Le Mars House Fire
(Le Mars) — Heavy smoke could be seen from several blocks away on Monday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. as firefighters were called to 520 2nd Avenue southwest in Le Mars as a house had caught on fire. Firefighters from Le Mars, Merrill, and Orange City battled the house fire as well as the frigid cold temperatures. The fire alarm was actually called in by Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper as he saw smoke from a couple blocks away from his home.
Schipper believes the fire was perhaps burning for awhile before people had noticed the billowing smoke.
Nobody was home at the time of the fire, and firefighters had to break open the door in order to extinguish the flames.
Schipper says he isn’t certain as to whether the house can be repaired in order for someone to continue to reside in the home. He says there was extensive damage to the upper level. Schipper says firefighters determined the origin of the fire was at an upstairs bedroom and the cause was improperly discarded smoking material.
Firefighters were able to get the fire under control within 45 minutes, but remained on the scene for nearly an hour and a half.
Downing Named Chamber of Commerce “Boss Of The Quarter”
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce named its first Boss of the Quarter for 2020 Monday afternoon. The presentation of a plaque and the honors were given to Doug Downing, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Primebank, and a member of the Board of Directors. Downing was nominated by fellow co-worker and Vice President, Lisa Boehm. In her nomination, Boehm writes that Downing is of good character with such virtues as honesty, kindness, trustworthiness, generosity and fairness. Downing consistently demonstrates good character in his treatment of customers and co-workers alike.
Kevin Eekhoff, Chamber representative, (right) presents the Boss of the Quarter plaque to Doug Downing (left) of Primebank.
Building upon teamwork whenever possible, Doug Downing communicates in a manner that is both inclusive an candid. While not one to coddle his staff, Doug is always there to listen and provide support and guidance. He has an innate ability to bring out the best in people. Honest and open, Doug is always happy to provide feedback in order to help others grow and take on more challenges and responsibilities. A graduate of Le Mars Community High School and Westmar College, Doug began his career in banking as an Examiner with the State Division of Banking. From there, he went on to serve as an officer and director at a small bank in central Iowa, before returning to his home community in 1989 and accepting a lending position with Primebank. Today, in addition to his duties as a lending officer, Doug also heads Primebank’s Credit Division, including the Credit Review Department and the Centralized Loan Servicing Department. He serves as Primebank’s Chief Credit Officer, and is a member of Primebank’s Board of Directors. Primebank CEO, Matt Ahlers indicated his appreciation for Doug’s contributions to Primebank’s success. Doug can be counted on to provide sound advice and counsel not only to those he supervises, but to his customers as well. Congratulations go to Doug Downing as being honored as the Chamber of Commerce “Boss of the Quarter.”
County Supervisors To Hear From Sheriff Van Otterloo Regarding Budget Requests
(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Board of Supervisors will hear from Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo during today’s meeting. Van Otterloo will be reviewing with the county governing board the requested budget for the upcoming fiscal year as it pertains to the Sheriff’s Office, Communications Center, and Jail. In other action, the supervisors are expected to appoint Julie Madden to a six-year term for the Akron Public Library Board. The county supervisors are expected to approve a limited services and road maintenance agreement.
City Council To Take Action On Engineering Agreement Regarding Plywood Trail
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars City Council will take action on the Plywood Trail Stage 1-B engineering agreement during today’s meeting scheduled to begin at 12:00 noon from the city council chambers. The council will also decide whether to offer assistance to Morrow Lin Properties. They will hear the annual report from the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department, as well as begin budget discussions. The city council will go into closed session following the meeting in order to negotiate with city employees for collective bargaining.
MOC-Floyd Valley To Propose Bond For Building Expansion
ORANGE CITY, IOWA — The MOC-FV Community School District Board of Education has approved a general bond referendum question that will appear on a special election ballot Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
The District has been experiencing growth, with future enrollment projections show additional growth of approximately 18 students per year.
The question will ask voters to approve a new TK-5 elementary school and additions/renovations to the high school, at a total cost not to exceed $37 million. If approved, the 20-year bond would have a net property tax impact of $11.30 per month on a $100,000 home.
