Christmas Trees Can Be A Fire Hazard During Holidays
(Le Mars) — On Wednesday, KLEM news discussed home fire prevention during the holidays with focus on candles and with cooking. Today, we look at the centerpiece of all Christmas celebrations, that being the Christmas tree. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments responded to an average of 210 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees per year. Three of every ten of them is caused by electrical problems, and one in four result in a heat source being too close to the tree. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says a dry Christmas tree can go up in flames in mere seconds.
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Schipper suggests keeping the tree constantly watered.
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The Le Mars Fire Chief also ask that you periodically check the electrical lights on the tree.
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Tomorrow, we will conclude our series on holiday home safety as we examine the fire dangers of space heaters and other heating elements.
Karla Less Honored As December “Employee Of The Month”
(Le Mars) — During Wednesday’s Chamber Coffee hosted by Northwest Bank, the December “employee of the month” was announced. Karla Less, an employee of Northwest Bank was honored and recognized. Kevin Eekhoff, bank president, along with the entire staff of Northwest Bank submitted the nomination. In that nomination, Kevin Eekhoff says he has known and worked with Karla for more than 25 years. He has found Karla to be very dependable, efficient, and punctual. She is a person who gives much attention to detail and is always willing to take on difficult or special projects. She has repeatedly impressed me through the years that we have known each other. Not only does she produce high quality work for the staff and the customers we serve, she is one of the first impressions of our Bank. When you enter the Main Bank, you will be greeted by Karla who always has a smile and projects a warm, cheerful attitude to all she greets. When you call into the bank she will more than likely be the person you will be speaking to. Karla loves people, works hard and always tries to spread her cheerful demeanor to anyone around her. Eekhoff believes these characteristics represent all that is good at Northwest Bank and he is pleased to nominate Karla Less for this honor, the December Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Month.
Cone Park May Receive Grant From Iowa Vision Board
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Sioux City park officials say an all-season park planned to open next year could get more than $300,000 from a state tourism program.
City officials pitched the Cone Park project to the Vision Iowa board on Wednesday.
The city has requested a $318,000 grant from the state program that funds cultural, entertainment and education attractions.
The $4 million all-season park near the IBP Ice Center will include a sledding hill, ice skating pond and splash pad.
Most of the money will come from philanthropist Ruth Cone who left $2.6 million when she died in 1981.
The city, Woodbury County and Missouri River Historical Development group are also providing funds.
The Vision Iowa board is expected to vote on the proposal in January.
Iowa State University Political Science Professor Discusses Political Endorsements
(Ames) — How much weight does political endorsements play on campaigns with voters? Iowa State University professor of political sciences, Dr. Mack Shelley says it all depends upon the candidate, and who, or what organization is endorsing the candidate.
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Shelley says when a candidate receives an endorsement from an association, organization, or union, it may mean several volunteers will help with the campaign.
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The Iowa State University political science professor says a campaign’s survival may depend on whether the candidate has endorsements, along with volunteers, or if the campaign has enough funding to sustain the long-haul of a campaign.
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Author Of Harry Potter Books Declines Invitation To Speak At University Of Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Hundreds of J.K. Rowling fans at the University of Iowa have received semi-personalized letters from the “Harry Potter” author. KWWL-TV reports the letters were Rowling’s way of respectfully declining a request that she speak on campus due to schedule conflicts. The letters were addressed to the individual fans and included a signature from Rowling.
