Lightning kills 67 people a year in U.S.
By Jeannette Lubsen, Journal staff writer | Posted: Monday, December 04, 2006
Harry Reasoner (CBS) lists his birth place as Dakota City, Iowa, in the back of his book. Is there such a city? -- Sioux City
Harry Reasoner (1923-1991) was born in Dakota City, Iowa, located 18 miles north of Fort Dodge and just east of Humboldt. Dakota City's population is approximately 1,000. Reasoner studied journalism at Stanford University and the University of Minnesota. In 1968, he and Mike Wallace began the television program "60 Minutes."
Approximately how many people from and around Sioux City work for the three main railroads -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Canadian National and Union Pacific? -- Sioux City
Retired trainmaster Mike Heyns says there are 150 local workers at Burlington Northern Santa Fe. Canadian National's Glenn Collins reports 30 to 40 workers at CN. Union Pacific Media Relations Mark Davis says there are 34 employees in Sioux City.
How many people are killed each year by lightning? -- Sioux City
On average, there are 67 documented deaths per year due to lightning in the United States, according to Time Almanac 2005. This total is higher than the number killed by hurricanes or tornadoes.
There are an average 300 documented injuries. However, it is believed that many cases go unreported and the true totals are likely to be 100 deaths and 1,000 injuries per year. However, because it usually strikes only one or two people at a time, lightning gets less attention than other deadly weather phenomena.
How much do foster parents get paid for each foster child in their care? -- Sioux City
James Thompson, executive officer, Iowa Department of Human Services, says there is a basic rate in each age group of children in foster family care. For ages 0-5 years, it is $15.31 per day; 6-11 years, $15.99; 12-15 years, $17.57; and 16-20 years, $17.73.
Variables which may be added to the basic include: special needs difficulty-of-care, behavior management difficulty-of-care, sibling and transportation allowances.
Foster homes designated to provide emergency care may be paid on a higher daily rate per child when a child is placed. Payment of "emergency care" rates is restricted to 30 days per placement.
Who was the actor known as "Toastmaster General"? -- Sioux City
George Jessel, 1898-1981, actor, singer, songwriter and movie producer, also had the title "Toastmaster General" for his frequent role as master of ceremonies, according to the Web site, Wikipedia. One quote attributed to Jessel is: "The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public."
When I grew up in Sioux City and was a paperboy for the Des Moines Register, I won a trip to an amusement park in Des Moines. What was its name? -- Des Moines
Sherry Stelling, Iowa Historical Museum, says the amusement park in Des Moines was named the Riverview Amusement Park. It also was referred to as Riverview Park or just Riverview. It was located at Eighth and Corning streets and opened in 1915. It closed in 1978. The Adventureland Park bought it the following year and moved some rides to their new park. The area currently is used as a nature area.
Readers may submit questions by mailing them to Sioux City Journal, P.O. Box 118, Sioux City, Iowa 51102, or fax to 712-279-5059, or e-mail to jeannettelubsen@siouxcityjournal.com
Harry Reasoner (1923-1991) was born in Dakota City, Iowa, located 18 miles north of Fort Dodge and just east of Humboldt. Dakota City's population is approximately 1,000. Reasoner studied journalism at Stanford University and the University of Minnesota. In 1968, he and Mike Wallace began the television program "60 Minutes."
Approximately how many people from and around Sioux City work for the three main railroads -- Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Canadian National and Union Pacific? -- Sioux City
Retired trainmaster Mike Heyns says there are 150 local workers at Burlington Northern Santa Fe. Canadian National's Glenn Collins reports 30 to 40 workers at CN. Union Pacific Media Relations Mark Davis says there are 34 employees in Sioux City.
How many people are killed each year by lightning? -- Sioux City
On average, there are 67 documented deaths per year due to lightning in the United States, according to Time Almanac 2005. This total is higher than the number killed by hurricanes or tornadoes.
There are an average 300 documented injuries. However, it is believed that many cases go unreported and the true totals are likely to be 100 deaths and 1,000 injuries per year. However, because it usually strikes only one or two people at a time, lightning gets less attention than other deadly weather phenomena.
How much do foster parents get paid for each foster child in their care? -- Sioux City
James Thompson, executive officer, Iowa Department of Human Services, says there is a basic rate in each age group of children in foster family care. For ages 0-5 years, it is $15.31 per day; 6-11 years, $15.99; 12-15 years, $17.57; and 16-20 years, $17.73.
Variables which may be added to the basic include: special needs difficulty-of-care, behavior management difficulty-of-care, sibling and transportation allowances.
Foster homes designated to provide emergency care may be paid on a higher daily rate per child when a child is placed. Payment of "emergency care" rates is restricted to 30 days per placement.
Who was the actor known as "Toastmaster General"? -- Sioux City
George Jessel, 1898-1981, actor, singer, songwriter and movie producer, also had the title "Toastmaster General" for his frequent role as master of ceremonies, according to the Web site, Wikipedia. One quote attributed to Jessel is: "The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public."
When I grew up in Sioux City and was a paperboy for the Des Moines Register, I won a trip to an amusement park in Des Moines. What was its name? -- Des Moines
Sherry Stelling, Iowa Historical Museum, says the amusement park in Des Moines was named the Riverview Amusement Park. It also was referred to as Riverview Park or just Riverview. It was located at Eighth and Corning streets and opened in 1915. It closed in 1978. The Adventureland Park bought it the following year and moved some rides to their new park. The area currently is used as a nature area.
Readers may submit questions by mailing them to Sioux City Journal, P.O. Box 118, Sioux City, Iowa 51102, or fax to 712-279-5059, or e-mail to jeannettelubsen@siouxcityjournal.com
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