Iowa DOT gathering feedback on changes to U.S. Highway 75 intersections
The Iowa Department of Transportation held a public meeting earlier this week concerning proposed changes to two intersections on U.S. Highway 75 in Plymouth County. The two intersections, at Plymouth County roads C70 and C80 near James, have had a history of car crashes, including two fatal crashes in 2025 and a crash involving members of the Remsen St. Mary’s girls basketball team in November that resulted in nine injuries.
Iowa DOT District 3 transportation planner Sarah Tracy explained to KLEM why the DOT is preferring to put in reduced conflict intersections (RCIs) at both locations.
With an RCI, those turning left on Highway 75 would be directed to take a U-turn, then would turn right to their destination. The DOT says RCIs are cheaper and faster to build, reduce potential conflict points, and can reduce fatal and serious injury incidents by 63 percent compared to other types of intersections. Around 140 people attended Monday’s public meeting, and Tracy says they gathered a lot of mixed feedback.
Tracy says the feedback received is “critical” for determining the final design.
A link to give feedback to the DOT prior to July 13th is available by clicking here. Tracy says bid letting for the project is planned to take place in the fall, with construction set to begin next spring.
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Sen. Grassley on rise in Iowa cancer rates
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley visited Le Mars on Tuesday, paying a visit to Schuster Co’s headquarters and sitting down for a Q&A session with Schuster employees, local community leaders, and media members. During the discussion, Grassley commented on the rise in cancer rates in the state, stating that it’s unfair for Iowa farmers to be solely to blame.
Iowa has had the second highest cancer rate in the country for the last three years, with a variety of factors such as a higher risk of radon gas exposure, potential nitrate run-off, and high binge-drinking rates in the state having been discussed as potential causes. Grassley says the state has previously received praise from federal officials for reducing pollution from farming activity.
The 2026 Cancer in Iowa Report, released by the Iowa Cancer Registry in March, estimates that nearly 22,000 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
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