Home News Thursday News, June 24th

Thursday News, June 24th

Hail Information Meeting Scheduled For Friday

(Le Mars) — A hail informational meeting is being scheduled for Friday, June 25th beginning at 9:00 a.m. The meeting is being organized to assist farmers with decisions they will need to make with regards to their damaged crops from Tuesday evening’s hail storm that hit Plymouth County. Joel DeJong is the crops specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He says the hail caused extensive damage to a large area.

“DeJong, Joel”

DeJong says depending on the individual’s circumstances, the options available to farmers may be few. He says soybeans may be re-planted, but farmers also need to consider the possibility of an early frost.

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach agronomist says farmers may be able to utilize small cereal grain cover crops such as rye, oats, or wheat.

DeJong tells of the informational meeting scheduled for Friday morning.

The crops specialist reminds farmers to check first with their crop insurance company before making any decisions.

(photos courtesy of Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office and Bill Tentinger)

 

 

 

Plymouth County Farm Bureau Donates Money To Museum

(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Farm Bureau presented a check in the amount of $500 to the Plymouth County Historical Museum Wednesday afternoon. The directors of Plymouth County Farm Bureau wanted to assist the museum after
vandals had thrown rocks at the windows, causing the windows to break, and damaging some display cases. Mark Bohner serves as the Regional Director of the Iowa Farm Bureau organization for northwest Iowa which includes Plymouth County. He says the decision to help was an easy one for the farm organization.

Iowa Farm Bureau Regional Director, Mark Bohner, presents a large check for $500 to Plymouth County Historical Museum volunteers Jim and Mary Rohlfs.

Bohner says the money will go to help replace the damaged display cases, repair the broken windows, and also to improve the security surveillance system at the county museum.

 

 

 

State House Of Representatives And Governor Recognize Denny Callahan

(Le Mars) — A special honor was bestowed upon former KLEM radio sport’s director, Denny Callahan on Wednesday morning. State House Representative Dr. Tom Jeneary of Le Mars presented Denny Callahan with a special recognition
certificate from the Iowa House, as well as from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg. First, the recognition from the Iowa House of Representatives.

State Representative Jeneary also presented a certificate signed by Governor Kim Reynolds and by Lt. Governor Adam Gregg.

Jeneary explains why he wanted to have the honor of officially recognizing Denny Callahan for his broadcasting work of nearly 50 years.

The Le Mars state lawmaker says he wanted Governor Reynolds to also acknowledge Denny Callahan’s work. Jeneary has held on to the certificates since April. He says the honor also extends to Jeri Callahan, Denny’s wife, who has assisted at many of the ballgame broadcasts.

 

 

 

Governor Uses Federal Pandemic Relief Money For Mental Health Center

(Iowa City, IA) — Governor Kim Reynolds is using 20 million dollars in federal pandemic relief money for a new Iowa Center for School Mental Health at the University of Iowa to help train current and future Iowa teachers. Iowa Department of Education director Ann Lebo says over the past year, many schools saw increasing levels of anxiety and depression among their
students. Another seven million in pandemic relief money will be used on child care and preschool programs in Council Bluffs public schools. Three million will be spent in the Waterloo district to improve reading and math skills in elementary students who’re struggling.

 

 

 

Iowa Attorney General Releases Report On Clergy Sex Abuse

(Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has released its report on clergy sex abuse within the Catholic Church. Attorney General spokesperson, Lynn Hicks, says the office started gathering information in 2018 and examined the records of 70 priests and 50 complaints. The statute of
limitations has expired for all the cases reviewed, but Hicks says they still think this was a good thing — he says the process led to 17 people who had never before reported allegations coming forward. The report also indicates that the four Catholic Diocese in Iowa have taken steps to address the issue.
The four Catholic Bishops released a statement saying the Attorney General’s review will be studied for suggestions on how the efforts of the Catholic Church might be improved.

 

 

 

Reynolds Confident Iowa Supreme Court Will Uphold Abortion Waiting Period

(Des Moines, IA) — Governor Kim Reynolds says she’s “confident” the new majority on Iowa’s Supreme Court will overturn a 2018 ruling that upheld abortion rights. The court ruled a 72-hour waiting period for an abortion violated the due process and equal protection clauses of Iowa’s constitution,
but in the three and a half years since that ruling, Reynolds has appointed four of the court’s seven members. She is appealing this week’s district court decision that a 24-hour waiting period for abortions is unconstitutional. Reynold said Wednesday, ” I absolutely don’t agree with that decision and that’s what the process is for and so we will be appealing that decision.” Reynolds added, “we’re pretty confident that we can get the outcome that we’re looking for.” Some Republicans are hoping the legal dispute over a 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Iowa could be appealed all the way to the U-S Supreme Court and be the means by which Roe v Wade is overturned.

 

 

 

District Judge Found Dead in Blackhawk County Courthouse

(Waterloo, IA) — An Iowa judge died Tuesday night in the Black Hawk County courthouse. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports cleaning staff found District Associate Judge Jeffrey Harris unresponsive in his office in the courthouse. Paramedics confirmed that Harris died and they suspect it could
be medically-related. No foul play is expected. Harris was appointed in 1997.

 

 

 

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Northwest Iowa’s Pocahontas County

(Pocahontas, IA) — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is confirming the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Pocahontas County.
The tree-killing pest has now been found in 81 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The E-A-B discovery was made after Pocahontas County Conservation spotted suspicious looking ash trees in Little Clear Lake Park. E-A-B is spread by flying or by
human movement of ash trees or wood products. The insect is considered a significant threat to the state’s population of ash trees.

 

 

 

Fatal Fire Under Investigation Near Batavia in Southeast Iowa

(Batavia, IA) — Investigators in southeast Iowa are trying to determine the cause of a fire that left a man dead near Batavia. Jefferson County authorities say a good Samaritan reported the house on fire Tuesday morning.
The structure was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived. Sixty-six-year-old David Headley was found dead inside the burned-out home.
Firefighters recovered several dogs at the scene. The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office is doing an autopsy on Headley to determine the official cause of death.

 

 

 

Iowa State Researchers Will Study Internet Access, Use In 3-County Area

(Ames, IA) — Iowa State University will lead a 16-million dollar research project on the use of wireless technology to provide internet access in areas of Story, Boone, and Marshall Counties. Ericsson North America will provide network equipment and services. Paul Challoner, a V-P with the company, says agricultural uses will be one focus. It will test wireless
internet connections to rural schools, hospitals, and other sites in a 300-square mile area. I-S-U faculty and students will be involved in the research.

 

 

 

Altoona Woman Charged With Attempted Murder For Monday Stabbing

(Altoona, IA) — A 39-year-old Altoona woman faces attempted murder charges for a Monday night stabbing incident. Altoona police were called to an apartment at 11:44 p-m. When they arrived they found a 54-year-old man with multiple injuries, including stab wounds. Sara Tomforde was identified as the
suspect and was taken into custody. She was evaluated at a hospital, then booked in to the Polk County Jail. The victim hasn’t been identified and his medical condition hasn’t been released.