Le Mars receives Iowa Thriving Communities designation
Le Mars has received the Iowa Thriving Communities designation from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for 2027-2028, recognizing innovation and commitment to advancing housing opportunities for all. Le Mars community development director Mark Gaul explained to KLEM what the designation means for the city.
The city entered into the application process back in April, which involved a detailed written application and a live pitch to representatives from the IFA and IEDA. Le Mars was one of four communities that received the Thriving Communities designation at the end of the process, alongside Boone, Grinnell, and Maquoketa. Gaul says receiving the designation will be a benefit to future development in Le Mars.
The four Iowa Thriving Communities for 2027-2028 will be recognized during the HousingIowa Conference on September 9th and 10th at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
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Regional police dog trials coming to Le Mars
The Le Mars Police Department and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office will host the USPCA Region 21 PD1 Dog Trials next week in Le Mars at the Le Mars Community athletics facilities.
Starting on Monday, July 27th, obedience events will be held at Jim Lorenzen Field at 7am, followed by Group A & Group B suspect searches at the High School Practice Fields, while on Tuesday, July 28th, apprehension events with and without gunfire will be held at Jim Lorenzen Field starting at 8am. The trials are free and open to the public, with attendees encouraged to show support for law enforcement K-9 teams.
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State climatologist says forecast indicates winter will be warmer, drier
State Climatologist Justin Glisan says Iowa’s short term forecast indicates temperatures should fall into the 80s this week, but Glisan says the El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean is likely to have a major impact on temperatures this fall and winter.
Glisan says the weather pattern will have broad impacts on Iowa temperatures and precipitation this fall and through the winter.
The last five years in Iowa been the warmest on record.
Glisan says drought is reemerging in western and northern Iowa, with about 12 percent of Iowa in moderate drought and another 30 percent of the state classified as abnormally dry. Glisan made his comments during taping of “Iowa Press” which aired last Friday on Iowa PBS.
(Story via Radio Iowa)
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