House fire in Merrill results in complete loss of structure
A house fire that occurred early Wednesday morning in Merrill resulted in the complete loss of a single-family home.
At 2:28am, Merrill Fire Rescue and Le Mars Fire-Rescue were called to a structure fire on Frost Street. According to Merrill Fire Rescue Chief Jacob Conley, the fire was reported by a neighbor who witnessed flames coming from the home. The sole occupant had been woken up from a smoke alarm and managed to get out safely.
Although access was restricted due to a loss of roof integrity, crews were still able to make an aggressive knockdown of the fire. No injuries were reported, and the structure is a complete loss. A preliminary cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Le Mars Fire-Rescue also responded to another fire two hours earlier at Scooters Meats in Brunsville. A smoker caused a fire in the attic of the building, but was quickly brought under control, with no injuries reported.
++++++++++
Arraignment date set in Plymouth County child endangerment, animal neglect case
An arraignment date for a Le Mars man charged with 24 counts of child endangerment and animal neglect has been set for later this month. 53-year-old Rick Reifenrath of Le Mars will appear in Plymouth County District Court on Monday, March 23rd at 9am.
Reifenrath was taken into custody on January 16th during a traffic stop, when authorities learned he had several valid warrants for his arrest. Reifenrath is facing 3 counts of child endangerment, 1 count of child endangerment with injury, 19 counts of animal neglect, and 1 count of animal neglect with injury. The arrest was in relation to a September search by authorities of a Plymouth County property, after reports of unsafe living conditions for three children and numerous dogs.
Court documents allege that Reifenrath failed to provide basic nutrition, water, sanitary conditions, and ventilated shelter to at least 20 dogs, with Reifenrath neglecting to provide veterinary care to one dog. The child endangerment charges involved actions against three children from July 1st to September 17th, 2025. During a search of the property on September 23rd, the children were removed by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and 111 dogs were rescued by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and the Siouxland Humane Society.
Reifenrath posted $10,000 bond back on January 20th.
++++++++++
Le Mars Public Library celebrates 150 years of operation
During a Community Coffee event yesterday morning, the Le Mars Public Library celebrated 150 years since the library’s founding on March 11th, 1876. The celebration featured cake, speeches, an unveiling of new library card designs, and a proclamation from Mayor Rob Bixenman.
Library service in Le Mars started in 1876 as a paid membership service, with the city taking over operations in 1885. Library director Shirley Taylor explained more about the library’s foundation to KLEM.
Wednesday’s celebration kicked off 150 days of celebrating the library’s impact on the city, with monthly events and activities planned.
The celebrations will conclude on August 6th with the 150th Celebration Bash, to be held at the library from 5pm-7pm. Additional events will be revealed over the course of the celebration.
++++++++++
