Plymouth County Authorities Identify Fatal Victim From Recreational Vehicle Rollover Accident
(Le Mars) — The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the fatal accident victim that died in the recreational vehicle motor home roll-over accident that happened Thursday evening on county road L-12 near Remsen. The 23-year old male has been identified as Jace William VanDenBerg of Ireton. Five other individuals were treated at local hospitals for non-
life threatening injuries. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office and the Le Mars Police Department are continuing the investigation of the accident.
Holiday Drive-In Movie Attracts More Than 300 People
(Le Mars) — Approximately 300 people took a step back with nostalgia as they viewed the humorous holiday movie “Elf” at the Total Motors auto dealership lot at Le Mars Friday evening. The movie, featured the actors Will Ferrell, Bob Newhart, James Caan, and Ed Asner, and it kicked off the Le Mars Hometown
Christmas celebration. People were able to listen to the movie by tuning their car’s radio to the FM signal 90.1. Two different digital movie screens were used so that everyone would have ideal viewing of the movie. A few people braved the cold temperatures, and chose to sit in lawn chairs bundled
up with blankets as they watched the outdoor movie. Total Motors is close to the location of the original Le Mars Drive-In movie complex, “Mars Under the Stars.” Those people attending the movie event received a complimentary bag containing popcorn, a bottle of water, candy canes, and a chocolate chip
cookie.
Le Mars Hometown Christmas To Be Featured Virtually Online
(Le Mars) — Due to recent restrictions regarding the size of gatherings because of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, officials with the Le Mars Hometown Christmas celebration have announced the planned event will undergo some changes. Cheryl Wells says “While we are extremely disappointed that we
are unable to provide the full Hometown Christmas experience, we know how important it is to still celebrate. Wells says despite the new COVID-19 restrictions, she remains excited.
Wells says the centerpiece 26-foot Christmas tree featured at the Olson Cultural Events Center will be dazzling for everyone to enjoy right up through Christmas.
Wells says organizers plan to create a video of many of the planned events, so people can still share in the joy of the season.
The Hometown Christmas presenter says this year has been such a challenge for all of us that we couldn’t let the pandemic stand in the way of bringing joy to the entire Siouxland community. We still intend to conduct a tree lighting ceremony that will be shared on Facebook to help spread the Christmas spirit. Some of the planned activities include “Breakfast with Rudolph” at the Browns Century Theater at 9:00 a.m. Holiday shopping at Le Mars businesses beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the lighting of the Le Mars Hometown Christmas tree will take place at the Olson Cultural Event Center at 6:00 p.m.
Support Iowa’s Small Businesses During “Small Business Saturday”
(Des Moines) — Even with the pandemic, some Iowans camped out overnight so they could be the first to enjoy Black Friday deals, but the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Iowa hopes the buying fervor will extend into today– for Small Business Saturday. Jayne Armstrong, director of the SBA’s Iowa District Office, says local merchants have endured a very challenging year and the holiday shopping season is key to their
success.
COVID-19 has forced many people to avoid shopping in person in stores and Armstrong says you can equally show support for local businesses by seeking out their websites.
One economic forecast predicts in-store sales will be down three-percent this holiday season while online sales will be up 30-percent. For those who physically shop in stores, Armstrong says to look for small business backers who will be fanned out in Iowa’s downtowns and shopping districts.
While some small businesses were forced to close during 2020, she says it’s been a pleasant surprise to see so many new small business start-ups in Iowa succeed. Armstrong says 97-percent of the businesses in Iowa are small businesses.
E-commerce Transactions Up
(Undated) — A spokesman for the SHAZAM network says the percentage of E-commerce transactions in Iowa is up on this Black Friday by 25-percent compared to last year. The average transaction dollar amount down slightly to 50-dollars,18 cents. Overall Black Friday transactions were down a little more than 11 percent compared to the same time period last year totaling more than 755-thousand transactions between midnight and noon. The average transaction amount is down about 12 percent compared to last year.
Des Moines Police Look For Hit-and-Run Driver
(Des Moines, IA) — Des Moines police are looking for the driver in a fatal hit-and-run who fled the scene. Police say a pedestrian was hit at an intersection at approximately 9:12 p-m. The adult male pedestrian was taken to the hospital and later died. Witnesses described the vehicle as a dark-colored S-U-V. Anyone with information regarding this crash, the suspect
vehicle, or the suspect driver is asked to call the Des Moines Police Department at 515-283-4811. You can remain anonymous and award funds may be available.
Test Iowa Sites Back Open
(Undated) — The five “Test Iowa” sites opened back up for COVID testing on Friday after being shut down for Thanksgiving. The sites are in Black Hawk, Linn, Polk, Pottawattamie and Scott counties. Those who wish to be tested at any site must first complete an online assessment at testiowa.com, and schedule an appointment. Locations and hours of operation for all test sites can be found at testiowa.com or coronavirus.iowa.gov.
