Police Search For Suspect With Possible Gun
(Le Mars) — Last evening while the Le Mars Police Department was hosting an active shooter training seminar at the Le Mars Convention Center, midway through the program several officers of the Le Mars Police Department excused themselves. KLEM radio has learned the police had a report of a suspicious
person walking around, possibly carrying a firearm near the 800 block of 2nd Avenue Southwest. In searching the area, officiers were not able to locate the person. At the same time, the high school was having a musical concert. Due to the location being close to the Le Mars Community Middle and High School police
posted officers inside the concert hall, as well at each entrance. The police increased their presence in and around the school property as a precaution. The school went into a lock-down. No one was found with a weapon, and the police waited in the area until the concert had completed. No other incidents were
reported and all activities went on as planned.
Koley Died From Methamphetamine Overdose
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office has released a report pertaining to the death and subsequent autopsy of John Koley of Le Mars. You may recall in mid-December, the sheriff’s office called the death suspicious in nature, and called for the state medical examiner to conduct the autopsy. The
toxicology report determined that Koley, age 57, died as a result of acute methamphetamine intoxication. The manner of death is determined to be accidental. The Plymouth County Sheriff and investigators are focusing their attention to finishing a forensic examination on computer and surveillance equipment seized from the residence. Any and all information gained will be
carefully evaluated to determine its relevance to the case. Koley owned several properties within the Le Mars downtown area, as well as several land parcels.
County Supervisors To Appoint Summerside As Township Trustee
(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Board of Supervisors have a light agenda for today’s scheduled meeting. The supervisors are expected to appoint Nate Summerside as a America township trustee. Summerside will replace Dennis Britt.
County engineer Tom Rohe will appear before the county governing board. Rohe will present the final plan and review for a bridge construction project, and he will seek the supervisor’s permission for a right of way review for another bridge construction project.
School Board Hears Report About Possible Changing Athletic Conferences
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Community School Board heard a report from Activities Director Karlton Hector last evening regarding a possible change in conference participation. Currently, the Le Mars Community School is a member of the Lakes Conference, which includes Spencer, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, Cherokee, Estherville, and Western Christian. However, the Le Mars Community School District received an invitation to become a member of the the Missouri River Activities Conference which includes all of the Sioux City schools, Sergeant
Bluff, and the Council Bluffs public schools, Abe Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson.
The board wants to get additional input from the public before it makes a final decision on the matter. The board instructed Hector to bring the matter to the attention of the District Leadership Instructional Impact Team. Hector says if Le Mars were to change conferences, very little would change regarding sports schedules.
School Board Approves Early Retirement For Six Teachers
(Le Mars) — A total of 155 years of combined educational service from six different teachers and staff members were approved last evening for early retirement. The faculty members that submitted their request for resignation at
the end of the school year included Florrie Adler 2nd grade teacher at Clark Elementary with 18 years experience, Joel Jentz High School Business teacher with 23 years at Le Mars Community. Agriculture Education instructor, Brett
Oetken is resigning with 27 years experience, Kluckholn 5th grade teacher, Dawn Richards is leaving the school district after teaching for 34 years, the High School Physical Education teacher Deb Richarz is seeking early retirement with
28 years invested at Le Mars Community, and Wendy Weaver, the Elementary Guidance Counselor is leaving with 25 years at Le Mars Community.
Several Organizations Requesting Grant Funding From Hotel-Motel Tax Revenue
(Le Mars) — The city council will decide during its next meeting to approve the funding requests from 13 different organizations seeking grants from the Le Mars Convention and Visitors Bureau hotel-motel tax. The total amount being requested by the different organizations is at $126,278. Seven of the
organizations asking for funding have been given prior approval on similar events, and were informed they don’t need to make a formal request. These include: the Chamber’s Ice Cream Days, Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland, Plymouth County Cyclists “Frosty Cross,” Plymouth County Fair Board with “fair
enhancements,” the Le Mars Convention and Visitor’s Bureau with “group tour initiatives,” the city of Le Mars with “community enhancements” and the Le Mars Convention and Visitor’s Bureau with the Visitor’s Center. Those organizations that are also seeking funds include: Plymouth County Museum for a “Kids Zone” requesting $562, Le Mars Community Alumni and Gehlen Catholic Alumni together are asking for $2,281 for an all-school reunion, Plymouth County Cyclists have made the request for $1,000 to help with expenses associated with the “Tour de Plymouth 2019.” Le Mars Chamber of Commerce is asking for $435 for an “Alley Art” brochure. The Chamber is also asking for $576 for the “Cover Me Sweet” event. Another entity seeking
hotel-motel tax grant funds is the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. The group is asking for an appropriation of $2,000 to be used as part of the agricultural educational exhibit “aROUND the farm in the BARN” as
displayed inside the famous round barn during the Plymouth County Fair.
Floyd Valley Board of Trustees To Convene For Monthly Meeting
(Le Mars) — The Floyd Valley Board of Trustees are scheduled to convene this evening. The hospital trustees will hear a medical report from Dr. Andrew Geha, as well as a city report from Assistant City Administrator, Jason Vacera. Daryl
Friedenbach will present a quarterly financial report to the trustees. As for discussion items, Ralph Klemme is scheduled to present the Quality Improvement Board Quarterly Report, and Administrator Mike Donlin will offer a general update, which will include the Press Ganey Quarterly Update, Building and
Grounds Report, and a review and possible action on capital acquisitions.
