SUSPECT IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION WITH LE MARS HOMICIDE
A suspect is now in custody in connection with the homicide that occurred September 30th in Le Mars.
Yesterday, in a 5 p.m. Sunday news release, the Le Mars Police Department asked for help in locating 21-year-old Omar Martinez Cruz. Then, hours later last night, they informed the media and general public on social media that quoting now, “suspect is in custody.”
Investigators had determined Cruz was in Sioux Center in the early evening hours of Friday, October 4th, and a recent tip helped officials determine he was returned to Le Mars later that evening at approximately 8:30 p.m. He was dropped off by a black full-size pickup in the Foster Park area, possibly somewhere on 7th Street South in Le Mars. Police have identified the driver of the pickup.
At that time, Cruz was last seen walking in an unknown direction, wearing grey sweatpants and a black hoodie.
Once again, authorities now have in custody, 21-year-old Omar Cruz in connection with the September 30th homicide that occurred in Le Mars. We are expecting an updated release today on this developing story.
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CHRISTMAS ACRES WILL NOT OPEN THIS YEAR
A 28-year holiday tradition won’t happen in 2024. Rob Scheitler says that he has made the difficult decision that Christmas Acres will not take place this year. Scheitler says he has been struggling to get the large outdoor Christmas display, located west of Le Mars ready because of back problems.
With an estimated 200-thousand lights, lighted sculptures, and inflatables, Scheitler reminisced about the thousands of people that have viewed the winter wonderland over the years.
Donations over the years have benefited non-profits in the community.
Scheitler offered his thanks to all who supported his labor of love over the years.
And thank you to Rob, Joyce and Shauna Scheitler. What about future years for Christmas Acres? Scheitler says for now he is not speculating about the future, but for now his health and family are more important.
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LE MARS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
The Le Mars City Council is having a special meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) morning for a Community Development Planning session. Last October the City Council adopted the Community Development Plan, “Vision 2045.”
Community Development Director for the City of Le Mars, Mark Gaul, says the meeting’s purpose is to get the Council and LBIC together to review the plan and look to the future.
Gaul says the discussion will be broken down into four categories including quality of life, the industrial park, commercial development, and residential development.
The meeting will be held at the Willow Creek Golf Course Banquet Hall starting at 8 a.m.
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FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
A large crowd attended the annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at Fie Station #1 in Le Mars yesterday to kick off Fire Prevention Week.
Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Smoke Alarms- Make them work for you,” reminding us of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
Schipper also offered some safety tips for the upcoming colder weather.
And in a related reminder, Plymouth, and now Woodbury County, are under a burn ban.
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