Abandon Hog Barn Catches On Fire Early Sunday Morning
(Le Mars) — Firefighters from Akron, Merrill, and Le Mars responded to an early Sunday morning hog barn that had caught on fire. The fire was reported shortly before 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, and it was located at the 21,000 block of Fir Avenue,
about a half mile south of County road C-38, or about ten miles west-southwest of Le Mars. Fortunately, the barn did not house any hogs, as it was being used as a storage shed. Akron Fire Chief Shane Coyle says the building was engulfed in flames upon their arrival. He says the building had already collapsed when
firefighters arrived on the scene.
Nobody was home at the time, which allowed the fire to burn for several minutes before it was reported. Coyle says it may be difficult to determine the cause of the fire.
The Akron fire chief estimates the damage at over $50,000. Coyle reports firefighters were on the scene for nearly two hours.
Weekend Blizzard Shuts Down Highways, Shops, Stores, and Churches
(Le Mars) — People are still trying to dig themselves out from the weekend blizzard that dumped three inches of snow on Le Mars, but areas north, received up to as much as a foot of new snow. Several businesses had closed their doors
on Saturday as a result of the late-winter snow storm. Many churches called off services on Sunday.
“Pinned Up” To Receive City Grant For Building Facade Improvement
(Le Mars) — Several Le Mars downtown businesses are vying for a city funded grant to help improve the facade of buildings. Mary Reynolds with the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Main Street organization says the grant will go to help a beauty salon.
Reynolds says the grant will not be used for the building where Pinned Up currently is conducting business, but rather for the building next to it.
Reynolds reports the next structure is also up for a grant to improve the facade.
The Main Street official says when businesses improve the facade of their building it helps attract visitors and shoppers to the Le Mars downtown area.
Reynolds says there are several other Le Mars businesses that are seeking assistance to help improve their buildings.
Legislature Passes “Lunch Shaming” Bill
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A bill approved by the Iowa Legislature last week targets so-called “lunch shaming,” where students whose families owe money are singled out, given inferior meals or even have their food dumped in the garbage.
The challenge faced by schools is how to pay for meal services when families can’t or won’t replenish school meal accounts. Some still provide meals, while others turn to cheaper substitutes or allow a child to go without food altogether. Some schools receive donations to help pay debts.
Crystal FitzSimons of the Washington-based nonprofit Food Research & Action Center says, “kids who are hungry can’t learn.” She says Iowa’s legislation would help children.
Iowa is following the lead of several states that have passed lunch shaming legislation.
The bill is awaiting Gov. Kim Reynolds’ signature.
Madrid, Iowa Mayor Resigns Over Police Issue
MADRID, Iowa (AP) – The mayor of the Iowa town of Madrid has resigned amid discussions about whether to resolve the local police department.
The Des Moines Register reports Dirk Ringgenberg resigned late last week. He had proposed transferring Madrid’s law enforcement responsibilities to the Boone County Sheriff, partly because the town is facing several lawsuits alleging
police misconduct.
Madrid paid a $50,000 settlement last year in one of the lawsuits.
Some residents oppose eliminating Madrid’s police force because they worry the town would get less attention. Madrid resident Truen Olson is urging residents to oppose closing the department.
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Mother of Twin Toddlers Pleads Guilty To Child Endangerment
ADEL, Iowa (AP) – An Adel mother of twin toddlers spotted wandering naked near a busy state highway in central Iowa in November has pleaded guilty to child endangerment.
The Des Moines Register reports that 19-year-old Jasmine Teed entered the plea Thursday in Dallas County District Court.
Teed faces up to two years in prison when she’s sentenced May 31.
Officers were sent to a house along U.S. Highway 6 in Adel around 9 a.m. Nov. 2. Police say witnesses reported seeing someone herd the unclothed 2-year- olds back in the house after they were spotted near the highway. An officer entered the house and called out but received no answer. The officer reported finding Teed asleep in a bedroom.
Police say the outdoor temperature at the time was 43 degrees.
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