Chain Reaction Crash Blocks Traffic in Perry
We now have more information on Thursday’s chain reaction crash in Perry.
According to the Perry Police Department, the initial call came in around 2:40pm. A semi driven by Kurt Schoon of Scranton failed to maintain control while traveling eastbound on Highway 141. His truck rear ended a 2001 Honda Odyssey minivan driven by Yacob Jime of Des Moines who was stopped at the intersection of Highway 144 or 1st Street in Perry. Jime’s vehicle then moved forward enough to strike a 1998 Ford Explorer driven by Ana Gomez Esquivel of Perry, who then hit a 2005 Nissan Xterra driven by Linda Gilseth of Bagley.
At least one person was trapped in the crash. Gomez and several people in the minivan were injured, though to what extent is not known.
The Perry Police Department, Perry Fire Department, Perry First Responders, Dallas County Ambulance and Iowa Vehicle Enforcement all responded to the scene. First responders spent more than three hours cleaning up the wreckage.
Schoon was sited for failure to maintain control and received several warnings for Department of Transportation violations.
Dallas County GOP Party Chairman Says it’s a Privledge to be First in the Nation
It’s impossible to escape news about the Iowa caucus, it’s everywhere but why should you get out and participate on Monday?
Dallas County Republican Party Chairman Tyler De Haan says it’s a privilege to be the first in the nation.
“You have the ability to be an integral part of the nomination of who the Republican nominee will be in July. You have the ability and the opportunity to meet all the candidates as they make their way, or crisscross their way, across the state. It’s really a great opportunity for people to have their voice heard and talk to the candidates about the issues that are very important to them.”
December Unemployment Rates Released
While our local unemployment rates may have increased slightly in December, two of our three counties are still below the state average.
According to Iowa Workforce Development, Dallas County’s unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percent to 2.4 percent last month. Greene County saw a three-tenths of a percent increase between November and December and Guthrie County saw the largest change, up seven-tenths of a percent, to 3.5 percent last month.
Compared to the same month in 2014, all three counties had a lower unemployment rate at the end of last year. Dallas and Guthrie Counties were down 0.7 percent and Greene was down 0.9 percent.
The statewide unemployment rate for December was 3.4 percent.
Hundreds Sign Up for BRR, Sunshine in the Forecast
A lot can still change between now and then but the long range forecast shows sunshine and a high of 25 degrees for BRR next weekend.
So far more than 260 people have signed up for the 39th annual Bike Ride to Rippey on February 6th.
The event, known as the Original Winter Ride and a reunion for RAGBRAI riders who are starting their training season, is the Perry Chamber’s primary annual fundraiser. Though, as Executive Director Bob Wilson explains, riders and supporters get quite a bang for their buck when they register.
“You get a great t-shirt, if you’re one of the first 300 (to register) you get an awesome lapel pin, hot chocolate out there from Hy-Vee, a chance to win Perry Bucks which is huge, admission to the recreation center, and my favorite is the sag wagon. That’s a nice little insurance policy that you have, liability there just in case you don’t want to pedal the rest of the way.”
There are several types of registration, ranging from a $15 support the ride admission with no merchandise to $35 for day of registration.
A link to the event page can be found HERE.
Team Up Against Cancer Saturday in Perry
Pledges are still being collected for this weekend’s Team Up Against Cancer event.
The Raccoon River Conference is participating in the second annual event Saturday during the conference wrestling tournament at Perry High School.
Donations can be made in the form of pledges per pin your team makes during the tournament or a flat donation on behalf of the school.
All proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The tournament starts at 10am Saturday. A link to the pledge form can be found HERE.