The Browns Finish Second in State “Open 4 Business” Contest
(Le Mars) — On Tuesday evening of this week, The Browns musical family of Le Mars competed as a finalist for the “Open 4 Business” state competition held in Sioux City at the Convention Center. The Browns finished in second place and were awarded $10,000. Michaela Brown says it was an eye-opening experience. She talks about the “Open 4 Business” competition and the process involved to get to the state finals.
After winning the local, regional, and sub-state levels of competition, The Browns then qualified as one of five statewide businesses competing for the state’s title.
Brown explains the criteria used that served as the basis for the business judging contest was, in many ways, an application for a grant.
Brown says all the finalists businesses emphasized the economic development for their communities, the Browns focused on how winning the “Open 4 Business” program would benefit the town of Le Mars by increasing tourism.
The other four competitors included: The Bijou Theater in Mount Vernon, The Som in Burlington, Gravy Home Goods in Jewell, and this year’s winning entry, Roux’s Kitchen located at Woodbine. Michela Brown says the “Open 4 Business” is not
just for start-up businesses, but long-time businesses can compete as well.
Brown says their presentation started with the Brown family singing in order to introduce themselves to the judges.
Brown says only during the preliminary rounds of competition did the family members need to answer questions from the judges. She says there were no questions asked by the judges during the state finals round of judging.
This was the third year of the “Open 4 Business” contest which is open to businesses located within the 52 Main Street Iowa districts across the state.
The grants are administered through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will assist business expansion projects for each of the businesses.
Deadline Approaches For School Board Candidates To Submit Nomination Papers
(Le Mars) — Candidates seeking a nomination for a position on the Le Mars Community School District Board of Education have until this afternoon at 5:00 p.m. to submit and file nomination papers. The school district will, in turn submit all nominations to the Plymouth County Auditor’s office on Friday. So far, only two candidates have submitted their petitions. Scott Kommes and Todd Lancaster are seeking re-election to the Le Mars Community School Board. School Board member Brenda Phelan has chosen not to seek re-election.
Sioux City Man Accused Of Punching 12 Year Old Son Receives Five Years Sentence
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A Sioux City man accused of punching his 12-year-old son and assaulting other family members has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Court records say 36-year-old JT Ring pleaded guilty last month to child endangerment causing injury. Prosecutors dropped two related charges in exchange for Ring’s plea.
His plea agreement says the five years will be served at the same time he serves 15 years for a drunken driving conviction. Court records say his parole in the previous case has been revoked because of the assault case.
Judge Bans Guns In Woodbury County Courthouse
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – An eastern Iowa judge has issued an order banning guns from a county courthouse despite county officials’ recent decision to allow guns.
The Sioux City Journal reports that Woodbury County District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer’s order prohibits guns in the Woodbury County Courthouse, Law Enforcement Center and the Trosper Hoyt Building.
The order comes after the Board of Supervisors voted earlier this month to allow guns on county property in an attempt to comply with the state’s newly expanded gun rights law.
But the state Supreme Court ruled in June that only law enforcement can have guns in courthouses or court-controlled areas. County Sheriff Dave Drew said he’d enforce the court’s order.
Guns that are evidence for trial are exempt from the ban.
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