Akron Fire Department Called To Investigate Natural Gas Smell
(Akron) — The Akron Fire Department got an early wake up call this morning at about 3:45 a.m. when they were contacted due to the smell of natural gas. The fire department responded to 2nd and Iowa Streets. Within 45 minutes the fire department was able to resolve the issue. No other information is available at this time.
Man Suspected Of Robbing Le Mars Wal-mart Store Is Arrested In Texas
(Le Mars) — The man suspected of robbing the Le Mars Wal-mart store on August 28th is in custody. On October 30th, the Le Mars Police Department was notified by the Hillsboro, Texas police department that a suspect that matched the description was also suspected of robbing two Texas Wal-mart stores. The suspect is identified as 25 year old Christopher Hinnenkamp of San Marcos, Texas. Hinnenkamp was arrested after an attempted robbery of a Greenville, Texas Wal-mart store, and the robbery of the Hillsboro, Texas Wal-mart store. Texas police officers were able to apprehend Hinnenkamp after a short foot pursuit. Hinnenkamp has been identified as a Wal-mart Loss Prevention employee from Texas who had been on a trip home after visiting relatives in Minnesota. Charges have been filed in Plymouth County charging Hinnenkamp with robbery in the 1st degree, a class B felony. The investigation is continuing.
Northwestern College To Offer New Biology Majors
(Orange City) -— Northwestern College is adding a new major to the options available to science students. Beginning next fall, biology students headed to research or genetic counseling careers or non-medical graduate programs will be able to prepare with a major in genetics, molecular biology and cellular biology (GMBCB).
The new major joins three other options for biology students: a biology major (for students interested in biology teaching), an ecological science major, and a biology-health professions major.
The GMBCB major is most similar to the biology-health professions major but intended to prepare students for jobs or graduate programs in fields other than health care, says Dr. Sara Sybesma Tolsma, who helped develop the new program. “Right now, our biology-health professions major is the default choice for students intending to pursue biomedical research, biotechnology, genetic counseling, or other science careers or graduate programs that are not explicitly health professions,” she explains.
Chamber Holiday Dollars Still Available
(Le Mars) — Le Mars Chamber of Commerce officials report there are still Retail Holiday dollars available for purchase. Buyers of the Retail Chamber Holiday Dollars can get a 15 percent discount. Pay $85 and get back $100 worth of Chamber Holiday dollars that can be used at many Le Mars businesses. Chamber Holiday Dollars can be purchased during normal business hours at the Le Mars Chamber office located at 50 Central Avenue SE.
Le Mars Public Library Issues Quarterly Report
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Public Library has issued its quarterly report. According to city librarian Shirley Taylor, the Le Mars Public Library had 20,757 people walk into the library during the three months of August, September, and October. A total of 6,504 items were checked out by adults, and a total of 7,028 items were checked out by children. The library saw 3,569 DVD’s that were rented, which represents a 30 percent increase from last year. Audio books and music CD’s had a 20 percent increase from last year with a total of 3,569 that were used by the public. Computer use was at 1,854 people, and the 225 people utilized the public library’s wireless Wi-Fi capabilities. 81 times the meeting room was utilized accounting for 2,063 people in attendance. The library is reporting during the quarter they had a total of 55 volunteer hours.
Authorities Arrest Seven People Associated With Jamal Dean’s Fleeing
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say seven people have been arrested in Sioux City, suspected of aiding a man who shot a police officer.
A spokesman for federal prosecutors, Tim Duax, on Wednesday declined to identify the seven or address the specific charges against them.
Jamal Dean, the man who shot officer Kevin McCormick, fled Sioux City after the April 29, 2013, shooting. He was arrested five days later during a traffic stop in Riviera, Texas, 105 miles from the Mexican border.
Although McCormick’s police vehicle was riddled with bullets and he was shot in the head, he wasn’t seriously injured. He’s returned to work.
Dean later pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
18 Year Old Tells Of Having Fantasies While Killing 5 Year Old Foster Brother
LOGAN, Iowa (AP) – An 18-year-old has testified that while in his fantasy world he killed a goblin but didn’t realize until later he’d actually killed his 5-year-old foster brother in western Iowa.
Cody Metzker-Madsen testified Wednesday he visits a different world whenever he plays a game with someone and that only he can visit those worlds. His lawyer is using an insanity defense to combat the murder charge in Harrison County District Court in Logan.
Authorities say little Dominic Elkins was killed last year while the boys were playing outdoors at their home near Logan. An autopsy said Elkins, whose body was found at the bottom of a ravine, died as a result of blunt-force head injuries and drowning. Metzker-Madsen was 17 at the time.
DNR Investigates Hunter’s Accidental Shooting
DUNLAP, Iowa (AP) – Iowa authorities say a man has been seriously injured after accidentally shooting himself while hunting for coyotes.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the elderly man was stepping out of his truck in a harvested cornfield west of Dunlap when he tripped and fell on Wednesday evening. Officials say the high-powered rifle he was carrying shot a bullet into his abdomen.
The man was flown to an Omaha hospital. His identity hasn’t been released.
DNR officials are investigating.
Two People Are Dead Following Two Vehicle Accident Near Council Bluffs
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Two people have been killed in a two-vehicle crash in Council Bluffs.
Police says a van was traveling Tuesday morning near Veterans Memorial Highway and South Expressway when it struck another car.
A passenger in the second car, 47-year-old Wendy Hastie of Council Bluffs was killed. Another passenger in the same vehicle, 50-year-old Tammi Murray, also of Council Bluffs, died later at an Omaha hospital.
The drivers of the van and car suffered minor injuries.
The Omaha World-Herald reports police are waiting for toxicology results as they investigate the crash.
Army Corps Of Engineers To Reduce Water Release On Missouri River
YANKTON, S.D. (AP) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to reduce the amount of water releases from Fort Randall and Gavins Point dams on the Missouri River.
The changes in the popular recreational area will begin Thursday. The Corps is reminding duck hunters to check their decoys and river users to plan for lower levels.
Releases will be reduced by approximately 3,000 cubic feet per second in a stair-step manner during four days.
The new levels will be in effect until winter releases are implemented in December. The navigation season at the mouth of the Missouri River ends on Dec. 10.
Basin Power To Hold Annual Meeting
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Basin Electric Power Cooperative is hosting more than 1,000 people from a nine-state region at its annual meeting in North Dakota’s capital city.
The theme for this year’s meeting is “Member Owned, Member Driven.” It’s scheduled Wednesday and Thursday at the Bismarck Event Center.
Basin Electric CEO and General Manager Paul Sukut and North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple are among the scheduled speakers.
Bismarck-based Basin Electric supplies power to 137 rural electric systems in the Dakotas, Wyoming, Minnesota, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, and in Iowa including Le Mars based Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative or NIPCO. Those systems deliver power to about 2.8 million consumers.
