Central Avenue And Plymouth Street Intersection Closed For Repairs
(Le Mars) — The intersection of Highway 3 or Plymouth Street and Central Avenue
is now closed to traffic from all four directions. Construction crews have
already begun to work on the well-traveled intersection, making improvements. City
Public Works and Street Department superintendent, Scott Kneip explains the
repairs being made.
Kneip says the intersection will also be made to be more accessible for the
handicapped, and a new fire hydrant will be installed.
The Street Department superintendent says crews will no longer be using the
bricks, however the diamond pattern will remain.
Kneip says the downtown intersection may remain closed for a duration of up to
three weeks.
While construction continues, Kneip says traffic has been detoured.
The downtown intersection could remain closed until early November.
Plymouth County Secondary Roads Department Closes 260th Street For Culvert Repair
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Secondary Roads Department has shut down 260th
Street between Roosevelt Avenue and Shamrock Avenue. The road is closed beginning
today and continuing through at least October 21st in order for road crews to
replace a culvert pipe.
Sheriff’s Office Releases Names From Motorcycle Accident
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office has released the names and
additional investigative information regarding the accident involving two
motorcycles that happened Sunday, October 2nd on Highway 75. The driver of the
first motorcycle has been identified as 61 year old Kirk Kingsley of Ireton.
Kingsley was heading southbound on Highway 75 near 120th Street. He apparently had
slowed down on the highway with the intention of making a U turn, and head back
north. A second motorcycle that was not involved with the accident noticed
Kingsley had slowed down, and was able to avoid any collision. However, a third
motorcycle driven by 57 year old Allen Ellensohn of Le Mars did not see the
Kingsley motorcycle slow down, and consequently ran into the back of the Kingsley
cycle. Ellensohn was ejected from his motorcycle and landed 17 feet to the south
of the point of impact, resulting in head trauma. Kingsley sustained a minor head
injury. Kingsley refused any medical treatment at the scene. However, Ellensohn
was airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City with a head injury. The
condition of Ellensohn at the time of the investigation was determined as
incapacitating, but non-life threatening. Assisting at the scene were the Le Mars
Ambulance Service, the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department, and Mercy Air Care.
City Work Crews Catch 18-inch Snapping Turtle At Municipal Pond
(Le Mars) — City crews from the Le Mars Public Works Department were able to capture an 18 inch long snapping turtle Monday morning from the city’s Municipal Pond located on the north side of town. Officials that captured the reptile thought they perhaps may set it free somewhere at the Floyd River.
Branstad Stands By Trump
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is standing by Republican
presidential nominee Donald Trump who’s battling to rescue his campaign after the
release of video in which he’s heard bragging about how his fame allowed him to
“do anything” to women.
Branstad, at his weekly news conference Monday, said Trump’s words were
“reprehensible and offensive” but he said Trump apologized.
Branstad says he believes Trump is the best candidate to address national
security issues and international conflicts.
Branstad’s son Eric is Trump’s Iowa campaign director.
Several leading Republicans have withdrawn their support or called for Trump
to drop out of the race including governors from Tennessee and Utah.
Two Iowa Republican lawmakers, Rep. Ken Rizer and Sen. Jack Whitver pulled
support over the weekend but most state party leaders have not.
Governor Branstad Declares Two More Counties As Disaster Areas
(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that he formally issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Clayton and Winneshiek counties late Friday in response to flooding that began Sept. 21.
The governor’s proclamation allows State resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe flooding. The proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for residents of Clayton and Winneshiek counties.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the current federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $40,320, for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
Former Iowa State Patrol Trooper Admits Guilt To Stealing Prescriptions
MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – A former Iowa State Patrol supervisor has pleaded guilty
to accusations that he stole prescription medications seized during criminal
investigations.
Online court records say 32-year-old Michael Haugen, of Forest City, entered
written pleas last week to the charges of theft and tampering with records. A
hearing has been set for Oct. 25.
A court affidavit says Haugen has acknowledged removing pills from evidence
bags about 18 times in up to eight different cases between late 2014 and April. An
investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation found that he stole
roughly 150 pills.
Haugen acknowledged that he developed an addiction to painkillers while
battling intestinal problems.