Fire Departments Respond To Fire At Plymouth Energy
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department along with the Merrill Fire Department were called to the Plymouth Energy ethanol plant shortly after midnight, early Sunday morning. Plymouth Energy is located about two miles
north of Merrill on county road K-42. A grain dryer had caught on fire.
Firefighters were on the scene for nearly four hours battling the blaze, as well as the frigid cold temperatures. The cold weather created some problems for the fire departments in trying to keep their equipment from freezing.
Remsen Chamber of Commerce Holds Awards Banquet
(Remsen) — Remsen Chamber of Commerce honored its own Saturday evening during the annual Remsen Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. In addition to the “Citizen of the Year” and “Business of the Year” awards, this year, the Remsen
Chamber of Commerce added another award category. The “Up and Coming Business” award was decided upon from the Chamber’s board of directors. The Chamber decided to make the presentation to someone that has recently invested into the
Remsen community, and has taken a leap into the business world of Remsen. The inaugural “Up and Coming Business Award” was given to Mitch Frericks of Frericks Repair. Mitch Frericks purchased Charlie’s Repair in June of 2015 and renamed
it to Frericks Repair. He says he is honored by the award, and talks about how his interest in cars turned into his business.
Frericks has since purchased the building next door to expand the services offered. Frericks has a service truck he can take on site to make needed repairs. Frericks Repair employs three full-time and one part-time employees.
The “Citizen of the Year” award went to a person who believes in volunteering for the community. Mike Nelson has worked with West Iowa Telephone for the past 35 years. He has helped WesTel grow over the many years with his financial expertise and vast knowledge of advancing technology. As a former member of the Jaycees, Nelson recruited approximately 150 new members in 1986. In 1987 he obtained senator status, and had support to run for state presidency, though he declined. He served as the treasurer for the Iowa Jaycee Foundation from 1990 until he stopped active participation in 2000. Nelson’s contributions to the community have been continuous since he first moved to Remsen and his accomplishments are too many to count. He participated in golf, bowling, and dart leagues in Remsen for nearly 20 years. He organized and helped lead the
food stand for many years at the demolition derby and continues to volunteer as a worker for the Oktoberfest each year. Mike began his civil service in 2001, following election to the city council, and served in that capacity for a number of years before deciding not to seek re-election. He has been a member of the
Remsen Chamber of Commerce and the Remsen Quasquicentential Committee, organizing the beer garden for the whole celebration in 2014. For many years, he has been part of the Remsen Economic Development Committee, currently he
serves as its president. Nelson shares his thoughts about being named the Remsen “Citizen of the Year,” as well as the importance of volunteering for your community.
The Remsen “Business of the Year” started more than 79 years ago in 1939 and is the oldest private business in Remsen. Joe Arens of Arens Trucking firm explains how the family trucking business got its humble start.
In the late 1940’s, Os and his brother-in-law, Ed Jaminet, formed a partnership that lasted until 1962, when Ed had passed away. The business has been in the same location for 73 years. Arens Trucking is now owned and operated by Joe, Jerry, and Rob Arens. Joe explains how the family trucking company has grown
over the years.
Arens Trucking employs eight full time employees and several part-time drivers.
Congratulations to all the award recipients during the Remsen Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet.
The Remsen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Le Mars Police Department To Hold Active Shooter Training
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Police Department will hold a community active shooter training seminar scheduled for this evening, Monday, February 12th at the Le Mars Convention
Center. Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte says with so many shooting incidents occurring through out the nation, he believes it is necessary to at least talk about the possibility.
Chief Vande Vegte says far too many times, people are uncertain as to how to respond, or what they should do during an active shooter situation.
Vande Vegte says people need to be active and not passive if ever confronted by an active shooter. He says do whatever is needed to survive, and possibly throw anything at the shooter.
Vande Vegte explains what will be discussed during Monday evening’s seminar.
Chief Vande Vegte says the active shooting training seminar is open to everyone.
He suggests businesses, churches, schools, and the general public should consider attending. He says the seminar is free. Vande Vegte asks people to contact the Le Mars Police Department at (712) 546-4113 if they plan on attending. The seminar will take place at the Le Mars Convention Center and it
will begin at 6:00 p.m.
School Board To Hear Report About Invitation To The Missouri River Activities Conference
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Community Board of Education will hear an update this evening regarding whether or not Le Mars Community School should join the Missouri River Activities Conference which includes the Sioux City schools,
Sergeant Bluff, and the Council Bluffs public schools. Or, if it should remain with the Lakes Conference that includes Spencer, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, Cherokee, and Estherville. Activities Director Karlton Hector is scheduled to deliver a report to the school board, as well as he will present the formal invitation to the Missouri River Activities Conference to the board’s attention.
The school board will also act on a list of resignations including: Ellie Ludwigs, Florrie Adler, Joel Jentz, Brett Oetken, Dawn Richards, Deb Richarz, and Wendy Weaver. The school board will also consider an open enrollment application for a Kindergarten student from Hinton. The Le Mars Community Board
of Education is scheduled to meet in closed session in order to discuss the performance of School Superintendent, Dr. Steve Webner.
