Water Main Break Has People Without Water
(Le Mars) — Le Mars residents living within a few blocks of 120 11th Street southwest will notice they have no water. Le Mars Water Department Superintendent Gayle Sitzmann says the city has a water main break in that neighborhood. Crews are on the scene making repairs. Sitzmann believes it may be 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. this afternoon before water will be restored to the neighborhood.
Runners Run In Colors For Boys Club
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – More than 2,500 runners in Sioux City got a blast of color as well as a workout from a 5 kilometer race.
Runners who ran in the charity race Sunday morning were blasted with colored cornstarch at a number of spots, leaving their skin and clothing streaked with different shades.
The run was a fundraiser for the Boys Club of Sioux City.
Organization board member Jim Palmer says the organization hoped to raise up to $25,000 from the race.
Runner Scott Andrew, of Norfolk, Nebraska, didn’t realize he’d be sprayed with colored cornstarch but didn’t mind, saying “I didn’t know what to expect, but it was fun.”
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Branstad Won’t Comment On Lawsuit
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad won’t comment on a lawsuit filed by the state’s workers’ compensation commissioner.
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday that Branstad and top aides could be held personally liable if a jury decides they defamed Commissioner Christopher Godrey and improperly cut his salary in an attempt to force his resignation.
The 5-2 decision means that a lawsuit filed by Godfrey returns to a lower court for trial.
The state has spent $525,000 in legal fees on the case. On Monday, Branstad referred questions to a private attorney representing the state, saying it’s pending litigation and he can’t comment.
Godfrey, who is gay, is suing Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, and other state officials, alleging he was discriminated against based on his sexual orientation and defamed by their statements.
Homeless Victims Told They Must Leave
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Des Moines city workers have posted fliers along trails near the Des Moines River informing homeless campers they must leave.
KCCI-TV reports workers have posted the fliers on trails near Euclid Avenue in northern Des Moines. Homeless campers have until June 27 to leave, or crews will dispose of their property.
City Council member Christine Hensley says the decision to remove the campers followed complaints about the camps.
The city has made similar moves in past years, including an effort to remove homeless campers from beneath a bridge near downtown Des Moines.
Officials say they’re working to offer other housing options to the homeless campers.
Camper Jonathan Gisi hopes for city assistance getting an apartment, saying, “If I can get a little help, then maybe I can help myself.”
Accident Injures Police Officer
HUXLEY, Iowa (AP) – A police officer has been injured in a crash near Interstate 35 in central Iowa.
Huxley Police Chief Mark Pote told Des Moines television station KCCI that the officer was stopped near the interstate when another vehicle rammed into the police cruiser from behind. The driver of that vehicle was taken into custody to face possible charges of drunken driving.
The officer was taken to Mary Greeley Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. He was identified as Nick Swanson.
Candidate Withdraws Name From List
FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) – The Webster County attorney has announced that she won’t seek election in November.
Cori Coleman says she and her family plan to move back Des Moines to be closer to relatives.
Coleman has held the post since being appointed in June 2013. She’d been first assistant under Ricki Osborn, who quit to take over a private law practice.
First assistant county attorney Jennifer Benson says she’ll be seeking the Democratic nomination to replace Coleman on the ballot.
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