FORECASTS INDICATE HISTORIC INCREASE IN PRECIP IN NEXT DECADE
State Climatologist Justin Glisan says most infrastructure — like levies and storm sewers — is not built for the type of torrential rain and flooding that’s occurring.
And Glisan says urban infrastructure can’t keep up with high intensity rainfall.
Forecasts indicate there will be a 10 to 15 percent increase in precipitation in Iowa over the next 10 to 15 years — and Glisan says that will sadly lead to more flooding. As for the other severe weather that’s hit the state this spring, Glisan says mobile radars deployed during the Greenfield tornado may help improve forecasting tornadoes.
As Radio Iowa reported last month, the preliminary data from the Greenfield tornado includes a measurement that wind speeds were 318 miles per hour at 160 feet above the ground. That means the Greenfield tornado was the second strongest tornado ever recorded.
Glisan made his comments during a recent appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa P-B-S.
IOWA BUSINESS COUNCIL OUTLOOK
Representatives of Iowa’s largest industries have a positive outlook on the future economy, but there are several areas of concern.
The Iowa Business Council released their second quarter Economic Outlook Survey for 2024. The survey’s overall outlook index is 55.26, down nearly 8 points from the previous quarter and 5 points below the historical average.
Overall sentiment remains positive, but there are three growing concerns: Expectations for future sales, capital spending and employment were all down.
The number one concern is attracting and retaining a strong workforce, noted by 63% of respondants. An unfavorable business climate was city by 47% of the Iowa Business Council executive. Inflation and growing concerns about the domestic economy tied for third place.
68% of the executives say it is somewhat to very difficult to hire employees. That’s lower than the 85% in the previous quarter.
The Iowa Business Council includes 22 member firms that are the chief decision makers of Major Iowa employers. Member companies include Wells Enterprises, Inc. of Le Mars.
HINTON CROSSING PROJECT
Motorists in the Hinton area will be affected by a rail crossing project that begins next week.
THe Plymouth County Road Department says starting Monday, July 15, the rail crossing on East Main Street in Hinton will be closed for repairs. This will close C60 east from Hinton. A detour is planned around the site. Traffic will detour on US 75 south to C70 east, to K42 north to C60. The crossing repairs are to be completed by Monday, July 22.
LCSD BOARD CONSIDERS FINANCING SCHOOL FACILITIES
The Le Mars Community School Board meets tonight. They will consider recommendations on two major pieces of funding for improving school facilities. The first is a petition and resolution ordering a special election to issue 49.9 million dollars in General Obligation Bonds. These will raise construction funds for a single school building to replace the three elementary schools now in use. The second is a public hearing to take comment on the issuance of 27 million dollars in School Infrastructure sales tax proceeds to benefit school construction. After the hearing, the board will consider a resolution supporting the issuance of the bonds. This funding source will reduce the amount of property taxes to pay for the project.
Other action items tonight will include an insurance deductible buy-back proposal, approval of district learning goals for English, math and science, and approval of a new video board at the Le Mars High School gym.
EXPANDED NEUROLOGY CLINIC AT FV HEALTHCARE
Floyd Valley Healthcare announces the expansion of their Neurology Outreach clinic. In partnership with CNOS, Dr. Mei He will begin providing an additional neurology clinic beginning July 19. This will compliment the clinic currently being offered by Maria Azpeitia, NP CNOS. Dr. He is a board-certified neurologist specializing in general neurology, sleep medicine, clinical neurophysiology and vascular ultrasound. Dr. He received her medical degree from the Beijing Medical University in China. She joined CNOS after completing residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
DICKINSON COUNTY FATALITY
| A motor vehicle crash Saturday night in Dickinson County caused critical injury to the driver, and fatal injury to a passenger. The Iowa State Patrol reports a vehicle was traveling north on M27, just south of Lake Park. The vehicle failed to negotiate a curve in the road, entered a ditch, crossed the center line and overturned into a ditch across the road. The driver, 18 year old Teagan Vos of Sheldon, was critically injured, and transported to Spirit Lake Hospital. A passenger, 19 year old Edith Lupericio-Lopez of Sioux Center, was fatally injured. She was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. |
HULL MAN ARRESTED
A Hull man was arrested Saturday night, after an incident at a residence and a police pursuit. The Sheriffs office received a report of an attempted vehicle theft at a Hull residence. The suspect, 44 year old Isidro Encarnacion allegedly threatened family members with a large knife. When officers arrived at the residence, they saw the suspect driving the reportedly stolen vehicle. Despite commands to show his hands, the suspect brandished the knife and fled, initiating a pursuit. During the pursuit, Encarnacion lost control of the vehicle, struck a culvert, and continued until the vehicle became disabled. After exiting the vehicle, Encarnacion ignored officers’ commands and advanced aggressively with the knife. He was subdued using a taser and a Sheldon Police Department K9. Encarnacion was charged with Operating a motor vehicle While Under the Influence (3rd offense), First degree theft, Domestic Abuse, Child Endangerment, Interference with Official Acts (Dangerous Weapon), Criminal Mischief and Felony Eluding. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Sioux Center and Rock Valley Police and the Sheldon Police Department K-9 Unit.
RETIRING COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT SEES RISING DEMAND FOR JOB SKILLS
The president of the North Iowa Area Community College is predicting enrollment at community colleges will grow in the years ahead. Dr. Steven Schulz, who retired at the end of June, says there are more people looking for skills, not four year degrees. Schultz has been president of NIACC in Mason City for the past decade. Schulz, who grew up in the small Franklin County town of Geneva, says he worries about the future for students in rural areas of the state. He says it will be up to communities, local school boards and community colleges to express their needs to the state legislature.
