12TH STREET CROSSING
Improvements are being made to the rail intersection at 12th Street SW in Le Mars. The intersection was shut down for several months last year after the crossing lights were damaged by a truck turning across the rail tracks. Street Superintendent Scott Kneip says modification of that intersection was under discussion with the railroad prior to the accident.
There was another conversation after the crossing accident.
Kneip says the Le Mars Street Department is already working on the solution.
The railroad had its own solution, but Kneip says eliminating the turn lane should be sufficient to avoid accidents there in the future.
The crossing at 12th street was shut down last fall after a semi struck and damaged one of the crossing lights. It was several months before replacement parts could be shipped to the site and installed. This disrupted traffic at a key intersection to businesses on both sides of the tracks in south Le Mars.
FAIR TRIBUTE TO LONG-TIME TEACHER
Students of long-time teacher, Margaret Pecks, are asked to “ring the bell” at this year’s Plymouth County Fair. Margaret Pecks passed away this past January at the age of 101, and as a tribute to her, a school bell has been installed by the country schoolhouse in the Pioneer Village. Daughter Kristy Pecks, a 1974 graduate of Le Mars Community High School says she thought of this idea to recognize her mother and all the students that loved her.
Margaret Pecks taught at every school in Le Mars, plus Brunsville, Merrill, Craig, and many other country schools.
The Plymouth County Fair opens Wednesday and continues through Sunday in Le Mars.
IOWA 3 CLOSURE
The Iowa Department of transportation says traffic on Iowa Highway 3 between Remsen and Marcus in Plymouth County will be closed by a road construction project, beginning next week. From Monday, July 24 until Thursday, Aug. 31, weather permitting, Iowa 3 will be closed. While construction is taking place, traffic will be detoured off Iowa 3, using Iowa 140 and Plymouth County roads C-38 and L-36. Motorists are urged to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones.
FEENSTRA – WAYS AND MEANS
A deadline is approaching for the expiration of tax cuts passed during the Trump administration. U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra wants to extend those cuts
There are several other tax deductions Rep. Feenstra wants to preserve.
Feenstra is optimistic that he can reach a compromise with the Senate on the tax cuts.
Feenstra is not as optimistic about the budget as a whole
What Feenstra wants to avoid is a continuing resolution, which would result in a status quo budget.
MAKE YOUR CURRENT JOB MORE CHALLENGING
If you find yourself bored at work, an expert on the workplace at the University of Iowa says don’t immediately jump to another job but find ways to make your current position more challenging — and fulfilling. Amy Colbert (COAL-burt), a professor of management and entrepreneurship at the U-I’s Tippie College of Business, says bored workers can impact everyone’s productivity and drag office morale down. Younger workers in particular might find themselves disenchanted in their first job out of school, she says, if they don’t feel like they’re making a difference in the world. Colbert says we need to remind ourselves the work we’re doing matters, even if it is routine and mundane. Before going in search of greener pastures, she suggests “job crafting,” finding things to expand our existing roles, finding new duties and opportunities.
RAGBRAI ROLLS INTO CARROLL
The rolling city on spoked wheels known as RAGBRAI is entering its second day this (Monday) morning, as between 25- and 30-thousand bicycle riders pedal the 57 miles from Storm Lake to Carroll. Carroll Chamber of Commerce program director Ashley Schable says an exceptionally busy day is ahead and they hope to limit the impact on local residents. Schable reminds people to be prepared for “bikers everywhere” and she’s hoping all goes smoothly. The first cyclists should roll into Carroll around midday, and dozens of vendors are in place along with a host of live music and activities. A Carroll handbook is available for riders at “www.carrollragbrai.com” that includes maps of the town and festival area, schedules, A-T-M locations, emergency contacts, and more. The 50th Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa is headed for Ames tomorrow, about 86 miles from Carroll. An estimated 60-thousand riders were on the first leg Sunday, From Sioux City to Storm Lake.
