Local residents bring up maintenance, safety concerns about PlyWood Trail
During the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, several residents living along the PlyWood Trail brought concerns to members of the trail organization.
Executive director of the PlyWood Trail Foundation Ryan Schaap and other members of the organization gave updates to the Board on phases two and three of the trail, but afterwards, the Board and the organization heard from local residents about safety and maintenance concerns.
Cam Kounkel, who owns Taggart’s Powersports next to the trail in Hinton, brought photos of overgrown weeds along the trail, blocking visibility from Highway 75. She says that she had to stop in the right-of-way last week while carrying a 48 foot trailer, because two electric scooters were “flying” down the trail. Kounkel says she’s concerned that someone will get hurt because of the lack of visibility and stop signs.
Dan Pick, who lives between Merrill and Le Mars, says he’s worried about the trucks going in and out of his farm daily. He told the board that cyclists don’t stop at private driveways.
During the meeting, executive director Schaap says the organization takes safety seriously, and that maintenance is performed by the contractors since the trail is still under construction. He asked Kounkel for copies of the photos to share with the Foundation board and the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Although the trail is still under construction, sections of the trail are currently used by cyclists. Phase two of the trail (connecting Hinton to Merrill) is under construction, while phase one (connecting Le Mars to Merrill) and phase three (connecting Hinton to Sioux City) are scheduled to fully open in 2026.
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City of Le Mars issues guidelines for winter garbage and recycling carts
The Le Mars Street Department would like to remind residents of proper recycling and garbage cart placement with winter weather approaching.
During garbage and recycling collection days, the city asks residents to ensure carts are placed within driveways, minimally two to three feet apart, and to not place carts on the street or on top of snowbanks. Placing carts on the street can cause a safety hazard for haulers or cause damage to the carts if a snowplow catches it.
The city also provides tips for collection during snowy weather. If a snowstorm occurs overnight, the city recommends waiting until the morning to place carts at the curb.
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