Holz Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election To State House
(Le Mars) — State Representative Chuck Holz of Le Mars has announced he will not be seeking re-election to the state legislature. Holz, a republican, has been in the state House for three years. He was first elected to serve the
remainder of the term vacated by then Chuck Soderberg, who left the position to be the executive director of the Iowa Electrical Cooperatives Association. Holz was re-elected to office in 2016 when he defeated Democratic challenger Pat Ritz of Akron. Holz will complete his term which will end at the conclusion of this
General Session scheduled for late April. The retired veterinarian says it has been an honor to represent the people of Plymouth County in the state house.
Holz says he has family located in central Iowa, and it is likely he may move away from Le Mars to central Iowa to be closer to his family members. Holz talks about the satisfaction he gained from being a state law maker.
Sioux City Man Arrested For Possession of Methamphetamine
(Le Mars) — A Sioux City man has been arrested for various drug-related charges by Plymouth County Sheriff’s officials following a traffic stop. Early Tuesday morning at about 2:00 a.m. a sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle on County road
K-22, south of County road C-80 near the Plymouth County and Woodbury County border, about a half mile from the Sioux City city limits. As a result of that stop, 27 year old Gary Dailey was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver. Dailey was also charged for a second offense with OWI, driving while license was suspended, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of stolen property. He was booked and transported to the Plymouth County Jail.
City Council Discusses Budget With City Department Heads
(Le Mars) — City officials are at this hour reviewing the proposed Le Mars city budget during a budget conference from the city council chambers. City department heads are meeting with Mayor Kirchoff and city council members to
propose their department budgets. Mayor Kirchoff offers assurance to Le Mars residents and businesses that all of the city officials take the budget planning process very seriously. He explains the process involved for establishing the
city’s budget.
Kirchoff says once the budget proposals have been submitted that is when the city council meets with each department head to figure out a final budget proposal.
Mayor Kirchoff says he’s proud of the process, saying it works well due to the hard work and planning conducted by all city officials. Kirchoff says the city council wants to “hold the line” on this year’s budget.
The expected revenue for the city of Le Mars for both the general fund and the enterprise fund is listed at $21,835,749. The projected expenditures, prior to today’s conference is listed at $22,346,596. City officials hope to shave off approximately $510,000 from the city’s final budget. The city’s final budget
for fiscal year 2018-2019 will be submitted to the public for a hearing in early March, and voted on by city council and certified by mid-March.
Fire Department Responds To 46 Calls in January
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department averaged nearly one and a half calls each day during the month of January according to its latest monthly report. The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to a total of 46 calls
for the first month of 2018. During January, there were 12 fires, four rescues, 20 investigations, five requests for services, and five mutual aid calls, three times with Merrill, once with Oyens and once with Ireton. During January, captain Keith Hettwer retired after serving 37 years as a Le Mars firefighter.
The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department was awarded a $2,000 Farm Credit Services grant, and they submitted on behalf of the Plymouth County Fire Association a grant request for $439,000 for air packs for each fire department within the
county.
Le Mars Main Street Organization Announces “Open 4 Business” Competition
(Le Mars) — Do you have a great business idea? Have you always wanted to own a business in downtown Le Mars.? Is your current business planning to expand services or add a new product line? Do you have a piece of equipment you wish
you could purchase for your business?
The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Main Street program is looking for interested entrepreneurs who could use $28,000 to launch or grow their business idea within the Le Mars Main Street district. The Open 4 Business contest, launched in 2015, 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 a business development or expansion project that will benefit the local community. Businesses must complete an application and submit a short video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in their community. A 25% cash match is required. The grant funds are administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa program.
An informational meeting will be held Monday, February 19 3:00 p.m. at the Le Mars Chamber office, 50 Central Ave SE. A local competition will determine who represents Le Mars in the regional and state contests. In 2017, the Brown Century Theater competed and came in second place in the state winning $18,500.
Each designated Main Street community may submit one local business applicant
that will represent Le Mars at the sub-state competition held in Des Moines on
June 28, 2018. Sub-state winners will receive $8,000 and advance to the state
contest which will be held in Waterloo, Iowa the evening of August 28, 2018. The
state winner could win up to $20,000.
For complete details about this program, please contact Mary Reynolds, Main
Street Manager at 546-8821.
State Health Department Reports Norovirus Outbreak
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Department of Public Health says it’s received numerous reports of norovirus illnesses in the past few weeks.
Norovirus cases occur all year but are usually higher in the colder months because people are indoors more and in closer contact.
The virus spreads easily when people don’t stay at home with diarrhea or vomiting and when they don’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom. The illness also spreads when people prepare food while ill with vomiting and diarrhea.
The state medical director, Dr. Patricia Quinlist, says people with
diarrhea or have been vomiting should not handle food, no matter how well they wash their hands.
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and low-grade fever.
Fort Dodge Woman Charged With Attempted Murder
FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) – A Fort Dodge woman has been charged with attempted murder after police say she hit another woman with her car.
Police on Wednesday arrested 27-year-old Leah Cervene. Officers say she was drunk when her car hit a 34-year-old woman who was crossing a Fort Dodge street around 1 a.m. Saturday. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Cervene was initially charged with operating while under the influence, but Fort Dodge Police Capt. Ryan Gruenberg says the investigation led to the attempted murder charge.
Cervene is being held on $500,000 after her initial court appearance Thursday. Her preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 9.
A message left for her attorney on Friday was not immediately returned.
