Fire chief Schipper receives Governor’s Award
Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief Dave Schipper received the State of Iowa’s Governor’s Award for his commitment to community service at the annual Iowa State Fire School. The award was presented during a ceremony in Altoona on Saturday, January 31st, and was given to Chief Schipper by Iowa State Fire Marshall Dan Wood and Jess Dunn of the state Fire Marshall’s Office.
The Governor’s Volunteer Awards are presented by Volunteer Iowa, honoring both individuals and groups for their outstanding volunteer service in local communities and organizations.
Schipper also received the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce’s Impact of the Year award during January, at the beginning of his final year as Le Mars’ fire chief. Schipper told the Le Mars city council during their meeting on January 6th that he plans to retire from the Fire-Rescue department in August, but as of now, he has not made a formal announcement.
++++++++++
Le Mars YMCA Summer Day Camp registration open now
Registration for the Le Mars Area Family YMCA’s yearly Summer Day Camp has opened for 2026. Children aged 5-12 can be registered for the camp online at the YMCA’s website, with parents required to fill out a registration form, a Statement of Health, and a copy of their immunization records.
11 weekly sessions will be held starting June 1st, with campers participating in daily crafts, games, physical activity, swimming, and free play in the gym and at local parks. Each week, kids will enjoy field trips to fun places, both locally and out of town, and each camper will need to bring their own sack lunch, water bottle, and sunscreen each day. Weekly themes during the program will be announced later.
The cost for the camp is set at $165 per week, with a $15 deposit due per week at registration. Additionally, campers will be asked to bring money for certain field trips throughout the summer. Income-based financial assistance is offered for those who qualify, up to 50% off.
Weekly sessions will be held from the beginning of June until the middle of August. Parents can register online at lemarsymca.org until April 1st. For any questions about the Summer Day Camp, contact camp director Krista Bolton at 712-546-6655.
++++++++++
Central Valley Ag announces FFA Blue Jacket Challenge
Central Valley Ag has announced the Blue Jacket Challenge, being held in celebration of National FFA Week. Running from February 2nd-13th, the challenge invites past and present FFA members to show off their FFA blue jacket.
The Blue Jacket Challenge invites FFA alumni or current members to participate by submitting a photo with your FFA jacket, old or new, for a chance to have CVA donate $250 to the local FFA chapter of your choice. The challenge celebrates the lasting impact of FFA throughout communities and the pride shared across generations.
Through this promotion, CVA continues its commitment to support and recognize the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthening the communities it serves. Participants can find full contest details and instructions for submitting photos on CVA’s social media channels.
The challenge will run from February 2nd-13th, while National FFA Week itself will take place February 21st-28th.
++++++++++
Program in Sioux City helps families with “at risk members”
A program in Sioux City provides families a way to track “at risk” members. Project Lifesaver is offered by police and the Woodbury County Sheriff provide a tracking system for those who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering due to Autism, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or other conditions. Shana Michalski’s (Mick-all-she) son Trey is non-verbal and has had a monitor since 2010. She says it provides peace of mind for her family.
She says it has been a concern for some time.
Those enrolled in the program wear a transmitter on their ankle or wrist that emits a unique radio signal that officers and deputies can pick up with a transmitter. Emily Myers’ 13-year-old Zoey is also on the spectrum and she says Zoey is verbal, but prone to talking to people while not recognizing potentially dangerous situations.
Officers say search times have been drastically reduced from hours to minutes with Project Lifesaver.
(Story via KSCJ and Radio Iowa)
++++++++++
