Fire Reported At Prime Apartments Assisted Living Center
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to an oven that had caught on fire at the Prime Apartments Assisted Living Center located at 108 1st Avenue NW. The fire was detected at about 5:30 p.m. Monday evening. The fire was isolated to the apartment number 304 on the third level and on the north side of the structure. Fire Chief Dave Schipper describes the scene upon arrival.
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Schipper says one woman was transported by ambulance to the Floyd Valley Hospital for observation. Other residents were observed by the Le Mars Ambulance crew and were allowed to remain at the assisted living apartments. Schipper says a plastic bowl left inside the oven started the fire.
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Fire fighters were on the scene for about an hour and ten minutes.
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Both the Le Mars Ambulance and the Le Mars Police Department assisted at the scene.
Supervisors To Hear Tax Credit Request From Plymouth Energy
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors will hear a report from Rick Hansen of Plymouth Energy as he discusses a proposal for support on a tax credit. The supervisors are expected to take action on the issue. The supervisors will hear a construction update from County Engineer Tom Rohe. Rohe will present a resolution to embargo Marble Avenue.
City Council To Hold Budget Hearing Today
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars City Council have a short agenda for their meeting scheduled today at the city council chambers beginning at noon. A budget hearing for the fiscal year 2015-2016 budget is scheduled for today. Otherwise, the city council does not have any action items on their agenda, only consent items consisting of approving the minutes from the previous meeting, payment of bills, the city energy advisory team, and the urban revitalization tax exemption requests.
Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission Plans Home Tour
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce the homes that will be on the 2015 Tour of Homes. Each year the commission features four homes showcasing a diverse mix of architectural styles during National Historic Preservation month. You’ll be able to tour these private homes and view the preserved character.
The four Le Mars homes that will be on the tour are: Paul and Denise Gengler – 701 Central Ave SW, Ryan and Tiffany Wright – 500 Central Ave SE, Dave and Patty Hill – 427 Central Ave SW and Bob and Marge Dull – 531 1st Ave SE.
Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission President Linda Mayrose says “We are delighted to have these four historic homes on the tour. “The architectural styles provide an excellent overview of Le Mars’ architectural history.”
The Tour of Homes will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The tour will begin in the Museum’s Old Central gym lobby. Tickets for the tour are $10.00 each. Tickets may be purchased prior to the event by calling Linda Mayrose 712-548-6889 or purchased the day of the event at the museum. Tours will proceed rain or shine.
Every year the Le Mars Historic Preservation Tour of Homes alternates donating the profits between the Plymouth County Museum and the Le Mars Arts Center. In 2015, the Museum will receive the proceeds from this event.
Neunaber Trial Delayed
(Le Mars) — The murder trial for Jonathon Neunaber of Akron was to have started on March 31st. However, the attorney for Neunaber has asked Judge Andreasen for an extension claiming he needs additional time to compile information and evidence. The request came this past Friday during a pre-trial update. Neunaber is charged with first degree murder for the death of his mother Ester Neunaber. Both Ester, and husband Donald Neunaer, bodies were found dead at their rural Akron farmstead last July. The court has not yet scheduled a new trial date.
Legislators Work On Bullying Bill
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Legislation aimed at expanding guidelines for Iowa educators who respond to school bullying has advanced in the House.
An education committee voted 19-4 Monday in favor of the bill. The full House can now debate it.
The measure would clarify the ability of educators to monitor bullying off school grounds. It would also expand parental notification language and the definition of cyberbullying.
After several changes to the bill Monday, it now better mirrors Senate legislation. Rep. Quentin Stanerson, a Center Point Republican, says a $200,000 appropriation for teacher training and a student mentoring program would remain in the bill.
That’s different than the Senate. Sen. Robert Hogg, a Cedar Rapids Democrat, says removing the appropriation helps the legislation’s chances. He says he wants to secure funding through another legislative process.
Senate Panel Passes Bill To Halt The Closings Of Mental Health Institutes
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A Senate panel has approved a bill that could halt the upcoming closings of state mental health centers in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant.
A three-member human resources subcommittee approved the bill unanimously Monday. It now heads to a full committee for consideration.
The bill would require the state Department of Human Services to keep the facilities open until it develops a “suitable and appropriate” long-term care and treatment plan for its patients. The Legislature would approve the plan.
Gov. Terry Branstad’s budget proposal removes funding for the facilities. State officials say patients will be able to receive treatment elsewhere. Critics say the closings, scheduled later this year, have not been well organized.
Democratic Sen. Rich Taylor, the bill’s sponsor, says he has bipartisan support in both chambers.
Branstad Wants To Offer Raises To Staff
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad is defending plans to give raises to some staffers in his office, arguing the budgeted money will be below previous administration costs.
Branstad’s budget proposal seeks nearly $2.4 million for his office in the fiscal years that end in 2016 and 2017. That’s an increase from nearly $2.2 million this current fiscal year.
Chief of Staff Matt Hinch says the money will be used for “modest” increases in salaries and other costs. He says there has not been such a financial request in years.
Branstad said Monday that former Gov. Chet Culver spent more money for such matters. Records show he spent about $3.4 million in the fiscal year that ended in 2009 and nearly $2.7 million in the fiscal year that ended in 2010.
