Le Mars house fire caused by reckless use of fire
A house fire that occurred on Saturday night in Le Mars was determined to be caused by reckless use of fire.
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue department was called to a house on 2nd Ave SW at 10:40pm on Saturday night. First responders encountered heavy smoke coming from the double stall garage of the house, with the fire having extended into the kitchen and attic. Three juvenile boys were home at the time of the fire, but escaped on their own, while three pets were rescued from inside.
The cause of the fire was determined to be reckless use of fire with a flammable liquid. Damage to the structure is estimated at $100,000. The Fire-Rescue Department would like to remind the public to be careful with flammable liquids inside of buildings or structures.
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Light therapy lamps now available at Le Mars Public Library
As part of the Le Mars Public Library’s “Beat the Blues Challenge”, the library has made light therapy lamps available for use in order to combat seasonal affective disorder. Three lamps are available to be checked out for three weeks, and a lamp has been installed in the library’s reading room for visitors to use while reading.
In light therapy, patients generally sit in front of a light box every morning for 30 minutes or more, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. The box shines light much brighter than ordinary indoor lighting. Studies from the National Institute of Health have shown that light therapy can relieve seasonal affective disorder symptoms in as much as 70% of patients after a few weeks of treatment.
In a press release, library director Shirley Taylor says that having the lamps accessible will “make it possible for people to try light therapy for a few weeks and determine if it helps them.”
If you’re feeling blue this winter, and if the feelings last for several weeks, talk to a healthcare provider. If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline by dialing 988.
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Applications for Le Mars United Way grants open
Le Mars United Way has begun the process of offering grant funding for Le Mars and Plymouth County organizations and non-profits. Funds will be offered to organizations that help with two areas: helping children grow into successful adults, and providing safety net services for those in need.
Organizations interested in funding are required to attend a mandatory training session that walks through the grant process, as well as outlines the expectations for programs that receive funding. This session will take place at noon on Wednesday, March 11th at the Le Mars Police Training Center. Those interested in attending the training must complete an online form on the Le Mars United Way website by March 6.
The applications themselves will be due by noon on Friday, March 27th, with funding decisions to be determined in May. To be eligible to receive funding, applying organizations must be a 501(c)(3) or 170(b)(1). For more information on the process, visit the Le Mars United Way website or call 712-255-3551.
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IRS: Many Iowa seniors will get an extra tax deduction this season
Senior citizens in Iowa are in line for a new tax break, according to Stacy Engle, a spokeswoman for the Internal Revenue Service. Engle says Iowans who are 65 years old and older can claim an extra deduction this year — and each year through 2028.
The change in tax law aims to ease the burden for some seniors, especially if they’re drawing Social Security and are still working, even part-time.
She says the new deduction was part of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill that passed Congress in July. Engle says there’s a new form included on the standard 10-40 this season.
Engle says choosing to e-file with direct deposit can speed up refunds, and they’ll typically arrive in 21 days or less. For more details, visit IRS.gov.
(Story via Radio Iowa)
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