KIMT News 3 Headlines

Appliance Fires on the Rise

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:22:00 -0600

AUSTIN, Minn. -- Appliances are often a mainstay in households all across the area.

They can be a source of danger if not used properly.

Those who drive these fire trucks in Austin tell us that all homes are at risk.

But recently, they've been seeing more appliance fires.

This past weekend, they responded to two separate blazes.

Chief Mickey Healey suggests keeping your cooking space *clean*.

Otherwise, things like stoves can malfunction and create havoc in a hurry.

"They can quickly climb up to cabinets, rolls of paper towels, pot holders, towels, anything that is adjacent to the oven and it can get out of control fairly quickly,” Chief Healey said.

Chief Healey also says an aging population can lead to more fires as well.

It’s important everyone stay alert when it comes to safety in your house.

Busy Night for Democrats Too

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:19:00 -0600

ALBERT LEA, Minn. -- The Republicans aren't the only ones taking care of party business tonight.

The DFL is also caucusing.

Folks from around Freeborn County gathered at the Eagles Club in Albert Lea.

They don't have any big decisions to make, President Obama will be the nominee.

But they say this is one way to get everyone on board for the big push in November.

"Were trying to get the people involved and I would like more of them to show up from these small towns,” DFL Party Member Roselyn Anderson said.

Folks also spent part of the evening writing resolutions and signing up to be delegates and election judges in the fall.

Albert Lea Caucuses

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:13:30 -0600

ALBERT LEA, MN-Freeborn County is following suit with Iowa caucus-goers .... and voters here have chosen Rick Santorum as their top GOP Presidential Candidate with 105 votes.

Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul followed - in that order.
Overall, it was a good caucus turn-out here in Albert Lea.

This middle school is typically full of students learning about new things but on this night...it's full of politically active adults learning about the remaining Republican presidential candidates

Barb Rofshus from Albert Lea said, "I'm a Republican, I'm a conservative and I'm not sure who I'm going to vote for but I'll vote for any Republican over Obama."

Minnesotans are pulling a little more weight when it comes to the caucuses this year...that's because there are still four candidates vying for the top GOP spot, so voter input is pretty important - even this far into the race.

Rofshus said, "I think we need to do more for small businesses to enhance the capability of it, to get it going..we need more jobs."

Last time around Mitt Romney won the Minnesota caucuses and some folks here hope that happens again.

Marlene Behle from Albert Lea said, "I just think he's a very bright man... I watched him through the years and if we would have had him three years ago when I voted for him and McCain got it, we wouldn't be in this spot we are in right now."

Marlene said it's Romney's experience and values that put him above the other candidates.

She said, "He's a conservative, he's for cutting taxes, cutting spending, all these things that I think we really desperately need."

But there are plenty of people here hoping Ron Paul, Rick Santorum or Newt Gingrich come out with the win.

Rofshus said, "I think they are all good men."

But no matter who takes first, or which candidate they support...these caucus-goers know they have a part in making America what it is today..and they hope to pass that message and duty on to the next generation.

Rofshus said, "We need to get involved..everybody needs to get involved and it's so hard to get people out to do anything and the young people are going to have to if they want the country to stay the way it is..the way it has been...they are going to have to get out and do something."

City Not Funding Red Bus

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:20:00 -0600

AUSTIN, MN--The city of Austin says they won't be funding a private bus that gives sober rides home from bars.

The bus was supported in the community and by the city council, but they voted not to help The Big Red Ride Home, saying it could become a city liability.

The company started Christmas weekend, and allows riders to drink while on the bus, and then gets them home safely.

Austin's Police Department says they couldn't endorse the bus, even though sober rides are critical after drinking.

Capt. Dave McKichan says, "You might be creating some problems. One, by allowing alcohol on there, and just what kind of controls are you going to have on the drinking that occurs? And it did sound like they were dropping people off at private residences".

Something else McKichan says could be a concern if alcohol is involved.

The bus can continue to operate because it is a private business and they're breaking no laws. However the bus is currently listed for sale on Craig's List after the funding denial.

More Courthouse Safety Concerns

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:09:38 -0600

OSAGE, IA-A historic north Iowa courthouse, that some say is unsafe, is now being sited for lack of safety.
Mitchell County is looking into re-modeling or re-building the courthouse because the issues are so serious.
A new report from the fire marshal says it meets few fire codes.
Some of the problems include an incomplete fire alarm system, no emergency lighting, poor escape pathways, questions of the structural integrity and concerns about wiring in the building.
Mitchell County Supervisor Stan Walk says, “Regardless we are going to have to do a needs assessment. Because we really have to know what are needs would be in this facility if we remodel it and we're going to have to know what our needs would be in a new facility.”
The needs assessment will be decided at the board of supervisors meeting next Tuesday morning.

Steel Wheel Ordinance Still in Place

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:07:30 -0600

OSAGE, IA-It's an issue many thought would be resolved by the Iowa Supreme Court.
But steel wheels on Mitchell County are still a big concern with city leaders.
The board of supervisors met to discuss their options.
They can appeal the decision to the United States Supreme Court or they can continue to enforce their current steel wheel ordinance.
That ordinance was not deemed unconstitutional because it was put in place after this case went to court.
The use of steel wheels is a hot topic in Mitchell County and has been for the last several years.
Now the board of supervisors is deciding how to proceed.
Mitchell County supervisor Joel Voaklander says, "So where do we go from here?"
The board is looking to county attorney mark walk for a little guidance.
Walk says there are mixed opinion as to whether or not they should take this issue to the nation's highest court and if it would even be considered at that level.
Walk says, "The attorney general's office says you should appeal it, you should ask for certiorari."
There is also concern from other law experts.
They wonder if it would even qualify as a case in the US Supreme Court.
Some members of the community say they should just drop the issue all together.
"You might say you lost, so you might as well go on and I think if we keep going on this route the people will look at your group as going after the Mennonites."
"I’m concerned the issue of damage is going to be a huge deal, whether it is or isn't. I’m concerned we're chasing our tails in this thing in circles and spending tax payer money."
Walk says it hasn’t cost the county much at all.
Dropping the issue isn't an option for these supervisors.
They say protecting the roughly 16 million dollars they have invested in county roads is what's at stake here.
Mitchell County supervisor Stan Walk says, "We're not trying to pick on these people, we trying to protect our roadways that we are spending a lot of money on."
Walk says, “I move we do not appeal.”
Voaklander says, “I reluctantly second.”
So this case will not go any further, but if you are driving a steel wheel tractor and you cause damage to the roads, you will be prosecuted under Mitchell County code and state code.
It is likely this new ordinance will end up at the state supreme court too.

Dealing with Sheriff's Fees

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:04:52 -0600

KLEMME, IA - Towns in Hancock County will have to pay more for law enforcement, but many in those smaller towns say that's okay.

The Hancock County Board of Supervisors tells us they approved an increase in fees charged to smaller towns for law enforcement.

The cost will go up $10 each year for the next three years. Towns have been paying $20 per person for several decades.

Many folks in Klemme explain they're okay with the increase, saying the Sheriff and his deputies do a lot of work to keep them safe.

County resident, Mike Charbonneaux agrees that they’re getting their money’s worth.

"With today's cost of everything, fuel, cars, and everything else, I think it's probably still a bargain."

Others tell us, with issues like graffiti in town and some small mischief, having the sheriff's office is a big help. The new fees will take effect July 1^st, 2013.

Iowa Hospitals Making an Impact on State's Economy

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:54:52 -0600

MASON CITY, IA - When you think about economic growth, hospitals might not be the first thing that comes to mind. A new report by the Iowa Hospital Association shows medical facilities in the state, and their employees, are making big contributions.

Mercy Medical Center North Iowa employs more than 2,300 people. That makes them the second largest employer in north Iowa behind Winnebago Industries in Forest City.

But with an aging Iowa population folks in the medical profession hope the health care industry remains a popular career choice.

“The recent IHA report indicated it adds roughly 70,000 jobs in the state of Iowa,” said Rod Schlader, vice president of fiscal services at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa.

Schlader says Mason City hospital pays about $208 million annually in employee salary and benefits. In turn those employees spend about $80 million of that locally.

“We're one of the highest counties in the country with people that are over 65 and usually when folks age they need more health care and we're certainly seeing that,” said Schlader.

But with that aging population comes a new concern: hoping there's enough young people to fill all these health care jobs.

“We're always looking for nurses we're also looking for physicians if they're going through med school we're definitely interested if they want to move back to this area,” said Schlader.

“A lot of people just aren't aware of just how many people work for our hospitals and how much money they infuse into the state's economy,” said Scott McIntyre, communication director for the Iowa Hospital Association.

McIntryre says health care accounts for about 20 percent of the state's total employment.

“It's one of the few industries that is growing that does have such a variety of placement people can work where they want,” said McIntyre.

That's especially good news for health facilities in north Iowa.

“For our smaller communities that is one way to get an influx of those young people and families to help support those smaller communities,” said McIntryre.

Mercy's parent company Trinity Health employs more than 45,000 people across their 46 hospitals.

Mayo Health System in Minnesota employs more than 56,000 people total.

February is Children's Dental Health Month

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:44:52 -0600

MASON CITY, IA – Gov. Terry Branstad is taking steps to make sure the youngest of Iowans have a healthy smile.

The governor is declaring February Children's Dental Health Month.

The Iowa Dental Association says preventative care is the best way to ward off problems. Local dentists agree. They say when kids start good dental practices at a young age it sticks with them throughout their life.

“The Pediatric Association recommends a dental visit at one year of age and we really don't get a whole lot done other than just taking a look at things and desensitizing them to the dental environment,” said Dr. Jay Lala.

The IDA estimates even in rural areas like north Iowa more than 85 percent of Iowans live within five miles of a dentist.

Former School Business Manager Pleads Guilty

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:28:52 -0600

LAKE MILLS, IA - Christine Mathahs is accused of stealing 260-thousand dollars from Lake Mills Community Schools. She was facing six charges but four of those charges were dismissed. Mathahs now faces two counts of theft in the first degree and felony misconduct in office.

Her sentencing is scheduled for March 20 at 9:30 AM.