CARTER IN LE MARS
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away Sunday.
Carter was elected in 1976.
Carter’s Presidential campaign had roots right here in Le Mars in early 1975 when he spoke at a Plymouth County Democratic Party dinner honoring long-time County Recorder Maries Jahn.
In a 2023 interview, John Devereaux, who worked for Westmar College at the time, remembered sending out invitations for candidates who might speak at the dinner.
Carter was named as the KLEM Citizen of the Day and he stopped at KLEM for an interview with news director Larry Schmitz.
An overnight stay in Le Mars prompted the Amber Inn Motel to display a plaque outside that room which still remains today
The plaque states: “President Jimmer Carter Slept Here February 26 1975.”
Carter was the only candidate who responded, agreeing to speak at the dinner. Devereaux says the event ran smoothly, and Carter’s speech was well received.
Carter at the time was not held in high regard as a presidential candidate.
Deveraux later became the state coordinator for the Carter campaign in Iowa in 1976.
