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Change coming in how county road use tax funding is distributed

News

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – There will be a change in the way road use tax funds are distributed to counties after the governor signed a bill into law cutting the number of state boards and commissions. The D-O-T’s Stuart Anderson says the funding for counties had been determined by the Secondary Road Fund Distribution Committee.

“It had supervisor members and county engineer members, and they were tasked with a very detailed rule-making process the authority for determining how secondary road fund and farm to market road funds are distributed amongst the 99 counties,” he says. Anderson said during the Transportation Commission’s recent meeting that the committee helped deal with annual fluctuations in county road funding. He says the new law cut that committee and shifted the responsibility.

“Transferred that authority to determine how secondary road fund and Farm to Market Road funds are distributed to you the commission and you are required to define that process through rule-making,” he says. Anderson says the Transportation Commission can still seek input from the supervisor and county engineers.

“Although that committee formally does not exist anymore in Iowa code it’s likely something I think we as department staff would recommend to the commission you continue to utilize as as an ad-hoc group,” he says. Anderson says the Transportation Commission will be working on the rule-making process for distributing the county funds in the next couple of months.

Kenlin Announces Return for Fifth Year

Sports

May 20th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa gymnastics senior Adeline Kenlin has announced that she will return for a fifth year for the 2025 season.

“My goal is to be a leader for the next generation of Hawkeye gymnasts,” said Kenlin. “It is time for us to reclaim what it means to be a Hawkeye and what is means for us to represent the next generation of gymnasts. There are things to still to accomplish and records to break. Let’s Go Hawks. I. AM. BACK!!!!”

Kenlin, a two-time all-American, competed in three meets in 2024 before suffering a season ending injury. In the 2024 opener, Kenlin posted a career-high in the all-around scoring 39.575, tied for eighth in program history. She also matched her career-best on vault, bars and floor in 2024.

The Iowa City, Iowa, native was the NCAA runner-up on beam in 2022. Kenlin has her name in the Iowa record book five different times, including tying the school record on beam in 2021 scoring a 9.975.

Six people rescued from northwest Iowa river

News

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – An eight year old child was among six people rescued Saturday afternoon on the West Fork of the Des Moines River, north of Estherville. Travis Sheridan, Estherville’s Fire Chief, said a 911 call indicated a kayak flipped over and a woman and child were in the water.

“Once fire fighters got on the scene, the child was still OK, with just basically her face sitting above the water. Her life jacket was caught in the log jam,” Sheridan said. “They’d tried taking it off, but that just sucked the child further into the log jam.”

Firefighters were able to cut the girl’s life jacket off and rescue her from the river. Sheridan credits the girl’s aunt for keeping the eight year old’s head above water.

“She held onto that child for over 30 minutes,” Sheridan said. “She saved that child’s life until our rescue personnel could get on scene.”

Firefighters used the department’s rescue boat to bring the aunt, her niece and four others to shore. Two others who’d be in the river were able to get out of the water on their own. Sheridan said the Emmet County dispatcher was on the phone for 40 minutes, relaying information from the stranded people on the river to rescuers. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources deployed a back-up rescue boat to the scene and the Iowa State Patrol had three drones flying overhead to monitor the situation.

“It was just a collaborative effort by all,” Sheridan said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”

The names of the people who were rescued have not been released.

Exira-EHK School Board meeting set for Wednesday

News

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Elk Horn, Iowa) – Members of the Exira-Elk Horn/Kimballton School Board will meet in a regular monthly session beginning at 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, May 22nd, in the Elk Horn High School Conference Room. Here’s the agenda for their meeting:

I. Call to Order – Public Hearing
II. Approve Agenda
III. Welcome Visitors
IV. Public Hearing – 2023-2024 Budget Amendment
A. Comments from the Public
V. Adjournment of Public Hearing
VI. Call to Order – Regular Meeting
VII. Approve Agenda
VIII. Welcome Visitors
IX. Recognition and Communication
A. School Board Appreciation
X. Consent Agenda
A. Minutes
B. Financial Reports
C. Accounts Payable – Board Bills
XI. Administrative Reports
XII. Discussion Items
XIII. Action Items
A. 2023-2024 Budget Amendment
B. 2024-2025 IT Managed Service Agreement with GHAEA
C. 2024-2025 SBI agreement with GHAEA
D. Service Agreement for FY2025 with Region XII
E. Set Summer Board Meeting Dates & Times
F. Approve Cross Country Sharing with Audubon- Exira-EHK will be host school for 2024 year
G. Policy Adoption – Second/Final Reading
i. 704.06R(1) – Fundraising Within the District – Regulation
H. Policy Review – Second/Final Reading
i. 405.02 – Licensed Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection
ii. 411.02 – Classified Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection
iii. 504.05 – Student Fund Raising – RESCIND
iv. 504.05R(1) – Student Fund Raising – Regulation – RESCIND
v. 507.08R(1) – Special Health Services – Regulation
vi. 704.01 – Local-State-Federal-Miscellaneous Revenue
vii. 704.06 – Fundraising Within the District
viii. 706.01 – Payroll Periods
ix. 706.02 – Payroll Deductions
x. 706.03 – Reduction in Employee Pay (Title Change Only)
xi. 706.03R(1) – Reduction in Employee Pay – Regulation (Title Change Only)
xii. 707.01 – Presentation and Publication of Financial Reports and Information
xiii. 707.02 – Treasurer’s Annual Report – RESCIND
xiv. 707.03 – Publication of Financial Reports – RESCIND
xv. 707.04 – Audit
xvi. 707.06 – Audit Committee
I. Personnel Resignations, Hires, & Transfers
i. Hires
1.  Megan Anderson – Grades 6-8 Math
ii. Resignations
1. Maria Hughes – Associate
2. Alexandra Griffin Uren – Grade 6-8 ELA
XIV. Adjournment

Clarinda Police Chief warns of storm hail damage chasers

News, Weather

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Clarinda, Iowa) –  Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers is cautioning residents about hail damage contractors who have swarmed into the area following Sunday night’s hail storm, that dumped hail the size of ping-pong balls. Chief Brothers said “Numerous contractors have arrived in Clarinda seeking business for roof, siding, window, gutter repair.”

He offered this advice: “If you are “cold call” solicited, ask to see the contractor’s city permit to solicit, their bonding & insurance information, and speak with your property & casualty insurance carrier before entering into an agreement or contract to have any work performed or pay for any services. There is no reason to act in haste.”

Brother says “A good decision is an informed decision. The phrase ‘buyer beware’ is applicable in this situation.”

Groundbreaking ceremony held for the Atlantic SplashPad Project

News

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – City officials, SplashPad Fundraising Committee members, construction representatives and a local contractor were on-hand this (Monday) afternoon near the Sunnyside Pool in Atlantic, for a groundbreaking ceremony that was held for the SplashPad Project.  Splashpad Fundraising Co-Chair Jeremy Butler reminded those in attendance, about the genesis of the project.

Butler said the Splashpad would not have been possible without the support of the community and generous donors, the City, the Committee and many others.

Even the kids got involved in the fundraising effort.

Fundraising Co-Chair Ali Pieken, he said was instrumental in making the project a reality, as well. She was also thankful for the support the project has received.

The Atlantic SplashPad will feature over 4,500-square feet of water feature fun, including interactive fountains, spray pads, dump buckets, water cannons, and more. Tyler Henley, with the Henley Group, was on-hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. His company was awarded the contract to build the SplashPad.

Rob Stamp with Stamp Construction was on-hand with his skid-steer loader/bucket to take the first bite of dirt, after the dignitaries used spades to turn over the first shovels of dirt.
The project is expected to be completed by Labor Day.

Boil advisory issued for City of Bayard

News

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

BAYARD, Iowa — A boil advisory has been issued for the City of Bayard in Guthrie  County due to depressurization of the entire water system. More than 200 connections are affected. Operators were unable to isolate a leaking valve while conducting repairs to the system, and had to take the water tower offline, resulting in pressure loss. Once repairs are completed the affected area will be disinfected and flushed. City officials are notifying residents via boil advisory public notices around town.

Officials say there is no reason to believe water quality has been compromised, but as a precaution, customers are encouraged to boil water that will be consumed or used for food preparation. Water should be boiled for two minutes and allowed to cool before use. Water is safe to use for showering, laundry, general washing and outdoor use without boiling.

Two sets of bacteria samples will be collected for testing. The boil advisory will be lifted once two consecutive sets of bacterial samples have tested negative for bacteria.

DARYLE MOELLER, 77, of Elk Horn (5/24/2024)

Obituaries

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DARYLE MOELLER, 77, of Elk Horn, died Sunday, May 19th, in Omaha.  Funeral Services for DARYLE MOELLER will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 24th at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic is assisting the family.

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Visitation with Family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23rd at Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Elk Horn, IA.

Burial in the Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery following the service.  Military rites will be provided by the Elk Horn American Legion Post 322 and the Iowa National Guard Color Guard Team.

Luncheon will be in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the burial.

Memorials are suggested to the family, for later designation.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

DARYLE MOELLER is survived by:

Son:  Devin (Stacey Andersen) Moeller of Marne

Daughter:  Darcey Hart of Calvin, OK

4 Grandchildren

4 Great-grandchildren

close friends of the family, Trevor Elwood, Britany (Jared) Schoning and their four children and many beloved friends.

“Stand Up Paddleboard” Demonstration & Kayaks Available this weekend in Cass County (IA)

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board is holding “Stand Up Paddleboard” Demonstration The public demonstration will be held on Saturday May 25th from 1-until 4-p.m., at the Cold Springs Park- Beach. There is no fee. Stand-up paddleboarding is the fastest growing sport in the paddling community, not only across the country, but especially right here in land-locked areas like Iowa. It’s fun, healthy as a total body work-out, and offers a unique perspective when it comes to being on the water.

After a quick demonstration try out the boards for yourself! If you do not bring a life jacket one will be provided to you. Children must be 16 years or older. Paddlers must weigh LESS than 250 LBS. Available time slots for the demonstration and try-out’s are as follows:

Saturday May 25th

1-p.m.:  5 spots

2:30-p.m.: 5 spots

June 29th

1:00-p.m.: 5 Spots

2:30-p.m.: 5 Spots

At Cold Springs Park- Beach

Kayaks will be available for checkout at the same time. There are 4 sit-in kayaks. Again, the paddler must weigh LESS than 250 LBS. There are 4 Sit-on top Kayaks, Paddler must weigh LESS than 395 LBS. If you do not bring a life jacket one will be provided to you.

Saturday May 25th

1PM- 4 kayaks, sit in, 4 kayaks, sit on top.

2:30PM- 4 kayaks, sit in, 4 kayaks, sit on top.

June 29th

1:00pm- 4 kayaks, sit in, 4 kayaks, sit on top.

2:30pm- 4 kayaks, sit in, 4 kayaks, sit on top.

Cold Springs Park- Beach

You MUST register online to get your spot! https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Cass/Park/Cold-Springs-Park.aspx

The Program will be cancelled if there is unsafe weather conditions on the Lake.

Friday Cold Springs State Park: Movie in the Park- “Migration”

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board is holding a “Movie in the Park” Campground Program this Friday. The CCCB will be showing “Migration.” The public program will be held at the Campground Shelter at Cold Springs Park in Lewis, on Friday May 24th, beginning at 9-p.m. There is no cost to attend, and you do not have to be a registered camper to attend the program!

In the movie, a duck family wants to convince their overprotective father to go on the real vacation of a lifetime. Come out for a great movie under the stars! Bring a blanket or chair, Dress for the weather, if it rains, the event will be canceled. The CCCB hopes you will the, Friday night, for a Movie in the Park.