Local Women Start Donation Program For Texas Relief
(Le Mars) — Answering the call to to something, two local ladies have organized a drop-off point to accept donations that will be delivered to Texas in order to offer aid and assistance to people struck by Hurricane Harvey. Melba Ter Horse of Remsen has set up a cargo trailer parked at the Old School Signs on 12th Street
southwest accepting general toiletries. Ter Horse explains the specific items being requested.
Ter Horse says she has friends and family that were directly hit by Harvey, which prompted her to act.
Ter Horse hopes to work with churches and other charitable organizations based in Texas as a distribution point. Ter Horse says she hopes to be able to take the donated items to Texas this weekend, but adds, she will go only when the danger
is over. The two ladies started the idea only yesterday, and through the use of social media, they have been surprised by the generosity and turnout.
Ter Horse says she hopes the cargo trailer will fill up. She says a semi truck and trailer are on stand-by if needed.
Wearing a grey t-shirt showing the state of Texas with the words “Home” on it,
Joelle Dutchman is now a resident of Le Mars, but she used to live in the area just to the southeast of Houston. Dutchman also has friends and family members in the affected hurricane flooding zone. She says she wanted to help, and thought
she could help here in Iowa.
Dutchman talks about what Harvey is doing to her family and friends homes.
The former Texas resident says she has been in contact with her friends and family members, and that they are safe for now.
Donations can be dropped off at the cargo trailer located at Old School signs until 7:00 p.m. this evening, and it will remain at Old School Signs through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Exit Reality is also wanting to send donations to Texas. They are hoping to fill one of their Smart cars which will
be delivered to the awaiting trailer at Old School Signs.
Gehlen Catholic Elementary Students Able To Use New Playground Equipment
(Le Mars) — The elementary students of Gehlen Catholic were finally able to enjoy the new playground equipment that was constructed during the summer. Before the students could swing, spin, or climb on the new playground equipment, a formal blessing was conducted. Brian Kolbeck was one of the parents on the committee to raise the needed funds, and helped construct the playground. Kolbeck says the new playground equipment was a long time coming.
Kolbeck says the assembly of the playground equipment required some long days by a large crew.
The Gehlen Catholic parent says the older facility had served its purpose, and was needing to be replaced.
The price tag for the new playground equipment is yet to be determined, but Kolbeck says Gehlen Catholic is appreciative of the many donations.
National Traditional Music Association Holds Conference In Le Mars
(Le Mars) — The sounds of old time country and gospel music can be heard from the Plymouth County Fairgrounds all this week, as the National Traditional Country Music Association holds its 42nd annual conference. This year marks the ninth year the music association has held its convention at Le Mars and the Plymouth County Fair grounds. Bob Everhart explains that old time music crosses many musical genres.
Everhart says the old time music appeals to the particularly the older generations, because of its often times simple message.
Everhart says the festival is open to anyone who would like to stand on a stage and play music.
The music festival features at least ten different stages with hundreds of performers scheduled to appear. Admission to the music festival is $20 per day Monday through Thursday, and $25 per person for the weekend Friday through Sunday.
Reynolds Says She Is Looking At Budget To Help Nursing Care Facilities
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says the state agency that advocates for the elderly and disabled will review its budget in an effort to avoid some cuts to staff visits at facilities like nursing homes, but she didn’t offer specifics.
The Republican governor told reporters Tuesday her office is communicating with the office of the Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman to review options.
The ombudsman’s office announced recently that reductions to its state-appropriated budget, which is just above $1 million, would limit staff travel to facilities like nursing homes. The travel is aimed at monitoring conditions.
Reynolds says a large portion of the office’s budget is salaries and administrative costs, so officials may try to use resources differently. She declined to clarify if that could lead to layoffs at the ombudsman’s office.
