Inclusive Connections, Le Mars YMCA team up for “A Night Under the Stars”
The Le Mars Area YMCA is teaming up with Inclusive Connections to host “A Night Under the Stars” next month, an inclusive formal dance for individuals with special needs.
The evening will feature music by DJ Robbie Renner, with sensory headphones available, along with sensory-friendly decorations, buddy mentors for attendees, and free photography. Pizza and dirty sodas courtesy of sippin712 will also be available. Both the YMCA and Inclusive Connections said in a Facebook post that their goal with hosting the dance “is to offer a safe space for individuals with disabilities to meet new people, dance, and most importantly, feel included and BELONG!”
Registration for the dance is now set at $5 per person, after a “very generous donation” reduced the fee from $25. For questions, call 712-540-7820. “A Night Under the Stars” will take place at the Le Mars YMCA Gym on Saturday, May 2nd from 5-8pm.
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“Gridshock” film to be screened in Le Mars
A screening of the documentary film “Gridshock” will be hosted at the Headline Event Space in Le Mars next Wednesday. Sponsored by the Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault, the film details the hidden and disturbing reality behind sex trafficking in Iowa.
Filmmaker Vanessa McNeal, herself a survivor of sexual violence, set out to explore the often overlooked reality of about why the sex trafficking industry thrives, and specifically to expose the demand of sex trafficking in Iowa. According to the documentary’s website, “Gridshock” features survivors of sex trafficking, law enforcement, advocates, and a recovering sex addict.
Following the screening, a community resource panel will be held. The screening is free and open to the public, and will take place on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6pm inside the Headline Event Space in Le Mars.
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Le Mars Police reports released for March
The Le Mars Police Department announced they answered 537 calls for service during the month of March, a slight decrease from February.
Officers responded to 47 incidents and made 37 arrests in March, and 422 traffic citations and warnings were issued to drivers. 16 total accidents were reported, with 1 resulting in injury, and 15 resulting in property damage.
These figures represent minor increases and decreases from previous months; 23 arrests and 49 incidents were reported in February, while 34 arrests and 53 incidents were reported in January.
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Final approval given for hunting, fishing fee increases
The Iowa Natural Resource Commission gave final approval last Thursday to an increase in fees for hunting and fishing licenses. DNR fisheries chief Joe Larscheid says the change is a modest increase.
The hunting and fishing license fees have not been raised since 2019. The cost of an annual fishing and hunting license will each go up one dollar. Larscheid says the public comment period started March 4th.
The move has been pushed by hunting and fishing groups for years as the fees go to the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund, which is used by the DNR to fund its natural resource protection, management, research, and enhancement activities. The increased fees will take effect on June 17th.
(Story via Radio Iowa)
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