BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT NEAR IMOGENE COMPLETED--FINALLY
(Imogene) -- Motorists in Fremont County have one less detour to worry about. After almost 11 months, the bridge over Honey Creek along County Road J-18 near Imogene was reopened to traffic earlier this week. Construction on the bridge replacement project began last July. But, Page County Engineer Dan Davis tells KMA News the project was met with myriad of delays--including the weather. In addition, Davis says installation of support beams took longer than inspected. Despite the delay, Davis says the bridge will be wider--and safer--for motorists. Davis says the contractor faces liquidity damages of up to $700 per day for any day past the contract's original 90-day schedule.
SHENANDOAH PROPERTY TARGETED FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT
(Shenandoah) -- Shenandoah officials are looking at eliminating an abandoned structure--and replacing it with a new house.Shenandoah's City Council has authorized City Attorney Bob Norris to prepare documents on the proposed demolition of 502 West Summit, and for City Administrator Bo Harris to seek an appraisal of the property. Harris tells KMA News the structure's demolition would pave the way for construction of a Southwest Iowa Habitat for Humanity project. Harris says some preliminary work is underway. Harris says the property is one of four slated for demolition. Others include 910 6th Avenue, 1112 West Lowell and an undisclosed property on East Valley.
TARKIO CHAMBER SEEKS DONATIONS FOR MOWING FORMER COLLEGE PROPERTY
(Tarkio) -- Tarkio Chamber of Commerce officials are asking the public's help in maintaining some major real estate. Donations are sought for mowing grass at the former Tarkio College/Academy campus. Former Tarkio Mayor Nick White has been in charge of the campus' upkeep for the past few years. White tells KMA News mowing the grass takes a volunteer effort. White says donations are needed to repair two mowers, as well as hiring a high school student to assist the army of volunteers taking care of the grass. White says the former campus property is expansive--spanning 35 acres. And White says mowing is more expensive because of rising fuel costs. White estimates the total cost of mowing the campus at $5,000 a year, including fuel and mower repairs. Donations can be given to any Tarkio chamber member, or can be mailed to Tarkio Chamber of Commerce, in care of Craig Livengood, Farmer's State Bank, 512 Main Street, Tarkio, Missouri, 64491.
ARREST MADE IN NEW MARKET ARSON CASE
(New Market) -- Charges have been filed against a Lenox man in connection with an arson fire in New Market earlier this month. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office says Jeffrey Wardlow was arrested Thursday for second degree arson following an investigation by the State Fire Marshall's Office, Lenox Police and the sheriff's office. Sheriff's officials confirm the arrest is connected to a fire damaging an abandoned structure at 309 West 7th Street in the early-morning hours of May 1st. Wardlow is being held in the Taylor County Jail on $20,000 bond.
IOWA RESIDENTS ENJOY FREE FISHING DAYS JUNE 6TH THROUGH 8TH
(Undated) -- Iowa residents may fish for free on June 6, 7 and 8, when the Iowa Department of Natural Resources waives the requirement that anglers possess a valid fishing license while fishing. The free fishing weekend is for Iowa residents only and all other fishing laws are in effect. Chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau Marion Conover says, "This first weekend in June is typically a great time to fish. Fish are usually close to shore and are willing to bite." He says, "It’s a great time to take children fishing or to introduce someone new to fishing,". Conover feels fishing is an activity that can be done during any stage in life and is a great way to spend time together as a family because it is a good, wholesome activity," If someone needs a little instruction, there are hands-on fishing clinics available. For information, visit their website: iowadnr.gov.
RIDE OF SILENCE HONORS FALLEN BIKERIDERS
(Atlantic) -- A Ride of Silence is taking place to raise awareness for bicycle safety and as a remembrance for those injured or killed while cycling. Jay Miller is one of the organizers of the event. Miller tells KMA's Kristan Gray the ride takes place in Atlantic Wednesday and is a 7 mile course and will last about an hour. Miller says the ride will be a slow one to honor those fallen. Registration is free. Participants must arrive at the YMCA in Atlantic at 6:30 in the evening. The ride will begin promptly at 7 p.m.. Helmets are required. Particpants will have the opportunity to speak out on behalf of those they're remembering. Miller asks vehicles be parked in the YMCA's back parking lot or along Maple Street. For more information, visit rideofsilence.org or phone 712-246-5678.
FEDERAL LAWSUIT FILED IN IMMIGRATION RAID
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Attorney have filed a federal lawsuit request class-action status on behalf of an unspecified number of immigrant workers arrested this week during a raid at a meatpacking plant in Postville. The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in Cedar Rapids, and names the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and several government officials. It claims government agencies and officials violated the workers' constitutional rights. ICE agents arrested nearly 400 people on Monday at the Agriprocessors plants in the largest immigration raid in U.S. history. According to the lawsuit, an immigration official said the raid was undertaken, in part, because there was evidence that the company violated federal wage and labor laws and undertook criminal enterprises that violated racketeering laws. A spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office declined to comment on the lawsuit. Telephone messages left for those who filed the lawsuit -- the Peck Law Firm and the Dornan & Lustgarten firm, both of Omaha, Nebraska -- weren't immediately returned.
BUSINESSMAN SEEKS U.S. SENATE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION
(Shenandoah) -- One of the candidates seeking the U.S. Senate's Republican nomination was in Shenandoah Thursday. Steve Rathje is vying against George Eichorn and Christopher Reed in the June 3rd primary--with the winner challenging incumbent Democrat Tom Harkin in November. A successful businessman, Rathje spoke in detail about his background in an interview with KMA's Nick Johansen. Despite his major success, Ratchje faced some rocky times: Ratchje says he was laid off in 1974-75 and spent time on welfare, but learned to trade in the manufacturing industry, went back to work as a janitor at the company that laid him off, and was promoted to director of outsource manufacturing. He left the company in 1992 and started his own company, IPS Incorporated, designed to help original equipment manufacturers get the products and components they could no longer manufacture themselves, finding them outsourcing right in Iowa. Rathje says by using that method, they were able to not only keep jobs in Iowa, they were able to get jobs that had moved to other countries to return to Iowa. Rathje also spoke about what made him decide to run in the November elections. Rathje says: he's tired of the out of control spending in Washington D.C. He says he's also tired of big government and regulations, he wants the promised tax cuts of 2002-2003 made permanent. Rathje says he wants secure borders with no amnesty for anyone here illegally, and he wants to win the war or terror with honor, dignity, and pride. Rathje says that his strategy against Harkin includes making Harkin defend his record throughout the years. He says he'll try and convince Iowans that the success he's been able to achieve throughout his life far outweighs Harkin's voting record.
PHEASANTS FOREVER SEEKING LAND FOR BRADDYVILLE-AREA PARK
(Braddyville) -- Yet another recreation destination is under exploration in Page County. Pheasants Forever of Clarinda is working with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in acquiring 57 acres in the scalloped Ross area near Braddyville. About 6 acres would donated to the Page County Conservation Board for a new park. Conservation Board Chair Charlie Spencer tells KM News the project was spurred by the establishment of the Rap Recreation Area at the sandpits north of Shenandoah on Highway 48. Once established, Spencer says the park would provide a new area for hunting and fishing in that portion of the county. Spencer says Pheasants Forever plans to raise money to pay the heritage foundation for the land acquisition. Spencer says the project is estimated at up to $85,000. Spender hopes the acquisition will take place in about three months.
TARKIO MAN INJURED IN ATCHISON COUNTY ACCIDENT
(Tarkio) -- A Tarkio man is injured in a one-vehicle accident in Atchison County Thursday afternoon. The Atchison County Sheriff's Office says 56-year-old Ralph Slemp was taken to Community Hospital Fairfax following the accident on Route "Y" one mile north of U-S Highway 136. Authorities say Slemp's vehicle was northbound when it traveled off the east side of the road then struck a culvert. The vehicle then rotated and came to rest facing south on the east side of the road. Slemp was cited for failure to drive on the right half of the roadway.
RED OAK WOMAN APPREHENDED ON EIGHT WARRANTS
(Red Oak) -- A Red Oak woman is in custody on numerous charges in Montgomery County, including theft. Red Oak Police say Alana Marie Johnson was arrested Thursday on eight outstanding warrants, including disorderly conduct, fifth degree theft and failure to appear on fifth degree theft charges. Johnson was apprehended after officers observed her walking in the alley north of the west 100 block of Washington Avenue. Johnson is being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $2,625 bond.
ESSEX VOLUNTEERS SET UP PLANTERS DOWNTOWN
(Essex) -- Supporters call it a "wow" project--something designed to dress up downtown Essex. Scores of volunteers assisted the Essex Commercial Club Thursday in setting up planters along Iowa Avenue. Commercial Club Director Dana Wenstrand tells KMA News 5 planters were purchased as part of a recent project. Wenstrand says people of all ages pitched in to install the planters--including students, business leaders and great-grandparents. Wenstrand says the planters will help improve the look of the community's central business district. Plans call for storing the planters during the winter to allow for easier snow removal along the sidewalks.
FREMONT COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATING IN CLICK IT OR TICKET PROGRAM
(Sidney) -- Fremont County Sheriff's Department is participating in the Click It or Ticket mobilization. Deputy Eric Blevins tells KMA News the department is joining with hundreds of other law enforcement agencies across the country in renewing a pledge to save lives by intensifying enforcement of seat belt laws. The special enforcement period runs from May 19th to June 1st and includes Memorial Day Weekend. Blevins says particular focus is on night time drivers. Blevins says between 2005-2007, nearly 230 Iowans died unbelted in crashes at night while 149 persons were belted. During evening and night-time hours, the problem is even more acute. Iowa data for indicates that 62% of all night-time traffic fatality victims were unbelted. Therefore, Blevins says look for law enforcement officers day and night during this enforcement wave and ensure everyone is buckled up.
AGENTS MOVE DETAINEES OUT, CONTINUE INVESTIGATION
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Federal agents remain in Waterloo, even after more than 300 people detained in the Postville raid were moved out yesterday. Federal agents arrested 389 people Monday at the Agriprocessors meatpacking plant, most from Guatemala and Mexico. A majority were taken to the National Cattle Congress fairgrounds in Waterloo to await court proceedings. Since then, a temporary courthouse on the grounds has been bustling with detainees making their initial court appearances. That process ended yesterday, with most being sent to local jails pending their next hearings. Now the cells are empty again and federal agents are staying put at the detention grounds they leased through May 25th. That has prompted questions about whether another raid is pending. Bob Teig is a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office. He has acknowledged further arrests are possible but has not said whether company officials are being investigated.
REPUBLICANS ABANDON BUSH ON FOOD, ENERGY ISSUES
CAPITOL HILL (AP) _ The House and Senate are bucking President Bush's veto threats on issues of oil and food. Members of the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved boosting food stamps and farm subsidies. In the Senate, 35 of 49 Republicans abandoned Bush and joined Democrats in approving a 290 million dollar farm bill that increases food aid for the needy and subsidies for farmers earning record high incomes. Congress also voted to temporarily halt daily shipments of 70,000 barrels of oil into the nation's emergency reserve, with the crude to be made available to consumers. Among GOP lawmakers joining the Democratic majority were presumptive Republican nominee John McCain and Senator Pete Domenici, the top Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
FARMERS FIGHT WEST TARKIO LAKE PROJECT
RAPP RECREATION AREA RECEIVES GRANTS FOR TRAIL PROJECTS
LOCAL HOSPITALS TESTED IN TUBERCULOSIS DRILL