy all mentioned they had people visit with them about the proposed land exchange, but each indicated all comments were positive and in favor of the school purchasing land located in the Dogwood Industrial Properties. The board unamiously approved the agreement to make a land exchange with Steve Shuster. Schuster will acquire 18 acres of land presently owned by the school district located at 14th Avenue SE and county road C-30, and the school will acquire 17 and a half acres located across the street to the west of the high school and middle school buildings, and ball fields. As part of the exchange, the school will pay a sum of $608,000 to Shuster over the course of three years.
Supervisors To Again Discuss Vacating 212th Street
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors will again discuss the issue of whether to vacate 212th Street during its weekly meeting at the County Courthouse today. Last week, the supervisors heard testimony on both sides of the issue. 212th Street lies just to the south of Smith and Company’s dump truck manufacturing facilities. Randy Strong of Smith and Company appeared last week encouraging the supervisors to vacate the access road in order for Smith and Company to expand its facilities to the south. However, Smith and Company did not present any definate expansion plans, and some of the supervisors were concerned the company may not follow through with its plans to expand. The supervisors asked Strong if he would return this week to the county governing board’s meeting with an expansion agreement to help them with their decision as to whether the county should vacate the access road.
Northwestern Professor To Write Book About History Of Orange City
ORANGE CITY, Iowa (AP) – A Northwestern College professor, student and library staffers have teamed up for a book about the history of Orange City.
History professor Doug Anderson decided to create the book, which is set for release in April, after noticing a history book about another city.
He then asked college library director Tim Schlak and systems librarian Greta Grond if they would assist in the project. Anderson noted the two were experts in the college’s archives and understood the process of archival photographs and digitization.
When they agreed to join the effort, Anderson sought help from his student assistant, Sarah Kaltenbach.
The 128-page paperback includes details about Orange City’s founding in 1869, its growth and the creation of Northwestern College.
It will be published by Arcadia Publishing.
Fagg Discrimination Lawsuit Trial Continues
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A former federal prosecutor who is alleging she was discriminated against because of her mental and physical condition acknowledged leaving work early, even when specifically told to stay until 5 p.m.
Martha Fagg was asked Monday about leaving a half hour early on the first two days after being reassigned from Sioux City to Cedar Rapids due to disciplinary action.
Fagg responded, “I had to take care of my dogs.”
Fagg alleges then-U.S. Attorney Stephanie Rose discriminated against her because of her mental and physical conditions. She also alleges Rose discriminated against older employees.
Rose is now a federal judge.
Fagg blames some statements and actions she took on stress because of being forced to sell her home and move to Cedar Rapids.
—
Sioux City Police Ask For Public’s Help To Locate Missing Man
(Sioux City) — Sioux City Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a man who has been missing since November 7th. Officers are looking for Melton R. Bell, an African-American who stands 5 foot-11 inches, weighs 150 pounds and has brown eyes. According to a report, police responded to 2201 W. 2nd Street in order to speak with Melton Carter, the father of Melton Bell. Mr. Carter says he last saw his son at their home they share, back in early November. Mr. Carter says he left for work during the evening and upon returning on November 8th, his son, Melton Bell, was gone. Carter states that he has not had contact with his son for over one month. Carter says it is out of character for Bell, who suffers from mental illness, to not report to his home. People who may know the whereabouts of Melton R. Bell are asked to report to the Sioux City Police Department.
Republicans Establish Party Rules Against Accepting Payments
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Republican Party of Iowa is barring party officials from taking compensation from political campaigns.
The state GOP announced Monday that they had approved a bylaw change over the weekend. Under the new rules, about 20 party officials will be banned from taking any paid campaign work.
Iowa GOP Chairman A.J. Spiker says state party officials have received compensation in the past. He says this change is a good way for the state party to set an example that they are serious about avoiding any conflicts of interest.
Former Sen. Kent Sorenson, a Republican from Milo, resigned in October after an independent investigator concluded he likely broke Senate ethics rules in receiving money from presidential candidate Michele Bachmann’s political action committee and presidential campaign.
Iowa Juvenile Home In Toledo To Close
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa officials are finding new treatment facilities for the 21 young people currently living at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo.
The Department of Human Services announced the plan Monday. Director Charles Palmer says the decision was based on recommendations from a task force established by the governor.
The residents – all girls with behavioral problems – will be moved in the next few weeks, either to other state institutions or to private providers. In addition, the 93 staffers at the home have received layoff notices, though some may be able to secure other state jobs.
An investigation led to major changes at the home, including limits on its once-widespread use of seclusion cells.
Two Construction Workers Injured After Train Hits Boom Truck
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Two construction workers in West Des Moines have been injured after they were thrown from a boom lift on a truck hit by a train.
Authorities say the accident happened Monday afternoon at the Grand Avenue and Interstate 35 interchange in West Des Moines. One worker was thrown about 200 feet and the other worker became wedged under a bridge.
Authorities say the man who was thrown suffered serious injuries, but additional information has not been released about his condition. The man who gripped onto a girder for nearly an hour suffered minor injuries and was removed with the help of a small crane.
The names of the workers have not been released.
