SRTS receives $9.7 million federal grant, new transit facility planned in Le Mars
The Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS) was awarded a $9.7 million grant through the Iowa Department of Transportation to fund major improvements to public transportation in Sioux City and Le Mars.
Brian Pearson, the facility and transit director for SIMPCO and SRTS, explained to KLEM what the grant would be used for.
Pearson says that Le Mars and Plymouth County are important parts of the SRTS network.
The new Le Mars facility will feature 16 bus stalls, as well as a conference room, break room, and offices. Expansions at the Sioux City facility that’s also being funded by the grant will provide additional bus storage and two new alternative-fueled buses with charging infrastructure. SRTS currently operates 47 vehicles, but will expand to 53 vehicles once expansion projects are complete.
Pearson says they’ve selected a site for the new facility in Le Mars.
The new facility is expected to be complete by 2028. Pearson also says that expansion into Cherokee County by 2030, Onawa by 2035, and Ida Grove by 2040 is planned.
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Le Mars running for “America’s Favorite Small Town”
The city of Le Mars is in the running to be named one of “America’s Favorite Small Towns”.
The honor is awarded by Parade magazine, who runs the annual competition, and celebrates vibrant but small communities across the country. Voting for the competition started last Monday, with voting continuing into the spring. National finalists will be selected next spring, with state winners announced on June 1st. The national winner will be announced on June 12th. Finalists will be featured in a special print issue of Parade, and the winning town will host a special event on the Fourth of July, featuring “potential celebrity involvement”, sponsor giveaways, and national media coverage.
As of Friday afternoon, Le Mars is currently in the top 10 of vote-getters nationwide. The Hometown Le Mars Heritage Foundation posted on Facebook last Wednesday, encouraging residents to vote daily. For a link to vote, click here.
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Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office warns of missing pet scams
The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office would like to make the public aware of a missing pet scam going around.
In this scam, pet owners are contacted on social media or by phone by someone claiming to have found their lost pet. The scammer then requests money in return for finding the pet via apps such as Chime or Zelle.
The Sheriff’s Office says that you should never send money without verifying that they have your pet and can provide proof. Try to keep identifying details private in your initial online posts. If you are ever unsure if something is a scam or not, contact your local law enforcement first.
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