Home News Wednesday News, November 23rd

Wednesday News, November 23rd

Fire Fighters Respond To Fire At SmithCo

(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department along with the Merrill Fire Department responded to a fire at SmithCo Manufacturing near Highways 75 and county road C-38 shortly after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening. Le Mars Fire Chief
Dave Schipper says when fire fighters arrived on scene, smoke could be seen billowing from the building.

smithco-fire

photo contributed.

Chief Schipper explains how the fire may have started and how the air filtering system helped fill the facility with smoke.

Fire fighters were on the scene for a little more than an hour.

 

University Leaders Ask For More Funding

(Des Moines) — The leaders of Iowa’s three public universities made their pitch for more public funding to the governor today (Tuesday) during a statehouse budget hearing. Officials at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa are asking for a general two percent boost in
state taxpayer support. Iowa State University president Steven Leath says it’s a “reasonable” request in light of dramatic enrollment growth at the Ames school.


University of Iowa president Bruce Harreld says his focus is on
keeping and attracting faculty.


Harreld and I-S-U’s president also are asking for a portion of state gambling
taxes for construction projects on the campuses.
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Son Charged With Arson For Setting Father’s Home On Fire

ANKENY, Iowa (AP) – An 18-year-old has been accused of setting fire to his father’s Ankeny home, causing nearly $1 million in damage.
Ankeny police say Paul Knapp is charged with arson, burglary and other crimes. Police say he was arrested Sunday in Fort Dodge. It’s unclear whether he has an attorney.
Authorities say the fire broke out Saturday night and engulfed the home by the time firefighters arrived. No injuries have been reported.

 

Two Year Old Toddler Found Wandering Alone

GALT, Iowa (AP) – Authorities have identified a toddler who was found in Galt, wandering about wearing pink pajamas but no shoes.
She was found early Tuesday afternoon and taken to a hospital in Clarion. She’s since been placed in the custody of the Iowa Department of Human Services. She’s believed to be 2 years old.
Authorities have not said what events led to the girl being found alone in Galt. Authorities say a vehicle believed to have been involved in the incident has been found. No arrests have been reported.