Kemps Union Workers Go On Strike
Union workers at Kemps in Le Mars have gone on strike. Adrian Macias, recording secretary and Organizer for Teamsters Local 554 says the “unfair labor practice strike” began at 6 p.m. Thursday evening.
On Friday of last week, union employees of Kemps approved a strike authorization vote. Macias says the negotiating committee gave the company until Wednesday of this week to come back with a new proposal.
Macias said this is a peaceful strike.
He says a zoom meeting with the company is planned for Friday at 1 p.m.
Macias says at this point, the strike is only occurring at the Le Mars facility.
Dairy Farmers of America issued this statement concerning the strike at the Le Mars plant:
“Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has been actively negotiating in good faith with International Brotherhood of Teamsters on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. We are disappointed that the Teamsters walked away from that process and have initiated a strike at the Le Mars plant. While we respect their right to take this step, we believe a strike does not serve the best interests of our employees, our customers, or the communities we serve. We are committed to a respectful, constructive bargaining process that offers competitive wages and benefits. We encourage the union to return to the bargaining table so that together, we can find a solution that best supports our employees, their well-being, and the long-term success of our farmer-owners and their Cooperative. In the meantime, we are taking steps to minimize disruption and continue serving our customers, including the local schools who depend on us to provide fresh, nutritious dairy.”
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4-H Foundation Hall of Fame
A Plymouth County couple has been inducted into the Iowa 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame.
Rich and Betty Benson received the honor at the Iowa State Fair Sunday, August 17th. The Bensons have been dedicated supporters of Plymouth County 4-H for over 20 years. Their involvement began with their children: Mary in the Union Livewires and twins, Matthew and Michael, in the Union Vikings. Betty, a former 4-H member herself, served as a club leader and supported her children as they showed dairy cows, pigs, participated in static exhibits and County Council.
Rich began his service on the 4-H & Youth Committee from 2003–2006 and joined the Fair Board in 2005, earning the Rookie of the Year award. Over the years, he held multiple roles including Vice President (2012–2016), President (2016–2019), Ticket Chairman (2010–2018), and Dairy & Goat Assistant Superintendent (2006–2017). He was named Fairman of the Year in both 2006 and 2010. Rich also served as Vice President of the Northwest District Iowa Association of Fairs for about 15 years.
Betty supported Rich’s efforts, often working as the Office Assistant during the fair. One of Rich’s proudest accomplishments was helping purchase and pay off land adjacent to the fairgrounds during his presidency, contributing to fair expansion.
During the fair, Rich and Betty enjoy visiting with attendees and watching the community come together. Rich especially liked seeing license plates from across the region while serving as Ticket Chairman.
Their motivation has always been to help kids grow and gain confidence through 4-H. Plymouth County is grateful for Rich and Betty’s years of service, leadership, and dedication to the fair and its youth.
The Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsors the annual Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Iowa State Fair. Counties nominate volunteers, community leaders, and Extension staff members who have exemplified outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H youth program in their county. Congratulations to Rich and Betty Benson. Plymouth County is grateful for your years of service, leadership, and dedication to the fair and its youth.
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SIDS Walk for the Future
The Iowa SIDS Foundation “Walk for the Future” will take place Saturday in Le Mars.
Coordinator Pam Jeneary says the annual fundraiser will be held at the Le Mars Municipal Shelter House, near the Willow Creek Golf Course.
The fundraiser features a raffle, silent auction, and door prizes.
A lunch will be provided by the Plymouth County Pork Producers and Le Mars Hy-Vee, with ice cream treats from Wells Enterprises.
Jeneary told KLEM that, separate from the walk, the SIDS Foundation receives valuable grants for newborns from United Way and Mike & Cheryl Wells
If you didn’t register online for the Saturday walk, you can do it in person tomorrow morning starting at 8:30 a.m.
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MHRD Awards
Missouri River Historical Development, known as MRHD, awarded a total of one point two million dollars to three recipients for its 2025 economic development match grant program.
The Siouxland Sports Academy received $500,000 to support the interior buildout of a new 65,000-square-foot multi-sport complex near the Lewis and Clark Baseball Stadium. Dustin Cooper of Siouxland Sports Academy says the expansion will allow them to host tournaments and activities for a variety of youth sports, while bringing thousands of people into town to not only participate, but also stay in hotels and visit local restaurants and businesses.
Moville Community Development Association was awarded $450,000 to renovate a classroom wing of the Moville Methodist Church into a fully licensed childcare facility. They are working with Crittenton Center as the operating entity for the facility.
Agape Community Services will receive $250,000 to help construct a new residential and outpatient recovery center in Sioux City, expanding access to addiction treatment and recovery services. The facility will be constructed near the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center.
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Le Mars Farmer’s Market This Saturday
The Le Mars Farmer’s Market will move to the north parking lot behind the Olson Cultural Events Center Stage for this Saturday morning only. This is to accommodate set-up for the “Let There Be Light” Brew Fest taking place on the Olson Center’s green space starting at 12 noon for VIP ticket holders. General Admission for the Brew Fest will run from 1 till 3:30 p.m.
