Wayne Heien Named Chamber’s “Employee Of The Month”
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce has awarded its latest “Employee of the Month” honors to a longtime Primebank employee. Wayne Heien, serves as the Senior Vice President and Cashier and has been employed with Primebank
for 40 years. The nomination reads: “Innately inquisitive and attentive to detail, Wayne Heien was destined for a career in accounting and auditing. A rural Le Mars native and graduate of Le Mar Community Schools, Wayne attended Western Iowa Technical Community College, where he studied accounting.
Following graduation, and a brief employment with a financial institution, Wayne returned to his studies enrolling as an accounting major at Westmar College. Upon his graduation from Westmar in 1980, Wayne joined the staff of Primebank as their first full-time accountant and in-house auditor.
Primebank’s CEO, Matt Ahlers (left) is seen with Wayne Heien (right).
Eventually earning distinction as a Chartered Bank Auditor, Wayne has been a key player on the Primebank team for over 40 years. In addition to his work in the accounting and auditing arena, Wayne was an early advocate for the rapidly growing use of technology and computerization in banking. With this
interest in mind, Wayne quickly established himself as one of Primebank’s “go to” employees, when the need called for computer support. Having long since turned his involvement with computer support over to others, Wayne continues to serve on Primebank’s Information Technology Committee. In addition to his long-standing dedication to Primebank, Wayne has also demonstrated his dedication to community service through both his membership and his leadership in the local Optimist International club. Our congratulations go to Wayne Heien as the the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce’s Employee of the
Month.
End Of An Era…Le Mars Truck Stop To Close
(Le Mars) — Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30th will mark the end of an era.
It is the last day for the J and J Cafe restaurant to be open. The Le Mars Truck Stop will close a week later. Le Mars residents have been accustomed to eating at the restaurant, and filling their gas tanks at the local truck
stop since the late 1950’s. Kent Hanstein along with Beth Dreckman are the owners of the Le Mars Truck Stop convenience store and the accompanying restaurant. Hanstein offers a brief history of the truck stop and offers an explanation as to why they decided to sale the facilities.
Hanstein says part of the reason for agreeing to sell the facilities is because of a pending retirement.
Kwik-Star is headquartered in Wisconsin and has several convenience stores scattered throughout the upper midwest. Although Hanstein hasn’t visited directly with any Kwik-Star company officials, as the entire business
transaction has gone through corporate attorneys, he says it is his understanding the new convenience store company wants to have the new store in operation within a few months.
On any given day, at least 30 some semi trucks can be found parked behind the truck stop building, and many people are wondering where those trucks will park in the future?
No doubt, many people will miss the familiar restaurant. But, Hanstein believes somebody may attempt to start up another restaurant within Le Mars.
Hanstein says the entire transaction initially began nearly a year ago.
Senate Candidates Hold First Debate
(Johnston, IA) — Republican Senator Joni Ernst and Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield had their first debate Monday on Iowa P-B-S. The candidates disagreed on taxes, immigration, infrastructure, the minimum wage, and when the vacancy on the U-S Supreme Court should be filled. Ernst, who
described herself as “proudly pro-life,” downplayed the idea confirming President Trump’s nominee will get the ultimate result abortion opponents have long sought. Greenfield called the decision “settled law.” Tens of millions of dollars are being spent by outside groups on this Senate race and each candidate accused the other of being beholden to special interest money.
Senator Grassley Wary Of Report On President’s Taxes
(Washington, DC) — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he doesn’t entirely trust the New York Times report that says the president only paid 750 dollars in federal income taxes during 2016 and 2017. Grassley says he’s waiting for more solid data on the allegations, especially this close to Election Day.
The report says Trump paid no income tax at all in 11 of the 18 years the paper reviewed, while the president calls the report “totally fake news.”
Grassley, a Republican, is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which writes tax law, so while he’s following the story closely, he says he’s wary about the source.
Iowa Receives Federal Grant For Rural Community Heritage
(Des Moines, IA) — Iowa is receiving a federal grant that’s designed to help rural communities preserve their heritage and foster economic development through the revitalization of historic properties. The Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants are funded through the Historic Preservation Fund and
administered by the National Park Service. The grant program supports historic preservation projects in rural communities across America, including 600-thousand dollars to Iowa’s State Historic Preservation Office. The state agency will provide subgrants for the entire 600-thousand dollars to historic
preservation projects in Iowa.
Davenport School Board Meets After State Board Action Against District
(Davenport, IA) — The Davenport school board met for the first time Monday since the State Board of Education voted to temporarily remove the district’s superintendent and chief financial officer. The Board of Ed took the action after saying the district did not do enough to address concerns about equity
issues in the district. The Davenport school board did not take any action involving the two administrators. District officials said they’re waiting for more details from the state on what comes next.
