Le Mars Civic Service Commission Hears Testimony Regarding Termination Of Former Police Officer
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Civil Service Commission heard testimony Monday regarding the termination of former Le Mars Police Officer Jeremy Singer.
Singer was dismissed from his duties as a police officer in September when social media postings that were thought to be negative, and racist and a determent to the police department. Both, Doug Phillips an attorney retained by the city, and Justin Vondrak, the attorney for Jeremy Singer presented their closing arguments during yesterday’s testimony. Attorney Doug Phillips was serving in the capacity of Consulting Counsel for
the city. He indicated during his closing remarks the two questions that must be answered.
Phillips then proceeded to inform the City’s Civil Service Commission that Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte’s decision was not arbitrary. That in fact, Vande Vegte had consulted with several people before making his final decision to terminate Jeremy Singer.
Phillips says the social media postings attributed to Jeremy Singer “were not funny, and they were not private.” Phillips says you cannot turn on the television at night without finding somebody discussing in some aspect of police culture and police behavior all across the country. Phillips shared with the civil service commission what the people of this community are
probably thinking.
Justin Vondrak is the defense attorney for Jeremy Singer. He says many of the questionable material posted on the social media attributed to former officer Jeremy Singer was prior to the time Jeremy Singer was hired by the Le Mars Police Department. Vondrak informed the civil service commission that there is no place within the city code of ethics showing a person can be
terminated from their job based on behavior before becoming a city employee.
Although Vondrak admitted the postings may be interpreted to be in bad taste, and could be considered to be wrong, but it doesn’t deserve to be fired or terminated.
The Le Mars Civic Service Commission will convene again on Thursday, November 19th at 9:00 a.m. at the city council chambers to render and deliver their decision.
Governor Reynolds Places More Restrictions In An Effort To Stop The Spread Of COVID-19 Virus
(Des Moines) — Shortly after 6:00 p.m. Monday evening, and during the television news segments across Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds gave a live address to the state’s residents calling for additional mitigation efforts to curtail the wide spread of the COVID-19 virus. The new measures took effect as of midnight last night. Reynolds is calling for a 50 percent reduction in
elective surgeries with Iowa hospitals. She indicated that in late October, Iowa hospitals were caring for approximately 100 COVID-19 patients. That number has since skyrocketed to more than 200 coronavirus patients per day at Iowa hospitals. The governor says masks will be required for all indoor public places. Restaurants and bars are to close at 10 p.m. With the exception of High School and collegiate sports, events, all youth sports
activities will now be suspended. For high school sports, only two people per participant will be allowed entrance to the sports activity. Gatherings of people will be limited to 15 people for indoor activities, and 30 people for outdoor activities. Reynolds says the new measures are necessary because “our healthcare system is being pushed to the brink.” Governor Reynolds says
she will not be gathering this year for the Thanksgiving holiday with her family, and she urges Iowans to also consider making a similar sacrifice.
Reynolds’ entire address can be heard on the KLEM website.
County Supervisors To Hold Hearing On Surplus Property For Sale
(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Board of Supervisors will meet this morning at the County Courthouse Board Room beginning at 9:30 a.m. The county governing board is expected to approve the Family Farm Tax Credit applications. The supervisors will hold a public hearing to declare property as surplus property for public sale. Nick Beeck, Plymouth County’s Conservation Board
Executive Director is scheduled to appear before the county supervisors to present the Conservation Department’s annual report. Surveyor, Dave Wilberding will ask for approval of Port’s Highland Acres subdivision.
County engineer Tom Rohe will appear before the supervisors to offer construction permits for the Cherokee Rural Water Association. That work is scheduled to take place along county road C-30 in America township. Southern Sioux Rural Water Association is seeking a construction permit for Hedge Avenue in Perry Township.
City Council To Further Discuss Mobile Food Vendors Ordinance
(Le Mars) — Le Mars City Council is scheduled to meet today at the city council chambers beginning at 12:00 noon. The city council will discuss the mobile food vendors ordinance, as well as they are scheduled to talk about the Wells Wastewater Treatment Agreement Amendment. The city council is
scheduled to hold a closed session in order to talk about pending litigation.
Council Bluffs Police Find 2 Missing Children During Traffic Stop
(Council Bluffs, IA) — Council Bluffs police say officers discovered two children who had been reported missing during a Saturday traffic stop. A van with New York license plates was pulled over for going 94 miles-an-hour in a 65 mile-an-hour zone on Interstate 80. Police say the 14-year-old driver and
his 11-year-old passenger had both been reported missing from New York. Both were placed into protective custody and will be returned home. Their names haven’t been released.
Orange City Tulip Festival Crowns Its 2021 Queen
(Orange City) — The Orange City Tulip Festival crowned its queen Monday evening for the 2021 event. Grace Dahl was crowned and given the title of Queen of the Tulip Festival. Dahl will reign over the 80th Tulip Festival scheduled for May 13th, 14th, and 15th of 2021. Grace Dahl is the daughter of Rik and Amy Dahl and she is a senior at the MOC-Floyd Valley High School.
Grace is joined on the 2021 Tulip Court by court members Elsie Bartels, daughter of Eric and Vanessa Bartels, Laura Beltman, daughter of Daryl and Shirley Beltman, Maci Brenneman, daughter of Patrick and Dana Brenneman, and Lindsey Jacobsma, daughter of Melinda Jacobsma and the late Randy Jacobsma.
Orange City’s 2021 Tulip Court participated in a virtual Tulip Pageant in order to select the 2021 Tulip Festival Queen. Tulip Festival Court members shared their introductions, question segments and presentations via video that were available for public viewing and voting.
Shown in image left to right: Lindsey Jacobsma, Maci Brenneman, Grace Dahl, Laura Beltman, and Elsie Bartels
