(LeMars) — LeMars Mayor Dick Kirchoff was the guest speaker at the LeMars Optimist club meeting. Kirchoff attended the meeting to accept the last payment the Optimist Club had committed for the Community Betterment project. The Optimist had made a financial pledge of $25,000 to be paid over the course of ten years. Kirchoff told the civic organization how the community was able to raise more than three million dollars, then the city was able to qualify for matching grants which led to a community investment of nearly eight million dollars. The community betterment project helped finance several facilities. Kirchoff says through the funding, LeMars is able to offer a better quality of life.
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Kirchoff displayed a plaque recognizing LeMars’ efforts as an all-star community. He says he is extremely proud of LeMars for taking the vision of tomorrow and making it happen today. He says of all the pledges, the city has been able to collect on nearly 98 percent.
Optimist Club president, Mike Jaminet remembers when the decision was made ten years ago. He says it was a difficult decision, but one the civic organization felt like they had to make.
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The local Optimist organization offers programs for the area’s 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. This coming Saturday, the Optimist club will sponsor a free day of bowling for the students. The Optimists Club was able to help finance the community swimming pool.
