(LeMars) — The LeMars Fire Department responded to a house fire Tuesday afternoon at 510 4th Street SE. The house is owned by Betty Kommes, and is a single story ranch style home. Upon arrival, fire officials witnessed heavy smoke showing from sveral attic vents and the first floor windows. Firefighters made an agrressive interior attack on the fire entering through a single stall attached garage. Fire officials entered the attic of the home in the garage and were met by heavy heat and fire. Fire fighters slowed the fire in the attic and then entered the main floor of the home through a walk-in door in the garage that leads to the kitchen. Fire fighters were able to extinguish the flames in the kitchen. The home received smoke damage throughout the structure and heavy fire damage in the kitchen and the attic. The LeMars Fire Department were on the scene for three hours. An investigation into the origin and cause of the fire determined to be in the kitchen of the home on the main floor. The cause was accidental and it was determined the stove was left on and ignited some combustibles. The fire spread from the top of the stove and into the attic of the home above the kitchen. The fire was reported by a neighbor as Kommes was not home at the time. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated to be over $90,000.
(Merrill) — The Iowa Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting on Tuesday, November 29th to discuss the proposed improvement of U-S Highway 75 through Merrill from the Burlington-Northern Railroad property north to the West Branch of the Floyd River. The public is invited to attend the meeting anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Merrill City hall at 608 Main Street. The public information meeting will be conducted utilizing an open forum format. No formal presentation will be made. Iowa Department of Transportation officials will be on hand to discuss the project informally.
(LeMars) — Democratic contender for the new Iowa Fourth Congressional District, Christie Vilsack is scheduled to be in LeMars today for an economic tour. Vilsack is seeking the Congressional seat now held by Republican Steve King.
(LeMars) — Congressman Steve King has announced that he will hold a town hall meeting scheduled for Monday, November 21st. The town hall meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Good Samaritan Society LeMars Senior Care Center. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. The Good Samaritan Society of LeMars is located at 1140 Lincoln Street Northeast on Highway 3 east.
(LeMars) — LeMars city officials have announced that city hall and all city offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
(LeMars) — Floyd Valley Hospital is teaming up with Joba’s to present “Jingle With Joba’s”. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 17th at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The holiday season can be a stressful time when it comes to decorating. You can learn fast and easy tips to transform your home from season to season. Experts will teach tips for creating personalized gift baskets, holiday and everyday home decor, and great gift ideas. You can enjoy warm cider and gourmet holiday treats while learning some great holiday decorating ideas.
(LeMars) — The LeMars Community School District has announced its employee of the month. This month the honor goes to Bev Heemstra. Heemstra is a teacher associate at Clark Elementary. Heemstra has worked with the LeMars Community School District for eight years. Tonya Schroeder submitted the nomination. Schroeder writes: “Bev has been one of educational assistants in the preschool room for almost 8 years. Her loyality and dedication to the pre-schoolers, as well as to me, the head teacher, is above and beyond what you would expect from an educational assistant. She always tries to keep a positive attitude and does what is in the best interest of the students with the many changes the pre-school room has undergone. Bev has always wanted to know what she can do to make things run smoothly. She stays on top of the changes and voluntarily sees work and completes it on her own. Bev is a hard working, dedicated, compassionate worker, who is an amazing co-worker and friend. Congratulations to Bev Heemstra as being selected the School District Employee of the Month.
