Le Mars Public Works To Close Streets For Repairs
(Le Mars) — Le Mars Public Works have announced they have closed North Greenwood Drive between Greenwood Avenue and West Valley Drive. The street is closed due to sewer intake repairs. In addition, the city will close 12th Street southwest from Central Avenue to 6th Avenue Southwest beginning Tuesday, June 30th. The city will close one block at a time in between intersections to tar and seal the cracks in the street. All intersections will remain open.
Police Issue Quarterly Reports
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Police Department has issued its quarterly report. During the 3rd and 4th fiscal year quarters tht covers a time period between December 23rd of 2014 and June 23rd, 2015, the police had investigated 566 complaints, the police had a total of 2,541 calls for service, issued 299 traffic citations, and 788 warnings. The police responded to 122 accidents and made 155 arrests.
June “Employee Of The Month” Awarded
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce awarded its June “Employee of the Month” Wednesday morning. Kevin Eekhoff representing the Chamber presented the honor to Richard Wilkins. Wilkins was nominated by Rust’s Western Shed. In the nomination, it states, Richard Wilkins is a dependable, valuable employee who handles a wide range of responsibilities at the store. He waits on customers, helps in the repair area, sells boots and other merchandise and is capable of running the store by himself when needed. He has a good understanding of how to meet the requirements of our shoe customers because of his knowledge of the store’s inventory. Fifteen years of experience have also enabled Richard to understand the shoe, boot, and other repair needs side of Rust’s Western Shed. He can answer customer’s questions about their needs and guide customers through the repairs options available to them. Richard provides friendly customer service and this loyalty and trustworthiness have made him a very valuable employee and asset to Rust’s Western Shed. That is why we are pleased to recognize Richard Wilkins as the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce June 2015 Employee of the Month. Our congratulations go to Richard Wilkins. By the way, Richard celebrated his 80th birthday on Wednesday.
Schipper Receives Fire Fighter Badge
(Sioux City) — A Le Mars man has been promoted to the rank of Fire fighter for the Sioux City Fire Department. Devon Schipper, was presented his badge on Monday during an official ceremony. Sioux City Fire Chief Tom Everett gave the badge to Le Mars Retired Fire Chief Wayne Schipper, who is the grandfather of Schipper. The retired chief then offered the badge to Allissa Schipper, Devon’s mother, who pinned on the badge. The young Schipper had been working with the Sioux City Fire Department for the past year on a probation basis. Devon Schipper is a fifth generation fire fighter. As mentioned, his grandfather is retired chief Wayne Schipper, and his father is current Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper. Devon Schipper also serves as a volunteer fire fighter for the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department.
New Sioux City Fire Fighter Devon Schipper is seen in front of a Sioux City Fire Department Truck with his family. From left, father and Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper, sister Josie Schipper, Devon, and mother Allissa Schipper.
Le Mars Man Tries To Elude Officers
(Le Mars) — Plymouth County authorities gave chase to a Le Mars man who was trying to elude the officers. The incident happen Sunday. 28 year old Shane Arre was arrested after he failed to stop for speeding, which led to a pursuit in southeast Plymouth County. While attempting to elude officers, Arre drove through a corn and soybean fields in rural Kingsley. While trying to exit the second field, Arre crashed his vehicle into a fence and embankment. After a short search of the area, Arre was located hiding in the tall grass, and was placed in custody. He was transported to the Plymouth County jail, and was charged with felony eluding, operating while intoxicated – second offense, driving under suspension, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The investigation is continuing for possible additional charges. Assisting with the apprehension of Arre were the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Remsen police, Kingsley police, the Iowa Highway Patrol, and the Plymouth County Conservation office.
Sioux City Woman’s Death Has Contributing Circumstances
VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says a woman whose body was found in the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota died from drowning with contributing circumstances.
Jackley on Wednesday released additional information about the autopsy of 29-year-old Alicia Hummel, of Sioux City, Iowa.
Hummel was found dead June 1st in Vermillion near the Myron Grove boat launch, which also is known as the Highline Area in Clay County.
Jackley says the contributing circumstances in Hummel’s drowning were an incision wound to the neck and blunt force injuries to the head. Toxicology reports were negative for any alcohol or controlled substances
Clay County authorities continue to investigate Hummel’s death as a homicide. Individuals with any information are asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 605-677-7100.
Two Construction Workers Injured After Building Collapses
EVANSDALE, Iowa (AP) – Two construction workers were hospitalized after a building site collapsed in eastern Iowa.
Evansdale emergency officials say the two were being treated for non-life threatening injuries after the collapse at a planned Kwik Star convenience store on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities are investigating the cause.
Crews with Evansdale’s fire department removed one man from the debris on a stretcher, and a second man who had been standing after the accident was later loaded into another ambulance.
Authorities say the workers were placing roof trusses for the nearly finished convenience store. Both were injured during falls.
Kinze Manufacturing To Have Layoffs
WILLIAMSBURG, Iowa (AP) – Iowa farm equipment maker Kinze Manufacturing says it must lay off 215 workers as business has slowed because of the impact of low grain prices on farmer purchases.
The privately held company based in the eastern Iowa near Williamsburg makes planters and grain carts.
The company released a statement that says it had earlier this year implemented a 30-hour work week in an effort to avoid permanent cuts, but current demand for its products does not support full staffing.
Office and factory workers are affected. Remaining workers will return to a 40-hour work week.
Deere and Co., another major farm equipment maker laid off 910 workers in its Iowa factories and 500 in Illinois in January.
Ohio Governor Talks About Immigration Policy
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Ohio Governor John Kasich says it’s not practical or humane to deport the millions of immigrants who are in the United States illegally.
Kasich is on his first trip to Iowa as a 2016 Republican presidential prospect.
He’s trying to draw distinctions with some potential rivals on the question of what to do about people in the country illegally.
Kasich has expressed reservations previously about creating a path to citizenship.
But as he described it Wednesday, he’s not for “putting them on a school bus, driving them to the border, opening the door and just telling them to get out.”
Kasich says he’ll decide soon whether to enter the 2016 race.
New Foods Announced For Iowa State Fair
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa State Fair has announced new food items for this summer’s contest.
Three finalists have been chosen for the New Food Contest, and fairgoers will be able to vote on them.
Corn in a Cup is one of the finalists. Sweet corn is cut off the cob and then mixed with pork chorizo, butter, chayote cheese, lime juice, sour cream, mayonnaise and “Magic Dust.”
The second finalist is the Toasted Coconut Caramel Cluster, a combination of toasted coconut, caramel fudge and pretzel bits that’s frozen on a stick and dipped in chocolate.
The third finalist is the Ultimate Bacon Explosion, which features brisket infused with a light jalapeno cheese, blended with seasonings, and then wrapped in bacon. It is smoked and then sauced in a sweet chili barbecue sauce.
