American Bank contributes $250,000 to Le Mars Area Betterment Foundation
American Bank has contributed $250,000 to the Le Mars Area Betterment Foundation, the foundation and AmBank Company announced on Wednesday.
The donation was made as part of the Betterment Foundation’s campaign to raise $5.5 million to support enhanced parks and quality-of-life amenities in the community. The city of Le Mars has agreed to match that figure for a total of $11 million earmarked for improvements. American Bank’s contribution follows a $2 million donation made by Wells Enterprises in October.
In a press release, Micah Lang, president of American Bank, says that the bank was “proud to partner with the LABF and the City of Le Mars to help ensure our community continues to thrive for generations to come.” Foundation president Dustin Wright also stated that American Bank’s gift is an “essential investment in the future of our community.”
More information on the Betterment Foundation can be found on their Facebook page.
++++++++++
Plymouth County Library Coalition requests funding for next year
During the Board of Supervisors meeting held on Tuesday morning, representatives from four of Plymouth County’s libraries requested a raise in funding from the county.
Currently, the county allocates $145,000 to five libraries in Plymouth County, which is distributed to the libraries in two ways. Half of the allotment is split evenly between the five libraries, and the other half is distributed based on usage and circulation. For example, the Le Mars Public Library received $31,271 from the circulation distribution during the past fiscal year, while the Akron Public Library received only $9,506.
The Plymouth County Library Coalition requested $150,000 from the Board for the next fiscal year, an increase of $5,000. Le Mars Public Library director Shirley Taylor noted the library’s positive impact, including providing services and programs to the community, during her presentation to the Board.
The Board also approved new lease agreements with tenants on county-owned duplexes along 5th Street in Le Mars, as well as approving family farm tax credit applications. The Board is scheduled to next meet on December 9th.
++++++++++
State representative calls for change to Sioux Center Public Library policies
District 4 state representative Skyler Wheeler has called out the Sioux Center Public Library after being informed a young child was able to check out a book with sexually-explicit content.
In an open letter to the library’s board published on Tuesday, Wheeler states that the child checked out “Icebreaker”, a bestselling adult romance novel written by Hannah Grace. The child’s parents requested the board to institute (quote) “basic safeguards” to prevent minors from accessing adult materials. However, according to Wheeler, a majority of the board voted to continue allowing unrestricted access to adult materials.
In the letter, Wheeler called the decision a “profound failure of leadership and common sense” and called on the library board to reverse the decision. Wheeler also urged the Sioux County Board of Supervisors to withhold or cut funding in order to force libraries in Sioux County to adopt child-protection policies.
As of Wednesday afternoon, neither the Sioux Center Public Library, or the library’s board, has issued a public statement.
++++++++++
Feenstra says he’s pushing FEMA to approve buyouts for Iowa cities hit by flooding
Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra says after flooding hit communities in his district in mid-2024 he’s been meeting regularly with FEMA officials to talk about progress — and Feenstra says he’s pushing FEMA to approve federal funding for buying out flood-damaged properties.
Under FEMA’s buyout program, 75 percent of the funding from the federal government. The state is required to provide 10 percent and the remaining 15 percent is the responsibility of the local government or city. Sioux County, along with the cities of Spencer, Rock Rapids, Rock Valley, Hawarden and Correctionville have submitted applications for federal funding to help buy homes that are unlivable due to last year’s damage or in an area that frequently floods. Estherville and Cherokee are working on their applications.
Feenstra, a Republican who’s running for governor, says if he’s elected, he’d set goals for how his administration would respond to Iowa disasters.
Feenstra met with FEMA officials yesterday, and he’s also asked to meet with Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees FEMA.
++++++++++
