House Apartment Complex Catches On Fire
(Le Mars) — A two-story, multi-unit apartment house in Le Mars caught on fire Friday morning at about 9:25 a.m. Both the Le Mars and Merrill Fire Departments were dispatched to 18 4th Street SE. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says upon arrival, fire officials saw heavy smoke coming from the structure, as well as flames in the back of the structure.
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There were no injuries reported with the fire. But, given the cold temperatures, Schipper was grateful for all the equipment working properly.
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The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and it remains under investigation. Fire fighters were on the scene for nearly an hour and a half.
Woodbury County Sheriff Warns Of Latest Phone Scam
(Sioux City) — The Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office has received information that someone is calling people that have outstanding debts that may have gone to collections. During the phone call, these unidentified persons are claiming to be from the sheriff’s office and telling the victims that they need to turn over their credit card information to satisfy the debt. The Woodbury County Sheriff Office will never ask for any credit card information, and never deals in the collection of money. As a reminder, never give out personal or financial information over the phone.
New Ice Cream Days Logo Announced
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce along with the Ice Cream Days committee have announced the winner of the upcoming Ice Cream Days logo. Chris Hatting, a senior attending the Le Mars Community School designed the winning entry. Hatting is the son of Dan and Tammy Hatting. The logo shows a scoop of ice cream with some of the ice cream starting to melt.
Sioux County Attorney To Work For Attorney General Office
ORANGE CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Sioux county attorney is resigning to take a job with the Iowa attorney general’s office.
Coleman McAllister’s last day with Sioux County will be March 31.
Geoff Greenwood is a spokesman for Attorney General Tom Miller and the office, and he says McAllister will handle criminal cases for the area prosecutions division. The opening was created by the retirement of Charles Thoman.
In his new post, McAllister will be based in Des Moines. He says he looks forward to the challenge ahead.
He’s served as Sioux County attorney for seven years, following five years as assistant county attorney.
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Dr. Daron De Jong Selected As New Orange City Town Crier
ORANGE CITY, IA – The Orange City Tulip Festival Executive Committee selected Dr. Daron De Jong as Orange City’s new Town Crier. Dr. De Jong accepted the role following the retirement of long-time Town Crier Ron K. De Jong. As Town Crier, Dr. De Jong will welcome guests to the festival prior to each day’s afternoon and evening festivities. He will work with city council members to inspect the streets prior to street scrubbing during Straatfeest. He will also lead Sinterklaas into town during Orange City’s annual Sinterklaas Day celebration in December. Ron K. De Jong announced his retirement as Town Crier after 35 years of service to Orange City and Tulip Festival. Dr. De Jong is the third Town Crier in the history of Orange City’s Tulip Festival. He follows the tenures of both Ron K. De Jong and Gerard Kalsbeek. Dr. De Jong will begin his duties as Town Crier during the 2014 Tulip Festival on May 15, 16 and 17.
Mercy Hospital Ask Visitors To Wear Mask
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Sioux City hospitals are requiring health care workers who haven’t received a flu shot to wear masks when consulting with patients.
Mercy Medical Center Sioux City and UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s want anyone who comes in contact with patients to be immunized or wear a mask if they opt out for medical or religious reasons. The hospitals’ policies aren’t mandated by the state.
The state Department of Public Health has upgraded influenza activity in Iowa from regional to widespread. Officials have confirmed more than 500 cases of the virus.
Hospital officials say catching the flu while being hospitalized with another medical condition can be dangerous. It could lead to longer hospital stays or cause death.
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