Home News Tuesday News, May 12

Tuesday News, May 12

City Crews Pick Up Downed Tree Limbs

(Le Mars) — City crews have been busy picking up tree limbs and branches that fell as a result of the strong winds from Sunday afternoon.  Scott Kneip, city public works director, says the work will continue today.

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Kneip says if the tree fell on the parking area, it is the city’s responsibility to remove.

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The Public Works Official says if a tree is resting on the lawn between the sidewalk and the home, then it becomes the responsibility of the homeowner to remove and dispose. Kneip says he knows of four large trees, mainly located in the southeast area of town, that had toppled due to the strong winds. Kneip reminds Le Mars residents the tree, limb, branch, and leaves disposal site located on the west side of town is open Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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Kneip says if residents are able to place their large tree limbs that fell during Sunday’s winds, alongside the curb, then the city will assist with the disposal. City crews will travel the streets Tuesday morning finishing up on the removal of downed trees.

 

 

 

Supervisors To Discuss Budget Amendment

(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to meet today at the county courthouse, and on their agenda, the supervisors will review and discuss a budget amendment for fiscal year 2014-2015 and set a public hearing date.  The supervisors will also read and review an ordinance for vacating platted lots, streets and alleys.  The supervisors are scheduled to review and possibly approve the 2015 Business Property Tax Credit applications. County engineer Tom Rohe will appear before the supervisors and submit construction contracts involving three culvert projects.

 

 

 

 

Floyd Valley Hospital Trustees To Meet Today

(Le Mars) — Floyd Valley Hospital Board of Trustees are meeting this morning for their monthly session.  The hospital trustees will hear a medical staff report. The hospital trustees will review and possibly approve Floyd Valley Hospital Auxiliary by-laws.  Trustee Larry Petersen will lead the discussion regarding the Quality Improvement Board Quarterly report.  Hospital Administrator Mike Donlin will lead the discussion for the general update.  The Board of Trustees will review and likely approve Lifeline program changes, capital acquisitions, and the change order requests.  Donlin will also update the trustees on the progress of the North Addition expansion project.

 

 

 

Hawarden To Expand Hospital

(Hawarden, IA) – Hawarden Regional Healthcare will be holding a Groundbreaking Ceremony, Thursday, May 21st to kick off their hospital expansion project. The event is to take place on the east side of the hospital at 10:00 a.m.  Hawarden Regional Healthcare’s nearly $14 million project will add approximately 20,000 square feet and remodeling other parts of the facility. Jayson Pullman, CEO of the Hawarden Hospital says, “This is a huge accomplishment for the town of Hawarden, to reinvest in the hospital’s infrastructure that will provide healthcare to the region for the current and future generations.  The community support for this project has been incredible”.

Hawarden Regional Healthcare, a city owned facility, has been in the planning stages for expansion for the last four years.  Over $2.5 million has been raised through pledges and donations from area community members and businesses. The expansion project is largely funded by a USDA loan and by two community banks. State and local lawmakers and community members will be in attendance.

 

 

 

 

Life Skills Executive Director Tells People Of Mental Health Funding Changes

(Le Mars) –– Last evening, the Life Skills Training Center held its annual banquet and awards recognition.  Executive Director of Life Skills, Don Nore spoke to the gathering about the many changes about to occur with the local organization that focuses attention on adult mentally challenged.  Nore says the changes involve a shift from local financing and local control to more state and federal regulations.

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Nore informed the gathering the expansion of traditional Medicaid programs that were operated through the state, now may become under the control of private entities.

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Nore says the transition is scheduled to begin on July 31st of this year, and take full effect on January 1st of 2016. He says it will mean a big difference for thousands of people.

 

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The Life Skills Executive Director urged the families and those attending last evening’s banquet and awards program to contact their legislative officials, as well as to contact Governor Branstad’s office and the office of the State’s Health and Human Services to stay informed about the changes and how those changes will affect services to the mentally challenged.

 

 

 

Roggow Awarded Life Skills Client Achievement Award

(Le Mars) — During last evening’s Life Skills banquet, Jayme Skadeland, the Rehabilitation Manager announced this year’s recipient for the Client Achievement Award.

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Roggow began working at Life Skills when it originated in 1973.  For more than a decade she has been working alongside a special volunteer creating all of the labels needed on the laundry floor.

 

 

 

Official Says Department Of Human Services Still Placing Mental Health Patients

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The head of the Iowa agency overseeing the proposed closings of two state mental health facilities says officials are still finding placements for some long-term patients.

Charles Palmer, director of the Iowa Department of Human Services, says up to six patients in a specialized unit for the elderly at the facility in Clarinda may not have placements by June.

Gov. Terry Branstad removed funding in his budget for facilities in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant. He supports a proposal by some Republican lawmakers to keep them open through December, but it’s unclear what support the measure will get from others.

Janice Scalise told lawmakers Monday her 63-year-old sister at Clarinda has yet to be placed and DHS officials have been unclear about the process. DHS officials say they’re working hard.

 

 

 

 

Man And Estranged Wife Get Lengthy Prison Terms For Child Pornography

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa man and his estranged wife have been handed lengthy federal prison terms on charges that they produced child pornography involving babies and young children.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa says 42-year-old Bradley Jensen and 37-year-old Jennifer Jensen, both Panora residents, were sentenced Friday to 32 1/2 years and 20 years in federal prison, respectively. Bradley Jensen was convicted sexual exploitation of a child and production of child pornography. Jennifer Jensen was found guilty of receipt of child pornography.

Investigation unveiled that the couple produced images of Bradley Jensen sexually abusing a 3-month-old. It also revealed Bradley Jensen made child pornography with a 6-year-old girl, whom they are both accused of sexually abusing.

Attorneys for the couple weren’t available Monday for comment on the sentences