THREE ARRESTED AFTER TRAFFIC STOP IN MERRILL
Plymouth County authorities arrested three people for drug violations early Wednesday at Merrill. A vehicle was stopped near Douglas St. and U.S. Highway 75 in Merrill for an equipment violation. A drug investigation ensued, and a K-9 officer was called to the scene to lend assistance. Various drugs and paraphernalia were discovered. Arrested were the driver, 44 year old Bradly Korthals of Sioux City. Passengers Terry Tiedeman, 57 of Boyden, and Renee Frederick, 36 of Sioux City were also arrested.
Korthals was arrested for driving while suspended. Frederick was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine first offense and possession of drug paraphernalia. Tiedeman was arrested and charged with with possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, introduction of contraband to a correctional facility (two counts), and open container.
SNOWMOBILE CLUB REQUEST APPROVED
A local snowmobile club has been granted permission to mark and maintain a trail system around an into Le Mars. The Powder Players Club would only be authorized to operate on city owned public lands and not operate on any of the recreation trails or bridges in the city. The club also has to hold liability insurance.
KLEM HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
There’s another weekend of holiday activities planned in Le Mars and across Plymouth County.
The events in Le Mars include:
Friday, Dec 6, 2 – 6 pm – Floyd Valley Auxiliary Goodie Sale – Floyd Valley Healthcare – lower level conference room.
A lighted evening parade downtown – Sat. Dec. 7 – bring your lighted entries and participate by meeting on 8th St SE at 5 pm, or watch the parade as it makes it way north on Central Ave to 2nd St NW. Pre-registration is NOT required. Contact Joel Johnson at 712-540-1631
Plymouth County Historical museum – Sat Dec 6 – Baby, its’ cold outside – warm up over hot drinks at the Museum after the lighted parade
Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland – Dec. 7-8, 5-30 to 8-30 p.m. at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds – Festival of Trees, Santa, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Entertainment in Century Hall, and a Round Barn Display
In Akron, there’s the Festival of Trees and Wreaths for a Reason auction, Sat. Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Remsen St. Mary’s School Tour of Homes – Sat Dec 7. Tickets can be purchased at the high school office
WinterFestival/Candy Walk and Vendors – Saturday Dec. 7 8-30 am to noon at Christ Lutheran Church 503 South Washington St. in Remsen.
Kingsley Hometown Christmas – Sat. Dec. 7 Kingsley Public Library – Santa, Crafts, cookies, and a silent auction. Check the Kingsley Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for events.
FEENSTRA REQUESTS RUNWAY AND RAMP PROJECTS AT 185TH AIR REFUELING WING
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Hull wrote a letter to Acting Director of the Air National Guard, Major General Duke Pirak, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Rep. Feenstra requested that ongoing runway and ramp projects at the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City be included in the Future Years Defense Program. House and Senate members from Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota all cosigned Feenstra’s letter. This included all 6 members of Iowa’s congressional delegation. Feenstra described the 185th as critical to the area economy, the region, and our national security. Nearly 900 airmen work around the clock to support our military and ensure that the refueling tankers housed at the base operate properly. The 185th is currently spearheading projects to strengthen runway and ramp resilience so that the KC-135s can take off and land more efficiently and safely.
STORM LAKE NOW HAS AN ORDINACE ON FLYING PETS RAISED FOR A HOBBY
After several months of discussions, the Storm Lake City Council has narrowly passed a homing pigeon ordinance. Up to one hundred domestic pigeons will be allowed on a single property within Storm Lake city limits. City officials began debating the topic after complaints about the number of pigeons in the city. A Storm Lake resident said their family raised homing pigeons as a hobby — for races. Storm Lake’s city manager says they’re planning to set up a licensing process. It will require that pigeons be wearing leg bands showing their owner’s name.
SENATE REPUBLICANS TO SEEK WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAID
A key lawmaker says Senate Republicans will propose that most Iowans receiving government-paid Medicaid insurance coverage work, be looking for a job or be training for one. Republican Senator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny says the incoming Trump Administration is likely to be more willing to grant Iowa a waiver for this work requirement.
Senate Republicans have made similar proposals in the past, but the work requirements for Medicaid coverage were not proposed for Iowans with disabilities or a parent with young children. The first Trump Administration granted waivers to several states that sought to require able-bodied citizens to work or be enrolled in school, but federal courts and then the Biden Administration blocked the policy from taking effect. Bousselot says there’s an opportunity to revisit the issue once Trump returns.
IOWA DROUGHT MONITOR
The latest Water Summary Update showed that after a very dry September and October, above-average rainfall in November improved drought conditions for most of the state.
November’s preliminary statewide precipitation was 3.25 inches, or 1.43 inches above normal. Total rainfall for September and October was nearly 3.5 inches below normal, however, increased precipitation during the past month helped prevent drought conditions from worsening.
At the end of November, Iowa’s Drought Plan showed overall drought conditions have improved, with all of Iowa no longer under a drought watch designation. Statewide temperatures for the month were just over four degrees warmer than normal. The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) shows nearly all of Iowa in abnormally dry conditions or drought conditions, with a small area of northwest Iowa showing severe drought.
Conditions have improved due to recent rainfall over the past month. Precipitation forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center have no clear signal for the third driest month of the year. If the outlooks hold true, Iowa will likely maintain normal conditions in December.
