Le Mars Fire Chief Comments on Storm Aftermath
The city of Le Mars has been working to pick up the trees and branches that were blown down by the weekend’s storms.
Strong thunderstorms rolled through Northwest Iowa early Sunday morning, with winds causing damage and knocking out power to hundreds of residents.
Speaking at Tuesday’s city council meeting, Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief Dave Schipper explained that the city’s sirens did not go off when the storm hit, because the winds did not reach the required wind speed 70 miles per hour. The wind speed Sunday morning only went as high as 63 mph, and the winds have to reach 70 mph to set off the sirens. Schipper added that, the problem is, winds do weird things.
Schipper added that there were many trees down and bringing down power lines with them, and some were not in good shape.
Council members thanked Schipper and city workers for their efforts to pick up downed branches after Sunday’s storm. Schipper also talked about the upcoming 4th of July holiday, and the rules for setting off fire works within the city of Le Mars.
The city of Le Mars is putting on a fireworks show on the 4th of July, at the County Fairgrounds at dusk. During the fireworks, KLEM will broadcast Sky Show 2025, a patriotic musical salute. You can listen from your vehicle or bring along a radio to your favorite vantage point.
Le Mars 4th of July Parade
The Friends of the Fourth will host its annual of 4th of July parade Friday morning in LeMars. Julie Arens of Friends of the Fourth says this year the parade’s theme is “Hometown Heroes,” which she says is heartfelt tribute to our heroes of C Troop 1-113 Cavalry during their current deployment.
This year, saluting hometown heroes has a special meaning for Julie Arens.
Arens says the annual 4th of July Parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday on 8th Street (The Boulevard) and travel north onto Central Avenue, turning west at 3rd Street Southwest, and ending at the Plymouth County Historical Museum.
Arens says there will also be a Le Mars Municipal Band Concert in Foster Park at 7:30 in the evening. And the fireworks will begin at dusk.
Chris McGowan Makes Candidacy for Congress Official
Yesterday, Chris McGowan filed the paperwork to run for Congress seeking the Republican nomination to represent Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. McGowan is a military veteran, economic development professional, and long-time business advocate from Sioux City.
Last week, McGowan became the first and only candidate in either political party to publicly announce a commitment to run for Congress in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. His formal filing with the FEC this afternoon confirms that announcement and solidifies his status as the only candidate to formally enter the race.
