Midwest Honor Flight Reflections
It was a red-carpet welcome home for 85 military veterans, including several from the immediate KLEM-land area, who spent Tuesday in Washington D.C. on the 26th Midwest Honor Flight.
Dan Plueger, Commander of the Le Mars American Legion Post and Lieutenant on the Le Mars Police Department, served as one of the guardians for the flight. He said it was a special day for the veterans and the guardians. Plueger said one of the highlights was visiting the Vietnam Memorial.
The honor flight veterans flew home to a rousing welcome at Hawthorne Global Aviation at Sioux Gateway Airport. Plueger said it was the first welcome home for some veterans who served in the Vietnam War, but never received a thank you for their service to their country.
Describing the trip as an “opportunity of a lifetime,” he said there are people who served in the military during conflicts that feel they don’t deserve to go on these Honor Flights. The Legion Post Commander said it doesn’t matter if you were involved in a conflict or served state-side, everyone still contributed to the effort. He asked that these people reconsider going on a future Honor Flight, saying they won’t be disappointed.
Hands-Free Driving Law
The Plymouth County Sherriff’s Office is issuing a reminder of a new “Hands-Free” driving law that goes in effect July 1st. New legislation prohibits frivers from using electronic communication devices while driving- unless the device is used hands-free.
Hands-free means you can’t hold your phone in any way, you can’t manually scroll, type, or interact with your phone, and you can’t enter in address to GPS while driving.
Under the law you can’t stream videos or make video calls, even with voice commands. You can’t view texts, videos, or social media.
You also can’t call, text, or dial unless using hands-free or voice activation.
Scam Alert
The Le Mars Police Department has issued a scam alert. The Facebook post says the department has received several calls referencing a text message that many residents received. The bogus text indicates the recipient has an outstanding traffic ticket. The Police Department advises that this is a scam and is not from the Iowa Department of Vehicles, and those that receive this text should not follow the link to pay. If you have questions, contact the Le Mars Police Department or your local law enforcement agency.
Kids Days Tickets
Remsen Annual Kids Days will be held next week, Friday and Saturday, June 13th and 14th; but reduced-priced tickets go on sale today and Friday of this week. Purchase your tickets for $4 per sheet at Iowa State Bank and American Bank in Remsen. After the banks close Friday this week, they will no longer be available for $4 per sheet.
Remsen Kids Days is sponsored by the Remsen Chamber of Commerce and includes Carnival rides, Bingo, and food from many local establishments, along with Christ Lutheran Church serving taverns, brats, and more at the VFW Hall.
Winter Wonderland Looking For a Host
Applications are being taken through Monday for a new host of the Pioneer Christmas Wonderland. Are you part of a local non-profit with a passion for holiday magic and community spirit? If your organization is interested in managing and growing this cherished seasonal event located on the Plymouth County Fairgrounds, reach out to the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce for details and submit your application.
Museum Holding A Retro Furniture Sale
The Plymouth County Historical Museum is holding a Retro Furniture Sale that began today and will continue through Saturday, Organizers encourage the public to explore the unique collection of classic estate and transitional pieces in the museum’s Old Central Gym. Hours Thursday & Friday are from noon till 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 till 5.
Pickleball Courts Planned for Sioux Center
Creating four outdoor pickleball courts in Sioux Center is on the docket for this summer. The City Council has given their support for the addition of two pickleball courts in Children’s Park and two in Open Space Park. Work on the courts is anticipated to begin in late June or July.
Northwestern Named Among Most Adoption-Friendly Workplaces
For the 13th year, Northwestern College in Orange City has been named to the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list compiled by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
Northwestern offers financial assistance of up to $2,000 per adoptee to faculty and staff, with an additional reimbursement of up to $1,000 for the adoption of someone with special needs. The funds can be used for home studies, agency and placement fees, legal expenses and court costs, medical expenses, and transportation and lodging. Adoptive parents can also take advantage of Northwestern’s parental leave benefit, which offers six weeks of paid leave to full-time and three-quarter-time employees after 12 months of employment. Additionally, Northwestern employees who adopt are eligible for up to seven days paid leave beyond the six-week parental leave benefit.
The Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces List rankings are determined by surveying employers across the United States, scoring participants on the amount of financial reimbursement and paid leave given to families who adopt, as well as on the percentage of employees eligible for those benefits.
605 Day
This is “Forever 605 Day” in South Dakota- a day to celebrate the state’s only area code. 605 Day was first celebrated by Travel South Dakota ten years ago. As one of only 12 states with a single area code, this celebration is designed to inspire residents and visitors alike to care for the state through responsible, respectful travel and to learn how to keep South Dakota beautiful and welcoming to all.
Photo Deadline
Do you have a vintage tractor, implement, or piece of farm equipment with a story to tell? If you submit a photo, it may be displayed in the Round Barn during the Plymouth County Fair. The deadline to submit your photos to the Chamber Ag Committee is this Friday. Call the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce office for more information.
