City council approves November referendum on proposed emergency services building
During the Le Mars city council meeting on Tuesday, the council approved putting a bond referendum on the ballot in November concerning a new municipal emergency services building for the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department. If approved by more than 60% of voters, the city would issue bonds to pay for the building at a maximum price of $8 million. A similar referendum for a new $16 million firehouse was defeated by over 69% of voters last November.
Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief Dave Schipper told KLEM that the department is balancing community feedback with the needs of emergency services in Le Mars.
New construction materials have helped to halve the proposed maximum price of the building, with any costs exceeding the $8 million price tag needing to be fundraised by the department. The name of the proposed building was also changed from “municipal firehouse” to “municipal emergency services building,” with Schipper stating the name change better reflects what the building offers.
Schipper says he hopes the changes made will help to win community support for the building.
The referendum will be placed on the general election ballot scheduled for November 3rd. Schipper says the department is planning to hold community meetings and open houses concerning the new building this fall.
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Local Ronald McDonald House prepares for Governor’s Steer Show
The 44th annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show is coming up soon, with the annual proceeds benefiting the three Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, including one in Sioux City. Christy Batien Clark, the executive director of the Sioux City house, says the event is a major fundraiser for the three Ronald McDonald Houses.
Jase Plendl of Kingsley is this year’s local 4-H steer exhibitor representing Siouxland at the show with his steer Rocco. Plendl has put a lot of work into getting his steer prepared for the show in Des Moines.
When taking part in the show, Plendl and Rocco are scored by the judges.
Batien says the amount of support Iowans give in bidding on the steer and other auction items, and donating to the cause, helps the Ronald McDonald Houses continue to provide support to families with children in local hospitals.
The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show is hosted by the office of the Governor of Iowa, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and the Iowa Beef Industry Council. They’ve raised more than $6 million for the Ronald McDonald Houses in the state. Since 1981, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa have helped over 60,000 families from all of Iowa’s 99 counties, all 50 states and 62 foreign countries.
The 44th annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show is set for 4:30pm on Saturday, August 15th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
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