Many People Detect Burnt Odor In Air
(Le Mars) — If you stepped outside this morning, you may have noticed an odor that smells like something is burning. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says he has received numerous phone calls this morning regarding the burnt odor in the air. He says he is not certain as to where the smell is originating at, since nothing in the area has been reported to be burning. Since we have had some strong winds from the southwest, Schipper wonders if the burnt odor may in fact be coming from the state of Kansas where the state had a major prairie grass fire that burnt several thousands of acres. Schipper compares the situation to the time a few years back when Canada had some wildfires and the smoke drifted to Iowa causing a hazy looking sky.
Ireton Fire Department Battles Machine Shed Fire
(Ireton) — Four different fire departments from Sioux County responded to a machine shed that had caught on fire early this morning at about 3:00 a.m. Ireton Fire Chief Rich Steckleberg says fire fighters from Ireton, Hawarden, Sioux Center and Maurice were called to the fire that was located at 4292 Dogwood, just to the northwest of Ireton. Steckleberg describes the scene.
The Ireton fire chief says fire fighters were at the scene for more than three and a half hours this morning battling the blaze. Steckleberg says the entire structure and all of its contents were a total lost. He mentions some of the equipment that was lost in that fire.
An investigation is now underway, but Steckleberg says he is unsure as to what may have started the fire.
Le Mars Public Library Provides Many Different Services
(Le Mars) — This week marks National Library Week, and according to Deb Kehrberg who is the president of the Friends of the Le Mars Public Library organization, she says many people may not be fully aware of all the services provided by the local library. Kehrberg says the public library serves more uses than to just check out books to read. Kehrberg says the public library assists those people seeking employment.
Another service provided by the Le Mars Public Library as well as libraries across the nation are audio books. Kehrberg says audio books are popular especially with the elderly who may have vision problems.
The president of the Friends of the Library says there is increasing interests with all generations and demographics with the e-books such as Nook or Kindle.
Perhaps one of the greatest services provided by the Le Mars public library and others included are the many different classes that are held at the public library.
Kehrberg says nearly 400 children have registered for the Summer Reading program, and she says another startling statistic is that nearly 79,500 people entered the Le Mars Public Library during this past fiscal year.
