Burn ban announced for Plymouth County starting today
A burn ban will be in effect for all of Plymouth County starting today at 1pm, local fire officials have announced.
The office of the Iowa State Fire Marshal received a request from Le Mars fire chief Dave Schipper, representing the county’s fire departments, to prohibit open burning in the county. Per Iowa law, counties can request the State Fire Marshal for a burn ban if it’s found that open burning “constitutes a danger to life or property.”
The ban will be in effect starting today at 1pm, and will be in effect until officials in Plymouth County inform the State Fire Marshal of improved conditions. Violations of the ban will result in simple misdemeanor charges.
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Wells Enterprises donates $250,000 in support of Gehlen Catholic School expansion
Wells Enterprises has made a $250,000 donation to Gehlen Catholic School in support of their school expansion project. The company made the announcement during a press conference yesterday morning, presenting a check to school president Dr. Amanda Anderson alongside school officials and Wells employees.
Adam Baumgartner, vice president of corporate communications at Wells, told KLEM that supporting local education and the community at large aligns with the company’s mission.
Baumgartner says Wells will continue to support strong community foundations in Le Mars and beyond.
The contribution was made as part of Gehlen Catholic’s Legacy Campaign, with $9.2 million raised to date out of a goal of $10 million. The campaign will support a planned expansion of the elementary school and improvements to the current building, including seven new classrooms, an art room, and a new multipurpose room. A groundbreaking event for the project will take place on Wednesday, April 1st.
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Plymouth County Conservation hosting Geo Egg Hunt
Plymouth County Conservation will host an Easter egg hunt next Saturday, March 28th, with a twist. Egg hunters will use GPS units to find eggs during the hunt through geocaching.
Hunters will receive a quick lesson on geocaching and on the GPS units, then will hunt throughout Hillview Recreation Area to find the hidden eggs. Plymouth County Conservation asks attendees to bring hiking shoes, as the eggs will be hidden throughout the whole park. If interested in participating in the hunt, call 712-947-4270 or email msauer@plymouthcountyiowa.gov to register. All participants must register ahead of next Saturday to participate in the hunt.
For more information on the hunt, and on other events hosted by Plymouth County Conservation, visit plymouthcountyparks.com. The Geo Egg Hunt will take place next Saturday, March 28th from 10am-12pm at Hillview Recreation Area.
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LCS Employee of the Month named for March
Le Mars Community Schools has named Middle School literacy teacher Tina Gray as their Employee of the Month for March.
Gray was nominated by her peers for “providing an environment for at-risk readers that makes them feel safe and appreciated,” for “taking the time to make a personal connection with each student,” for “having a calm and caring presence with her students,” and for “having an excellent attitude that is a huge asset to our building.”
Congratulations to Tina Gray for being named Le Mars Community Schools’ Employee of the Month for March!
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