Home News Wednesday Afternoon News, April 1st

Wednesday Afternoon News, April 1st

Fire and Rescue Department Issues March Report

(Le Mars) — Le Mars Fire and Rescue has issued its March monthly report, and during the third month of the year, the local firefighters responded to a total of 27 calls. The breakdown into separate categories shows the fire and rescue department answered 14 fire calls and five rescues. The conducted six
investigations or accident clean-ups, and provided mutual aid twice, once with Merrill and once with Akron.

 

 

Knights Of Columbus To Serve Pork Chop Meal To Replace Cancelled All Saints Parish-St. James Smorgasbord

(Le Mars) — This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, and normally that would mean the All Saints Parish, St. James Catholic Church of Le Mars would hold its traditional smorgasbord meal. However, due to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the meal at St. James Catholic Church has been cancelled.
However, all is not lost, as the Knights of Columbus of Le Mars are stepping up to offer an alternative option meal in place of the annual feast. Seth Schmidt is with the local Knights of Columbus and says people will still have the opportunity to enjoy a good home-cooked meal.

Schmidt says the local Knights of Columbus will be serving a broasted pork chop dinner.

Due to the coronavirus, the meal will be served as a take out or drive through service. Schmidt says the K-C’s have had a little experience with the method during their Friday Fish Frys.

Schmidt says the Knights expect some traffic congestion, at, and around the Knights of Columbus Hall. They ask that everyone have some patience.

Schmidt says the cost of the broasted pork chop meal is $10.

 

 

Jeneary Suggests Laid-off Workers To Seek Help Through The Iowa Workforce Development

(Le Mars) — With schools, restaurants, bars, lounges, movie theaters, fitness clubs, museums, casinos, and now many retail stores having been asked to close their doors as an effort to prevent, or at least minimize and slow down, the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, many people are wondering if
the action was appropriate and needed? The state legislature also shut down early due to the virus, and Republican State Representative Dr. Tom Jeneary of Le Mars says he believes the requests made by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds are appropriate.

A common question among many people is “how long will this interruption of our lives continue?” Jeneary says the short answer is “No one knows for sure.”

Certainly, the local, state, and national economies are seeing a sharp downward turn due to the spread of the coronavirus. Jeneary says he hasn’t yet heard of estimates as to how much the economy has been hurt by the spread of COVID-19.
The state legislator says if anyone has been laid off as a result of the coronavirus, he offers the suggestion they turn to the Iowa Workforce Development website for assistance.

Jeneary suggests for those individuals without internet access to locate a friend that does have internet capabilities and ask them to assist with the application process.

 

 

Chamber Executive Says Relief Is Available For Small Businesses

(Le Mars) — Several small businesses are hurting financially due to the coronavirus. Congress recently passed, and President Trump has signed the $2.1 trillion dollar CARES Act, which among other things will provide financial assistance to small businesses. Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Neal Adler says there are many assistance programs available to small businesses.

Adler says the amount of money to be allocated back to small businesses will be determined through the Small Business Administration. He says the EIDL is a working capital loan.

The Le Mars Chamber executive says the Small Business Administration will review a business income and expenses covering a six month period. He says there is no collateral needed to obtain the small business relief loan.

Adler says he doesn’t know of any deadlines with the loan application, but he says that policies have been changing daily. He encourages all small businesses to apply for the loan regardless whether you want the assistance.

Adler says if local businesses have questions, they should contact the SBDC office located in Sioux City.

The Le Mars Chamber official says the SBA also offers a “Paycheck Protection Program, if employers retain their employees. Adler says the chamber wants to thank the public for continuing to support local businesses during this era of closed doors due to the coronavirus.

 

 

Two Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Have Closed 

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – State health officials say medical marijuana dispensaries have closed in Council Bluffs and Davenport. The disclosure Monday by the Iowa Public Health Department said patients and caregivers still may purchase the cannabidiol products at Iowa’s three other licensed outlets, in Sioux City, Waterloo and in the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights. It’s not clear why the two dispensaries were closed. Their operators, Have A Heart Compassionate Care, didn’t immediately return messages Wednesday from The Associated Press. The 2017 Medical Cannabidiol Act allows the use of cannabidiol that has no more than 3% THC, the compound in marijuana that causes a high.

 

 

Two People Die From Helicopter Crash In Southern Iowa

HAMLIN, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say two people were killed when a helicopter crashed and burned in west-central Iowa. The crash was reported Tuesday afternoon in Audubon County, a few miles east of Hamlin. Authorities say the aircraft hit a power line before it went down. The names of those aboard have not been released. Authorities say the two were from Minnesota. The crash is being investigated.

 

 

Marshall County Replaces Dome On Courthouse

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) – Residents gathered in downtown Marshalltown to cheer the return of the dome atop the tornado-damaged and time-ravaged Marshall County Courthouse. Streets around the courthouse were lined Tuesday with cheering people – some shoulder to shoulder despite warnings about social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dome and building were damaged by a tornado that tore through Marshalltown on July 19, 2018, injuring several people. Falling debris broke three courthouse sprinkler lines, resulting in a flood of water entering the structure. The tornado damage exposed rot and wear and tear that needed repair. The building is more than 130 years old.

 

 

Survey Shows Midwest Economy Hurt By Consequences Of Virus

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A survey of supply managers in a nine-state region of the Midwest and Plains is showing more signs of the coronavirus pandemic’s disruptive economic impact. A report released Monday says the Mid-American Business Conditions index sank in March to 46.7 – its lowest reading since September 2016. The survey’s confidence index plunged to a record low of 14.5. The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth. A score below that suggests decline. The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

 

 

Wayne State of Nebraska To Delay Graduation Commencement

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – The three Nebraska State College system schools have joined the four University of Nebraska system campuses in canceling May graduation ceremonies, citing public health concerns. Peru State College intends to postpone its May commencement until Dec. 18. Wayne State canceled its May 9 ceremony and intends to hold one later this summer. Chadron State College is expected to announce its plans later Wednesday. Commencement cancellations for the four University of Nebraska system schools were reported Tuesday.