Law Enforcement To Increase Presence In Plymouth County On Saturday
(Le Mars) — Local law enforcement agencies will be increasing their patrol efforts on Plymouth County roads this Saturday. Its all part of the “Speed Enforcement Project” as being funded through the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau. Unfortunately, Plymouth County has been identified as having a high
number of traffic accidents causing severe injuries or fatalities. During the past five years there have been 22 fatalities reported in Plymouth County.
Last year alone, there were nine traffic fatalities. Iowa State Patrol trooper Justin Sackett says in many of the accidents high speeds were a major reason for the accidents.
The Iowa State Patrol trooper says the step up enforcement will take place on all the roads running through Plymouth County.
Sackett says motorists are not just going a few miles per hour over the posted speed limits, but rather many are driving at excessive speeds.
Cross-Fit To Hold “Festivus” Competition On Saturday
(Le Mars) — A physical fitness competition referred to as “Festivus” is scheduled to happen on Saturday. The event will take place at the Cross-Fit facility located on Prospect Street on the south side of Le Mars. Justin Daale is a co-owner of the Cross Fit exercise complex, and is also one of the organizers for Saturday’s event.
Daale says the competition consists of basic movements associated with Cross Fit.
Daale says food vendors will be on site. He says the competition will begin at 9:00 a.m. but is expected to last throughout the day. He says much of the competition will be broken down to 15-minute segments.
The Crossfit “Festivus” organizer says some of the teams will be local while others will be from the region from such places as Des Moines, Omaha, and Sioux Falls.
Daale says Cross-fit is flexible so everyone from all ages can find a type of exercise program that will accommodate their age, ability, and level of endurance.
Legislature Poised To Allocate $100 Million Dollars For Broadband
(Des Moines) — At the start of this year’s Iowa General Session, Governor Reynolds had requested the state legislature to give serious consideration of funding $450 million dollars over three years to install high-speed broadband internet to all areas of Iowa, including the rural areas. The state House of Representatives appear to be poised to pass a bill that would allocate $100 million dollars for one year for broadband internet. State Representative Dr. Tom Jeneary of Le Mars offers an update on the broadband issue.
The Republican lawmaker explains what is the State Senate’s plan as to how to fund the installation of broadband services throughout the state.
During an interview with KLEM news on Friday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says she is pleased with the legislature for its work with the broadband issue, and believes there may be an opportunity to capture some federal grants to makeup the difference between the amount she had requested, and the amount the Iowa legislature is proposing to fund the installation of broadband internet throughout the state.
Reynolds says the state will be able to leverage additional funds, especially when it utilizes Rural Development small interest loans through the U-S-D-A, as well as from the private sector, such was the case with Premier Communications when last year it installed broadband internet to rural Sioux County.
The governor says she wants to encourage the legislature, and all Iowans that this is an important goal for the state to achieve.
State Patrol Asks Iowans to Honor Fallen Sergeant Smith With 4.62 Mile Walk or Run
(Independence, IA) — The Iowa State Patrol is challenging Iowans to help honor fallen State Trooper Sergeant Jim Smith. The 462 challenge is named for the badge number of Sergeant Smith. District 10 is asking people to walk, run or bike four-point-62 miles and then send a screenshot or picture to the Iowa
State Patrol to create a collage to honor Smith. Hundreds of mourners paid their respects to Smith last Friday at Independence High School. Sergeant Smith was shot and killed during a standoff in Grundy Center April 9th.
Marshalltown Man Accused of Stabbing Mother and Another man
(Marshalltown, IA) — Police in Marshalltown say a man is accused of stabbing his mother and another man early Friday morning. Officers found 51-year-old Suzanne Bittner and 62-year-old Kenneth Bittner suffering from stab wounds in a yard. Twenty-four-year-old Kevin Butts was also at the scene with minor injuries. Suzanne and Kenneth were taken to the hospital
with significant injuries to their upper torsos. Investigators say Butts admitted to stabbing at least one victim and will likely be charged with domestic abuse assault, going armed with intent and willful injury.
Iowans Encouraged to Participate in National Drug Take Back Day
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowans are encouraged to turn in their old prescription medications Saturday for “National Drug Take Back Day.” Dale Woolery of the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy says in hundreds of different communities across Iowa this Saturday from 10 until 2, there will be special collection sites. Woolery say there’s been progress in not overprescribing
painkillers that can end up in the wrong hands — but he says there are still cases of leftover medications. The event is aimed at preventing the diversion
and misuse of opioids and other medications and it is good for the environment as well. Woolery says you can go to the Office of Drug Control Policy website and find a list of takeback sites. Hy-Vee stores are also accepting medications Saturday.
Trial Set For Sioux City Man Charged in New Year’s Day Fatal Shooting
(Sioux City, IA) — A Sioux City man will stand trial in July for his role in fatal New Year’s Day shooting. Nineteen-year-old Christopher Morales is charged with the first-degree murder of 18-year-old Mia Kritis. Investigators say Morales and others opened fire on a residence with handguns and a rifle
January 1st. Kritis was hit and died from her injuries. Three other people were struck by gunfire and injured. Morales’ 17-year-old brother Carlos and 18-year-old Anthony Bauer were also arrested. The trial for Christopher Morales is set to begin July 20th.
