Luxembourg Descendants Were To Have Celebrated Their Heritage This Weekend
(Remsen) — It was 150 years ago, back in 1870, when settlers from the small European nation of Luxembourg had traveled to the United States and established their new home in northwest Iowa. Specifically the region extending from Remsen to Marcus and going north to include Alton, Granville, and Hospers became known as “Little Luxembourg” If not for the COVID-19 virus, people with Luxembourg heritage were prepared to celebrate this weekend with “Lux Fest”. However, the celebration was cancelled and will have to be rescheduled for another time. Ethel Heidesch of Remsen says everyone was looking forward to the celebration, and she explains what was originally planned for the weekend events.
Another highlight that was to have happened was a special visit by Gaston Stronck, the Ambassador of Luxembourg to the United States. Heidesch explains Peter Gehlen, of whom Gehlen Catholic school in Le Mars is named after, was one of the first from Luxembourg to come to this area. She tells why the early Luxembourg settlers chose this area of northwest Iowa to
establish as their new homes.
Still, today, there are several familiar names that are descendants from the early settlers with the Luxembourg heritage that reside in the area. Names such as Kass, Arens, Konz, and Heinrich can all be located within the region.
Luxembourg is a tiny nation tucked in between France, Germany, and Belgium, and is only about 990 square miles, or perhaps as large as Plymouth and half of Sioux Counties together.
Heidesch says Luxembourg has been over-run by each of its neighbors throughout the course of history, but was still able to keep its identity and language, though German and French are often spoken. As for when will the “Lux Fest” be scheduled? Heidesch says officials are hoping they can celebrate next year.
Sioux Center Chiropractic Practice Agrees To Pay Medicaid Settlement
(Sioux Center, IA) — A Sioux Center chiropractic clinic has agreed to a settlement involving Medicaid billing. The Sioux Center Chiropractic Wellness Center and chiropractors Tyler and Tiffany Armstrong have agreed to pay 30-thousand-418 dollars to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicaid for the treatment of conditions for which payment is
not allowed. Those treatments included constipation and ear infections. The settlement agreement resolves allegations related to the treatment of Medicaid beneficiaries from April 2014 to July 2019. The claims settled by the agreement are allegations only; there has been no admission or judicial determination of liability.
House To Debate COVID Immunity Bill
(Des Moines, IA) — House Republican leaders have scheduled debate on a bill that would shield businesses, schools, and other
organizations — like county fairs — from lawsuits over COVID-19
precautions. Supporters say this will reassure reluctant Iowans that it’s safe to reopen their businesses and hold events. Critics say it will protect negligent businesses that fail to adequately protect workers and customers.
Some county fairs have already canceled for this year. The Iowa State Fair is set to make a decision on whether it will go on as scheduled on June 15th.
State Senate Committee Passes “Second Chance” Bill
(Des Moines) — After a short and somber debate, a Senate committee has advanced a priority from what Governor Kim Reynolds has called her “Second Chance” agenda — a proposed constitutional amendment to automatically restore a released felon’s voting rights. Senator Amy Sinclair, a Republican from Allerton, says she believes in second chances, but she urged her colleagues to vote against the proposal.
Sinclair’s passionate speech began with a reference to her “personal experiences” as a crime victim.
Senator Tony Bisignano, a Democrat from Des Moines, began speaking a few moments later and started with condolences to Sinclair, followed by an argument for giving paroled felons the right to vote.
Bisignano says the proposal will be of benefit to a group of felons sent to prison for drug and property crimes.
Bisignano and the other Democrats on the committee supported the governor’s plan. Four Republicans, including Sinclair, opposed it. The proposed constitutional amendment is now eligible for debate in the full senate next week.
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This Weekend Is “Free Fishing Weekend”
(Des Moines) — Plenty of Iowans are hooked on fishing during the pandemic as a record of nearly 200-thousand fishing licenses have been sold statewide this spring, which is up 30- to 40-percent from a year ago. Joe Larscheid, Fisheries Chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says this is a free fishing weekend, today through Sunday.
The popularity of some outdoor activities is booming with so many people working from home due to COVID-19 concerns. Larscheid says to use common sense and keep a good six feet of distance between yourselves and others while fishing.
Sales of fishing licenses in Iowa have been the best this spring since 2002, the year they became available electronically.
Iowa fishing licenses are available in several types, including yearly, seven-day, or even just 24-hour licenses. Find a list of stocked lakes and ponds that are easily accessible in parks and along trails on the DNR’s interactive Iowa Community Fisheries Atlas at iowadnr.gov.
