Le Mars Fire And Rescue Department Responds To Vehicle Fire
(Le Mars) — Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire Friday afternoon at about 3:28 p.m. The fire was reported to have occurred near the alley of 308 4th Avenue S.W. Fire Chief Dave Schipper says it appears the car may have backfired when the owner tried starting the vehicle. Schipper says the fuel
line going into the engine had ruptured causing gasoline to spray all over the engine which ignited into flames. The flames were quickly extinguished by responding firefighters. The car was parked outside of a garage, but damage was limited only to the vehicle. There was no damage done to the garage or surrounding area. Firefighters were on the scene for approximately
20 minutes. There were no injuries associated with the fire.
Bavarian Meadows Honored As Remsen Chamber Of Commerce “Business Of The Year”
(Remsen) — The Remsen Chamber of Commerce awarded its “Business of the Year” award, and this year’s “Business of the Year” was presented to Bavarian Meadows. Malia Mouser nominated the long-term care facility for the award.
2020 and the coronavirus pandemic threw obstacles in almost every aspect of everyone’s life. Bavarian Meadows went above and beyond with their innovative and unique ways to continue to improve the quality of life for the residents who were unable to leave the building or have visitors.
Congratulations to the residents and staff at Bavarian Meadows, for being honored with the Remsen “Business of the Year” honors.
(photos courtesy of the Remsen Chamber of Commerce)
Le Mars Community Board Of Education To Hold Annual Retreat
(Le Mars) –– On Monday, members of the Le Mars Community Board of Education, along with school administration officials will hold the annual school district retreat. Le Mars Community School Superintendent Dr. Steven Webner says the retreat is held once a year, instead of a regular business meeting of
the school board, to explore some programs offered at the school.
Webner says the retreat will also focus on the Le Mars Community pre-school program.
Webner says the school board will be given a briefing concerning the mitigation efforts the school district has implemented against the COVID-19 virus. Webner says the school board does not take any action items during the retreat, it is set up strictly for informational purposes. On another unrelated matter, Superintendent Webner reviewed the salary requests position
of both the Le Mars Educational Association as well as the counter offer by the local board of education. The faculty have submitted a request that amounts to four percent increase of a salary base. Webner says the school board, at this time have countered with a zero percent increase. Webner says negotiations will wait until such time the state legislature passes a bill indicating the school supplemental state finance aid program.
The school board/administrator retreat will take place at the Le Mars Community Educational Center.
Ames Police Investigating Death of Female Iowa State Student
(Ames, IA) — The Ames Police Department is investigating after a 21-year-old female Iowa State University student was found dead in the parking lot of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority on Friday. A caller reported the woman was found unconscious in the parking lot at 9:49 A-M. The name of the woman is being withheld pending notification of family. Police are looking for
more information — but say at this time, there does not appear to be any threats to the community.
Iowa Supreme Court Rules in Waterloo Man’s Back Taxes Case
(Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa Supreme Court reversed lower court rulings that would lead to a Black Hawk County man losing his home over 220 dollars in delinquent taxes. CornellHoosman’s Waterloo home was sold by Black Hawk County for the delinquent taxes after he missed court appearances leading up
to the sale. The district court and appeals court upheld the action despite Hoosman arguing he has a disability and should not have to pay the taxes.
Hoosman submitted a competency evaluation that shows a 2012 surgery left him with headaches and the inability to remember simple things. The Iowa Supreme Court did not rule on whether Hoosman could ultimately prove he has a legal disability — but did rule he should be given the opportunity to do so in
district court.
1319 New COVID Cases in Iowa, 33 Additional Deaths
(Des Moines, IA) — The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting one-thousand-319 new positive COVID tests, increasing the state’s total to 310-thousand-596 cases. Thirty-three more Iowans died of coronavirus complications which brings the death toll to four-thousand-478. The number
of COVID hospitalizations dropped by 24 to 450. Eighty-nine of those patients are in intensive care and 39 are on ventilators. There are currently outbreaks at 69 long-term care facilities. Ten Iowa counties have a 14-day average positivity rate of at least 15 percent.
Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake Designated as National Historic Landmark
(Clear Lake, IA) — The U-S Department of the Interior is designating the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake as a National Historic Landmark. The venue is being recognized for its “enduring role in the history of American music.”
The Surf Ballroom is best known for hosting the last concert of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J-P “The Big Bopper” Richardson before their fatal plane crash on February 3rd, 1959. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs director Chris Kramer said, “the Surf Ballroom is a national treasure. You can almost feel the energy and hear the echoes of all the concerts over the years.” The 2021 Winter Dance Party was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(photo contributed.)
