Plymouth County Fair kicks off next week
The Plymouth County Fair is set to kick off next Wednesday, July 29th in Le Mars with five days’ worth of entertainment, agriculture, competitions, and family-friendly activities planned for attendees. Speaking to KLEM, fair board member Candice Nash highlighted some of the new and returning entertainment at the Pioneer Village this year.
Major events on the Grandstand this year include motocross, go karts, tractor pull, a demo derby, and figure 8. In the Family Plaza, fun daily shows such as Poppin’ Penelope’s Family Magic Show and B&R Chainsaw Sculptures will compliment family-friendly activities such as bouncy houses and inflatables. However, Nash says that the heart of the fair are the 4-H and FFA participants.
Nash also highlighted the amount of community involvement in the fair, particularly with volunteers.
The best 5 days of summer will return to the Plymouth County Fairgrounds from next Wednesday, July 29th through Sunday, August 2nd. For more information about the fair, and for the full schedule, visit plymouthcountyfair.org.
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City council approves increased speed limits after passage of new state law
During the Le Mars city council meeting on Tuesday afternoon, the council approved increased speed limits in four areas within city limits.
The changes come after Iowa governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 378 into law on June 1st, which raised the state’s default speed limit on most two-lane highways and roads from 55 to 60 mph effective as of July 1st. In Le Mars, four areas that are currently set at 55 mph will be raised to 60 mph, including on Lincoln Ave SE from the South Corporation Line to C-38, on 7th Avenue SE to K-49, on 12th Street SE and C-30 past 14th Avenue SE, and on Key Avenue from both the North and South Corporation Lines.
The new limits will become effective as soon as new signs are placed. Also during the meeting, the council approved negotiating an agreement with HomeServe on a new property owner service line protection program, and approved a road patching project on Business Highway 75 scheduled to begin by late September. The council is scheduled to next meet on Tuesday, August 4th at noon inside of City Hall.
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Northwestern College Sets Fundraising Records
Northwestern College in Orange City has set school fundraising records for the second straight year, receiving a new high of more than 11.04 million dollars for the 2025-26 fiscal year which ended June 30th.That represents an increase of more than 12% over the previous record of 9.85 million dollars set last year.
Giving to the Northwestern Fund also set a record for the second year in a row, as donors contributed 1.456 million dollars, 2.6% more than last year.
The Northwestern Fund supports the college’s operational needs with unrestricted gifts that help reduce the annual cost of a Northwestern Education by up to $1200 per student. The Northwestern Fund supports student financial aid, academic programs, student development, auxiliary items, administrative expenses, and building & grounds.
