Fire Department Issues June Report
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to a total of 41 calls during the month of June. There were ten fires, ten rescues, ten investigations, nine requests for services, and twice the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to mutual aid, one time at Oyens, and another time
with Merrill.
Former Westmar College Professor Has Plan To Ring “Freedom Bell”
(Le Mars) — A former church bell situated inside a tower positioned on the former Westmar College grounds isn’t used much these days since the college closed in 1996. Originally, the bell would ring, marking some significant sports victories, or events such as the inauguration of the college president, or other
important occasions as it would relate to Westmar College. But, a former Westmar College professor wants to change that, and is determined to have the bell ring again. Wayne Marty has thought about having the bell ring 13 times a year with each time it would chime 13 times. Marty says it would symbolize the
end of wars involving the United States. The “Freedom Bell” is scheduled to ring at 8:30 a.m. Marty offers a bit of history about the bell.
Marty says the bell was moved from its original position on the former college grounds.
The former Westmar College faculty member says he wants to start a new tradition with the ringing of the bell. Marty says the bell will ring on Tuesday, July 4th to mark the day when the United States declared its independence.
Marty says the significance of 13 times is to acknowledge the original 13 colonies, and the U-S has been involved in 13 different wars or conflicts.
During the month of May the bell will ring on three consecutive days…May 7th, 8th, and the 9th.
Marty reviews the other dates when the “Freedom Bell” will ring, marking the end of a war or conflict.
Marty says the end of World War I, the war to end all wars, happened on November 11th, which is why we acknowledge Veteran’s Day on November 11th. Marty says his goal is to ring the bell to symbolize freedom.
BPI vs. ABC News Trial Benefited Hotels and Restaurants
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – The trial to determine whether ABC defamed a South Dakota meat producer’s products that critics dubbed “pink slime” provided a boost to area business before it ended with a settlement.
The Sioux City Journal reports the biggest beneficiaries from the case that lasted more than four weeks were hotels and restaurants in the Sioux City area where the legal teams for ABC and Beef Products Inc. stayed.
The trial that was held in Elk Point, South Dakota, wrapped up last week. ABC’s team used 30 to 35 rooms at the Marina Inn Hotel and Conference Center in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Hotel manager Ralph Bobian says the trial provided a nice boost to business.
BPI’s team stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sioux City.
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State Government Begins New Fiscal Year Budget
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A roughly $7.2 billion state budget has gone into effect in Iowa.
The spending plan was approved by a Republican-controlled Legislature and former Gov. Terry Branstad. It addresses everything in state government from education funding to health care services. But lower-than-expected revenue meant
lawmakers agreed to a range of funding cuts across state agencies.
Those cuts have come into sharper focus since the legislative session was adjourned in April. Fewer Planned Parenthood clinics and increases in tuition at public universities are among the impacts of the new budget. Funding for services that help victims of domestic and sexual violence will also be cut.
Republicans say they tried to balance the budget while investing in priorities and essential government services.
The new plan took effect Saturday.
Missing Cousins Anniversary To Be Acknowledged
EVANSDALE, Iowa (AP) – The fifth anniversary of the abduction and killing of two young cousins will be marked by events raising awareness about the unsolved case and teaching lessons about child safety.
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports child safety will be the focus of an event on Sunday when DNA samples and fingerprints of children will be taken for free. Workshops on personal safety will also be offered at the Evansdale Community Resource Center.
Ten-year-old Lyric Cook-Morrissey and 8-year-old Elizabeth Collins were taken on July 13, 2012. Their disappearance during a bike ride sparked a massive search that ended tragically when their bodies were discovered on Dec. 5, 2012, in Bremer County.
On July 15, a memorial motorcycle ride from Lofty’s Lounge in Evansdale will be held to remember the girls.
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Cedar Rapids Man Charged With Attempted Murder
OXFORD, Iowa (AP) – A Cedar Rapids man has been charged with attempted murder after officials say he stabbed a man, tried to run him over and shot at him in a central Iowa wildlife management area.
The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that the incident happened Thursday in the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area in rural Johnson County.
Sheriff’s officials say the victim suffered four stab wounds to the
back. He is expected to recover.
Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek said in news release that 66- year-old Ronald Gonterman was arrested at his home later Thursday and charged with attempted murder.
Pulkrabek says the victim told investigators that Gonterman had tried to run him over with a pickup and fired multiple shots at him from a handgun.
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Charles City Police Investigate Fatal Shooting
CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) – Police in northeastern Iowa say a person has been shot to death, and an arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect.
Charles City police said in a news release Saturday that the shooting was reported just after 10 p.m. Friday at the Casa Apartments. Police say the victim was taken to a Charles City hospital and pronounced dead.
Police have not identified the victim pending notification of family
members.
Police later issued an arrest warrant for 26-year-old Antoine Williams charging him with first-degree murder. Police say Williams had not been found by midday Saturday.
Police say Williams is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by the public.
