Landowners Ask Questions Of Officials Regarding Proposed CO2 Pipeline
(Le Mars) — Nearly 200 people attended Monday evening’s public information meeting regarding the proposed Navigator CO2 Ventures L.L.C. Heartland Greenway System carbon-dioxide pipeline that is being proposed to cross the state of Iowa and would include a portion of the pipeline to cross Plymouth County. The event was hosted by the Iowa Utilities Board and featured several officials from Navigator CO2 Ventures speaking about their proposed pipeline. Following the presentation, the program was open for questions which lasted more than an hour and half as people asked questions regarding safety of the pipeline, compensation for farmers and landowners, and eminent domain. Plymouth County Board of Supervisors chairman, Don Kass of rural Remsen pushed Iowa Utilities Board Chairman Geri Huser, and Navigator CO2 Ventures Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Elizabeth Burns-Thompson to answer at what point would the Iowa Utilities Board allow eminent domain?
Burns-Thompson was the first to comment on the eminent domain question posed by Kass.
Iowa Utilities Board chairperson, Geri Huser than commented on the eminent domain question.
Kass than used the opportunity to ask a follow-up question, again focusing on eminent domain.
Huser than responded to the follow-up question.
Many people stated that eminent domain is to be used for the greater good for all people such as a highway or an electrical transmission power line. Several people asked the IUB chairman Huser, how the proposed pipeline would benefit all people when only the private company of Navigator CO2 Ventures and its investors would be the only sector to benefit financially? Based on the line of questions, many people attending Monday’s public information meeting are against having the pipeline constructed. The Iowa Utilities Board will hold an additional 34 public information meetings across Iowa. Officials indicated it may be March before the Iowa Utilities Board makes a decision regarding the proposed pipeline.
Le Mars Community Board Of Education Honored At Recent State School Board Convention
(Le Mars) — For the 21st consecutive year, Le Mars Community Board of Education has been honored by the Iowa Association of School Boards with its “Better Boardsmanship” Award. Members of the local school board recently attended the state convention of the Iowa Association of School Boards held in Des Moines. Angela Catton was recently elected to serve as president of the Le Mars Community Board of Education and comments about the recognition.
Catton says the criteria to earn the award is based upon both the individual board members performance and attendance for state meetings and conferences, as well as the collective board. She says Le Mars Community Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Webner was also given recognition at the state convention.
The Le Mars Community School Board president says very few school districts across the state are able to earn the distinction, and it speaks well of the commitment of Le Mars Community school district to earn the honor for 21 straight years.
Catton says while attending the state school board conference, many officials from various school districts would compare notes, and quickly learn they face similar problems and situations.
Floyd Valley Honored For Its Diabetic Education Program
(Le Mars, IA) – The American Diabetes Association (ADA), the nation’s leading organization committed to fighting diabetes by driving discovery through research and innovation, intensifying the urgency around the diabetes epidemic and supporting people living with and affected by diabetes, today announced the recognition of Floyd Valley Diabetes Education through the Education Recognition Program (ERP). The DSMES service was originally recognized in November of 2002.
The ADA’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational services meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES). The DSMES Standards were developed and tested under the auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board in 1983 and were revised by the diabetes community in 1994, 2000, 2007, 2012 and 2017. The ERP promotes quality Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) for people with diabetes by certifying that services adhere to the National Standards for DSMES. Services certified by the ADA’s ERP program offer a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management. Services apply for recognition voluntarily, and ADA-ERP recognition lasts for four years.
Fairfield Teens Plead Not Guilty In Teacher’s Death
(Fairfield, IA) — The two Fairfield 16-year-olds pleaded not guilty today (Monday) to first-degree murder charges in the death of their high school Spanish teacher. Jeremy Goodale and Willard Miller are charged in the death of 66-year-old Nohema Graber Both have asked to be released before trial, and their bond be reduced from one million dollars. The judge is still considering that request.
Clearfield Mayor Hopes Fire Damaged Egg Facility Can Recover
(Clearfield,IA) — Clearfield Mayor Chris Knox is hoping an egg production facility that was heavily damaged by fire this weekend will be able to recover. The mayor says the gusty winds made for what he called “a scary deal” as it looked for a time like the wind might push the fire into a cornfield and then toward the town. Knox says the facility was bought from Iowa Cage-Free last month and is now known as Hen Haven The plant employs up to 70 people — no employees were hurt but he says two firefighters reportedly were treated for smoke inhalation. No cause has been determined.
Judge Blocks Vaccine Mandate
(Des Moines, IA) — A federal judge in Missouri has temporarily blocked a federal vaccine mandate for health care workers in Iowa and nine other states that was to go into place on January fourth. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds joined a lawsuit challenging the requirement earlier this month. The new court order prohibits the implementation of the health care worker vaccine mandate in Iowa and the other states that signed onto the lawsuit.
Insurance Agent Charged With Fraud
(West Des Moines, IA) — A former West Des Moines insurance agent has been charged with a felony for allegedly filing a false insurance claim for coverage of fire damage. The Iowa Insurance Division says 48-year-old Tanya Schettler listed the wrong date of the fire on an insurance claim, knowing the fire occurred during a period when no insurance coverage was in effect. A state investigation of Schettler began in August of 2020 — and she was charged last Wednesday with one count of insurance fraud.
Iowa Law Enforcement Brings Hotel Employees On Board For Fight Against Trafficking
(Des Moines, IA) — Another set of frontline observers is being brought on board to help identify human trafficking operations. All Iowa hotel employees are being required to complete prevention training – or the hotel where they work won’t be allowed to accept public funds. The training requirement comes from a state law passed last year. It affects 15-hundred lodging facilities, including campsites and AirB-N-Bs. The training course is free and available online. Patrick Waymire is the assistant director of the Division of Intelligence at the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Waymire says hotels can become hotspots for human trafficking because the criminals move so much.
