CLAY COUNTY FAIR RECAP
This month’s Clay County Fair set records for revenue and exhibitors, while attendance was slightly lower.
Fair CEO/Manager Jerome Hertel says attendance was over 300-thousand over a nine-day run, for the second consecutive year. Over 318-thousand people attended the fair this year, down two percent from last year.
Revenues from food, beverage, specialty concessions and carnival rides set an all-time record of 3.1 million dollars, breaking last year’s record.
There were 930 4H and FFA exhibitors from 48 counties in Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, in livestock and human sciences events
STORM PREPARATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Iowans of all ages and abilities need to be prepared for severe weather, but people with mobility issues — either due to a disability or age — need to be especially conscious of where they would seek shelter in case of emergency. Emily Holley, regional communications manager for the Nebraska-Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross, has issues with severe chronic pain and she walks with a cane. Holley says she has a “go bag” that contains an array of emergency supplies, like fresh water, non-perishable food, and a flashlight, along with other essentials, like a battery power pack to charge a phone, medications, and bicycle helmets for each family member to protect everyone’s heads. She also recommends having a battery-powered or crank radio so you can hear what’s going on. The Red Cross has an Emergency App that’s free and Holley says it will come in very handy when you need it.
FIRE PREVENTION MONTH
October is Fire Prevention Month and Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says the theme for this year is cooking safety.
Schipper says his department will reach out young people, through talks at the schools and literature.
The department is kicking off the month observance with a Pancake and Sausage breakfast this Sunday from 8 a.m. till noon at Le Mars Fire Station Number One, across from the Eagles Club near downtown. Cost is a free will offering.
REAL ESTATE AND MOBILE HOME TAXES DUE
Plymouth County Treasurer, Shelly Sitzmann, reminds property owners that property taxes are due in September. The first half of Real Estate and Mobile Home taxes can be paid in the office, online, or by mail throughout the month of September.
The last day to pay is Monday, October 2, 2023 since the last day of September falls on Saturday. After October 2nd, it is considered delinquent.
Online payments may be made at iowatreasurers.org until midnight October 2nd, and mail must be postmarked on or before October 2nd to avoid being late.
Delinquent interest of 1.5% per month, rounded to the nearest dollar, is added to all unpaid taxes on October 3, 2023.
You may contact the Plymouth County Treasurer’s office if you need any information on property taxes.
HAWARDEN DRUG ARRESTS
Two Hawarden residents were arrested Wednesday after a search warrant was served at their home. The Sioux County Sheriffs Office says the investigation began Tuesday night when Kyle Fassett, 41, allegedly threatened another Hawarden resident with a firearm. The search warrant led to the discovery fo illegal drugs and paraphernalia in the residence at 2020 Avenue E in Hawarden. Fassett and Jessica Fassett, 32, were arrested and charged with drug offenses. Kyle Fassett was charged with third offense possession of a controlled substance, a felony. The Tri-County CERT Team and Hawarden Police helped deliver the search warrant. Sioux Center Police detained Fassett at his place of employment until deputies could place him under arrest.
NORTHWEST IOWA MOOSE
That moose is still on the loose in northwest Iowa. D-N-R conservation officer Joey Yarkosky (yar-COSS-kee) has covered Clay and O’Brien counties for eight years and says it’s a first for him.
Last week, the moose was photographed on the outskirts of Sioux Center. It appears he made a turn at Orange City and headed east, being spotted in recent days near Ruthven and Gillett Grove. Yarkosky is pleading with the public to keep its distance in hopes the moose can find its way home.
He says not only is it disrespectful to crowd the moose, it’s also dangerous.
