Le Mars Community School Board approves re-additions to new elementary school building
During the Le Mars Community School District Board meeting last Monday, the Board approved re-adding four items to the new elementary school project that were previously taken out due to cost.
Superintendent Dr. Steve Webner stated during the meeting that the re-additions were being considered thanks to the project currently being $1.1 million under budget. Eight items were considered, with four being approved on Monday: adding two classrooms back into the early childhood wing, using Formliner on areas with exposed foundations, adding mass timber framing in the gymnasium, and buying additional basketball hoops.
The cost of re-adding the items will come out to just under $900,000, without the Formliner included in the cost due to no estimate being available. Additional corridor flooring and a playground pergola will be considered by the board at a later time.
Work began on the new elementary school in March, with a official groundbreaking ceremony being held on April 8th. The school is planned to be complete in time for the 2028/29 school year.
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City council to hold regular meeting tomorrow
The Le Mars city council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow at noon inside City Hall.
On the agenda for tomorrow are two public hearings related to an amendment to the current city budget and annexing 10.5 acres of land south of current city limits, as well as finalizing plans for a road patching project on Business Highway 75, and proposing a property owner service line protection program. The council is also expected to officially appoint current assistant Chief Steve Schwarz to succeed current Fire Chief Dave Schipper in August.
The full agenda for tomorrows meeting is available online on the city’s website.
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Newly passed House bill to help fund 185th Air National Guard runway project
The U.S. House has passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which includes $38.5 million dollars in FY2027 funding for the 185th Air National Guard Refueling Wing Runway Improvement Project. Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan says it’s good news but is only part of the total project funding that is needed.
The House bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for debate, where Iowa senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley have pushed for the 185th funding.
The Iowa Legislature recently approved $10 million dollars in funding for the 185th project.
The 185th Air Refueling Wing flies KC-135 refuelers on missions all over the world as part of U.S. global defense operations in supporting military aircraft.
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