Plymouth County Board Of Supervisors Approve Allocating $2.4 Million to Premier Communications For Rural Broadband Project
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors discussed whether to give Premier Communications of Sioux Center money to install high speed broadband internet using fiber-optic cable to rural regions of Plymouth County. The project is estimated to cost around $21 million dollars, of which a 35 percent matching grant of $7.4 million was awarded to Premier Communications through a state grant. Premier Communications will stand the cost of approximately $11 million leaving about $3 million of being unfunded. The project would include the installation of fiber optic cable in more than 420 miles of rural Plymouth County. Premier Communications officials came to the supervisors to request the county to consider funding the extra $3 million. Officials with Premier Communications answered the county board’s questions. Supervisor Craig Anderson indicated he had three of his constituents contact him showing support for the project. Supervisor Mike Van Otterloo asked if the county did not appropriate the entire requested $3 million dollars, would that mean the project would die and Premier Communications would walk away from the proposed project? Supervisor John Meis wanted to make certain the county would be able to utilize funds allocated to the county from the federal government as part of the American Relief Act, which involves nearly $4.8 million for COVID-19 purposes. Supervisor chairman Don Kass identified a possible five different school districts may benefit from the proposed project. The county board of supervisors voted 5-0 in favor of appropriating money to Premier Communications for the installation of broadband internet to Plymouth County rural regions, however at an amount of $2.4 million instead of the requested $3 million dollars. With the allocation, came some stipulations, including the county board could revisit the project in a year’s time and decide if it wanted to complete the project with the approximate $600,000 remaining unfunded. The motion that was approved wanted to make certain the funds would fall into the specifications of approved projects from the federal government’s American Relief Act. Premier Communications C-E-O Doug Boone was asked about his thoughts regarding the county supervisors did not grant the entire requested $3 million dollars?
As mentioned the county supervisors want to make certain the allocation of funds will qualify as part of the conditions with the American Relief Act. Boone says he is confident the funds will meet with the guidelines as stipulated within the law.
Premier Communications are hoping for at least 60 percent of the identified 1300 locations will agree to have the broadband internet connection. Boone says now Premier Communications will have its work cut out for them to convince the rural population to get connected.
Premier Communications expect the complete construction of the proposed rural fiber optic project to be completed within a couple of years.
Federal Judge Extends Order Blocking Mask Ban in Iowa
(Des Moines, IA) — A federal judge is extending his order allowing Iowa schools to require that students and staff wear masks. The new order preventing enforcement of the state law banning mask mandates in schools lasts until October 11th. The judge’s original restraining order was issued September 13th and, since then, at least two dozen Iowa districts have adopted some sort of requirement that face coverings be worn at school. A disability rights organization and a group of parents filed the lawsuit, saying their children are at higher risk of getting COVID in schools where masks are not being worn. In support of the state’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, the parent of a Muscatine student with a hearing disability testified his son has difficulty hearing his teacher who’s wearing a mask.
Iowa Receives $12.7 Million in Federal Funds to Assist Crime Victims
(Des Moines, IA) — The U-S Department of Justice is awarding Iowa nearly 13-million dollars to fund crime victims assistance and compensation programs in the state. Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, director of the Iowa Attorney General’s Crime Victim Assistance Division, says these vital funds will allow the office to continue to provide critical grants to local and non-profit agencies that serve victims of crime in Iowa. Nearly 55-thousand Iowans received assistance last year including shelter, housing, counseling and justice system services. Thousands more were helped through the compensation program. The fiscal year 2022 award is an eight-percent decrease from the 17-point-nine-million dollars last year.
Iowa State Patrol Investigating Deadly Pedestrian Crash on I-80 near Iowa City
(Iowa City, IA) — The Iowa State Patrol is looking more information about a fatal pedestrian crash on Interstate 80 near Iowa City. State troopers say a person was struck by an unknown vehicle Monday afternoon under the Highway 1 overpass. The accident report says the victim died of their injuries at U-I Hospitals and Clinics. Possible witnesses are asked to contact the State Patrol. The victim hasn’t been identified.
Authorities ID 2 People Killed in Linn County Car vs. Train Crash
(Fairfax, IA) — Authorities in eastern Iowa are identifying the two people killed when their car collided with a train Sunday afternoon near Fairfax. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says 42-year-old Jason Williams of Cedar Rapids was driving southbound from a railroad crossing when the car was hit by an eastbound Union Pacific train. Deputies say Williams and his passenger – 44-year-old Amber Winsted – died at the scene. No one on the train was hurt.
