Home News Wednesday Afternoon News, November 20th

Wednesday Afternoon News, November 20th

Wet Nose Animal Rescue Appears Before City Council (Updated With Audio)

(Le Mars) — Representatives of the newly formed animal rescue organization “Wet Nose” met Tuesday with the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors and later with the Le Mars City Council. The officials requested for some assistance by both the county and the city to help locate a facility to house the rescued pets, as well as to serve as an office space. “Wet Nose” animal rescue was first organized in mid-July, and are seeking donations to
help the organization grow and be able to maintain facilities. The Wet Nose officials informed the county supervisors that Noah’s Hope of Sioux City has an agreement with the city of Le Mars to house some stray dogs, but there is no such agreement with Plymouth County.
Mary Valentine says the organization has taken in some dogs after their owner had passed away. The supervisors and the city council were introduced to a 14-year old dog named “Buddy”, a mixed sheep dog, which had belonged to long-time museum volunteer Delores Burkard. Following Burkard’s death there
was no one else to care for the dog. The officials indicated in addition to seeking a shelter to house and care for the stray cats and dogs, they are also looking for foster families for the animals. During the city council meeting, the animal rescue organization asked the city officials for some assistance. They indicated the city “needs to step up and take responsibility” for the many dogs and cats that need rescuing.

Councilman Clark Goodchild inquired about whether the city had any zoning issues with having multiple animals. City administrator, Jason Vacura responded to Goodchild’s question, saying there are some restrictions, but he would need to follow up with some research involving the city ordinance.
Vacura indicated the shelter would need to be located with a zoned area designated for businesses, and would not be allowed in the residential areas of town. Eva Mouw, an advocate for the Wet Nose rescue center stood at the podium, and started criticizing the town for not having a designated “dog
park” within Le Mars.

Mouw was heard saying, “You let us (dog owners) down, because you don’t have a dog park.” City Administrator Jason Vacura explained that a dog park is part of the Community Betterment Project, but because it did not receive a state grant, and doesn’t have a deadline tied to it, and therefore the proposed dog park is not yet a top priority.

Vacura offered assurances to the Wet Nose representatives that the community dog park has not been forgotten. Mary Valentine informed the city council the first priority with the Wet Nose organization is to obtain some type of animal shelter.

The Wet Nose Animal Rescue organization did not suggest any specific dollar amount to be requested either from the county, or from the city.

 

 

Jill Renken Named Chamber Of Commerce “Boss Of The Quarter”

(Le Mars) — The latest honoree for the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce “Boss of the Quarter” was awarded to the Plymouth County Assessor. The award was presented to Jill Renken Wednesday morning at the county courthouse. Renken
has worked at the county assessor’s office for the last 30 years, first as the clerk for the office, then as Deputy Assessor, next came the position of Chief Deputy Assessor, and since 2016 as the Assessor. The nomination was submitted by all the staff members of the county assessor’s office. Jill has many qualities that make her a great candidate for boss of the quarter. She
shows dedication and is conscientious about her work by going the extra mile for inquiring tax payers. Her professionalism and kind personality is top notch even in the times of stressful situations. She is humble and treats others like she would like to be treated.
Jill treats her co-workers and employees with great respect. Her years of knowledge and dedication make the day to day questions and inquiries easy to solve. She is respected by her co-workers and employees due to her leadership skills, hard work, and dedication. She is truly a one of a kind
boss that treats her employees like family. Our congratulations go to Jill Renken for being named the Chamber of Commerce’s “Boss of the Quarter.”

 

 

November Is Hospice Awareness Month

(Le Mars) — November is Hospice Awareness Month, and a hospice representative says many people may have the wrong idea as to what hospice is, and what services hospice provides. Megan Juilfs is the Community Representative with Care Initiatives based at Sioux City. She says hospice is to help both the patient and the family deal with a diagnosed terminal
illness.

Juilfs explains how a patient can qualify and obtain hospice care.

Juilfs says once a patient is admitted for hospice care, then it becomes a team approach to offer the patient better quality of life as opposed to quantity of life.

The Care Initiatives representative says hospice is not just for the patient, but there are services offered for the patient’s family to better prepare for the final outcome.

A diagnosis of a terminal illness can be depressing for both the patient and the family. Juilfs says hospice tries to lift the spirits to help combat depression.

The community representative says a misconception that she once held was that all hospice care is the same, and she soon learned that is not always the case.

Juilfs says hospice is to make conditions more comfortable for patients.

 

 

Man Imprisoned For Motorcycle Fatality

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – A man has been imprisoned for the crash death of his passenger after his motorcycle ran into the back of a car in Mason City.
Court records say 41-year-old Brandon Kellar, of Mason City, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the family of Shawn True. Police say Kellar was driving the motorcycle late on the night of Sept. 28, 2018, when his motorcycle hit the car. He and the 36-year-old True were thrown off the bike. True died from her injuries.
Kellar had pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide by reckless driving. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a charge of vehicular homicide while under the influence.