City Holds Open House At Municipal Park Shelter House
(Le Mars) — Several hundred people were on hand for today’s Open House ceremonies at the newly renovated shelter house located at the Municipal Park. The shelter house recently was involved with an extensive renovation project as part of the Community Betterment 2 Program. Scott Langel is the
city’s administrator. He explains the purpose for the Open House.
Le Mars Mayor Dick Kirchoff, Le Mars Community Betterment Foundation President, Mike Donlin, and City Administrator Scott Langel each offered some remarks during the Open House ceremony. The three officials thanked the community for the financial support of the Community Betterment Program. Langel expressed his appreciation to the city workers that helped with the construction project, as well as the commercial contractors that assisted with the renovation project.
Langel talks about the renovations made to the Municipal Park shelter house.
The city administrator says the city has been busy with other improvements within the park’s facilities.
Langel says improvements have also been made to the park’s club house.
The beach at the Municipal Park at one time served as the community’s swimming area. Langel says it is the city’s hope to again have the park’s beach as a swimming destination.
Langel says campers have shown an interest in the park’s improvements and are excited to utilize the city’s park facilities.
Brown Century Theater Wins Local “Open 4 Business” Contest
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars competition for the State of Iowa “Open 4 Business” was recently held. The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Main Street program oversees the local competition. Three Le Mars businesses participated: SnS
Barbeque, John MacGregor representing the building space of the former Close to Home store, and the Browns Century Theater. The Iowa Main Street Program “Open 4 Business” contest was launched in 2015. It is an opportunity for businesses
located within a state-designated Main Street district, to compete for a chance to win up to $28,000 in grant funds to assist with business development or an expansion project that will benefit the local community. The three Le Mars competitors completed a five minute video outlining their business idea and how
it would benefit the local economic climate downtown. Each business had 15 minutes to present their business proposition. Then, they were questioned by the judges. Mary Reynolds, Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Main Street Coordinator
says “all three presentations were very good.” Reynolds says she is excited about the new business concepts, additional growth for the businesses through equipment acquisition and plans for the future of their business.” The three judges included: Wade Druin, professor at Northwestern College in Orange City, Renee Billings, Economic Development Specialist with the City of Sioux City, and
Denny Bixenman, a certified public accountant and consultant.
Main Street Vice President Rich Ziettlow presents a check for $500 to Shelly Brown. Standing left to right are members of The Brown Musical Family, Andrew, Shelly, Rich Ziettlow, Michela, and Adam Brown.
The Le Mars local winner was The Browns Century Theater. The Browns were presented a check for $500 to be used for their business. The Browns will now submit materials to the
sub-state competition to the Des Moines Main Street office. Each designated Main Street community across the state may submit one local business to represent their community. Sub-state competition will be held on June 15th.
Sub-state winners will receive $8,000 and will advance to the state contest which will be held in Sioux City the evening of August 1st. The state winner could win up to $20,000. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.
Correa-Carmenaty Was Able To Unlock Shackles For His Escape
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Investigators say an inmate accused of shooting two deputies, killing one, in an Iowa jail escape somehow managed to unlock his shackles inside a transport van.
Court records presented Wednesday at 24-year-old Wesley Correa-Carmenaty’s initial court hearing say he was in handcuffs and leg shackles May 1 when he was taken from a courthouse to the Pottawattamie County Jail. But he had unlocked
them by the time the van reached the jail.
Police say a struggle ensued between Correa-Carmenaty and the deputies, and that Correa-Carmenaty managed to grab one’s gun. Police say he shot Deputy Mark Burbridge in the head and Deputy Pat Morgan in the abdomen before taking both deputies’ guns, ammunition and the keys to the van. Burbridge died; Morgan is recovering.
Correa-Carmenaty was recaptured in Omaha, Nebraska. He is now being held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City.
Authorities Break Up Classic Car Scam
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say a western Iowa man who ran a scam on buyers of classic cars has been sent to prison. Federal prosecutors say Rodney Crosby Jr., of Pisgah, was sentenced Wednesday to 27 months. The prosecutors say Crosby took down payments through his business, Hot Rod Classics, but then didn’t deliver the vehicles. He must pay more than $45,000 in restitution.
Pence To Attend Senator Ernst Fundraiser Event
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to attend a popular political event in Iowa hosted by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Ernst announced Thursday that Pence will appear at her annual “Roast and Ride” event on June 3. Other confirmed guests include U.S. Sen Tim Scott of South Carolina and some of Iowa’s Republican congressional delegation.
