LE MARS BUDGET ADOPTED
After a public hearing, the Le Mars city council today passed a resolution adopting a new budget for fiscal 25-26. The budget accepted the proposal and levy rate after a public hearing on April 1. The budget carries a levy rate of eleven dollars, 87 cents per thousand on residential property. Net property taxes will total 7.78 million dollars, compared to 6.3 million dollars in the current budget. Total Government Activities expenditures total 25.5 million dollars.
During the hearing, Wayne Schipper told the council he liked the budget as a whole. He said it’s important that council members continue to communicate department heads in order to shape a budget that runs in the black, and is useful to the community.
Councilman Brad Pick agreed with Schipper’s comments, as did Councilman Clark Goodchild. He specifically agreed with the need for communication with city departments. He also said he will continue to question the city budget, because that is what he does.
DISASTER RELIEF BILL
The House and Senate are to take up the governor’s bill to provide disaster relief to Iowa communities. State Representative Tom Jeneary says
The bill would speed up disaster relief payments, and relieve disputes over damage assessments.
The governor’s plan would put 13.6 million dollars toward housing assistance, and set up a network of “umpires” that can be called in to settle disputes over insurance claims.
The bill has wide, bipartisan support.
SATURDAY ATV ROLLOVER INJURES TWO
On Saturday evening, at approximately 7:35 P.M, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding an ATV rollover with two occupants near the intersection of L12 and C38, four miles south of Remsen. Upon arrival, responders found two male occupants identified as Garrett Schoen, age 29, of Le Mars and Darric Wurth, age 27, of Remsen with injuries. The Sheriffs report says Wurth was driving the 2024 Polaris side-by-side when it became off centered and rolled over. Both occupants were ejected and trapped under the vehicle until bystanders were able to roll it upright. Schoen was transported to Floyd Valley Hospital by Remsen Ambulance. Wurth was transported to Floyd Valley Hospital by private vehicle. Both occupants suffered minor injuries. The 2024 Polaris resulted in approximately $3,000 in damages. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Remsen Fire Department, Remsen Ambulance Service, and the Remsen Police Department. This accident is still under investigation.
ONE VEHICLE CRASH NEAR ORANGE CITY SUNDAY
Sunday evening, a one vehicle accident on Indian Avenue caused minor injury to the driver. The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office reports the driver of the vehicle, Lydia Obase, 34, of Remsen, lost control of the vehicle, entered a ditch, and rolled. Obase reported minor injuries and declined further medical attention. Her vehicle sustained $20,000 damage. Obase was cited for Failure to Maintain Control. The sheriff’s office was assisted by the Orange City Police Department, Orange City Fire Department and Orange City Ambulance.
JENEARY PLEASED WITH HOUSE STANCE ON EDUCATION FUNDS
3rd District State Representative Tom Jeneary of Le Mars is pleased with House leadership for standing their ground on education spending. He said the governor and the Senate insisted on a 2% spending increase for k-12 education, the House pressed for an additional one-quarter percent.
While the final agreement did not budge from 2%, there was additional funding added to the measure.
The agreement also included additional spending on school operations.
There were funds brought into the mix for other school related expenses.
Per pupil spending was increased to nearly 8-thousand dollars per student.
The total increase for K-12 spending amounted to 2.8%. Democrat leaders say the amounts approved by the Republican majority were a pittance. They pressed for a 5% increase.
CROP AND WEATHER REPORT
Dry and warmer weather are lending itself to a strong start to the planting season. The latest weekly crop report from USDA and the Iowa Department of Agriculture says there were 5.9 days suitable for field work last week. Fieldwork included tillage, seeding oats, applying anhydrous, manure and dry fertilizer. There were also reports of corn and soybeans being planted.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 24 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 9 percent very short, 31 percent short, 59 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
No livestock issues were reported.
