Home News KLEM Newscast for Tuesday, August 19, 2025

KLEM Newscast for Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Siouxland Regional Transit System Looking To Build a Facility In Le Mars
Siouxland Regional Transit System would like to build a new transit office and bus storage facility in Le Mars by 2028.
Brian Pearson, Facility Director and Transit Director for SIMPCO, says Le Mars is a desirable location for growth.
Pearson says Siouxland Regional Transit System has applied for grants to fund a $12-million project.
The Le Mars portion of the $12-million proposal would total approximately two-point-five million dollars.
Pearson told KLEM news three potential sites have been selected for the Le Mars project.
The Siouxland Regional Transit System offers public transportation for a variety of purposes.
Long-distance trips can also be arranged within the service area.
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First Day of Classes
 
A new school year is upon us and the first day of classes is coming soon.
Monday, August 25th will be the first day of classes at Le Mars Community and Gehlen Catholic Schools.
Le Mars Community will host a district-wide open house Friday August 22nd from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m.  This is an opportunity for students and families to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and get ready for the start of the school year.
Gehlen Catholic will have an Open House this Thursday, August 21st,  for Pre-K through 12th graders from 5 till 7 p.m.
Hinton Community School District, Kingsley Pierson, Remsen St Mary’s, and MMCRU all start classes also on Monday, August 25th. Akron Westfield’s first day is this Friday, August 22nd.
 
 
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New Le Mars Police Officer
Officer Carissa Cazares and Chief Vande Vegte
The Le Mars Police Department has introduced its newest officer.
Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte  says  Carissa Cazares was sworn in August 5th.
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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst has named Orange City Family Animal Care as her Small Business of the Week.

In making the announcement, Senator Ernst said “Orange City Family Animal Care has built a legacy of community service and going a whisker above to get the job done.”   

Established in 1984 by Dr. Dave Bomgaars as Orange City Veterinary Clinic, the practice later became part of Pipeline Veterinary Services. In 2023, Dr. Laura Vander Stelt purchased the companion animal portion, now known as Orange City Family Animal Care. Since then, the clinic has expanded to a 10-person team and is building a larger facility downtown. The clinic gives back to the community by supporting local schools and youth programs, as well as donating pet oxygen masks to local fire departments, creating a lasting paw print across Sioux County.

Throughout the 119th Congress, Senator Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

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Orange City Area Health System implements Dynamic Digital Radiography

Orange City Area Health System recently launched “X-rays that move” in their Radiology/Imaging department. They are the first hospital in the area to offer this leading-edge advancement in digital X-ray technology.

The DDR system allows radiologists to observe what they term as “anatomy in motion.” It can enhance imaging for fertility studies, orthopedics including full spine X-rays and joint mobility, swallowing studies, and respiratory and lung function studies.

Makayla Davidson, Director of Ancillary Services for OCAHS says “With this technology we are able to reduce dose, analyze movement, and provide the radiologist with greater clinical information while maintaining patient safety and comfort.”

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Le Mars City Council Meets Today
 
The Le Mars City Council meets today at 12 noon. The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors will not be meeting today.  Their next meeting will be next Tuesday, August 26thy, starting at 9:30 a.m.