Planning Underway for Emergency Building
The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors started the planning process in their meeting this week for an additional building at the Law Enforcement Center in Le Mars. The board, in its motion, set up a committee comprised of Supervisors Mike Van Otterloo, John Meis, Craig Anderson, Sheriff Jeff TeBrink, and County Engineer Tom Rohe. This group will put together building specs in order to put the building project up for bids.
Supervisor Mike Van Otterloo talked to KLEM about the purpose of the proposed building.
The construction timeline for this project would be based on the bids received and the availability of a contractor.
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Floyd Valley Healthcare Financial Report
The Floyd Valley Healthcare Board of Trustees heard a positive financial report Tuesday from the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer Daryl Friedenbach. The report for fiscal year 2025 showed net patient revenue exceeded budget by 9 percent, due to higher inpatient volumes and better overall collection rates.
Hospital CEO Dustin Wright said it was another outstanding financial year for Floyd Valley Heathcare.
Wright says the strong financial picture includes healthy cash reserves.
Patient numbers continue to grow.
Births were similar to the prior fiscal year, with 104 deliveries, 1 more than the year before.
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Funding for Local Airport Projects
Several local airports have been awarded funding through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Year 2026 Aviation program. D.O.T. Commissioners Tuesday approved $6.7 million in funding through the Airport Improvement program for projects at 25 airports around the state.
The Le Mars Municipal Airport will receive $320,420 towards reconstruction of the airport’s apron and also to construct a taxiway. Le Mars City Administrator Jason Vacura says the current apron is in need of repairs and will be expanded. The new taxiway will be built to follow FAA safety regulations. He estimates construction to begin in late Spring or early Summer of 2026. The total project cost is listed at $550-thousand.
Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City will receive $400-thousand towards Phase II of their South Apron Reconstruction. The Sheldon Airport was awarded $17-thousand for a Zoning Ordinance Development. Sibley is getting $48-thousand towards runway repairs and the Sioux County Regional Airport near Maurice was awarded $282,309 towards Phase II of a South Apron Expansion.
First West Nile Virus Case Reported in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reports the first West Nile Virus Infection identified in 2025. The individual is a middle aged adult (41-60 years) from Northern Iowa. The infection was confirmed through a test at the State Hygienic Lab.
Iowan infected with the West Nile Virus may not experience any signs or symptoms. Some people experience minor symptoms like fever and mild headache. Others, however, can develop serious symptoms including a sever headache, disorientation, and muscle weakness.
In 2024, 21 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile Virus, with one death.
Environmental Leader Awards Presented
Forty Iowa farm families were recognized with Iowa Farm Environmental at the 2025 Iowa State Fair.
Those from Northwest Iowa in our area included Taylor and Jessica Kats from Sioux County, Bruce and Cindy Husman- Husman Farms from Cherokee County, and Nathan Nieuwendorp- Emory Creeks Inc. from Lyon County.
The award recognizes farmers and farm families who go above and beyond to take voluntary actions to improve and protect our state’s natural resources, including our soil and water, while serving as leaders within their communities.
July Unemployment Rate
Unemployment rates in Northwest Iowa in July were lower than the state average. Plymouth County’s jobless rate was listed at 2.4%, Sioux County at 1.9 %, Cherokee County at 2.6 percent, and Woodbury County at 3%. This compares to the state of Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate which held steady in July at 3.7 %.
The total number of unemployed Iowans increased to 64,900 in July from 63,700 in June.
The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,672,600 in July. This figure is 600 higher than June and 11,000 higher than one year ago.
SIDS Walk for the Future
The Iowa SIDS Foundation hosted the Le Mars Chamber Community Coffee Wednesday morning. Walk for the Future coordinator Pam Jeneary told those in attendance that this is the 26th year for walk. This year’s walk will take place a week from Saturday, on August 23rd. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., with the memorial program and balloon release set for 9:45, followed by the walk. The fundraiser features a raffle, silent auction, and door prizes. A lunch will be provided by the Plymouth County Pork Producers, Hy-Vee, with Ice Cream treats from Wells Enterprises. The event takes place at the Le Mars Municipal Shelter House, 813 Park Lane NE, near the Willow Creek Golf Course.
