Wells Enterprises Unveils Newly Renovated Visitors Center And Ice Cream Parlor
(Le Mars) — Wells Enterprises offered a sneek preview on Thursday morning to the area media of the new Wells Visitors’ Center and Ice Cream Parlor. Adam Baumgartner is the Vice President of Retail Sales. He says the ice cream company hopes to deliver a “fun experience” for its visitors.
The ice cream parlor has served as an important Iowa tourist attraction, bringing in annually more than 200,000 people. But, Baumgartner says with the renovations and expansions, along with the interactive displays, they hope to have the ice cream parlor become an even larger attraction, as part of the goal of “Destination Le Mars.”
Baumgartner spoke of the recently completed $3 million renovation, and says Wells has re-branded the destination in order to attract even more visitors to Le Mars.
The Wells official says the ice cream parlor has expanded its menu to include additional specialty dishes, as well as adding many different flavors.
Visitors can now choose from a choice of 37 different ice cream flavors.
Two examples of the new ice cream dishes include the lemon meringue ice cream shake, and the Monster Peanut Butter Cup Sundae. The Wells Visitors Center has an event center for meetings, a theater showing the history of Wells Enterprises, and an outdoor patio seating area overlooking Central Avenue and
downtown Le Mars. The newly renovated ice cream restaurant also features several interactive displays.
Baumgartner shared some interesting facts about the new visitors center and ice cream parlor. The facility was able to expand from the 11,266 feet to now nearly 19,000 square feet. Seating capacity is at 157 diners with 49 people that can enjoy the rooftop seating. The new facility will also have a staff of 40 full-time employees, where previously it was at 25. The ice cream facility will hold a soft opening on Saturday, and Wednesday, June 12th, the start of Ice Cream Days and Le Mars’ Sesquicentennial celebration, will be the grand opening during the Chamber Coffee.
Baumgartner says Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will be on hand for the grand re-opening.
Man Accused Killing Wife Wants Trial To Be Moved
EARLVILLE, Iowa (AP) – A northeast Iowa man accused of using a corn rake to stab his wife while killing her wants his trial moved away from Delaware County.
Court documents say the attorney for 42-year-old Todd Mullis says Mullis can’t get a fair trial in Delaware County because of media coverage of his case. Prosecutors say the defense hasn’t sufficiently proved Mullis can’t get a fair trial there. The judge has yet to rule.
Mullis has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Authorities say he fatally attacked 39-year-old Amy Mullis in November at her farm about 4 miles (7 kilometers) northwest of Earlville. Authorities initially reported that she’d been fatally injured in a fall.
Judge Grants Extension On Murder Trial For 16-Year Boy
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A judge has granted more time for the attorney of a 16-year-old Nebraska boy to prepare for a murder trial in western Iowa.
Pottawattamie County District Court records say Xavier Smith
Catchings, of Omaha, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder. He and three other peopl e are accused of killing Council Bluffs resident Adam Angeroth during a robbery in January.
Court records say Smith Catchings’ attorney had sought more time for trial preparations. It had been scheduled to begin Tuesday in Council Bluffs.
The new trial starting date: Aug. 20.
