Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball brings “Friday Night Lights” energy
The 39th annual Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball will be held this weekend at the Le Mars Convention Center, with the theme of “Friday Night Lights.” This year’s event is hosted by General Chairs Brad and Sarah Cave, along with Tyler and Kylie Petty.
Inspired by the excitement of football season and the nostalgia of homecoming, this year’s theme invites guests to show off their Gehlen pride or dress as homecoming royalty for an evening of spirited celebration. The evening will feature a catered meal and an engaging program, including a keynote address by Gehlen Catholic president, Dr. Amanda Anderson. Guests will also witness the presentation of the prestigious Spirit of Peter & Catherine Gehlen Award and the Teacher of the Year Award. Adding to the night’s energy, live band IV Play will headline the event.
All community members can participate in the silent auction which is currently open online and will close at 7:30 pm. on April 11th. The live auction the evening of the Ball will feature 11 exciting items, including VIP Vikings tickets, a Mini Australian Shepherd, an exclusive supper for eight, and the highly anticipated “Name the Gym” opportunity.
Funds raised during the Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball play a vital role in supporting the school’s general operating budget. Proceeds help provide essential resources such as art and teaching supplies, technology, and equipment that enhance learning opportunities for students and staff. Tickets for Saturday’s event are still available for $125, with raffle tickets offered at $100. For tickets or additional information, please contact Gehlen Catholic School.
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City council holds property tax hearing, sets hearing for city budget
Just before the Le Mars city council’s regular meeting yesterday, the council held a public property tax hearing for FY 2027. The maximum property levy rate is set at $11.17 per thousand valuation, a decrease from the current rate of $11.87 per thousand valuation. No public comments were heard during the hearing.
Budget guidelines require that the city must set a property tax levy hearing date separate from a regular council meeting. This is done as a transparency measure, which will be sent out to all property owners as a truth-in-taxation statement breaking down all taxing authorities and their requests.
During the meeting itself, the council also approved setting a public hearing concerning the city’s proposed budget during their next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 21st at noon.
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New therapists join Floyd Valley Therapies staff
Floyd Valley Therapies has announced the addition of three new therapists: Alexis Harpenau, MA, CCC-SLP, Katelyn Kessenich, PT, DPT and Taylor Schiebout, PT, DPT.
Harpenau brings excellent education and experience to Floyd Valley Speech Therapy. She completed her undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders and her Master of Art degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Prior to moving back to northwest Iowa, she was employed in central Iowa working with pediatric patients.
Katelyn graduated from Iowa State University with an undergraduate degree in kinesiology and health and from Des Moines University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. While in school, Katelyn received valuable clinical experience in Scottsdale, AZ, Nashville, TN, Dakota Dunes, SD, Spirit Lake, IA and at Floyd Valley Therapies, and says she is excited to return to FVH.
Taylor comes to Floyd Valley Therapies with experience working with pediatric populations in Minneapolis and Sioux City. She received her undergraduate degree in kinesiology from the University of South Dakota and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa.
The three therapists began their duties with Floyd Valley Therapies recently.
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Burn ban in Plymouth County to be lifted today
A county-wide burn ban that’s been in effect since Friday, March 20th will be lifted today at noon, Fire Chief David Schipper confirmed.
Per Iowa law, counties can request the Iowa State Fire Marshal for a burn ban if it’s found that open burning “constitutes a danger to life or property.” The ban was in effect for over two weeks, with it being in effect until officials in Plymouth County informed the State Fire Marshal of improved conditions. Violations of the ban would’ve resulted in simple misdemeanor charges.
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