Sioux City woman arrested after fatal Plymouth County shooting
A Sioux City woman has been arrested after allegedly fatally shooting a man in rural Plymouth County Wednesday afternoon. 35-year-old Ashley Ruhland was taken into custody by authorities and has been charged with one count of first degree murder.
According to a criminal complaint, Ruhland was staying with the victim, 49-year-old Justin Emmick, on his property in rural southwestern Plymouth County. The complaint says Ruhland had a protection order against Emmick at the time of the shooting. Both Ruhland and Emmick were target shooting on the property at around 3pm Wednesday when Ruhland allegedly shot Emmick once in the back and once in the head from behind.
Ruhland called 911 to report the shooting in self-defense, where she told law enforcement “akin to “it’s got to be now or its going to be me”, “it was either him or me”, and “I didn’t want him to suffer”.” The complaint further states that Ruhland “told family members she wanted a gun for protection,” and that Emmick “was going to teach her how to shoot.”
Ruhland is currently in the Plymouth County Jail and will make her first appearance in court on August 10th. KLEM will update this story when more information becomes available.
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Life Skills Training Center hosting fundraisers, activities during Plymouth County Fair
During the Plymouth County Fair, many local organizations and non-profits participate in organizing activities, fundraisers, and food stalls. One of those groups is Life Skills Training Center, an organization supporting people with disabilities that has a big presence during the Best 5 Days of Summer. Life Skills executive director Jessica La Fleur explained to KLEM the organization’s activities during the Fair.
Proceeds from the Ice House, Cow Chip Bingo, and the Quilt Auction will go towards supporting Life Skills’ daily operations, including day habilitation and employment opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. La Fleur says it’s important that their clients are able to interact with the thousands of fairgoers throughout the week.
La Fleur says Life Skills’ clients also help with the organization’s events at the Fair.
The Life Skills Quilt Auction will take place inside of Century Hall at 2pm tomorrow, the Cow Chip Bingo will take place west of the Grandstand at 2pm on Sunday, while the Ice House is open throughout the weekend.
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Plymouth County Fair day three: demo derby, cooking school, live music
Day three of the Best 5 Days of Summer will take place today, highlighted by the Demo Derby, live music, and more.
The Demo Derby will take place on the Grandstand tonight starting at 7:30pm in five different categories: Light Weld, Full Size Stock, 80’s & Newer Hobo Compact, Mini-Van/Mini-SUV/Mini-Truck, and Full Size Stock Points Series, with prizes ranging from $200-$2,200, while at 7pm, Cooking School will be held in Century Hall featuring Jordan’s Meat Market.
On the Pioneer Village stage tonight, Coyote Wild will perform at 4:45pm and 7:30pm, and country artist Adam Calvert will perform at 6pm and 8:45pm. Earlier in the day, hypnotist Jerry Fraiser will be on stage at 3:30pm, while a Historical Walking Tour of the Pioneer Village will take place at noon.
For more information on today’s events, and for a full list of events throughout the fair, visit plymouthcountyfair.org.
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Floyd Valley Healthcare announces new general surgeon
Floyd Valley Healthcare has announced the hiring of Dr. Catherine Christen, a board-certified general surgeon who will begin to see patients and providing services in September.
Dr. Christen completed her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine where she received a number of academic accolades and conducted grant-funded research on anti-cancer medications. She completed her general surgery residency through the Mayo Clinic Florida, and also served in the United States Army for three years.
In a press release, Floyd Valley Healthcare CEO Dustin Wright stated that the hospital was “excited to have Dr. Christen join the Medical Staff at Floyd Valley Healthcare,” and that Dr. Christen “is well-trained with the use of the DaVinci surgical system and has a special interest in women’s health.”
To schedule an appointment for Dr. Christen, please call Floyd Valley Surgery at 712-546-3332.
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