SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A pledge by local businesses to hire military veterans has Sioux City set to become the state’s second city to qualify as a Home Base Iowa Community. The Sioux City Journal reports that Gov. Terry Branstad will bestow the honor during a news conference Wednesday.

Sioux City reached the program’s goal to have at least 10 percent of local employers pledge to hire at least one veteran before Dec. 31, 2018. Communities also were required to put together incentive packages for veterans and their families. The program seeks to make the state a top destination for job-seeking veterans.

Marion in eastern Iowa was the first Home Base Iowa city. Thirteen counties have been designated.

A man who fell asleep at the wheel of an SUV suffered serious injuries and was transported to the Montgomery County Hospital by Red Oak Rescue, after the vehicle crashed into a field drive Saturday morning. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says 63-year old Jackie Kendrick, of New Market was driving west on 270th Street about seven-miles southeast of Red Oak, when he fell asleep at the wheel of his 2001 Chevy Equinox.

Kendrick woke up when the SUV crossed the center line of the road. He over-corrected, causing the vehicle to enter the westbound ditch before hitting a field drive. The SUV sustained about $13,000 damage during the crash that happened at around 7-a.m.

A lifelong citizen of Elk Horn (IA) died yesterday (Friday) in a rural area pond. According to the Danish Villages News, Maynard Nielsen was found in a friends pond. Upon returning home the man recognized Nielsen’s vehicle parked nearby without him in it. He then discovered the man’s body in his pond, lying face down by the dock, in approximately 4 feet of water.

Nielsen reportedly suffered from cerebral palsy most of his life but it did not stop him from regular pursuits. After receiving a masters degree, he decided to return home to Elk Horn instead of becoming a counselor, and continued being an active member of the community. Only recently did he leave his job with the Village Station and move into the Salem Lutheran Homes to receive care.