Le Mars Chamber of Commerce To Host Entrepalooza
(Le Mars) — If you enjoy the popular television show “Shark Tank” in which judges listen to various business plans, to decide which plan they would want to help invest in, then you will enjoy what is being scheduled for Tuesday evening. The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce will host the Entrepalooza event. Several regional start-up businesses will submit their business concepts and plans, competing for grants. Judges will determine the winner and award the winning business with grants. The event entitled: “Ice Cream Cocktails and Biz Tales” will take place at P’s Pizza House. Social hour begins at 5:30 with the business presentations to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Republicans Want To Change The Method Used For Selecting Judges
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Nearly 50 years after Iowa moved to reduce partisanship in its court system, Republicans who control the governor’s office and the Legislature say it’s time to give politicians greater control.
Legislative leaders want to change how judges are chosen after being repeatedly frustrated by court rulings on topics like gay marriage and abortion.
The Iowa proposal appears to be part of a national effort in
conservative states to bring the courts into sync with the other branches of government.
Iowa is among at least four states where Republican lawmakers are trying to lessen the role of attorneys on judicial nominating panels, a move some critics say could lessen public faith in the judiciary.
If the change is approved in Iowa, Republicans would name 12 of 16 available positions.
Jury Convicts Man For Death Of 16 Month Old Girl
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A jury has convicted a Council Bluffs man on charges related to the death of a 16-month-old girl but acquitted him of murder.
The Daily Nonpareil reports the jury on Friday found Javon Jennings guilty of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death but not of murder.
Jennings was charged in the death of 16-month-old Jazlynn
Harshbarger, who died last April of blunt force trauma after suffering from numerous injuries.
Jennings now faces up to 55 years in prison with no minimum time to be served before he’s eligible for parole.
His attorneys say they expect to appeal.
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Des Moines Woman Is Convicted Of Murder
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A Des Moines woman accused of trying to pin a murder on an innocent man has been found guilty of second-degree murder and other counts in the case.
The Des Moines Register reports that 54-year-old Helen Jeanette
Frazier was convicted Friday of the murder count, as well as two counts of malicious prosecution. Police say Frazier stabbed 55-year-old Andrea Brown to death Jan. 2, 2017 and implicated two men who had nothing to do with the slaying. Police say Frazier had been in a relationship with Brown.
Police initially arrested a man Frazier initially implicated, but
later dropped charges against him when evidence showed he wasn’t involved.
Frazier then told police another man had killed Brown.
Frazier is set to be sentenced April 5.
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Des Moines Police Investigate Second Homicide For 2019
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Des Moines police have released the identity of a man whose body was found outside an apartment building.
Police said Saturday in a news release that the body of 38-year-old Gabriel Boettger was found on the ground on the city’s south side around 6:40 a.m. Saturday.
Police have not offered any details about how Boettger died, but say his death is considered a homicide.
No arrests have been announced.
Police say the death is Des Moines’ second homicide of the year.
Republican Lawmakers Want To Eliminate Inheritance Tax
(Des Moines) — Republican lawmakers are introducing bills that will either change or discontinue the inheritance tax. Randy Feensta of Hull serves as the Senate’s committee chair for the Ways and Means Committee and comments about doing away with inheritance tax.
Feenstra says he doesn’t believe state services will be hurt if the inheritance tax is reduced over a five-year period.
