Accident At C-44 and Hwy 140 Turns Into Fatality
(Remsen) — Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of the victims associated with the two semi trucks and pickup accident that happened Wednesday at the intersection of County road C-44 and Highway 140, nearly halfway between Remsen and Kingsley. The accident resulted in a fatality to one of the semi truck drivers. Through their investigation, it was
determined that 36 year old Aaron Moon of Westfield was driving a 2008 Dodge pickup truck and pulling an utility trailer, heading eastbound on county road C-44 when he failed to stop for a stop sign. Moon’s vehicle was struck by a northbound semi truck pulling a flatbed trailer, and driven by 61 year old Terry
Hainzinger of Fenton, Iowa. The 2007 Peterbuilt Semi tractor Hainzinger was driving is registered to M.S. and Sons Corporation from Humboldt, Iowa. The collision of the two vehicles caused the utility trailer that Moon’s vehicle was
pulling to become unattached from his pickup and travel into the southbound lane of travel on Highway 140. The utility trailer was then struck by another semi truck pulling a feed trailer that was heading southbound on Highway 140. The 2015 Freightliner semi was registered to Deluxe Feeds Incorporated of Sheldon,
Iowa. Moon and Hainzinger were transported to Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars, where they were treated and released. The driver of the second semi truck was airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City by Mercy Air Care where he
later died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. The driver’s name is not being released pending notification of family members.
City Of Le Mars To Conduct Hydrant Flushing
(Le Mars) — City of Le Mars Water Department will continue flushing hydrants in the southeast section of the City starting, Monday, October 30th through the end of the week.
Residents can expect lower pressures and discolored water while flushing is occurring. If your home still has discolored water the next days after flushing, please call the Water Department at 546-5555.
Remsen To Celebrate 44th Annual Oktoberfest
(Remsen) — Acknowledging the German and Luxemborg heritage, along with the autumn harvest are the reasons the people of Remsen celebrate Oktoberfest. This
coming Saturday will mark the 44th annual Octoberfest at Remsen. The festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. with the “Oktoberfest Fall Frenzy Craft and Retail Vendor Event” being held at the MMC-RU Middle School gymnasiums. The craft and vendor
show will feature more than 70 different vendors. Karen Harnack with the Remsen Chamber of Commerce says a focus will be on two families whose heritage dates
back to the Luxemborg region.
The tapping of the Golden Keg at 1:00 p.m. will begin the festivities inside the St. Mary’s gymnasium, followed by the Little Luxemborg Prince and Princess Bavarian Costume and Dance contest at 1:30 p.m.
When the Children’s Little Luxemborg Prince and Princess contest is completed, the St. Mary’s gymnasium will then be filled with the traditional polka music.
This year two bands will perform. The Alpensterne Band will perform from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. followed by the Polka Police which will play between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Of course, the main feature of the Remsen Oktoberfest
celebration is the family style dinner featuring two types of meals.
Harnack says the proceeds from the annual Remsen Octoberfest go back into the community to help fund special projects.
Regents Settle Lawsuit
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Board of Regents has settled a lawsuit filed by a longtime board spokeswoman, avoiding a trial on allegations that age and gender discrimination played a role in her dismissal in 2015.
Sheila Koppin filed a lawsuit in April also alleging unequal pay based on gender. She was replaced by two men. One was paid $24,000 more than what she earned in her 29th year.
A settlement agreement, first reported by The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, was signed Oct. 2. It shows Koppin will be paid nearly $130,000 for emotional distress and wages. Her attorney will get $65,000.
The board denies that it engaged in discrimination or retaliation and says in a statement that it “believes it is in the best interests of all involved to move forward. ”
Koppin’s attorney didn’t immediately respond to a message.
Supreme Court Orders No Restraints For Juveniles That Appear In Court
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Supreme Court has adopted new rules to prohibit the use of handcuffs, chains and other restraints for juveniles appearing in court unless a judge approves in advance.
Currently juvenile officers determine whether a child is restrained during court appearances.
An order signed by Chief Justice Mark Cady on Wednesday says the rules will become effective Jan. 1 unless a legislative council objects.
Cady’s order says the rule is flexible enough to deal with juveniles at risk of fleeing or endangering themselves or others.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa and a children’s rights group at the Drake Law School pushed for the changes last year.
They say at least 28 states ban or limit the use of restraints on children in juvenile court hearings.
