(LeMars) — LeMars wants to get healthy!
At an informational meeting held yesterday, community leaders representing the city government, industry, education, retail, and health were on hand to listen to ideas of how the community can join in with the goal of becoming the “Healthiest State” in the nation. Governor Branstad announced the goal in early August. Now, communities across the state are joining in to participate. Blue Cross-Blue Shield Wellmark Insurance is offering $25 million to be divided among ten communities that show they are serious about becoming healthy. LeMars hopes to be recognized as a “Blue Zone” community. Community leaders hope to get LeMars residents interested in a “Start Somewhere Walk” that is scheduled for noon on October 7th.
Jessica Lindgren is the coordinator for the upcoming walk. She says 44 other Iowa communities have already signed up to become a “blue zone” community. Lindgren told the gathering that other communities that have started similiar initiatives have shown to have a 46 percent improvement in absenteeism from the work force.
Listen here
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How many of the LeMars residents does Lindgren want to share in the one kilometer walk?
Listen here
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Lindgren hopes the community not only takes an interest in walking, but also in the organizational efforts leading up to the walk. She is asking for assistance with various committees to promote the walk. Lindgren says an easy way for people to show an interest is to sign up online at www.iowahealthieststate.com.
(LeMars) — The LeMars Fire and Rescue Department responded to a semi truck fire at the
Anthony Trucking firm yesterday. The truck was fully engulfed with flames when fire
fighters arrived at the scene. The semi truck was considered a total loss, however,
fire officials were able to keep the fire from spreading to a trailer that was filled
with animal fat. No one was injured during the blaze, but the damage is estimated at
over $100,000. The origin of the fire started at the engine, but the cause of the fire
is being listed as undetermined due to the extent of the damage. Anthony Trucking
employees were in the process of unloading animal fat from one trailer to another when
the fire occured.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – While destructive storms have battered
crops in some parts of Iowa, crops in other parts of the state are
beginning to show stress from a lack of rainfall.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey released the weekly
Iowa crop report Monday, saying some areas in southeast Iowa have
received less than an inch of rain since June 30.
Topsoil moisture is rated 52 percent short or very short and
subsoil moisture is rated 48 percent short or very short.
Corn is rated at 15 percent poor or very poor, 26 percent fair
and 59 percent good or excellent. Soybeans are reported at 12
percent poor or very poor, 24 percent fair and 64 percent good or
excellent.
Northey says the condition of crops is concerning as the fall
harvest approaches.
AMES, Iowa (AP) – The committee searching for the next Iowa
State University president is expected to gather for an update. The
panel is set to meet on a conference call this afternoon for a
private session. The committee is looking to replace President Greg
Geoffroy, who has announced plans to step down next year.
