FARM ACCIDENT FATALITY
A rural Kingsley man was killed in farm related accident Saturday night. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s received the call at approximately 6:45 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival it was learned that during harvest operations, 58-year-old Dana Sitzmann was struck by an unattended wagon and suffered fatal injuries.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Kingsley Ambulance, Fire and Police Departments, and Remsen Ambulance.
Funeral Services for Dana Sitzmann will be held Friday morning at 10:30 at Kingsley United Methodist Church with visitation Thursday evening from 4-7 p.m. at Rohde Funeral Home in Kingsley.
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LE MARS LINEMAN IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
A team of about 70 Iowa Utility workers is in western North Carolina helping restore power to tens of thousands of customers hit by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Line mechanic and crew leader Lee Tyler of Le Mars has worked for MidAmerican Energy nearly 20 years. He says crews are working mostly 16-hour days, and then catch a little shut-eye in tents, trailers, and trucks.
He says they are methodically restoring power to 200 customers at a time, and sometimes just one or two houses. Tyler says everyone is thrilled and excited when their power comes back on
The Iowa Utility crews were gratified to get up one morning to find a hand-lettered thank you note taped to one of their bucket trucks, along with a heart and smiley face.
Tyler says its anybody’s guess how long it will take to get power restored with conflicting reports that it may be a matter of days, weeks, or even a month.
Tyler talked with Radio Iowa via satellite phone, as there are precious few cell towers still standing in the North Carolina mountains.
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UPDATE: SUSPECT CHARGED WITH MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE
A suspect in the homicide that occurred September 30th in Le Mars has been charged with Murder in the First Degree. According to a Le Mars Police Deartment news release, Omar Martinez Cruz was arrested by Sioux City Police Sunday evening after a tip around 7 p.m. that he was in the area of 29th and Chambers in Sioux City. He was arrested in that location and subsequently brought back to Le Mars for questioning.
Cruz was charged with Murder in the First Degree in the deadly shooting of Miguel Martinez of Le Mars and booked into the Plymouth County Jail.
Photos of Cruz were distributed Sundayby news outlets and on social media, leading to the tip to authorities.
The Le Mars Poice Department thanks the public for their help in locating Cruz.
OUR STORY EARLIER MONDAY: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION WITH LE MARS HOMICIDE
A suspect is now in custody in connection with the homicide that occurred September 30th in Le Mars.
Yesterday, in a 5 p.m. Sunday news release, the Le Mars Police Department asked for help in locating 21-year-old Omar Martinez Cruz. Then, hours later last night, they informed the media and general public on social media that quoting now, “suspect is in custody.” The jaiy roster says that Cruz is in the Plymouth County Jail.
A recent tip helped officials determine Cruz was dropped off in Le Mars Friday evening, October 4, by a black full-size pick-up at approximately 8:30 p.m. Police have identified the driver of the pickup.
Once again, authorities now have in custody, 21-year-old Omar Cruz in connection with the September 30th homicide that occurred in Le Mars.
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HOMAN NAMED OCTOBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
A recently retired employee of Kemps has been chosen as the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce October Employee of the Month. Paul Homan received the award last week at a Community Coffee in his honor. Paul started his driving career with Wells Dairy in 1988. He has seen many changes during his 36 years of employment; starting with Wells, transitioning to Dean Foods, and finishing his career with Kemps.
Homan’s nomination listed his customer service, which was described as “top-notch,” along with his hard work and dedication. He served as Kemp’s go-to-guy for new driver training and was described as an ambassador for Kemps who always brought his “A-Game.”
Congratulations Paul, and best of luck on your retirement.
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PINKTOBER AT HARD ROCK
Sioux City’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is promoting breast cancer awareness in our area. Hard Rock is launching several “Pinktober” activities this month, which started with 215 employees and participants gathering to form a huge human pink ribbon.
The exterior of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is being illuminated with pink lights and inside, the overhead guitar fret display lights will also be in a shade of pink
Portions of proceeds from Pinktober-themed beverages and desserts will be contributed to the June E. Nylen Cancer Center and in the Rock Shop, an exclusive 2024 Pinktober t-shirt will be sold, with portions of the proceeds also donated.
