Le Mars Prepares For Annual Sertoma Christmas Lighted Parade
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Annual Christmas Lighted Parade is scheduled for Saturday evening, December 3rd. Terry Claussen serves as the parade’s coordinator with the Sertoma Organization.
Claussen says everyone is welcomed to participate in this year’s parade. He says there is no entry fee for the long-standing Le Mars Christmas tradition.
Although the Le Mars Sertoma Organization has disbanded, Claussen gives his assurance that the annual lighted parade will continue for years to come.
The annual Christmas Lighted Parade serves as the start of the Le Mars holiday season. Following the parade, people will want to go to the Plymouth County Fairgrounds for the annual Pioneer Village Christmas. Claussen says prize money
will be awarded this year for the top parade entrants.
Former Hi-Lite Bar Building Now Converted To Events Center
(Le Mars) — After three months of extensive renovation, the former Hi-Lite bar located at the downtown intersection of Plymouth Street and Central Avenue southeast is now the new Central Events Center. Shelly Brown of the local musical family group, “The Browns” purchased the building with the idea of using the facility as a dining hall for tourists and concert-going guests. Brown talks about the what was involved in turning the building from a saloon to now an events center.
Brown talks about the building’s unique interior decorating and architecture, and the challenges to bring back the original look.
Brown says several types of businesses have at one time or another occupied the historical building.
The musical family matriarch credits several community people for their assistance with the renovation project, and bringing new life to the older building.
Brown talks about how both her family and the entire community may utilize the Central Events Center.
Claussens To Use State Grant To Create Upstairs Living Quarters
(Le Mars) — Another downtown building is also set to soon be renovated. The Claussen building, also located at the Central Avenue and Plymouth Street intersection will undergo a make-over. Claussens were the recipient of a Main Street Challenge grant as given by the Iowa Economic Development Board
Authority. Owner Terry Claussen says the grant amounting to $75,000 from the state will help create upstairs living quarters.
From left to right: Iowa Economic Development Director, Debbie Durham, Lori Claussen, Terry Claussen, Rich Ziettlow, and Iowa Main Street Director Michael Wagler.
In addition to the state grant, the city of Le Mars will help by contributing $25,000 towards the project. Claussen says he hopes to begin the renovation project shortly after the beginning of the new year, with completion by early summer. Claussen says he was pleased to receive the state grant, and believes
it will help not only with his store, but for the Le Mars economy.
City’s Grass, Leaf, and Limb Disposal Site To Be Open Saturday
(Le Mars) — City officials have announced the Grass, Leaf, and Tree Limb disposal site located on the west side of town will be open on Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. This will be the last day the site will be open until next April.
Nominations For Business/Citizen of the Year Due Monday
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce wants to remind people they have until Monday, December 5th at the close of the business day to submit nominations for this year’s “Business of the Year” and for the “Citizen of the Year”. The honorees will be named during the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce annual banquet in January. All Chamber Member businesses are eligible regardless of size of type. Recognition will be awarded based on one or more of the following
criteria. community involvement…job creation…innovative practices…employee benefits…major expansion…or overcoming an adversity.
