(Le Mars) – Le Mars Community Schools will continue with their original regular learning plan to start the school on August 25; NOT hybrid or remote learning. The decision was reached after working closely with local public health experts. Students are to report to
school on August 25 with facemasks and ready learn.
Public health officials have determined that the recent increase in the Plymouth County positive case count is due to increases in Plymouth County communities other than Le Mars, and the Le Mars positivity rate has remained relatively stable in recent months. The student-age child positive case count is extremely minimal and relatively unchanged, as well. It was determined that students and staff will be safe to continue with the regular learning plan with mitigation strategies in place. The Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Department of Education guidance provides for school districts to utilize local data to make a final determination on their appropriate learning model, such as in this instance. Additionally, all regularly scheduled orientations and extra-curricular activities, including practices, will proceed as scheduled starting Monday, August 24, 2020. Since kindergarten orientation was cancelled on Friday, an another opportunity for this event on will be held today, August 24, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Officials will continue to monitor local health data on a daily basis to make sure proper health and learning models are followed.
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The Sioux County sheriff has sent an alert regarding counterfeit money circulating in northwest Iowa. The fake money resembles U.S. currency, but also has Chinese letter on both the front and back. The sheriff’s department says the bills are lighter and have a smoother texture than authentic currency. The counterfeit bills are in $5, $10, $50 and $100 denominations, and are used by Chinese bank clerks to train in currency exchange. The bills are not illegal to posses here, but may not be used in monetary transactons.
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Iowa’s Public Health Disaster Emergency has been extended for another month through Sunday, September 20th. Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the proclamation last Friday. The measure extends the requirement for bars and restaurants to ensure six feet of physical distance between each group or individual dining or drinking and to ensure all patrons have a seat at a table or bar. Requirements for social distancing and other public health measures remain in place for gyms, casinos, salons, theaters, and other establishments.
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A Briar Cliff University student has tested positive for COVID-19. University screening protocol identified the potential case and the student was immediately placed in quarantine and recommended for testing. Due to this quick action and campus guidelines, the student had minimal contact with others. Siouxland District Health is managing all contact tracing and communication regarding potential exposure. The University has reserved quarantine rooms, where cleaning and food services are provided. Briar Cliff University students returned to campus August 14 and 21. They were provided a health safety kit, which included a face shield, face masks, and hand sanitizer. Classes will resume Monday with a mix of in-person and online learning.
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THE OWNER OF A FORD MUSTANG WAS NOT INJURED BUT HIS VEHICLE SUSTAINED HEAVY DAMAGE AFTER A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT SUNDAY MORNING NORTH OF SIOUX CENTER.
THE SIOUX COUNTY SHERIFF SAYS THE CAR, DRIVEN BY 27-YEAR-OLD RONALDO TOMAS OF ROCK VALLEY, WAS STRUCK BY AN ONCOMING PICKUP TRUCK THAT CROSSED THE CENTER OF 380TH STREET SHORTLY AFTER 5AM, HIT THE SIDE OF THE MUSTANG AND DROVE OFF.
THE MUSTANG SUSTAINED AROUND $4000 DAMAGE.
THE UNIDENTIFIED PICKUP LIKELY HAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER’S SIDE.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT THE SIOUX COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE.
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The Iowa Economic Development Authority has approved a tax credit award for a $25 million dollar expansion project at Sioux City’s Sabre Industries. The company will add a galvanizing site at their Southbridge Industrial Park facility which will create 13 new jobs paying $23.47 an hour and support 76 total jobs. The project will support the company’s product line for telecommunications and utility infrastructure such as cell phone towers and other related products.
