Hospital Officials Say Frost Bite Can Occur Within A Few Minutes
(Le Mars) — Its no secret that frost bite can quickly occur when you are exposed to dangerously low temperatures and equally dangerous wind chill conditions. Mary Jo Clark serves as the Emergency Room Coordinator for Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars. She says frost bite can happen before you realize anything is wrong.
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The official temperature at the Le Mars airport at 9:30 a.m. this morning, was six degrees below zero with winds blowing between 12 and 18 mph. Clark explains how fast frost bite can occur under those conditions.
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Clark says Floyd Valley hospital has treated several cases of frost bite this winter, including this past week. She says if you need to be outside, then you should bundle up, and limit your time outdoors. She says a person’s face, nose, ears, fingers and toes are usually the first areas to suffer from frost bite.
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The Floyd Valley nurse says if you notice blisters, or some whiteish color or chrystalizing of the skin, you should go to the hospital for immediate care.
Fire Department Issues December Monthly Report
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department has submitted its December monthly report. The local fire brigade responded to a total of 22 calls for the last month of the year. The Le Mars Fire Department was called to four fire calls, six rescue calls, seven investigations, one mutual aid call with the Merrill Fire Department, and four requests for services. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper requests that capable residents living near a fire hydrant, to take the time and clear the snow away from the hydrant. Schipper says it ultimately will save the fire department time to locate a hydrant if a fire should occur.
Ex Food Manager Cooperated With US Investigation With Food Supplier
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A fired manager at an Iowa-based halal food supplier accused of fraud agreed to cooperate with prosecutors months ago under a plea deal.
A plea agreement released Tuesday shows Phillip Payne agreed in May to “fully and completely cooperate” in the investigation of the Midamar Corp.
The document shows that Payne worked as Midamar’s operations manager, but was fired in 2012 after telling the Cedar Rapids-based company he intended to seek employment elsewhere.
Payne has since worked for Iowa Premium Beef, which is opening a processing plant in Tama. Company spokeswoman Michelle Baumhover promised Monday to release a statement on Payne’s status, but later declined.
Payne pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to make and deliver false certificates and writings. Two other charges will be deferred under a pretrial diversion agreement.
Trial Scheduled For Man Accused Of Vehicular Homicide
MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – A trial has been scheduled later this month for a Mason City man accused of vehicular homicide and other crimes.
47-year-old Victor Rivera pleaded not guilty on Monday. His trial is set to begin on Jan. 27.
Authorities say Rivera was driving a pickup on Nov. 22 that struck a motorcycle carrying two people, fatally injuring one. Authorities say Rivera fled the scene but was pulled over a short time later by a Cerro Gordo County sheriff’s deputy.
Court records say Rivera was intoxicated at the time.
Osky Woman Sentenced To Life In Prison For Death Of Daughter
OSKALOOSA, Iowa (AP) – A judge has sentenced an Oskaloosa woman to life in prison without parole for the death of her young daughter.
Judge Myron Gookin sentenced Alicia Ritenour on Tuesday in Mahaska County District Court.
Jurors convicted Ritenour in November of first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death following the January 2014 death of 18-month-old Ava Ritenour. An autopsy showed she died of head trauma.
The convictions were merged, as first-degree murder has a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.
Gookin says Ritenour will be sent to a state prison for women in Mitchellville.
North Liberty City Council Approves Eminent Domain
NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa (AP) – North Liberty is drawing closer to using eminent domain for land that officials say is needed to run sewer and water lines to the new Liberty High School.
The City Council voted at a special session on Monday to authorize condemnation of three parcels owned by three different parties.
City Administrator Ryan Heiar says the city must acquire land spanning 13 properties to complete the utility line project, which is expected to cost about $6 million. The city has reached agreements or nearing them with the owners of the 10 other properties.
Heiar hopes construction will begin as soon as March. It’s expected to take about a year to finish.
