American Legion Wasmer Post #241 of Le Mars Participates In Nationwide “Wreaths Across America” Program On Saturday
(Le Mars) — The American Legion Wasmer Post #241 of Le Mars battled cold temperatures Saturday morning, and participated in the nationwide program of “Wreaths Across America” by placing eight different wreaths at the Veterans Park at Le Mars. Dave Copenhaver began the program with a welcome.
Herman “Bud” Vanderwell, who serves as the Wasmer Post #241 chaplain offered the invocation.
Wreaths Across America local organizer, and past commander, Wayne Schipper gave the opening remarks.
It was then time to place the wreaths in honor of those from each of the military branch, including the newly formed Space Force, the Merchant Marines, and the POW’s -MIA’s wreath. Nick Hanson placed the Army wreath. Rick Even placed the Marines wreath, the Navy wreath was presented by Earl Draayer, Jack Frus set the Air Force wreath on the wreath stand, Ken Becker placed the Space Force wreath, the United States Coast Guard wreath was presented by Dave Copenhaver, Tom Tanhoff presented the Merchant Marines wreath, and finally Jim Rolfes presented the POW-MIA wreath. Rolfes, the post adjutant then offered the closing remarks.
Those wreaths can be viewed at the Veterans Park located at 3rd Avenue and 10th Street Southeast.
Governor Reynolds Upset With Circuit Court’s Decision On Mandates
(Des Moines) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says she is very disappointed in the 6th Circuit Court’s Appeals decision on the vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 or more employees. The court of appeals have sided with President Biden and the administration calling for all businesses with 100 or more employees that they have all employees be vaccinated against the COVID virus. In a news release, Governor Reynolds says, “We are in the height of a workforce shortage and supply chain crisis, and I have no doubt these issues are only going to be compounded by this poor decision.” Reynolds says she is immediately asking the U-S Supreme Court to stop this mandate. She says, “I will not stop fighting for Iowans and their personal freedoms and individual liberties.”
Le Mars Woman To Become Nebraska State Patrol Trooper
(Lincoln, NE) — A Le Mars woman has completed her training in law enforcement and recently graduated from the Nebraska State Patrol’s 65th Basic Recruit Class, and was sworn into duty and given her badge on Friday. Sarah Evans will begin her duties as a Nebraska State Patrol trooper, and will be based at Omaha, Nebraska. Evans joins 12 other students who had taken the oath to protect Nebraskans. Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson provided remarks during Friday’s graduation ceremony, held in the rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen administered the oath of office.
Travel Packages Available For Iowans Going To Bowl Games At Orlando
(Des Moines) — With two Iowa football teams in bowl games in the same Florida stadium just three days apart late this month, hundreds of Iowans are making holiday plans in the Sunshine State. John Roberts, assistant manger of the Triple-A branch in metro Des Moines, says travel packages for Cyclone and Hawkeye fans abound and those all-in-one packages make the most financial and logistical sense.
Both universities’ alumni associations are offering all-inclusive packages to Orlando through third-party vendors which promise to be filled with fight song-singing rallies and post-game festivities.
Orlando is an entertainment wonderland focused on all of its world-class tourists magnets including Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.
Iowa State will meet Clemson in the Cheez-It Bowl on December 29th, while Iowa will play Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl on January 1st — both at Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando.
Cedar Rapids Police Officer Hurt When Hit By Fleeing Vehicle
(Cedar Rapids, IA) — Authorities in the Cedar Rapids area are searching for a suspect who got away after hitting a police officer with his vehicle. The incident started last Friday shortly after 8:30 p-m when the officer involved tried to conduct a traffic stop. The suspect driver took, initiating a police pursuit that ended on a dead-end street at a construction zone. When the officer approached the suspect’s vehicle, the driver hit the officer with his vehicle – leading the officer to fire a shot. The suspect drove to the end of the street, got out, and ran away. The police officer was treated for minor injuries and released.
Public Health Officials In Quad Cities Area Say Hospitals Are Overflowing
(Davenport, IA) — Public health officials in the Quad Cities say hospitals are overflowing, health care workers are exhausted, and families of victims are dealing with grief. The problem is – it’s all preventable. Rock Island, Illinois County Health Department spokesperson Janet Hill says 40 percent of all people who could be vaccinated aren’t yet. Her counterpart in Scott County, Iowa, Amy Thoreson, says she is scared that the hospitals she and her family depend on for care may not be available to them.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison For Human Trafficking
(Des Moines, IA) — A Council Bluffs man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on a human trafficking conviction. Seventy-one-year-old Hershel Ratliff was found guilty last July. Council Bluffs police started investigating his actions in August 2019 after a report that was made to the Iowa Department of Human Services. A 14-year-old child had told a mandatory reporter about inappropriate sexual conversations with Ratliff, saying he had made advances. Investigators went on to identify several young adults who had been victimized while they were in high school between 2012 and 2019.
