LE MARS PURSUIT
A Sioux City man was arrested early this morning after a vehicle chase and crash near downtown LeMars. The Plymouth County Sheriffs Office says early (Monday) this morning, a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle whose registered owner was driving while barred. The driver was also driving erratically. A pursuit ensued throughout streets in Le Mars. The driver, travelling at a high rate of speed, failed to stop at Central Avenue and 2nd St SW, and struck a Wells semi-truck that was traveling north on Central. The crash disabled the vehicle. The driver, Alex Summers, 28 of Sioux City, broke out the window of the vehicle and fled on foot. He was apprehended by a K9. Plymouth County deputies made the arrest. assisted by Le Mars Police. Summers was transported to the Plymouth County Jail and was charged with felony eluding 3rd offense, OWI drug 3rd offense. He was also charged with driving while barred, driving under suspension, speeding 85 mph in a 25 mph zone, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, no vehicle insurance, no SR-22 insurance, fail to obey traffic control devices, and improper use of lanes.
SPECIAL SESSION
There will be a special session of the Iowa Legislature tomorrow, to consider an abortion bill to replace one which was overturned by the state Supreme Court. State Representative Tom Jeneary of Le Mars anticipates a fair amount of debate over the proposed bill, but the session will not go past one day.
Jeneary wants a bill which says abortions in Iowa would be outlawed at 8 weeks, instead of the six weeks in the fetal heartbeat bill.
The bill is back before the legislature after Roe vs Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court.
Why does this require a special session?
The fetal heartbeat bill was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds in 2018. An injunction was placed against it, and the bill was appealed to the state Supreme Court. Earlier this year, the court upheld the injunction on a 3 -3 vote. Planned Parenthood officials say they’ll fight any new abortion restrictions in court. so it’s more than likely the issue will wind up before the Iowa Supreme Court again.
LE MARS COMMUNITY SCHOOL BOARD
The Le Mars Community Schools Board of Education meets tonight. First off is a public hearing on a lighting project for the high school ball field. Plans and specifications were released for bids at the board’s June meeting. Those bids will be opened tonight, and the board will take action. Also tonight, the Board will consider a new Revenue Purpose Statement for the district’s SAVE fund. This statement will require approval by district voters in an election this fall. Second reading of a policy addressing Technology and Instructional Materials will take place. And there will be more resignations and new contracts for the Board of consider.
FAIR ENTRY DEADLINE
Today is the deadline for 4-H entries to the Plymouth County Fair. The official entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. tonight. The Plymouth County Fair will be held July 26 through 30.
GOP CAUCUS DATE SET
Iowa Republican Party leaders have set January 15th as the date for their party’s 2024 Caucuses. Iowa’s Caucuses have traditionally been the kick off event of the presidential campaign for both parties. The Republican National Committee has agreed on a schedule that keeps the Iowa G-O-P’s Caucuses first. National Democratic Party leaders booted Iowa from its early state line up and plan for South Carolina’s Democratic Primary to go first, on February 3rd of next year. Iowa G-O-P chairman Jeff Kaufmann says Iowa Republicans are committed to maintaining Iowa’s cherished first-in-the-nation Caucuses, where Republicans cast a straw poll ballot on Caucus night.
ELECTRIC POLICE CARS
As the Biden Administration continues its push to move from gas-powered to electric cars, police departments are finding it tough to make the transition. Sioux City Police Chief Rex Mueller says getting regular patrol cars right now is not easy.
Mueller says electric vehicles pose some challenges that include the time it takes to charge them.
Mueller says police vehicles have more equipment than stock electric vehicles, which also poses a problem.
Mueller says they do not have any electric vehicles in use, but do have a handful of hybrid vehicles. He says the hybrids do save on gas, but they also pose some challenges as well.
PRIME DAY SCAMS
Online retail giant Amazon is holding its “Prime Days” sales event this week, and Iowans are being warned to watch out for related scams. Jim Temmer, with the Better Business Bureau, says crooks have cooked up websites that mimic large retailers to try and fool you with phony links. You might get a text or email claiming you have a free gift waiting for Prime Days, with runs tomorrow and Wednesday, and Temmer suggests you do some basic research on the website before you put down your money for that “amazing deal.” Look for things like a return policy, a customer service number, or even an address — which you can verify on Google Maps. Also, he says use a credit card for such purchases for better protections than a check, money order or gift card.
