Monday, May 31, 2010

Ogden City Council

May 31, 2010

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council will consider formal action to demolish and clean up some downtown building locations. The Council has been going back and forth on a couple of properties for some time and could bring the campaign to an end Tuesday evening. While the Council has had to deal with dangerous structures, work has been continuing to try and find something fill the void in the downtown.

City Wide Clean-up

Mat 31, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Public Works Department will be picking items residents have left sitting out on the city park this week. The first area to see collection will be north of Mamie Eisenhower Avenue. South of Mamie Eisenhower will need to set out items next Sunday for collection next week. Certain items will not be collected and this year there are restrictions on the disposal of appliances and tires. Details of the annual event are available on the city's website http://www.boonegov.com/.

Memorial Day Ceremony

May 31, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Pleasant weather greeted a large turnout for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Linnwood Park Cemetery in Boone. The event, hosted by the Boone Veterans Council and the Boy Scouts of America in Boone, featured comments from Lt. Colonel David Willett, Medical Readiness Officer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa National Guard. Willett is part of the massive call to active duty of some 3,000 Iowa guardsman. The unit will be serving in Afghanistan for a year. Willett talked about why, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, did so and he invited everyone to enjoy the freedoms that had been earned.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Further Information released in Ogden shooting case

May 27th, 2010

OGDEN, IOWA --The name of the individual killed in the early morning police standoff in Ogden has been released. 50 year old Randall Kimsey of Ogden was killed early Wednesday morning as Boone County Sheriff's Deputies returned fire in an attempt to enter the home. Kimsey was considered potentially suicidal, and fired on officers as they entered the building. Boone County Deputies Seargant Dallas Wingate, Zachary Zeutenhorst, Matthew Gray, and Detective Andrew Godzicki are on paid administrative leave until conclusion of the standard DCI investigation, standard protocol in all officer involved shootings.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Police standoff in Ogden

May 26th, 2010

Ogden, IA.-
Boone County deputies responded to a phone harrasment complaint at 443 E. Sycamore St. in Ogden At 8:15 PM yesterday evening. When the deputy approached the residence with an Ogden officer, the suspect confronted them from the residence while waving a handgun in a threatening manner. The officers retreated and requested back-up. A female party in the home left without incident, but attempts to communicte with the suspect were unsuccessful. Information from the suspects family, as well as his past history indicated to the officers that he was potentially suicidal. The Special Response Team entered the building at about 1:30 AM, and were confronted by gunfire. Officers returned fire, and the suspect was shot. Mercy Air Life was called, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The name is being withheld pending notification of the family. The DCI was also called to investigate, standard protocol in all officer involved shootings.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Age discrimination lawsuit

May 25th, 2010

DES MOINES (AP) - A federal agency is suing the city of Boone,
alleging it violated the law when it hired a younger person over an
older - and more qualified - applicant.
In the lawsuit filed Monday, the U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission contends that in 2005 the city hired as
municipal infractions officer a 25-year-old with little experience
over a 62-year-old Navy veteran with extensive management,
construction, electronic and communications experience.
The EEOC contends the city violated the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act when it did not hire Larry Cook.
The EEOC is seeking back pay and other damages for Cook and an
order barring Boone from future discrimination.
Boone's city administrator Luke Nelson, had not yet been contacted through official channels, and indicated the city will cooperate fully with all involved and added that the cities policy is to comply with all EEOC requirements.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Bluff Creek Triatholon

May 19, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Organizers have seen a huge increase in 2nd Annual Bluff Creek Triathlon held in Boone County this weekend. The Sunday event will be held at the Don Williams Recreational Area in northern Boone County. Participation has been limited to no more than 600 participants. Boone County residents are encouraged to use caution Sunday while the event is underway. Participants will be making use of county roads for some of the bicycle competition. The Bluff Creek Triathlon uses routes similar to those used by the Iowa Summer Games.

Four hospitalized

May 19, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---A Webster City woman is hospitalized in Des Moines and three others were taken to Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames following a two-vehicle accident east of Boone Tuesday afternoon. Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says 86-year old Erma Studley was traveling west and made a left turn in front of a vehicle operated by 38-year old Glen Anderson of Colo. Studley was taken to the hospital then was transferred to Des Moines. Anderson's passengers 27-year old Tarah, 28-month old Olivia and 8-month Emma were taken to Ames. The accident closed the west bound lanes of U-S Highway 30 for a short time.

Youth Identified

May 19, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says 17-year old Adam Brekke of Boone was operating an ATV when it rolled into the Honey Creek Ravine area south of Boone Tuesday afternoon. Brekke was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, 17-year old Alex Appenzeller was taken to the Boone County Hospital and was treated and released. Fehr says Boone Police, Boone Fire and Rescue, Boone County Search and Rescue, Boone County Ambulance and the Boone County Coroner were all at the scene.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Boone youth dies in ATV accident

May 18, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says that a Boone teenager was pronounced dead at the scene of an ATV accident south of US Highway 30 on the south side of Boone. The accident occurred as two-teenage boys were riding the ATV and went off a drop off. The ATV land on one of the boys. Authorities have not released any names at this time, pending notification of family members.

Tree Trimming

May 18. 2010

BOONE, Iowa---After more than a month, the Boone City Council has approved an amendment to the city's tree trimming ordinance. The amendment was sought by the Boone Park Commission and requires commercial tree trimmers to meet certain standards. The Council previously debated the need for the amendment, who oversees the ordinance and impact on people trimming their own trees.

Habitat Groundbreaking

May 18, 2010

OGDEN, Iowa---Habitat for Humanity of Boone and Greene Counties held a formal groundbreaking ceremony Sunday afternoon in Ogden for the groups 17th home. The project will be the fourth home built in Ogden. Project Manager Chad Thede says the property has been staked out and bids have been received for the digging of the basement and other dirt work. He says they hope to be digging within the week. The Tony and Brianna Schelle family are the partner family. The Schelle's have four daughters.

Friday, May 14, 2010

E911 Surcharge

May 14, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County voters will be asked to consider an increase to the county wide surcharge of land line telephones. The question will appear on the November general election ballot. Currently, the surcharge is $.85 per line per month. The request seeks a $.15 increase to $1.00. The Boone County E911 Service Board voted to ask for the increase this week. Over the last 5-years, the revenue from the surcharge has declined by $30,000. Proceeds are used to fund the purchase of new equipment for all emergency responders in the county.

Fatal Accident Update

May 14, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Iowa State Patrol has released the names of the two-people who died in collision between and ambulance and a semi-truck in Boone County. Pronounced dead at the scene were 75-year old Norbert Hoffman of Carroll and 53-year old Sheryl Stoolman of Carroll. Hoffman was a patient being transported to Des Moines and Stoolman was an ER Nurse tending to the patient. Injured were the ambulance driver, 46-year old Robert Genzen of Manning and 45-year old Wendy Baker of Carroll. The driver of the semi, 49-year old Dennis Good of Ogden was not injured. The investigation revealed that Good pulled over to right to allow the ambulance to pass at the same time the ambulance attempted to pass on the right. The accident closed down US Highway 30 in western Boone County for several hours Thursday.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Ambulance Accident

May 13, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County authorities are at the scene of a two-vehicle accident in western Boone County. The accident occurred about 11:30 and involved a Carroll County Ambulance and a semi-truck. US Highway 30 has been closed at Beaver and traffic is being re-routed. The Boone County Sheriff's Department, Greene County Sheriffs Department, Emergency responders from Ogden, Grand Junction, Greene County and the State Patrol are either at or headed to the scene. Mercy Air has also been called.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Race to the Top

May 11, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board did not take any action to participate in the Iowa Department of Education's Race to the Top grant application. The Board refused to support the state's effort the first time earlier this year and Tuesday night failed to take action in support of the program. A major issue continues to be the requirement that efforts to make improvements in district's requires it to be part of the negotiated agreement with teachers. Many districts across the state have been split over the Race to the Top requirements.

Skate Pond

May 11, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission took action this week moved ahead with a possible project that could save the city's outdoor skate pond. The pond has not been usable the past couple of winters. Estimates to dredge the pond exceeded $100,000 which was considered cost prohibitive. Former City Engineer Dale Eschliman has proposed redirecting the channel and donated his services to develop the plan estimated to cost about $12,000 to $15,000. The Park Commission has approved sending the plans to the appropriate regulatory agencies, the DNR and the Corps of Engineers for approval, prior to pursuing funding for the project.

County Rezoning

May 11, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have approved a second consideration to rezone a small parcel of property near the Ledges State Park to allow a minor subdivision. The 14-acres was acquired by E. P. Frazier, Inc. with plans to split off a couple of lots for development. Because the property is considered environmentally fragile, the County Zoning Commission recommended using a Conservation Overlay District which is meant to protect the property, while allowing development. The property is adjacent to the Deer Run Subdivision and the possible location of a new home to an existing structure is raising some concerns.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Stamp Out Hunger

May 10, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Letter Carriers were elated by the support of the community during their "Help Stamp Out Hunger" food drive last week. Postal carriers reported collecting 5,251 pounds of nonperishable food items for local food pantries. The collection exceed the 2009 food drive by some 17-to-18-hundred pounds of food. Donations were turned over to the food pantry at Red Rock Community Action and the Salvation Army.

River Rescue

May 10, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency responders rescued 16-people from the Des Moines River Sunday afternoon. Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr reported that a deputy responded to the call about a quarter after four in the afternoon. Three canoes were tangled in some branchs near the Kater Shelly High Bridge. Boone County Search and Rescue and the Boone Fire Department Fire and Rescue were also involved. There were no reports of any injuries. No one was hospitalized.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

May 6, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Those who take Iowa Highway 17 on their commute to Des Moines will have to deal with a major detour next week. The Iowa Department of Transportation reports that the traffic will be detoured at Madrid and Granger, using Highways 141 and 210. The detour is needed because of the major reconstruction on the Des Moines River Bridge between Madrid and Granger. The DOT plans to replace the bridge deck this summer. Work is expected to be completed in August.
May 6, 2010

MADRID, Iowa---The Iowa Arboretum is hosting a major weekend with the annual "Green Tie Affair" Friday and the annual Spring Plant Sale Saturday. Sara Kobilka, Executive Director at the Arboretum says the "Green Tie Affair" Friday will feature and early plant sale, silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and wine. A live auction will wrap up the evening. Kobilka has been the Executive Director since late February. More information is available at www.IowaArboretum.org
May 6, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has quietly approved a second consideration of an ordinance that creates a municipal infraction for social hosting. Similar ordinances are already in place in about a dozen counties and cities and allows law enforcement to issue a civil citation for violations. A municipal infraction usually carries a pretty good fine and for this ordinance will amount to $250 for a first offense and $500 for a second offense. Kelly Wooden, Boone County SAFE Coordinator says similar ordinances will be proposed to the Ogden and Madrid City Councils and to the Boone County Board of Supervisors.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

May 5, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has selected July 13th as the date for a special election for residents of the city's 4th Ward. The 4th Ward position on the Council has been vacant since the resignation of Glen Thompson in March. Councilmember at Large, Gary Nystrom at the last meeting did say he had been contacted by a reliable source who told him one of the Councilmembers was aware of the time constraints for making an appointment and didn't say anything. Nystrom says the action shows a serious problem with the direction of the council.
May 5, 2010

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council has approved condemnation proceedings to secure access to a final piece of property needed for a major storm sewer project. The project was submitted to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as a solution to dealing with inflow and infiltration problems. The City is currently under a mandate to complete the project, but so far has not been given an ultimatum for completion. The current time frame calls for bids in August and work being done this fall.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

May 4, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---It seems that some of the smallest issues become the most emotional. It happens with sidewalks, snow removal and allowing garbage trucks in alleyways. The Boone City Council voted 4-2 to lift the ban that prohibited garbage trucks in alleyways. Boone Mayor John Slight says it's one of the issues he hears about with citizen complaints. But, Slight also says the city doesn't have the resources to maintain alleys if big garbage trucks cause damage. He says city staff will try to do some maintenance, but it will probably be limited. Slight made his comments on the KWBG Tuned In Program, Tuesday morning.
May 4, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has accepted a bid for the demolition of three buildings in downtown Boone. A fatal fire in February 2009 destroyed two buildings and the city was in the process of condemning the third property at that time. The Council did not accept the lowest bid submitted by Hovey Construction, but did act on the recommendation of consultant and did accept the bid of Anderson Excavation Company from Omaha, Nebraska. The recommendation noted that Hovey did not have the necessary expertise to handle the asbestos issues tied to the demolition. The accepted bid is for nearly $297,000.

Monday, May 3, 2010

May 3, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will give a second consideration to a new ordinance that will deal with social hosting. Kelly Wooden, Boone County SAFE Coalition Coordinator says the ordinance will allow law enforcement to use a civil penalty against parents or adults that host parties and allow young people to partake in adult beverages. Boone Police Chief Bill Skare says the ordinance will allow officers to issue a citation with a municipal infraction if they feel there's no evidence for a criminal charge.
May 3, 2010

BOONE, Iowa---Boone City Administrator will give the City Council an update on the special election that will be required to fill the 4th Ward vacancy on the Council. It now appears that the earliest days available for the special election will be in July. Luke Nelson is expected to make a recommendation for the Council during their Monday meeting.

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