Corn Crib Burns To The Ground
(Remsen) — An old two-story corn crib was destroyed by fire Friday afternoon, southeast of Remsen. Fire fighters were called to 45757 190th Street at about 3:20 p.m. Fire fighters from Remsen, Oyens, and Marcus responded to the corn
crib fire. Smoke could be seen from miles away, and upon arrival, fire fighters saw the old structure was fully engulfed with flames shooting 20 feet above the roof. Remsen Fire Chief Todd Tentinger believes the fire may have started due to some sort of electrical problem.
Tentinger says there wasn’t anything else within the burning building. Fire fighters were concerned about other surrounding buildings, but were able to confine the fire to the only the corn crib. Within minutes, the structure collapsed due to the intensity of the flames. The two-story structure is a total loss. Fire fighters were on the scene for about two hours.
Chamber Hosts Children’s Halloween Fun
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce and Main Street organization will host the Halloween Fun for Children on Saturday morning. Becky Klohs serves as the coordinator of the event. She says the trick or treating distribution of candy will begin at the Olson Cultural Event Center at 11:00 a.m.
Klohs says the event is meant to have fun. Although there isn’t any judging of costumes, Klohs suggests the children to come in costume.
Klohs says the annual event usually attracts up to 700 children. Following the distribution of candy at the Olson Cultural Event Center, volunteers will help guide the small trick or treaters through the downtown businesses.
The Main Street Volunteer says people can bring their own containers or sacks to gather the candy, otherwise, bags will be provided.
Following the distribution of candy at the Olson Cultural Event Center and from downtown businesses, trick or treaters are encouraged to visit the Le Mars Public Library. Shirley Taylor serves as the Library’s Director.
Once the children have their free book, they are encouraged to visit the Le Mars Arts Center to paint a pumpkin. That activity will begin at 12:00 noon and will continue through 3:00 p.m.
Test Drive A Car To Raise Money For Gehlen Catholic
(Le Mars) — Are you looking to test drive a new vehicle, or perhaps you would
like to help support Gehlen Catholic school? Today, you may be able to accomplish both objectives. “Drive 4 Your School” is a fund raiser sponsored by the Ford Motor Company, and locally through the Jensen dealership. Participants of this fund raiser will be able to raise money for Gehlen Catholic without
spending any money. The program is scheduled for today and will continue until 3:00 p.m. at the All Saints Parish- St. Joseph’s parking lot. Maggie Erdmann of the Gehlen Catholic Development office explains the program.
Erdmann says people need not to worry about any salespeople while taking the test drive.
Erdmann says there are ten different vehicles available for the “Drive 4 Your School” fund raiser.
As mentioned earlier, the goal is to have 300 drivers test the vehicles which means Gehlen Catholic will be able to raise $6,000. Erdmann says the money raised will be used to help offset tuition and parish investments
All adults ages 18 and older can participate. No purchase necessary.
American Bank Teaches Le Mars Teens About Good Credit
(Le Mars) – American Bank teamed up with the American Bankers Association Foundation’s Get Smart About Credit program as part of an ongoing effort to teach Le Mars teens how to effectively use credit.
The program, now in its 14th year, is a national campaign of volunteer bankers who help young people develop responsible credit habits. American Bank utilized the program’s awareness month – Get Smart About Credit – held during October as an opportunity to visit Le Mars Community and Gehlen Catholic Schools. Alicia Ott and Peggy Sitzmann, consumer lenders from American Bank presented lessons on important financial obstacles facing teens, including paying for college, building good credit habits, managing their money and protecting their identity.
Paul Jacobson, president of American Bank says, “Participating in Get Smart About Credit gives us an opportunity to equip teens and young adults in our local community with critical money management skills,”“With these lessons, students can begin building the foundation for a financially fit future.”
American Bank offers these seven tips to give students an edge on mastering personal finance:
1. You are in charge. You are responsible for your finances and you should act accordingly by creating a realistic budget or plan and sticking to it.
2. Watch Spending. You control your money, determining how you spend or save it. Pace spending and increase saving by cutting unnecessary expenses like eating out or shopping so that your money can last throughout the school year.
3. Use Credit Wisely. Understand the responsibilities and benefits of credit. How you handle your credit in college could affect you well after graduation. Shop around for a card that best suits your needs.
4. Utilize Your Bank Account. Banks are more than money in a vault. They offer valuable services that students can benefit from like check cashing, debit cards, mobile and online banking, balance alerts, personal loans, direct deposit, financial education and some offer identity theft protection.
5. Be particular when it comes to money. Don’t just trust anyone with your money. Be skeptical of classmates, friends or salespeople that have ideas for your money.
6. Save. Things happen, and it’s important that you are financially prepared when your car or computer breaks down or any one of life’s unexpected emergencies. No matter how small the amount you should start putting some money away immediately.
7. Ask. This is a learning experience, so if you need help, ask. Your parents or your banker are a good place to start and remember the sooner the better.
Police Want People To Be Safe For Halloween
(Le Mars) — Monday is Halloween and the Le Mars Police Department reminds
everyone to think safety for the festivities. Stuart Dekkenga serves as the
Chief of Police he says motorists need to be watchful of young children.
Dekkenga requests parents to supply their children with some type of reflective clothing or tape, or carry a light.
As for the safety of the treats that will be distributed to the children,
Dekkenga suggests children stop at homes that are familiar to them.
Dekkenga suggests people leave their porch light on as a way to help illuminate
the area, and also as a sign to the small children that you are participating in the trick or treat activity.
The Le Mars Police Chief says Halloween is a time for pranks and practical jokes which sometimes can be carried too far and turn into vandalism. He suggests people to be alert within their neighborhood.
Dekkenga strongly suggest parents to inspect the candy and other treats before allowing the children to consume any Halloween goodies.
Des Moines Police Arrest A Woman For Voter Fraud
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Des Moines police have charged a woman with election misconduct after officials reported she voted twice.
Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek says officers charged 55-year-old Terri Rote with first-degree election misconduct on Thursday after being notified by elections officials that she had submitted two absentee ballots.
She was booked into the Polk County Jail and released after posting a bond. Polk County Attorney John Sarcone says it one of the few examples he’s seen of alleged voter fraud in his more than 25 years as a prosecutor.
Rote doesn’t have a listed number so couldn’t be reached to comment on the charge.
A preliminary hearing for Rote is set for Nov. 7.
Rote is registered as a Republican.
Norwalk Woman Selected As Teacher Of The Year
NORWALK, Iowa (AP) – A fifth-grade teacher in central Iowa has been named the state’s teacher of the year. Education officials announced Friday that Shelly Vroegh of Lakewood Elementary School in Norwalk was selected as the 2017 Iowa
Teacher of the Year. Four other teachers were named as finalists. Officials at a Friday press conference highlighted her work as a district mentor and elementary math curriculum leader.
