Dialysis project nearly ready to roll

Months ago, supporters of opening a local dialysis center set a $1.2 million goal to reach before moving forward on the project, which began in June 2006.

Tuesday, they reached that goal.

A $200,000 loan from the Le Mars City Council puts the Le Mars Area Dialysis Services (LADS) past the $1.2 million mark.

A building at the corner of Central Avenue and First Street Southwest has already been donated by Wells' Dairy and gutted.

"We're going to immediately call a board meeting to get an update," said Kirk Klohs, of the LADS board. "We are getting so close to green lighting this thing."

First up is to get bids on construction, Klohs said.

"Last time we ran figures for construction costs, it was $1.2 million, but that was months ago," he said.

The Le Mars City Council offered the $200,000 loan Tuesday during its regular meeting.

"The city really came out and did their part," Klohs said.

While the city was originally looking at a forgivable loan, LADS will have to pay back the $200,000, but with a 0 percent interest rate.

Klohs said the LADS group is pleased, citing that people have pledged future donations to the organization.

"The community is really backing this project," Klohs said regarding the $1.2 million in contributions.

There were some donations of $25,000 and even $100,000. But many donations came in $5 and $10 at a time, he said.

"Even people who couldn't afford it gave generously," Klohs said. "To raise that kind of money says a lot for Le Mars."