Wells Holds Grand Re-opening Of Visitors Center And Ice Cream Parlor
(Le Mars) — The grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor was held this morning during the Chamber of Commerce coffee. The event served also as the kick-off to the annual Ice Cream Days celebration. Wells Enterprises CEO, Mike Wells welcomed the gathering to the newly renovated facility. He informed the gathering the welcome center is the result of looking at other visitor centers across the country.
Wells says he has set a goal of attracting a half a million visitors each year to Le Mars and the new visitors center and ice cream parlor.
Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds was a special guest to the grand re-opening event. Reynolds mentioned about the amount of ice cream produced in Le Mars, and the startling statistics.
Reynolds acknowledged the economic contributions by Wells Enterprises and the many different brands of ice cream produced in Le Mars.
The governor says she hopes to bring her grandchildren to Le Mars to experience the interactive displays showing how milk becomes America’s favorite sweet treat.
Collins Explains How Le Mars Was Named
(Le Mars) — The town, known as the Ice Cream Capital of the World, is double-dipping with celebrations this week. Le Mars, located in northwest Iowa, is celebrating its annual Ice Cream Days, but it is also celebrating its Sesquicentennial this week. Steve Collins is a historian of Le Mars, and recently co-authored a book about the History of Le Mars. Originally referred to as St. Paul Junction because two railroads intersected at the site. Collins says the naming of the town involved a group of ladies gathered at the train depot and were assigned to come up with a more appropriate name for the start-up town.
Another bit of history concerning Le Mars, back in 1904, it was the first town in the state to have a concrete paved street.
Collins says English immigrants were the first to settle Le Mars. As part of the celebration, and a nod to the English, Le Mars will hold a polo match and a game of Crickett, something that Collins says was popular during the early years of Le Mars.
The dual celebration will continue through Sunday with a parade scheduled for Saturday.
Feenstra Decides To Give Up Committee Chair In Order To Campaign For Congressional Seat
(Des Moines) — The Republican state senator who is challenging Republican Congressman Steve King’s bid for reelection is giving up a powerful legislative chairmanship to devote more time to the primary race.
Republican Randy Feenstra of Hull has been chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee since 2017. In a written statement, Feenstra cited the panel’s work since Republicans took control of the Senate three years ago — most notably the 2018 bill that cut state income taxes. Feenstra said he had “worked productively” with other Republicans in the statehouse.
Feenstra says the Senate Republican Leadership has asked that Feenstra continue his work on developing a plan to help restructure and perhaps, reduce taxes.
Feenstra has sought to contrast his legislative record with King’s. In January, Republican leaders in the U.S. House removed King from congressional committees to signal the G-O-P “won’t tolerate” white supremacy. King has said his comments have been taken out of context and he’s been lobbying to be reassigned to House committees.
