One seriously injured after train vs car collision in Plymouth County
A Oyens man has been seriously injured after being involved in a train vs car collision just north of Le Mars earlier this week.
The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office received a call about the collision around 7:43pm on Tuesday, with the site of the accident located on 150th Street between Lake and Key Avenues. First responders found a 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 upside down north of 150th Street with severe damage, with a stationary BNSF train found nearby. The driver of the Dodge Ram, 25-year-old Joshua Kelly, was transported to Floyd Valley Hospital with severe injuries, while the BNSF crew was unharmed.
An investigation determined that Kelly, while traveling eastbound on 150th Street, collided with the BNSF train going northbound at the railroad crossing and was ejected from the vehicle, which entered a ditch and rolled an unknown number of times. Kelly was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The Dodge Ram was deemed totaled with a replacement cost of $12,000, while the BNSF train engine suffered approximately $4,500 in damage.
The Sheriff’s Office says the case remains under investigation as of Wednesday evening, with charges possible. KLEM will update this story when more information becomes available.
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Kingsley-Pierson Community School District holding special election
A special election in the Kingsley-Pierson Community School District will be held on Tuesday, September 8th for the approval of a physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL). Voters of Plymouth and Cherokee County residing in the Kingsley-Pierson Community School District will be consolidated to one precinct and will vote at the Kingsley Community Center from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
The Plymouth County Auditor’s Office is now accepting absentee ballot request forms for voters who wish to vote via an absentee ballot. The Auditor’s Office can mail a ballot to a voter if requested between the dates of August 19th and August 24th only. In-person absentee voting in the Auditor’s Office at the Plymouth County Courthouse will begin August 19th and is available until 5:00pm on Friday, September 4th; the Courthouse is closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 7th.
Iowa voters are required to comply with the Iowa voter ID law, therefore voters must provide an approved form of identification before receiving and casting a ballot. For any questions about the special election, contact the Auditor’s Office by calling 712-546-6100.
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Woodbury County suing Salix over land annexation for data center
Woodbury County is taking legal action against the town of Salix over the annexation of land being considered for a potential data center. Google announced Monday it is evaluating the 900-acre site there for a possible data center. Woodbury County officials, including Supervisor chair Mark Nelson, want a judge to rule whether the annexation was legal.
Court documents allege Salix did not properly notify residents and annexed property that does not border the city’s limits.
The Mayor of Salix says he can’t comment on pending litigation. However, during a city council meeting last month, he said the city followed state law. Residents who oppose the project say it would harm the environment. Supporters say it would bring jobs and boost the local economy.
(Story via Radio Iowa / Iowa Public Radio)
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