New Westfield mayor Michael Bohlke chosen after drawing lots
The next mayor of Westfield will be Michael Bohlke, after the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors drew his name out of a hat during their meeting Wednesday.
Bohlke and incumbent mayor Willard McFarland tied during last Tuesday’s elections at 22 votes each. Per procedure, the Board of Supervisors had the authority to draw lots to break the tie. During the meeting Wednesday morning, supervisor Doug Manley had the honor of picking one of two pieces of paper inside of fellow supervisor Craig Anderson’s cowboy hat. Manley pulled Bohlke’s name out of the hat.
The Board also officially canvassed election results from across Plymouth County during the meeting. Deputy auditor Cheri Nitzschke told the board that 4,640 voters across the county cast ballots in last week’s elections, with 24 ballots not returned. Out of 17,420 registered voters, that places voter turnout at 26.6%, higher than the statewide turnout of 16.6%. Nitzschke also told the Board that the county was waiting to hear back from Marcel Konz, who won both the mayoral race and a seat on Oyen’s city council, on which position he would take.
++++++++++
Plymouth County Supervisors join amicus brief for potential Supreme Court case
The Plymouth County Supervisors voted during their meeting yesterday to send funds to the Iowa State Association of Counties for an amicus brief in the case of Couser v. Shelby County.
The case involves Summit Carbon Solutions and the counties of Shelby and Story in Iowa. Both counties adopted zoning ordinances that imposed various requirements on Summit’s proposed liquid pipeline. Summit challenged these requirements, arguing that the federal Pipeline Safety Act preempted local ordinances. A federal District Court ruled in favor of Summit and issued a permanent injunction against Shelby and Story County’s enforcement of the ordinances. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit also ruled in favor of Summit after an appeal by the counties.
The Iowa State Association of Counties is filing an amicus brief on behalf of Iowa’s counties, focusing on the importance of local control. The Board of Supervisors voted to send $500 to the association to help cover the cost of the brief. The two counties formally petitioned the Supreme Court to hear the case back on October 3rd.
++++++++++
Marcus residents without running water, still under boil advisory
Residents in Marcus were without water for most of Wednesday, after problems occurred with a fire hydrant in town.
The city announced on their Facebook page Wednesday morning that the water was shut off due to repairs on a fire hydrant. According to a city official contacted by KLEM, issues with the repairs caused residents to go without running water for roughly six hours.
Although access was restored around 3pm Wednesday, residents are still under a boil advisory until officials finish testing the water.
++++++++++
Le Mars Arts Center launches Annual Appeal for 2025
The Le Mars Arts Center has launched its Annual Appeal for 2025, with the goal of inviting the public to invest in the local arts community.
This year’s theme is “Invest in the Arts, Invest in Le Mars.” The campaign follows a successful year for the Arts Center, with over 3,500 visitors viewing ten exhibitions, featuring over 100 artists from thirteen countries. Additionally, over 2,500 youth participated in arts programs and workshops. Last year’s Appeal raised over $50,000, a record-breaking year for the Arts Center.
Executive director Draven Haefs said in a press release that the Arts Center’s year-by-year growth increases the Center’s impact, and that “what we’re building here is something truly special — an arts center that belongs to and is accessible to everyone.”
All contributions are fully tax-deductible and goes directly toward program growth, artist support, and ongoing initiatives. Donors can also participate in the Center’s Membership program, recognizing members with exclusive experiences and early event access.
For more information on the Annual Appeal, visit the Arts Center’s website.
++++++++++
