Drinking Water Advisory

BOONE, Iowa---The Drinking Water Advisory for the Boone water supply is still in effect. City officials issued the advisory on Friday because of possible contamination that resulted while repairs were being made because of water main breaks. Many have thought there was a ban on using water all together, but the advisory affects only water from the tap that would be used for drinking or cooking. If water from the tap is used for consumption, drinking, cooking , making ice, brushing teeth and so on, it should be boiled for at least one minute then allowed to cool. Water can still be used for other purposes. Many people of opted to get bottled water while the advisory is in effect.

Conditional Use Permit Tabled

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Board of Adjustment has tabled action on a conditional use permit for property located south of Boone. The property is on Montana Road and is close to a secluded residential development and the Honey Creek Golf Course. Over two-years ago, the Zoning Board of Adjustment awarded a permit for a clay target shooting range. Neighbors challenged in court and the permit was upheld. The matter is once again being contested and could likely end up in court again. The Zoning Board of Adjustment intends to consider the matter at a meeting in February.

Humane Society Contract

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will give consideration to the annual contract for Animal Control Services from the Boone Area Humane Society during their Monday meeting. The last two-years, completing a contract has not been easy. First, the Council decided to pay a flat fee for services. Last year, the Council wanted to know the cost of services received compared to the amount that was budgeted. During the same time, the Society has changed Directors, most recently for the third time, recently naming Heidi Drees-White to that position.

January 13, 2011 5:10pm

Boil order to come in Boone

Boone: Boone City officials will be instituting a boil order sometime Friday as a precautionary measure. When repairing the water main breaks, they had to drain a pipe and when they start using it again, procedure says that a boil order needs to be put in place. The water going through the new pipe will then be tested to make sure it is okay; and at that time, the boil order will be lifted. The time of the boil order has not yet been set. When the official order comes through, it will be on KWBG AM1590 and kwbg.com

School District Audit

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board has accepted the audit report for the recently completed fiscal year. The report shows revenue of more than $25.5 million, a decrease from the prior year. Expenditures totaled $24.2 million, an increase of nearly 2% from the previous year. Superintendent Brad Manard says the District has experienced a tremendous turn around in the past four years. The audit was reviewed by the District's Audit Committee, made up of local accountants, attorneys and a couple of Board members.

Inaugural

UNDATED, Iowa---Several Boone County residents will participate in the Branstad-Reynolds Inaugural Friday. Many will be commissioned as Honorary Colonels at HyVee Hall Friday morning. They include Keith and Susan Berg of Ogden, Vince Handeland, Elmo and Jolene Hansen, Steve and Connie Kruck, Gary and Kathy Nystrom and Tom and Jan Putnam all of Boone. In addition, Dr. Tom and Martha Gleason of Boone have been members of the Inaugural Committee.

School Board Moves Toward Demolition

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board has approved resolutions to begin the process to demolition two vacant buildings. The former Lowell and Bryant Elementary buildings are being targeted for demolition because no one has presented an appropriate plan to make use of the vacated structures. Superintendent Brad Manard says the Board has been insistent that any use would need to complement the neighborhoods and the community. But Manard also reported that new estimates for demolition could easily exceed $600,000.

Deputies Want to Drop Union

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Deputy Sheriff Brian Pontius and Dispatcher Rhonda Crim met with Boone County Supervisors this week to inform the Board that their bargaining unit has begun the process of dropping their affiliation with AFSCME. Pontius told the Board that the group does not intend to join another union. He told the Supervisors the group has been dissatisfied by their representation and felt they could do a better job dealing directly with the county. Boone County has had three bargaining units, Deputies and Dispatchers, Secondary Roads and Landfill Employees and finally the Jailers.

Watermain Breaks

BOONE, Iowa---Then there were three, watermain breaks that is. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says he can't say for sure if the breaks are connected. But he says they are sure putting pressure on the city's Public Works Department. The last break Tuesday evening occurred right west of the intersection of 8th and Crawford near the site of the old power plant, flooded back yards and even encroached on the homes. Nelson says the break downtown at 9th and Story may take a couple of days to repair.

Semi Rollover

BOONE, Iowa---A semi rollover on US Highway 169 Monday evening left about 40 market hogs dead. Sheriff Ron Fehr reported that the accident occurred when 21-year old Daniel Brubaker of Sigourney, Iowa lost control and rolled into the ditch. The semi and trailer received thousands of dollars in damage. Brubaker was not injured. Fehr says deputies were on the scene until 8:00 Tuesday morning helping with the clean up. About 160 hogs survived the rollover. Brubaker was cited with failing to maintain control.

Watermain Break

BOONE, Iowa---Boone is still being affected by a major watermain break. The downtown break is on a larger 10 inch main and according to Public Works and Parks Director John Rouse is a lengthwise split in the pipe. Rouse said earlier Tuesday that temporary valves will need to be installed so crews will be able to shut down the water so the pipe can be replaced. The break is no minor inconvenience. The water loss is anticipated to be in the millions of gallons by the time it's repaired.

Petition Submitted

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have officially received a petition calling for amending the county's zoning ordinance to eliminate the language for a Conservation Overlay. More than 800 signatures were included on the petitions that have circulated since late November. The matter will now be referred to the Zoning Commission where the issue will be investigated. Eventually, the Commission will forward a recommendation back to the Supervisors. The language was left in the ordinance when it was adopted a couple of years ago, but related maps and regulations were not included.

City Implements Snow Ordinance

BOONE, Iowa---For the first time in 2011 and in fact for the first time this winter, the City of Boone has implemented it's Snow Ordinance for both residential and the downtown business areas. The residential implementation is 9:00 PM Monday. The downtown business district is 11:00 PM. Any vehicles left on city streets in residential neighborhoods after 9:00 PM and in the downtown business district after 11:00 PM run the risk of being ticketed and towed.

Conservation District Overlay

BOONE, Iowa---Even though the Boone County Supervisors have stopped any work on a proposed amendment dealing with a Conservation District Overlay, Boone County residents have not forgotten about the matter. The Supervisors are supposed to receive a Petition related to the matter during their meeting Tuesday. Petitions have been circulating since the end of November.

Special Council Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's special meeting will focus on the appropriation of the city's Hotel-Motel Tax receipts. But the Council will also take action on a couple of other matters. One is the Tax Increment Certification for the next fiscal year and the other is to see if funds are available to support an effort by the Iowa Railroad Historical Society to obtain a CAT Grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Fenner Stevenson, General Manager at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad says an anonymous donor is willing to pledge a third of cost of a major museum project. The entire project is estimated to cost over $1.5 million.

Hotel-Motel Tax

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has a special meeting Monday at the City Hall and will take time to review and consider allocations for the City's Hotel-Motel Tax. Boone only receives about $100,000 a year in Hotel-Motel tax and uses it in a variety of ways. A portion has been used by the City of Economic Development purposes, including a $20,000 annual contribution to the Central Iowa Expo. Each year a large segment is sought by the Boone Convention and Visitors Bureau, this year it's $36,000. As always, the requests far out weigh the funds available.

Park Commission Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---A special Park Commission meeting, originally scheduled for Friday afternoon has been rescheduled to be a part of the regular Park Commission meeting on Monday. Council member Gary Nystrom and City Administrator Luke Nelson were to meet with Park Commission members and discuss the former sledding hill in McHose Park. The hill has been closed down due to a law suite that was filed against the City and others. Jennifer Lacy Cruz was injured over two years ago. A settlement in the case has been in the works, but details have not been released.

State Finances

BOONE, Iowa---Republican Governor -Elect Terry Branstad says he'll keep his promise to support big tax cuts despite facing a budget shortfall of up to $700-million. Tax cuts at the state level will also have an impact locally. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson this week told the City Council that tax issues being talked about by the State Legislature could have a $500,000 impact on the city. Nelson told the Council the General Fund portion of the budget would see a possible $340,000 loss of revenue. Over the past three years, the city has reduced General Fund expenditures by an estimated $500,000.

Gun Permits

BOONE, Iowa---Like many other parts of the state there's been an increase in Boone County residents seeking gun permits. The new state law took affect January 1st, but Monday was the first day that people could apply for permits under the new rules. Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says about 50-applied Monday and about 20 on Tuesday. He says the numbers were up, but not as high as he thought they might be. Previously a Sheriff had discretion and could deny a permit. With the new law, only a limited number of things could lead to a permit being denied.

Budget Process Underway

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council began it's budget process this week with some good news and some not so good news. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson had said last week that he was pleased with the city's financial position. During a budget work session, Nelson told the Council that progress had been made establishing reserves in accounts like the general fund. At the same time, the Police and Fire Retirement Fund, managed by the state, is forcing larger increases onto cities. Nelson told the Council he expects some improvement in Road Use Tax revenue, but he also expects increases in operational expenses. The next budget work session for the Council will be Monday when the Hotel/Motel Tax distribution is reviewed.

Olson Named Ogden Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council accepted the recommendation of the city's Personnel Committee and named Donovan Olson as their new City Administrator. Olson says he's excited about the opportunity presented to him by the community. He says he's looking forward to reconnecting with everyone he worked with while he was the Ogden Main Rural Mainstreet Coordinator. Olson lost a bid for re-election to the Iowa State House by fewer than 30-votes to Chip Baltimore.

Supervisors Gain Extension Over Safety Issue

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors sought and gained a one-month extension for submitting solutions and plans for dealing with large crowds in the courthouse meeting rooms. In a letter from Boone Fire Chief Justin Adams, the Supervisors were asked to present some corrective action for the problem that occurred on November 29th when the County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public meeting that included consideration on a proposed ordinance amendment dealing with a Conservation Overlay. The Supervisors have referred the matter to the County Safety Committee. A citizen complaint to the Fire Department initiated the process.

Lawsuit Settlement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has considered a settlement in a lawsuit against the City because of injuries sustained while sledding in McHose Park just over two-years ago. Next up, the Boone Parks Commission will review the proposed settlement in a special meeting Friday afternoon. Many people have questioned Park Commission members about the closure of the sledding hill, which was permanently closed because of the lawsuit.

City Moves Ahead With Development Plan

BOONE, Iowa---It won't be official for a couple of months, but the Boone City Council has approved moving ahead with an economic development plan called JumpStart Boone Urban Revitalization. The proposal is a tax abatement program that would be available city wide for all property except agricultural land. The basic requirement would be to increase building assessments by a minimum of 10%. The Council has approved the concept and directed staff to work on the details.

Chamber Events Coordinator

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors moved ahead and have named Samantha Dillon as the new Administrative Assistant and Events Coordinator. Dillion is a 2009 graduate of Cornell College in Mt. Vernon. She will be involved with coordinating and working with the Pufferbilly Days Steering Committee and their efforts to bring the celebration back downtown. Dillon replaces Ashley Reutter as Events Coordinator.

Consult Makes Offer

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will need to a weigh and offer from the Russ Reid Company, a Washington D.C based consulting firm, to continue working with the Boone City Council to obtain federal funds for infrastructure projects. Clay Boothby told the City Council Monday that the firm knows finances are difficult. He says they would like to continue working with the City and would like to consider some other options. The original contract for the services amounted to $10,000 a month. Mayor John Slight says the Council will need to discuss the matter when they meet during a budget work session Wednesday.

New Year's Holiday

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Police and Boone County Sheriffs Departments were both pretty busy over the New Year Holiday, but fortunately, neither department had any serious incidents to report. The most serious accident occurred early Saturday morning when 18-year old Jordan Railey-Spaulding of Ames fell asleep and rolled his vehicle. He was taken by ambulance to the Boone County Hospital for treatment of injuries. Sheriff Ron Fehr also says Deputies raided an party of underage drinkers late on New Year's Eve with several citation arrests.

Ogden City Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council hopes to appoint a new City Administrator when they meet Tuesday evening. In November, a search committee had made an offer to a candidate, but eventually could not come to terms with that candidate. In December, applications were being received for a second time, including one from State Representative Donovan Olson. Olson had worked with the Ogden Main Street Program a number of years ago. Mayor Kieth Berg has said the City Clerk and City Administrator will cover the duties previously handled by the Administrator/Clerk and Recreational Activities Director.

Supervisors Funding Requests

BOONE, Iowa---More funding requests will be submitted to the Boone County Board of Supervisors when they meet Tuesday, including one of the bigger requests, Public Safety. Public Safety includes the Sheriff's Department, the Boone County Jail and the Boone County Communications Center. Sheriff Ron Fehr and Chief Deputy Gregg Elsberry will submit the requests. Other funding requests will be received from the Fair Board and Boone County Soil and Water Conservation.

Boone Finances

BOONE, Iowa---Even though the recent report from the State Treasurer pegs the debt of the City of Boone at more than $29-million, Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says he feels pretty good going into budget preparation. The City Council will hold it's first Budget Work session next Wednesday. Nelson says cost reducing efforts over the past couple of years have really helped.

TreeCycling

BOONE, Iowa---If you were one of the many with a real Christmas Tree this year, you're probably wondering what to do with it now that it's drying out. TreeCycling might be the answer. Boone County Conservation, the cities of Boone, Boxholm, Luther, Madrid, Ogden and the Boone County Landfill team together to make use of those trees. Beginning Saturday, clean trees can be dropped off at designated locations and will be mulched for park use. Remember, trees must be clean of decorations, bulbs, tinsel, tree stands and should not be in bags.

Skating Pond Closed

BOONE, Iowa---It didn't take Mother Nature long to put a damper on ice skaters in Boone. Neil Olson, Boone Park Superintendent said Thursday that the Skate Pond is being closed until further notice. Olson says the mild weather led to quite a bit of snow melt and the ice at the pond is covered with water. He says once conditions improve, the pond will be re-opened. Olson also says they will still take names for volunteers to help with the warming house. Those that are interested should call the City Park Office and leave a message.

Ogden Finances Improving

OGDEN, Iowa---Even though a recent report by the Iowa Department of Education, siting financial problems in several school districts, including Ogden, Superintendent Bill Roederer says great strides have been made to improve the District's position. On the KWBG Tuned In Program, Roederer says the steps implement for the current fiscal year have helped and will continue to help. He says the information published earlier this month was not an indication of the improvement the District had made. Roederer also said the hard work of improving finances is not done.

Retirement Coffee

BOONE, Iowa---A retirement coffee honoring Sheryl Thul, Boone County Recorder and Boone County Supervisor Mike O'Brien will be held at the Boone County Courthouse, Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 until 4:00. Thul has worked for Boone County residents for 39-years and O'Brien has spent 2-terms, a total of 8-years as a Supervisor. The reception will take place in the Board of Supervisors meeting room on the 2nd floor. The public is welcome.

Substance Abuse Prevention Grant

BOONE, Iowa---For many years, an Iowa Department of Public Health comprehensive Substance Abuse Prevention Grant had gone to Boone County Prevention. A little over a year ago, that grant was awarded to Youth and Shelter Services. An appeal was submitted to the Iowa Department of Public Health and the state stood by it's decision to award the grant to YSS. The Supervisors took time Tuesday to ask their own questions of YSS representatives. There will be no change in the services being provided to Boone County clients.

Emergency Medical Dispatch

BOONE, Iowa---Earlier this year, Boone County Communication personnel underwent Emergency Medical Dispatch training, with one of the goals being the reduction in unnecessary emergency responses. Early indications are that the training is doing the job. Louie Greco, Boone County Hospital Ambulance Director says as expected the emergency responses have decreased and non-emergency calls have increased. Greco says the reduction in emergency calls also reduces the chances of accidents, since there are no lights or sirens.

Swearing In Ceremony

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County officials elected in last November's General Election will receive the oath of office during a meeting of the Boone County Supervisors Tuesday. Steve Duffy, who will replace Mike O'Brien on the Board will be joined by County Attorney Jim Robbins and County Treasurer Darcy Bosch. Also receiving the oath of office will be the new Boone County Recorder Veronica Rardin. The Ceremony is planned for 9:00 Tuesday morning.

Supervisors Close Session Tuesday

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will go into a closed session as part of their meeting Tuesday to discuss the potential purchase of property. The closed session is permissible to avoid allowing the plans to become public, in turn inflating a possible purchase price.

Adult Day Gets TV

BOONE, Iowa---Beckwith Adult Day Care, located in the Goldthwaite-Garvey Family Resource Center in Boone, spent time in November and December baking and selling cookies. Staff and clients were raising funds for a new television. Over 1,700 cookies were baked and sold. $589 was raised to purchase a new television and the Boone Walmart stepped in and helped with the cost to allow the Day Care to purchase a new 47" Phillips, wall mounted television, valued at $1,000. A picture of the staff and the television can be found on the KWBG slide show.

Annexation Study Resumes

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has voted 5-to-1 to resume work on an annexation study. The Council actually stopped the study several weeks ago, so Council Members could find out more about the annexation process. A preliminary report from the study identified areas the Council might want to consider for annexation. The focus has been on the industrial park on the east side of Boone. Mayor John Slight says the Council needs to have the completed study so they understand all aspects of possible annexation, whether it would be the industrial park or residential property on the west side of Boone. The study is expected to be completed by late spring.

Baker Relieved of Duties

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have officially responded to the departure of Richard Baker, Executive Director. In a press release Tuesday, the Board noted that after much consideration and discussion, Baker was relieved of his duties. The Board went on to say they felt the decision was in the best interest of the Chamber and of the community. The Board also thanked Baker for his 3-years of service. A search is expected to begin immediately.

Baltimore Appointments

BOONE, Iowa---Representative elect Chip Baltimore says he's pretty pleased with the Committee assignments he's received for the next legislative session, beginning January 10th. Baltimore says he was pleased to be names Vice-Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, which focuses on business. He also says he asked and was named to the House Judiciary Committee, which he expects will be pretty busy this session. Baltimore will also service on Economic Growth, Local Government and Oversight.

Supervisors Collect Budget Requests

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will begin the process of collecting budget requests for the 2011-12 fiscal year when the Board meets Tuesday. Funding requests are expected from Boone County Community Services, the Public Libraries in Boone, Ogden and Madrid, ACCESS, the Boone County Historical Society and the Madrid Action Committee. The Supervisors traditionally don't promise anything, but do get to ask questions about services provided to Boone County clients. The overall county budget will begin taking shape in January.

Donations Lagging

BOONE, Iowa---The Christmas Campaign for the Salvation Army in Boone is only about 65% of the Christmas Goal of $150,000. Envoy Tim North said earlier the goal provides funding for programming all year long. Last year, weather curtailed contributions at the Red Kettles. So far, the collections are slightly ahead of last year. Red Kettles will be out until Friday afternoon at 5:00. Mail in contributions can be sent until mid-January to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 307, Boone, Iowa 50036. North says if you send a donation, mark it for the 2010 Christmas Campaign.

City Council and Annexation

BOONE, Iowa---Several weeks ago, the Boone City Council voted to temporarily halt the work being done on an annexation study. Most of the focus of the study has been on a preliminary recommendation to pursue annexation of the Industrial Park east of Boone. Since four of the current Council Members weren't on the Council when the annexation study began, it was felt that there should be a review of the process, bringing the newest Council Members up to speed. The Council will need to decide if they wish to pursue the annexation study, which also identified annexation measures on the north and also the west side of the city.

Spending, Jobs and Redistricting

BOONE, Iowa---State Senator Jerry Behn (R) Boone, says he believes alot of time will be spent on spending issues during the upcoming legislative session. The session will begin January 10th. Behn says the legislature will be involved with the redistricting of Senate and House Districts during the session and that should show up pretty early. He also says working at economic development and in particular job creation will take up time. Behn says many other matters will be presented, but he feels the most focus will be on spending issues. He made his comments during the KWBG Tuned In program that aired Friday.

Burglary Arrest

OGDEN, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says a 9-1-1 call Thursday morning helped capture a couple of burglary suspects. The call from the Ogden area alerted authorities, allowing an Ogden Police Officers to stop the suspects vehicle, and allowing Deputies a chance to collect evidence connecting suspects to a burglary. 42-year old Lorinda Breger of Des Moines and 38-year old Thomas Ramsey of Johnston are being held in the Boone County Jail on 2nd Degree Burglary charges. Fehr says the investigation is continuing.

Bond Refinancing

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board hopes to save close to $300,000 in interest by refinancing over $4.6-million in General Obligation School Refunding Bonds. The School Board actually discussed the refinancing a couple of months ago, but hadn't taken any action to proceed. Since then, interest rates have begun to trend up and School Superintendent Brad Manard says the District needed to move now. The School Board will address the bids when they meet January 11th.

Chamber Exec Done

BOONE, Iowa---KWBG Radio has learned that Richard Baker, Executive Director of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, no longer works for the Chamber. Baker made the reference in an e-mail to KWBG late Wednesday evening. When contacted by telephone, Vicki Greco, President of the Chamber's Board of Directors had no comment. Greco did says that the Chamber Board will be meeting Monday and will consider taking formal action if needed.

Boone Man Arrested on Burglary Charges

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police Chief Bill Skare says officers responded to a call about a car burglary about 2:00 Thursday morning in west Boone. He says officers not only discovered the car had been burglarized, but so had several others and also a home. Skare says the investigation also revealed several attempted burglaries. By 3:30 in the morning, officers were taking 19-year old James Austin King into custody on multiple charges. King was taken to the Boone County Jail and was held pending a court appearance. Skare says an arrest is not an admission of guilt.

Board Considers Options for Lowell and Bryant

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board has still not taken official action on the future of two-vacated elementary school buildings, Lowell and Bryant. Lowell is now empty for a second winter and Bryant was vacated this past summer. Boone resident Chad Thompson has made an offer to the district of $100 for the two buildings, but the School Board has asked for more information about the intended use of the buildings. School Board President Dr. Jeff Anderson said this week that the intended use must be good for the neighborhoods and the community or the district will need to pursue demolition.

School Board Votes to Drop Spring Break

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board officially voted to drop spring break from it's school calendar for the 2011-2012 school year. The Board Tuesday held their public hearing to submit their request to begin school early next year. During the discussion, Board Member Kirk Leeds requested that the week for spring break be put back into the calendar. The Board voted 2-to-3 on that question then turned around and voted to adopted the calendar as submitted. Superintendent Brad Manard says the calendar was developed using information from parent and teacher surveys conducted last spring.

Boone County Farmland Value

BOONE, Iowa---The average price of farmland in Boone County did exceed the state wide average according to the annual survey conducted by Iowa State University Extension. Mike Duffy, ISU Extension Economist announced Wednesday that the average value in the state increased 15.9% in 2010, up $693 an acre to a price of $5,064 an acre. In Boone County the average price increased 19.63 %, up $1,022 to an average price of $6,225 per acre. O'Brien County led the way with an average price of $7,148 an acre. Decatur had the lowest dollar value at $2,085 an acre.

Skate Pond Needs Volunteers

BOONE, Iowa---Now that the Park Commission and all the Park personnel have met that public outcry to get the skate pond open, some of the public are going to have to step up to help run the shelter house. Park Superintendent Neil Olson says preparations for the skate pond are expected to be completed this week. Initially, the shelter will not be open just because of a lack of staff. Olson says once volunteers step up, plans are to have the shelter open for some regular hours. Those that are interested in helping out should call the Boone City Park Office at 432-6454. Olson says if no one answers, leave a message and they will return your call.

Driver's Education

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will consider quotes to provide Driver's Education to Boone Students when they meet Tuesday evening. Since the District discontinued the service and contract with an outside agency, Drive Tek has provided that service. That contract expires the end of May. The District has received two-bids for the service from Drive Tek and from Teen Driver, Inc. Drive Tek has bid a cost of $340 per student for the next year while Teen Driver has offered a cost of $300 for next year with increases in the following two-years.

Shop With A Cop

BOONE, Iowa---Last week's annual Shop With A Cop in Boone went off pretty well. Officer Dave Powers, with the Boone Police Department and a member of the Boone Police Association, says officers were able to take nearly 100-children shopping this year. The Association collected almost $20,000 which included some carry over funds from 2009. Powers says the Association thanks all the organizations, agencies, companies and individuals that help make the program a success. He says the communities participation in donations and volunteering help make the Boone Shop With A Cop program the biggest and most successful in the state.

Park Commission Reviews Projects

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission took time this week to review budget information for Parks, the Linwood Park Cemetery and the Boone Municipal Swimming Poll. The Commission oversees those areas and also serves as the City's Tree Board. With the work on budgeting already beginning at the City, Commissioners reviewed a number of requests. The biggest will be the ongoing lease for mowers and other essential equipment. Other big ticket items are a project to preserve the Herman Park Pavilion and to acquire play equipment. Commission members also reviewed ideas gathered from a community survey conducted earlier this year.

Duffy Ends Nearly 30-Years on Conservation Board

BOONE, Iowa---Steve Duffy of Boone has spent nearly 30-years serving Boone County residents on the Boone County Conservation Board. That service will come to an end this month, because Duffy will be moving to the Boone County Board of Supervisors to replace Mike O'Brien who decided not to seek re-election. Duffy will participate in his final Conservation Board meeting Monday evening at the Boone County Courthouse. The Boone County Supervisors will begin review of the process to determine an appointment to the Conservation Board when they meet Tuesday.

Supervisors Hold Hearing on Financing Request

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will hold a formal public hearing and will consider action on a request to issue up to $2-million in financing for the Westhaven Project. The Evangelical Free Church Home is making extensive changes in their physical plant and seeks to use Assisted Living Facility Revenue Notes. Westhaven officials have already met with the Supervisors to update the Board on plans for the facility. The most recent has been the demolition of the multi-level Free Church Home, with plans to tie the space to the new Westhaven Care Facility.

Hunter Shot Sunday

BOONE, Iowa---A 27-year old Boone man is hospitalized in Des Moines after suffering a gun shot wound to the chest Sunday morning. John "Randy" Roberts was hunt with a group in the Des Moines River Valley. According to the report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 19-year old Austin McBirnie of Boone fired on a deer that ran between the two-hunters, striking Roberts in the chest. Roberts was flown to Mercy Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Boone Officer Cleared in Shooting

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Attorney Jim Robbins announced Friday morning that his review of the October 25th death of Gerald Beals II at the Boone HyVee Store is completed. Robbins says the investigation shows that Officer Rod Thompson was justified in firing his weapon at Beals because he reasonably believed that the force was necessary to defend himself and others. Robbins noted that witness saw Thompson repeatedly order Beals to drop his knife, eventually using a stun gun, which had no effect, and finally using his weapon when Beals continued to approach Thompson with his knife.

Woodbine Man Dies in Accident

BOONE, Iowa---23-year old Jon Chase of Woodbine was pronounced dead at the scene of Thursday nights car-semi accident between Boone and Ogden. The accident occur ed about 9:00 Thursday evening. Authorities report that Chase went through the stop at "L" Avenue and US Highway 30. His car was hit broadside by a semi driven by an unidentified Wisconsin man. The Iowa State Patrol has indicated that their investigation is still continuing.

School Boards Talk Whole Grade Sharing

BOONE, Iowa---School board from the Boone and the United School District met in a special meeting Thursday evening to talk about the whole grade sharing agreement that's in place and see what can be done to make any improvements. The agreement does specify that the school board hold a joint meeting annually but with the administrative changes at both schools, it took a little longer to get it completed. Besides communications, the boards talked about the cost of transportation, technology improvements and dealing with the winter weather.

Hope Foundation Hosts Festival of Hope

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Hope Foundation will host their annual Festival of Hope, Saturday at the Boone County Hospital Atrium. The theme this year is Colors of Hope. The first Festival of Hope was held in 2005 after staff and faculty of Boone Schools took part in a session on poverty. The Foundation was created in 2006 and has continued to grow. The Hope Foundation provides assistance in a variety of ways to students and their families during the year. This years Festival will be held at the Hospital Atrium from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Ogden Council Seeks City Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council is going through the process to find a City Administrator for the second time. A month ago, following interviews, the search committee was unable to come to terms with their top candidate. The city advertised December 1st and and will receive applications through Friday. KWBG Radio has learned that one of the applications already received is that of State Representative Donovan Olson. Olson was defeated by fewer than 30-votes in the November general election by Chip Baltimore of Boone. The Council's Search Committee will make a recommendation on a candidate for Administrator at a meeting January 4th.

Weather Better for Shop With A Cop

BOONE, Iowa---Compared to a year ago, weather conditions are substantially better for shop with a cop. 15-inches of snow in 2009 created quite a few issues for members of the Boone Police Benefit Association, for the first time postponing Shop With A Cop. Thursday night will see a return to the tradition of children, families and police officers and their volunteers, gathering at the Boone County Fair Grounds. At least 90-children are expected to go shopping this year. Boone Mayor John Slight has said repeatedly that he believes it to be the biggest event of it's kind in the state.

Flood Insurance Rate Map

BOONE, Iowa---An effort by the City of Boone to get the Federal Emergency Management Agency to return to previous flood plain designation has taken a step back. Last summer, the Utility Committee for the City Council supported staff recommendations to appeal a decision of new maps that show flood plain areas within the city. The information provided is being used as comments, but a final determination has not been made. City officials had concerns about property owners in the vicinity of Honey Creek and other natural drainage areas in the city.

Supervisors Lift Moratorium

BOONE, Iowa---As expected the Boone County Board of Supervisors officially repealed resolutions that established a moratorium on construction and development efforts in the Conservation Overlay District of the Des Moines River Valley. In response to a large out cry from property owners, the Supervisors last week suspended any work on the conservation overlay and also cancelled public information meetings. At the time, the Board indicated the moratorium would be considered at the regular meeting. Supervisor Bill Lusher says the repeal is effective immediately.

Signal Light Frustration

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Mayor John Slight says dealing with problems with traffic signals in Boone is becoming very frustrating. Slight says the City Council has agreed to a policy that spells out a time frame for dealing with a malfunction traffic signal, but can't really speed up repairs. The Council learned this week that the traffic signal at 6th and Story was ready to be reconnected until it was learned that the metering equipment didn't meet specifications. Slight says the metering is the same as the city used at Mamie and Story a year ago. Slight says he also hears frequently about the signal at Park and Story, which is also expected to be repaired in a week or two.

Conservation Overlay Moratorium

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will be considering the repeal of resolutions that set a moratorium on construction and development in the Des Moines River Conservation Overlay Area. Board Chairman Bill Lusher had said last week that the Board would consider the matter at their meeting Tuesday, and it is on their agenda. The moratorium was put in place earlier this year while work was being done to develop an amendment to the County Zoning Code. That amendment triggered a huge protest at last weeks County Zoning Commission Meeting.

Ogden Council Gets Update on Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council will receive and update on the search for a City Administrator. Mayor Kieth Berg had said last month that officials were still working at filling the position. He noted that instead of having an Activities person, the Council felt that having and Administrator and Clerk would provide more opportunity for the community. The effort to find someone to fill the position has taken a little longer than the Council had hoped.

Towing Bids

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police Chief Bill Skare says he will have a recommendation for the City Council Monday for towing services for the next couple of years. Skare sought bids for service two-years ago and the successful bid was submitted by Elmquist Towing of Ames. Part of the service is dealing with vehicles on city streets when the snow ordinance is in effect. Skare said last Friday it was time to once again ask for bids. Those bids will first go to the Council's Policy, Administration and Employee Relations Committee which will have a recommendation for the full City Council.

Child Injured

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police Chief Bill Skare says his department and the Department of Human Services are conducting a criminal investigation because of injuries suffered by a three-year old child. In a prepared release, Skare said that officers responded to a call at 616-9th Street in Boone regarding injuries to a three-year old. The child was transported to the Boone County Hospital and then transferred to Blank Children's Hospital. A condition update on the child was not available late Friday. Additional details have not been released.

Snow Ordinance

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Public Works Director John Rouse says the use of the snow ordinance in Boone has saved his department money. Rouse says the snow ordinance was used 4-times the first season and only 5-times last season. But, he did say that several last year were two-day events because of the record snowfall. Rouse says the city spent $132,000 for snow removal last winter and $67,000 the winter before. He says the snow ordinance has allowed his department to move more snow in a shorter period of time, saving money in the long run.

Ogden Christmas Parade

OGDEN, Iowa---Organizers expect pretty good weather Saturday evening for the Ogden's Lighted Christmas Parade. The parade is expected to begin at 6:00 near City State Bank goes to main street and then west to the Leonard Good Community Center. Santa will be in the parade and will then head back to Auto Electric to visit with children. Everyone is welcome to take part in Ogden's Christmas Celebration.

Habitat to Benefit From Concert

BOONE, Iowa---Habitat for Humanity for Boone and Greene Counties will be the beneficiary of this Sunday's Ecumenical Christmas Concert held at Boone High School. This year marks the 10th performance of volunteers from dozens of churches, gathering together for a performance, under the direction of Pam Grunstad. Accompanist are Dave and Jo Howell. The concert is held in the High School Auditorium and begins at 7:00 Sunday evening. Free will donations are accepted and Modern Woodmen of America, Community Bank Boone and City State Bank in Ogden provide matching funds.

Snow Ordinance

BOONE, Iowa---There may not be snow on the ground yet, but Boone officials have started their efforts to remind residents that the city has a snow ordinance and there's a good bet it will be used this winter. This marks the third season for the snow ordinance, which requires that no vehicles be parked on city streets while in effect. Public Works uses the ordinance to hasten snow removal. The Boone Police Department has already put reminder notices on vehicles parked on city streets. Police Chief Bill Skare and Public Works Director John Rouse will be on the KWBG Tuned In Program Friday morning to talk about the ordinance.

Conservation Overlay Issue

BOONE, Iowa---The matter of an amendment to the Boone County Zoning Code, dealing with a conservation overlay for the Des Moines River Valley, is still a pretty hot topic. The Boone County Board of Supervisors suspended any work on the matter and had public information meetings scheduled for Madrid, Boone and Ogden cancelled. The Supervisors have also indicated that the intend to consider lifting the construction moratorium for the affected area when they meet December 7th. In the mean time, property owners have started a petition drive to try and permanently halt the proposed amendment.

Conservation Overlay

BOONE, Iowa---The controversy that was the Conservation Overlay for some Boone County property owners has now been stopped. The Boone County Board of Supervisor Wednesday, suspended all the work on the Overlay and also cancelled the three public informational meetings planned for Madrid, Boone and Ogden this month. In a prepared statement, the Supervisors have said they will also consider action to lift the moratorium on construction in the affected area when they meet next Tuesday.

Santa Claus is Coming to Boone

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Area Merchants will once again host open houses Thursday and the weather shouldn't be a problem for those that want to take in the fun. In previous years, Boone has hosted a Lighted Christmas Parade, but that has been dropped for this year. The Boone County Historical Society will host it's annual soup supper and will offer some additional displays. The Community Christmas Tree will be lite at it's location in the Veteran's Park at 9th and Story Streets.

Community Theatre

BOONE, Iowa---For the second time this season, the Boone Community Theatre has had to cancel a production. Work had begun in October to assemble a cast for "Finding December", which would have been performed over the next two-weekends. All performances have now been cancelled. The previous production also had to be cancelled due to casting issues.

Conservation Overlay

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Commission had to table action on a consideration of Zoning Map amendments to the County Zoning Ordinance Monday. A crowd estimated at some 500 residents were on hand to address concerns over the requirements for Conservation District Overlays. It now appears that the matter will not make it make to the Zoning Commission until sometime next year. Public Information meetings will be held to get more information out to those property owners affected. The Public Information Meetings were scheduled earlier in November. Information on the meetings is available here.

Baltimore Receives Leadership Appointment

BOONE, Iowa---Representative-elect Chip Baltimore has received a leadership appointment from Speaker-elect Kraig Paulsen. Baltimore has been named Vice Chairman of the House Commerce Committee. Baltimore will be serving his first term in the Iowa Legislature, representing the 48th District. He will also serve on the House Judiciary, Economic Growth/Rebuild Iowa, Local Government and Oversight committees.

Special Council Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will hold a special meeting Wednesday evening to continue working on Council Goals. The meeting is part of the series of meetings held to put together plans and the budget for the city. Discussion will include a review of the goals that were adopted a year ago and include topics like Economic Development and enforcement of Municipal Infractions.

Zoning Commission Expects Packed Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Plan and Zoning Commission meets Monday evening and will hold their meeting in the third floor courtroom at the court house. The courtroom was used last month to deal with the large crowd that wished to address a Conditional Use Permit issue for a 10-station Sport Clay Shooting Range in the Des Moines River Valley. Over a year ago, the Zoning Commission voted to recommend that Conditional Use Permit not be approved. The County Zoning Board of Adjustment did approve the permit. Residents from a rural subdivision near the Ledges State Park have opposed the business. The Zoning Commission will also consider the controversial Des Moines River Conservation Overly District.

Drainage Matter Considered by Supervisors

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone and Story County Supervisors will be sitting as Joint Drainage District Trustees Tuesday morning as they try to finalize a drainage district repair project. The whole issue deals with a drain that begins in Boone County and then enters Story County and travels through Ames. Repairs in the district were delayed for several months for a variety of reasons. Acceptance of the project requires both counties to agree on the work that was done.

Sign Up for January Program Underway

BOONE, Iowa---Over 40-participants have already signed up for a January program featuring Mark Wynn, internationally recognized expert on Domestic Violence. Wynn will be a presenter of 4-different topics during a appearance in Boone, January 21st. Alicia Cox, Boone County "ACCESS" Coordinator is handling sign-up and says the free conference will be filled on a first come first serve basis with those in living and working in Boone County getting a first chance to sign up. Open enrollment is expected in mid-December.

Travel Troubles

BOONE, Iowa---Thanksgiving travelers ran into a few problems Wednesday, when light rain turned to freezing rain, causing multiple accidents. Iowa State Patrolman Doug Cutts told KWBG that bridges iced over quickly late Wednesday morning. He said there was a serious accident on IA Highway 17 on the Des Moines River Bridge south of Madrid. The road was closed for several hours while emergency responders cleaned up the site. Cutts says motorists should remain cautious through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Building Purchased

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Directors have approved purchasing the Boone County Family Medicine Clinic Building. The Board took action Tuesday evening following a formal public hearing. The clinic building has been privately owned. The hospital has been paying rent to house physicians in the building. The purchase price is $1.1-million and the sale is expected to be completed in early December.

City Still Pressing Construction

BOONE, Iowa---Boone City officials know there are few days left to complete this summer's construction, especially through downtown Boone. As of Wednesday, all the streets have been reopened. The most recent was 7th Street from Marshall to Tama. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says work is still be done to restore traffic lights and to complete some sidewalks. Nelson says work will continue as long as weather permits.

Patients and Income Down at BCH

BOONE, Iowa---October patient volume and revenue were both down according to the reports for the Boone County Hospital Board of Directors. Even though the numbers are down and trail budgeted amounts, the year to date bottom line is over $200,000 in the black. That is off the budgeted pace by just over $150,000. While the patients and income declined, so did the operating costs. Declines were led by a reduction in salaries and wages.

Teen Faces Sex Abuse Charges

BOONE, Iowa---A 16-year old Boone youth is being held at the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center in Eldora after being arrested on a Boone County warrant that cited multiple sexual abuse charges. Sheriff Ron Fehr says the arrest was made Tuesday afternoon following an investigation. According to Fehr, all the charges are alleged to have occurred with an unrelated 7-year old child and took place at various times since last January. Bond for Edward Babbitt is set at $50,000.

Supervisors Consider Mitigation Plan

BOONE, Iowa---After several months and a number of public meetings, the Boone County Board of Supervisors considered approval of the new Multi-Jurisdictional Hazardous Mitigation Plan. The plan is a compilation of plans for the unincorporated part of Boone County and all the cities in Boone County. All the cities in the county will be asked to also adopt the new plan. The County Emergency Management Board did adopt the plan in late October.

Suspect Trys to Elude Deputy

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says a Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop Sunday evening on US Highway 30 west of Ogden. The driver of the vehicle decided to flee from the Deputy, and ended up headed south on "C" Avenue. It just so happens the road dead ends at 250th Street. Fehr says the suspect turned and the Deputy had to ram the vehicle. 40-year old William J. Phipps of Stratford now faces charges of Operating While Intoxicated, Eluding, Speeding, Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device and Open Container. Phipps was taken to the Boone County Jail.

Chase and Drug Arrest in Boone

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police, with help from a Boone County Deputy, took a 37-year old Carroll man into custody Sunday evening about 9:00. Duane Russell Conroy attempted to run from Boone Police but was stopped in the 800-block of Jefferson on the city's west side. Conroy was wanted on a Carroll County warrant but faces additional charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, Tax Stamp Violation and Attempting to Elude. He was being held in the Boone County Jail.

17th Habitat Home Dedicated

OGDEN, Iowa---Habitat for Humanity of Boone and Greene Counties celebrated the dedication of their 17th home Sunday in Ogden. The Tony and Brianna Schelle home is the fourth located in Ogden. Maggie Stone, Family Programs Chair for Habitat noted that it was only a year ago the Schelle's were selected to be the partner family. They along with their four daughters, Maddie, Abbie, Emma and Lily will be moving in upon completion. The home is located at 520 NE 4th Street in Ogden. Pictures of the dedication are available on the KWBG slide show.

Street Construction

BOONE, Iowa---Boone City officials says several streets have been opened this week, including the intersection at 8th and Benton Streets. However, more work is still planned and the traffic signal at 8th and Benton is still not operational. The intersection at 8th and Benton will be controlled with a 4-way stop sign. Also opened up is Tama Street between 7th and 8th Streets. City Engineer Wayne Schwartz has said even though streets are opening, they are still construction zones and some lane closures and other delays may be experienced while weather permits.

Habitat Dedication

OGDEN, Iowa---Habitat for Humanity for Boone and Greene Counties will hold a formal dedication ceremony Sunday afternoon for the groups 17th home. The dedication will be held at 520 NE 4th Street in Ogden, the fourth home built in Ogden. Tony and Brianna Schelle have worked along with their children to help complete this home. Erich Kretzinger, Executive Director of Habitat in Boone and Greene Counties, says the family is required to invest a minimum of 300 hours on the project. He says homes are then sold to the family with a zero interest mortgage. He says no home is ever given away. The public is welcome to attend the dedication Sunday afternoon at 3:30.

Force Board New Members

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County FORCE Board has been awarding grants in Boone County since 2003. Alan Beste is President of the Board which used to be the Boone County YMCA, says the average annual donations are usually about $38,000 to $40,000. New members were welcomed to the FORCE Board this week. They include Meredith Nerem, Cody Bowers and Everett Johnson. Agencies interested in receiving an application for grant funds should contact Sara Behn at 433-8470 or by e-mail sbehn@boonecountyhospital.com.

DMACC Enrollment

BOONE, Iowa---Spring semester enrollment is underway on the Boone Campus of Des Moines Area Community College. Provost Tom Lee said Thursday that the number are just slight behind the numbers from last spring. But, he pointed out that there was a double digit increase in both head count and credit hour enrollment last spring. Lee says he believes spring semester enrollment will be similar to this fall, possibly up slightly but not a double digit percentage increase.