On Friday night, August 29, 2025, at 11:39pm the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department was called to a house fire at 220 Central Ave. SE. The house is owned by Mitchell Zenk of Le Mars. Upon arrival firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from south side of the house. Flames were venting from a doorway on the south side of the house. Firefighters attacked the fire through the main front door with 2 handlines. Firefighters knocked down the fire in about 10 minutes. One female who was in the home at the time of the fire was taken to Floyd Valley Hospital with injuries. She was then airlifted to a hospital in Sioux Falls. Her condition is not known at this time. Firefighters had to ventilate the entire two-story home and overhaul the home. Firefighters were on scene for around two hours fighting this fire, doing overhaul and investigating. The home has been red tagged unlivable.
The origin of this fire was determined to be located in the kitchen of the home. The cause for the fire is under investigation at this time. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $75,000.00.
There were no injuries to firefighters.
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department was assisted at the scene by the Le Mars Police, Plymouth County Sheriff, and MidAmerican Energy.
David Schipper
Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief
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Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says one person was injured as the result of a house fire Friday evening.
Emergency personal responded to the 2-story house fire at 220 Central Avenue SE at 11:39 p.m. Friday. The house is owned by Mitchell Zenk of Le Mars.
One female who was in the home at the time of the fire was taken to Floyd Valley Healthcare. She was then airlifted to a hospital in Sioux Falls. Her condition is not know at this time.
Firefighters were on the scene for around two hours fighting the fire, ventilating and overhauling the home, and investigating. The home has ben red tagged as unlivable.
The origin of the fire was determined to be in the kitchen of the home. The cause for the fire is under investigation. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $75-thousand.
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue was assisted at the scene by the Le Mars Police, Plymouth County Sheriff, and Mid American Energy.
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Le Mars Hy-Vee Employee Receives Legendary Customer Service Award
Customers at Le Mars Hy-Vee know just who to turn to when they need help. They’ll find the helpful smile and outstanding customer service Hy-Vee is known for in Shannon Groepper.
Shannon, the floral department manager at the Le Mars Hy-Vee, has been creating an outstanding experience for both customers and co-workers for more than 12 years. That’s why fellow employees, family members, customers and Hy-Vee executives gathered at the Le Mars Hy-Vee on Friday to surprise Shannon with the Legendary Customer Service Award. The award recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers’ expectations. Only 14 winners were selected from more than 70,000 Hy-Vee employees across eight states.
Shannon says she was definitely surprised when she walked into Hy-Vee and saw the assembled crowd for her award.
She says that she enjoys that every day is a different day
Groepper says her goal is to make customers happy.
A Le Mars Hy-Vee employee since 2013, Shannon is a favorite among local customers. She is well known in the community for her warmth and expertise, providing the perfect floral arrangement for any occasion. The store routinely receives compliments from customers who Shannon has served. She helps wherever she is needed in the store, showing what teamwork is all about.
Le Mars Hy-Vee Store Director Jennifer Parks says Shannon was the logical choice to be nominated for this prestigious award.
Parks says what makes Shannon such a great employee is her friendliness.
The Le Mars store Director says that Shannon and the other 2025 recipients of the Legendary Customer Service Award will be inducted into Hy-Vee’s Customer Service Hall of Fame and will receive other great gifts to commemorate the honor.
Congratulations Shannon Groepper!
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Big Sioux River Days
Big Sioux River Days in Hawarden is underway through Monday.
There’s an outdoor vendor show and a “Quilt and Create Art Show” Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Sunday highlights include the Little Miss Big Sioux River Days crowning ceremony at 1 p.m.
On Labor Day Monday there’s a Kids Parade at 1:15 followed by the Grand Parade at 1:30 p.m. with park activities following the parade.
Labor Day Weekend also means it’s time for Sheldon Celebration Days. The festival runs today through Monday featuring a community patio party, glow walk, arts and crafts show, free entertainment in the park, and a classic car show. The Celebration Days parade will take place on Monday at 2 p.m.
