Le Mars Ambulance Service Responded To Fewer Calls
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Ambulance Service responded to fewer calls during the last
three months than in comparison from the same time last year. In the submitted
quarterly report, the Le Mars Ambulance Service says it responded to 222 calls
during the months of March, April, and May. That number is 35 calls fewer than a
year ago. So far this year, the Le Mars Ambulance Service has responded to 395
calls, compared to the 421 calls during the same period from last year. Bill
Rosacker, the director of the Le Mars Ambulance Service says the organization
received a $4,700 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Plymouth County
for the purchase of a hand-held carbon monoxide monitor. In addition, the
Community Healthcare Coalition awarded more than $12,800 for the purchase of a
Bariatric Cot. In turn, the cot being replaced will be taken to Floyd Valley
Healthcare for use in the Emergency Department to transport patients from the
Emergency Department to the helipad. Among the many accomplishments listed in the
quarterly report, the Le Mars Ambulance Service says they served over 300 people
pancakes and sausage during E-M-S week held in mid-May. The $2,800 donations that
were collected that day will go towards the purchase of new hand-held radios.
Grassley Anticipates “Difficult Campaign” Against Patty Judge
(Washington) — Republican U-S Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa anticipates the
campaign against Democratic candidate Patty Judge will be a “difficult campaign”.
The Iowa Senator did not elaborate on what he means by a “difficult campaign” when
he spoke to news reporters during his weekly news conference on Thursday. Grassley
says he will use the same philosophy for this campaign as he has done for every
campaign, dating back to when he was in the state legislature.
Judge, the former Lt. Governor with Chet Culver, was recruited by the National
Democratic party to run against Grassley.
Grassley Comments About Trump’s Controversial Remarks
(Washington) — Throughout this presidential campaign, businessman and now
presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has made derogatory
comments aimed at several ethnic groups. Most recently, Trump has been critical of
the judge selected to preside over a lawsuit involving the “Trump University”,
because of his Hispanic ethnicity. As a result of those comments, State Senator
David Johnson of Ocheydan has said he does not want to be associated with the same
political party as Trump, calling Trump a “racist”. During his weekly news
conference, U-S Senator Chuck Grassley was asked if he believes more republicans
will leave the party, because they don’t associate with Donald Trumps ideas and
controversial comments.
Grassley says a political figure needs to be certain they are representing the
people, and he further clarifies his position with Donald Trump.
Extension Crops Specialist Tells Farmers To Plant Soybeans In Wet Areas
(Le Mars) — After the frequent May rains, many farmers are wondering if they
should still try to plant corn in those once wet areas in their fields. Iowa State
University Extension Crops Specialist, Joel DeJong says corn may not be the best
option to plant in those once wet areas, but DeJong does suggest that farmers plant
something to help minimize weed pressure.
DeJong says farmers should look at perhaps planting soybeans in those areas of the
the field that were under water earlier this spring.
The Extension crops specialist says now is the time farmers need to start scouting
their fields, and deal with post-emergence spraying. He says corn is growing rather
quickly, with some earlier planted corn at a height of 16 inches or more.
Regents President Says Tuition Increase Is Needed To Maintain Quality
AMES, Iowa (AP) – The president of the board that governs Iowa’s three public
universities says he’s backing a tuition hike that’s been criticized by Gov. Terry
Branstad.
Board of Regents President Bruce Rastetter said Thursday that the $300
increase for undergraduate students is necessary to maintain quality.
The plan comes after lawmakers provided about $14 million less than the
universities requested and would raise about $21 million in revenue. Regents are
expected to vote next month.
Branstad said last week that the increase was too much and noted it is coming
just months before the school year begins. He called on his appointees on the
nine-member board to consider the impact it will have on students and families.
A public split is unusual between Branstad and Rastetter, one of the
governor’s top donors.
Regents Praise Ruud As UNI President
AMES, Iowa (AP) – The board of regents is praising University of Northern Iowa
President Bill Ruud even as it accepts his resignation to lead a far smaller
college.
The Board of Regents approved a resolution Thursday praising Ruud for
increasing enrollment, cutting student debt, raising millions of dollars and hiring
key administrators. The resolution expressed the board’s “deep gratitude” for his
service.
Ruud is leaving after three years to become the president of Marietta College,
a private school in Ohio. The board had declined to extend his expiring three-year
contract.
Ruud says he’s leaving with “very mixed emotions” but says he’s proud of his
accomplishments. He says leading Marietta is “a wonderful opportunity.”
The board appointed UNI Provost Jim Wohlpart as interim president while it
searches for Ruud’s replacement.
Fort Dodge Looks At Tearing Out Dams On Des Moines River
FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) – A consultant is recommending that Fort Dodge remove two
dams on the Des Moines River.
The plan by Snyder & Associates, of Ankeny, was introduced to the public
Wednesday at an open house.
It calls for removal of a hydroelectric dam that no longer produces power and
a nearby, smaller dam.
Nate Hoogeveen, the river programs coordinator for the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources, says the goal is to enhance recreation and improve water
quality.
The city already is removing a power plant next to the hydro dam but officials
say it will be years before the dams and other river enhancements are completed.
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