Firefighters Respond To Early Morning House Fire
(Akron) — Firefighters from four different departments battled not only an early morning house fire, but frigid cold sub-zero temperatures measuring at ten degrees below zero. Fire broke out at a two-story rural home located at 18422 Webber Road, in the southwestern portion of Plymouth County. Akron Fire Department was the first to respond when they got the alarm at 4:05 a.m. Shortly there after, Hinton, Merrill, and Le Mars were all notified to provide additional mutual aid support. The couple that lived at the residence were able to escape the blaze, but the home is a total loss. In addition, to the home being totally destroyed, the residents lost a pickup truck, a cargo trailer, and a recreational vehicle camper. No word as of yet as to what may have been the cause of the fire.
Weekend Winter Storm Approaching Northwest Iowa
(Le Mars) — Le Mars and Plymouth County can expect a winter storm to hit the region beginning late this evening and continuing through the weekend.
Andrew Kalin is a meteorologist with the National Weather
Services at Sioux Falls. He tells us what we can expect.
Kalin says with the blowing snow, motorists can expect low visibility that could evolve into blizzard conditions.
How much snow is expected to fall on Plymouth County from this approaching winter system?
The National Weather Services has already issued a Winter Storm Advisory for this evening, and a Winter Storm Watch for Friday and Saturday. However, Kalin says don’t be surprised if that is upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning.
The weather meteorologist says by Sunday, the winter storm should have passed our area, and we will then be in the clear.
Authorities Identify Hinton Students That Were Killed From Auto Accident
(Le Mars) — Authorities have now released the names of the two Hinton students killed in the auto accident that happened Tuesday morning. 18 year old Ella Holtzen and her brother 14 year old Harrison (Beck) Holtzen of Sioux City were killed as a result of their Honda Civic colliding with a pickup truck. The investigation shows the roads were icy at the time of the
accident. The driver of the Dodge Ram pickup truck, William Samuelson, age 66, also of Sioux City, was uninjured.
County Supervisors Approve Salary Increase For County Employees, But Lower Than Compensation Board’s Recommendations
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors are close to completing the fiscal year 2020-2021 county budget. During their meeting held Tuesday, the supervisors approved a 2.25 percent increase in salary for all county non-bargaining and non-elected officials. The motion was approved by a 5 to
0 vote. When it came to deciding on the salaries of elected officials and the supervisors, the board had a split decision. Supervisor Gary Horton, of Akron, had made the motion to approve a three percent increase in salary for all elected county officials. The motion failed for not having a second. Back in December, the Plymouth County Compensation Board had suggested a 3.25 percent salary increase for elected officials, and a 2.25 percent increase in pay for the supervisors. Later in
the meeting, a motion was made to have each of the elected officials, which would include the Sheriff, County Attorney, Auditor, Treasurer, and Recorder, receive a pay raise amounting to 2.25 percent…one whole percentage point lower than the Compensation Board’s recommendation. On the same motion, it was suggested the county supervisors would receive a two percent increase in pay, amounting to 1/4 percent lower than the county compensation’s suggestions. The motion passed on a 3 to 2 vote with Loutsch, Horton, and Meis voting in favor of the measure, and Kass and Anderson voting against the smaller wage increase. It was discussed among the supervisors that they should follow the recommendation set forth by the County Compensation Board, or why would the County Compensation Board need to convene to submit any salary recommendations? This marks the second year in a row the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors have approved a salary increase that was lower than the county Compensation Board’s recommendations.
Extension Service To Host Crop Advantage Meeting
(Le Mars) — Farmers looking ahead to the next crop season will want to attend the annual Crop Advantage meeting hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Plymouth County. The Le Mars meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29th. Crops Specialist Joel De Jong says weather
will be front and center as a topic of discussion with State Climatologist Justin Glisten serving as the morning key-note speaker.
Probably at no surprise to anyone, De Jong says there is a surplus of moisture in the soil to begin the crop year.
De Jong says the afternoon session will look at China and how the Chinese view American agriculture. De Jong says the topic is relevant since the U-S and Chinese have approved a trade agreement allowing for more U-S agricultural goods such as soybeans, and pork to be shipped to China.
De Jong elaborates on more of what the agricultural economist will focus with his address.
De Jong says there will be several outbreak sessions that will focus on agronomy issues. Registration is $50 with the deadline to register scheduled for January 22nd. Questions? Contact the Plymouth County Extension and Outreach office at (712) 546-7835.
Museum To Focus On Chinese New Year During “Culture And Cuisine” Program
(Le Mars) — Everything you ever wanted to know about the Chinese New Year will be shared at the Plymouth County Historical Museum by a family of Chinese people who reside in Le Mars. The event is scheduled for this coming Sunday, January 19th. Min Zhang and her sons, Korey age 17, and Kyron age 13 will discuss the meaning behind the Chinese New Year and its
traditions. The 2:00 p.m. program in the museum’s music room will include cultural information about the Chinese as well as free samples of Chinese cuisine made by Min Zhang. Korey and Kyron Zhang, students of Gehlen Catholic School will join in with the celebration of the Chinese New Year, which begins January 25th. The Chinese guests will share such facts as why 2020 is
the “Year of the Rat.” The public is welcome to attend the event, all part of the museum’s 2020 theme: “Culture and Cuisine.” The next international program will be a “Taste of Mexico” scheduled for February 23rd.
Floyd Valley Auxiliary To Offer Scholarships
(Le Mars) — The Floyd Valley Auxiliary will be awarding two “tuition only” $1,000.00 scholarships to area students this spring. To be eligible, the applicant must be a resident of the Floyd Valley Healthcare service area, accepted at an accredited school and pursuing a health-related career (including pre-med, nursing, technologist, therapist and medical records professionals).
Interested students may obtain the necessary application form with complete qualifying information from their high school guidance counselor, pick up at gift shop, or print copy off on-line at FloydValley.org under the Auxiliary.
Applications and support information must be returned to Ruth Kneip, by April 2, 2020; instructions are on the form.
The Auxiliary Board has designated these two scholarships to be awarded to residents in the Floyd Valley Healthcare service area. Applicants may either be a high school graduate or an adult returning to school. Auxiliary Scholarship Co-Chair Ruth Kneip says, “We are excited to be able to provide these scholarships to students pursuing healthcare degrees.”
Iowa Caucus To Have New Rules
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – New rules in this year’s Iowa caucuses could give presidential candidates an unprecedented opportunity to spin the results. In previous years, the Iowa Democratic Party reported just one number: the number of state delegates won by each candidate. For the first time, the party will this year report two other numbers – who had the most votes at the beginning and at the end of the night. Party officials say the new process will enhance transparency. But there is a growing sense it could also breed confusion by giving several candidates the chance to say they won the caucuses.
Three Results Will Be Reported During Caucus
WASHINGTON (AP) – For the first time, the Iowa Democratic Party will report three sets of results from its presidential caucuses. And there is no guarantee that all three will show the same winner. Each set of results represents a different stage of voting in the caucus process. The new rules were mandated by the Democratic National Committee in a bid to make the
process more transparent. The Associated Press will report all three results but will only declare a winner in Iowa based on the number of state delegates won by each candidate.
Madrid Man Charged With Animal Neglect To Be Sentenced
MADRID, Iowa (AP) – A man charged with animal neglect after a rescue group removed nearly 200 cats from his central Iowa property is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 20. Polk County court records say 66-year-old Dennis Carlson entered a written Alford plea of guilty Jan. 9 on one count of animal neglect, death or serious injury. In an Alford plea, a person doesn’t admit
guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence to convict. The cats and nearly 200 cat carcasses were discovered last last spring in several buildings at the property, which sits a little more than a mile southeast of Madrid.
Iowa Supreme Court Acting Chief Justice Addresses Legislature
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa Supreme Court Acting Chief Justice David Wiggins has told lawmakers that the independence of the courts from politics is a strength. Wiggins made the comments Wednesday as he delivered the yearly Condition of the Judiciary speech. He said the Legislature’s role is to be the voice of the people, while the courts should speak in a more
limited way to resolve legal disputes. The court system is requesting a 3.95% increase in funding for next year. That would bring the court’s budget to $188.7 million. It includes adding 17 workers in county court offices, four additional judges and additional court reporters and law clerks.
