DCI INVESTIGATION
Agents from the Iowa Division of criminal investigation were in Le Mars Thursday. This is part of an investigation into the collapse fo an apartment building in Davenport, Iowa. An assistant Director of Field Operations for the DCI, confirmed to KLEM News that there was an agent’s presence in Le Mars, as follow up into the investigation in Davenport. Le Mars Police also confirmed they assisted the DCI. Neither would specify who or what was under investigation. The owner of the building, Andrew Wold, has relatives in Plymouth County. Yesterday, a Scott County judge rejected an agreement between the city of Davenport and Wold regarding the downtown apartment building that collapsed Memorial Day weekend. Neither Wold or his attorney appeared in court yesterday. Two civil lawsuits have been filed against Wold regarding the collapsed building. Three people were found dead in the rubble. Another person, who was rescued, had part of her leg amputated.
BIXENMAN SEEKS RE-ELECTION
Le Mars Mayor Rob Bixenman says he will seek re-election to a two year term. Bixenman released a statement this morning, saying he will run for a second term in November. He says one of the highlights of his first term is the beginning of an economic assessment of the city, which will result in a development plan for the city. That plan involves more than economic development.
Mayor Bixenman likes the direction the city is headed.
Bixenman was elected in 2021, running unopposed. Municipal elections are November 2. The mayor of Le Mars is elected every two years.
MERRILL DAZE
The city of Merrill is holding their annual celebration this weekend. Vicki Hemmelman says Merrill Daze activities today start with a parade at 9 am, followed by a variety of activities on main street.
BBQ competition is one of the highlights Saturday.
The Merrill Fire Department is also involved in the celebration.
The celebration concludes with a street dance tonight. Merrill Daze activities are at Kissinger Community Center 608 Main Street in Merrill
DEPARTMENT MERGERS
State officials are scrambling to merge some operations by July 1st. That’s when the governor’s plan to shrink the number of state agencies from 37 to 16 takes effect. The Iowa Department of Education is absorbing the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs as well as the College Student Aid Commission, the Board of Educational Examiners, the STEM Advisory Council and Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Ford says some logistics won’t be resolved when the merger takes effect in three weeks, but he says no one is being laid off and no one’s pay is being cut.Ford made his comments during Thursday’s state Board of Education meeting. Governor Reynolds says the mergers to shrink the number of executive branch agencies will make state government more efficient and more closely match the number of state agencies in states with similar populations.
