The Coon Rapids Fire Department currently has its plate full, as it not only recently took delivery of its new Engine 2 but also broke ground for its future Station 3.

See footage of the latter above and pictures of the apparatus below.

Crews have been training on the truck before it’s put into service. The station, to be located as the corner of Mississippi Boulevard and 111th Ave., is expected to open in June 2023.

“We appreciate the support from our elected officials and city staff for this new equipment to help us complete our mission,” a Facebook post reads.

About 300 people came to Marion Fire Station 1 Saturday, and the reason was two-fold: to celebrate the new facility and to give Chief Deb Krebill a proper send off, reports cbs2iowa.com.

Krebill greeted visitors at the door during the open house—her final day prior to retirement.

The station, located at 100 Irish Dr., officially opened in August; it serves as department HQ, the report says. It also houses the city’s emergency operations center.

Krebill notes that the facility was built with nature in mind, so as to heal the stress following a hectic call. The aim is for better mental health and wellness. FA reported at its opening: The new station has biophilic design elements that use lighting, color, and nature to promote the emotional health of firefighters. In addition, it has been designed to keep firefighters safer as they wake up for calls and return from battling fires.

Windows line all sides of the building to let in as much light and as many natural views as possible—a design that has garnered an Excellence in Design Honor Award from the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the report notes.

In addition, it has decon and training areas, administrative offices, and a community safe room/storm shelter. Another open house at the end of summer is possible, the report says.

Wasaga Beach has been using a decommissioned fire truck as a bookmobile, reports CTV.

What officials are calling a library on wheels has books, puzzles, videos, games, and musical instruments, and it can travel to any neighborhood in Wasaga Beach, according to the report.

More information about the bookmobile, including budget, schedule, and future plans, can be found in this annual report.

“As an all-new roving service tool, the Wasaga Beach Public Library bookmobile was successful in expanding the reach of WBPL; providing materials, programming, and information to Wasaga Beach residents and visitors who might not otherwise utilize the library’s Glenwood Drive location,” the report says. “Talking to more than 1,100 people about library services, offering unique activities to 476 bookmobile visitors, and circulating 529 items out of the bookmobile are new benchmarks for service that WBPL staff will aim to exceed in 2022.

“The COVID-19 pandemic posed many issues for the launch of the bookmobile, the truck’s scheduling, and service delivery in 2021. Staff are confident that even should the community remain sensitive to pandemic safety measures, the library has a better understanding of how to operate the bookmobile within restrictions, and will strive to ensure that service is expanded is a safe way.

“Staff are confident that the WBPL bookmobile will continue to provide a cost effective way to extend Wasaga Beach Public Library’s presence in the community, reaching out to residents who need information, literature, and Internet access, as well as a little fun.”

The City of Caldwell has purchased a new fire truck to replace its 31-year-old ladder, which, FA reported last week, is being sold to the intrastate Payette Fire Department.

Earlier: Payette (ID) Fire Department Acquires Ladder Truck from Caldwell for $30k

KTVB reports that the 1991 ladder was not meeting department demands, and it was replaced with a 2021 Pierce ladder.

The new apparatus allows for more storage and space. Crews have been training on it.