Plymouth County Has New Record Price For Land Sale
(Remsen) — Land values have been on the rise for the last couple of years, and within the last three months, local land values have increased nearly 15 percent or more. A new record was set Friday morning for land sold in Plymouth County.
A parcel of land measuring nearly 126 acres sold for the record bid of $20,075 an acre. The total price was $2,520,817 and 75 cents. More than 100 people attended the land auction which was held at the American Bank of Remsen. The property was sold by Jim Klein of Klein Realty and Auction Company of Remsen, as part of the Iowa Auctioneers Group. Klein says the property was located on the edge of town of Remsen, which made it more appealing to prospective buyers.
Klein says the auction had a lot of curious on-lookers, but it also attracted several serious bidders.
Klein believes the ground will remain as farm ground, although it is near land that has already been annexed by the city of Remsen for possible future development.
Klein says the land was from the Jim and Jeanette Boever estate.
The auctioneer says good commodity grain prices have sparked interest in having farmers look to access additional acres with the result being higher land values.
The successful bidder wanted to remain anonymous but, Klein says it was a local person that purchased the ground at a new Plymouth County record price per acre. Again, the record bid was listed at $20,075 an acre for nearly 126 acres of ground with the price tag of more than two point 52 million dollars.
Tax Cut Bill Will Only Benefit the Rich, Iowa Democrats Say
(Des Moines, IA) — Democrats say the Republican tax plan on its way to Governor Kim Reynold’s desk gives the biggest benefits to the richest Iowans. Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls (like “walls”) of Coralville says for every dollar in tax relief the average Iowan are getting, the ultrarich are getting 112 dollars in tax relief. Earlier this month, Wahls and other Democrats in the legislature proposed expanding the child and dependent tax credit and the earned income tax credit, to benefit low- and middle-income Iowans. But two Democrats joined 30 Republicans in voting “yes” on Thursday.
Two-County Car Chase Leads to Arrest, Burned-Up Car
(Ft. Dodge, IA) — A high-speed chase through Webster and into Calhoun County ended in a cornfield with an arrest and a car in flames. Iowa State Patrol Trooper Paul Gardner says it started Wednesday when Archester Rodgers of Minnesota was clocked driving at 95 miles-an-hour on Highway 20 east. Gardner says Rodgers made a U-turn to avoid capture, which started the chase. A trooper used a maneuver that forced Rodgers into a ditch, but he then began driving through a cornfield — during which his car caught on fire. Rodgers is charged with eluding authorities, possession of a controlled substance, and some traffic charges related to the pursuit. No one was hurt during the chase.
Burglary Suspect Surrenders After Police Standoff
(Davenport, IA) — A suspect in a burglary and domestic incident is in custody in Davenport after an hours-long standoff with police and a SWAT team. Fifty-nine-year-old Alan Wade Buresh is charged with first-degree burglary, interference with a firearm, carrying weapons, and reckless use of a firearm. K-W-Q-C T-V reports that Buresh forced his way into the home of a woman he knew, and shortly afterwards someone alerted the authorities. Police were able to get the woman out of the house, but Buresh refused to leave. Negotiators were able to persuade him hours later to peacefully surrender.
More Refugees Settle in Sioux City
(Sioux City, IA) — Lutheran Services in Iowa opened its new refugee resettlement office in Sioux City this week. In the past month, the organization resettled 14 Afghan refugees in the area, but they’re expecting up to 150 refugees from many different countries. Kate Hagen (HAY-gen), the resettlement coordinator, says she can’t imagine what it’s like to come to a new country and city where you don’t know anyone. She wants her group to be a familiar, friendly face that helps them feel safe and welcomed. Hagen says local residents can help by donating home goods or volunteering their time. Finding long-term housing remains an obstacle, but she’s optimistic they can find a home for every arrival.
