Zoning Commission Meets

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet Monday, February 28th at 7:00 PM in the Boone High School Gym. The location has been moved because of the potential for a very large crowd. In November, a massive crowd gathered in opposition to a proposed amendment dealing with the Conservation Overlay portion of the county zoning code. Since then, a petition with more than 1,200 signatures has been accepted by the Commission, seeking an amendment to the zoning ordinance, eliminating the Conservation Overlay. The Zoning Commission is slated to hold a public hearing on the request during their meeting.

County Budget Hearing Rescheduled

BOONE, Iowa---The numbers will remain unchanged, but the formal public hearing has been changed. Boone County Auditor Phil Meier says the Supervisors have rescheduled the public hearing for the 2012 Fiscal Year Budget to Monday, March 14th at 9:00 AM in the Board Room at the Boone County Courthouse. Originally the hearing was scheduled for March 9th, but due to a publication error, the Supervisors felt obligated to reschedule the hearing. The budget needs to be adopted and submitted by March 15th.

Labor Debate

BOONE, Iowa---State Representative Chip Baltimore (R-Boone) says the Republican controlled House will certainly put forth proposed changes to deal with some labor issues. In particular, Baltimore says health insurance and arbitration are two points where he would hope some change can occur. Baltimore says the work being done in the Iowa House of Representatives will not eliminate collective bargaining as some might be saying. Senator Jerry Behn (R-Boone) says he expects most labor related matters to be stonewalled by the Democratic controlled State Senate.

Hospital Administrators Narrow IT Choices

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees received another update on efforts to move to digital medical records in a timely fashion. The timing involves federal money available to make the transition and to select a system that will be compatible for the hospital's needs. Joe Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Boone County Hospital says cost comparisons between two systems are being conducted. He also says a third choice has recently been suggested, but additional review will be needed to see if the option is viable. Smith told the Board this week that once a decision is made, it will probably be more than a year before work is completed.

Home Show Ready to Go

BOONE, Iowa---The 2011 Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show is poised to offer area residents chances to collect information, find out what's new in services and maybe even bid and buy a pie. Organizers have more vendors and more activities planned for Friday and Saturday. Friday night will feature a first time Outdoor Enthusiasts Auction. The Habitat for Humanity Pie Auction will be held Saturday. The show hours are 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. There is no charge to attend.

RAGBRAI at McHose and Downtown

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Mayor John Slight says somethings are beginning to shape up for the July 26th overnight stop by RAGBRAI. Slight says many riders will be directed to McHose Park for camping, but downtown Boone will be the location for entertainment and evening activities. Slight says the committees handling everything from housing to public safety are coming together quickly. He also says he's excited about the number of people that have stepped up to volunteer and help. Slight says the goal is to make Boone the best overnight city.

No Show For Annexation Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---The biggest news item from this week's Boone City Council meeting was what wasn't brought up, annexation. Earlier this month, Council member Gary Nystrom offered a motion to develop an arrangement with industrial park businesses seeking to avoid a confrontation over annexation. The arrangement was to be reviewed by legal counsel and then given to the Council for review. Presenting the offer to the Council would have made it part of the public record and made it available to the community. City Administrator Luke Nelson says the matter needed to be tabled because the agreement is still going through legal review. Much of the Industrial Park on the east side of Boone is outside the city limits. The Council is expecting to have an annexation study done by early summer.

Hospital Financials Remain Positive

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital continued to show good numbers through the month of January, even though both inpatient and outpatient revenue was below budget. Operating expenses were also below budget, to the bottom line was nearly a $50,000 gain for the month. The report to the Hospital Board of Trustees noted income is trailing the budgeted amount, but remains in the black and is over $137,000 ahead of the pace through the first seven months a year ago.

Contract Rejected

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council voted to discontinue services with a Washington, D.C. based consultant and lobbying firm. For the past couple of years, the Council has had a contract in place for the Russ Reid company. City Administrator Luke Nelson recommended dropping the contract, noting the possibility of acquiring additional funds through earmarks would be very difficult. Nelson also noted that projects that received funding will continue to be presented to the congressional delegation by city officials. The City had been paying Russ Reid $10,000 a month. The proposed contract lowered the rate to $5,000 but had a balloon payment if more than $200,000 was secured for on going work in the community.

Ogden School Moves Ahead With Project

OGDEN, Iowa---A successful bond sale earlier in February will allow the Ogden School Board to continue moving ahead with the last of planned renovation at the Ogden High School. Superintendent Bill Roederer says the bond will be paid for by the 1-cent sales tax. The nearly $4 million project includes work on the kitchen and cafeteria and also work on science labs and an art room.

Hospital Board to Consider Tax Asking

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees is expected to once again approve a tax asking for the next fiscal year that will keep the Hospital Rate unchanged. The rate has actually not changed in several years. The recommendation from the Hospital Administration is to once again keep the rate at just over 92 cents per thousand of assessed valuation. The rate is expected to generate slightly more than $1,000,000 in the next fiscal year.

Council to Consider $4 Million Bond Issue

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has a number of public hearings to schedule and to hold when they meet Tuesday. The Council will set public hearings on the proposed 2012 Budget and on a repair project at the Boone Water Environment Station. The sewer plant needs work after flooding last year. The $250,000 project will generally be covered by money from FEMA and the State. The public hearing that will be held Tuesday will be for the sale of just over $4 million in General Obligation Bonds for projects and capital purchases in the next fiscal year.

Teen Dating Violence and Abuse

BOONE, Iowa---Teen Dating Violence and Abuse occurs in rural Iowa just like it does anywhere else, according to Alicia Cox of ACCESS and Tina Hopkins of Teaming Together for Teens. The two appeared on the KWBG News and Public Affairs Program Monday and explained efforts to educate youth about proper behavior. Cox says only 8 states currently require a segment of school curriculum to address the issue. Hopkins says teaching the appropriate behavior should be an on going effort by parents and schools. There is currently a bill in the Iowa Senate that would include Teen Dating Violence in school curriculum.

Council to Consider Consultant Contract

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will once again consider action to continue their affiliation with the Russ Reid Company, a Washington, D.C. based lobbying and consulting firm. The City has retained the services of the company for the passed couple of years and has received $1.3 million in federal funding for the Corporal Snedden Overpass Project and the on going sanitary sewer rehabilitation work in the city. The cost has been $120,000 a year. The Council will consider continuing the contract at a revised rate.

Supervisors Present Budget to Farm Bureau

BOONE, Iowa---For the past several years, the Boone County Board of Supervisors and Auditor Phil Meier have taken time to present the preliminary County Budget to representatives of the Boone County Farm Bureau. That tradition continues Monday evening at the Pizza Ranch in Boone. The Supervisors have had to struggle with the budget for Fiscal Year 2012. The official Public Hearing on the budget will be held in March.

City Bans Garbage Trucks From Alleys

BOONE, Iowa---The unseasonably mild weather this week has brought up the usual spring problem of soft alleys and the related ban on garbage trucks in the alleys. Every year the issue creates controversy because of the number of people that have alley pickup. Public Works Director John Rouse says the conditions deteriorated quickly this week and the ban was need to try and preserve the alleys as much as possible. The ban will be in effect indefinitely.

Friends of Ledges Meets

BOONE, Iowa---The Friends of the Ledges State Park meet Thursday evening for their second meeting of 2011. Andy Bartlett, Ledges Park Manager says the group is planning a project for one of the upper park picnic areas this year. Bartlett says the group of volunteers is also inviting others to join their efforts. More supporters will lead to more projects. Bartlett says the volunteer group has been a big addition to the work being done at the state park. People that want to find out more can also go to the groups web site. The meeting is held at the Ledges Park Office at 6:30 PM.

Former NBA Star At DMACC for Black History Month

BOONE, Iowa---Former Iowa State University and National Basketball Association star Don Smith, now known as Zaid Abdul-Aziz, will make an appearance on the Boone Campus of DMACC February 24th. Abdul-Aziz will speak at the Boone Campus Theater at 9:40 AM. After retiring from the NBA, he authored Darkness to Sunlight and is a recognized national speaker. The appearance is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by the Boone Campus and DMACC Urban Campus Student Activities Council and the DMACC Diversity Commission.

Phillips Named Chamber Exec

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that Kurt Phillips of Boone has been named the new Chamber Executive Director. Phillips has lived in Boone with his wife Rita for 22-years. They have 3-sons. Phillips has worked at Redekers Furniture and Carpet for 15-years. He has also been involved with the Boone Area Merchants Association and the PUFFERBILLY DAYS Steering Committee. Phillips is expected to begin his position at the Chamber in the next few weeks.

Emergency Communications

BOONE, Iowa---Most of the public is not aware that a change has been mandated that will affect emergency radio communications. The change is called Narrow Banding Radio and a group of Boone County's Emergency Responders have been meeting and planning for the change for several months. The mandated change will be January 2013. The cost of the radios and the necessary infrastructure to cover the county is expected to be covered, at least in part, by the 911 Surcharge. Rick Lampe, who now coordinates the 911 activity, told the Boone County Supervisors that grants will be sought, but will not cover the cost of what needs to be done. Infrastructure improvements could more than a $1 million.

Sledding Hill

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission this week voted to continue a temporary closure of the McHose Park Sledding Hill. The hill was closed as a result of a multi-million dollar lawsuit. State Representative Chip Baltimore has been asked to sponsor legislation that would amend the state code to include properly constructed and maintained sledding hills in the same category as skate parks and similar recreational activities. Baltimore has said he will pursue the amendment if the City and Park Commission intend to reopen the sledding hill.

Park Commission to Raise Funds For Shelters

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission is moving ahead with a plan to begin raising it's own funds for shelter repair projects. Park Commission President Mike Swarts says the Boone Parks have a real need for a number of improvements and funding from the City is not able to cover all the immediate needs. Swarts proposed starting by selling decals supporting the parks seen here. He says proceeds will be directed to the Boone Parks Foundation and will then be used for fixing and repairing shelters. The Commission is developing a long range plan to lay out work in the future.

Fish Kill Project Update

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Conservation Board is considering a proposal that could restore a stronger fishery program to Don Williams Lake. Conservation Director Andy Hockenson was successful in obtaining a grant from the DNR to make repairs on the dam. While that takes place, it also creates an opportunity to rid the lake of the gizzard shad. DNR Fisheries Biologist Ben Dodd says Don Williams Lake had a reputation for good pan fishing but the gizzard shad and silting have hampered the program. If the project can move forward, it could take place in late summer or early fall.

County Budget Work

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will spend much of their regular meeting Wednesday working on the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget. Some additional work will be mixed in, but the focus will be making the decisions needed to complete much of the budget. The board is expected to set their public hearing on budget during the meeting. The budget will need to be completed and adopted within the month.

Hog Confinement Fires Injure Two.

OGDEN, Iowa---Boone County authorities report that two people were injured in flash fires that occurred at a hog confinement located north of Ogden. The fires occurred last Thursday and Friday mornings. The confinement is on property owned by Tom and Raechel Hollingshead. The more serious injuries occurred Friday when Adrian Romero-Cadena was flown from the scene to a Des Moines hospital for treatment of burns to his hands and face. Authorities have not confirmed if Romero-Cadena has been transferred to University Hospitals in Iowa City. The cause of the flash fires was not identified.

Don Williams Lake Plans Review

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Conservation Board will receive a first hand review of plans for a fish kill at the Don Williams Lake later this year. Andy Hockenson, Director for Boone County Conservation has presented the idea to the Conservation Board and will be joined Monday by a DNR Biologist who will discuss the project with by the Board. So far, discussion has included lowering the level of the lake to aid in a fish kill of rough fish. Additional work on the lake area is being discussed in connection with the project.

Two Injured in Sunday Crash

BOONE, Iowa---Two people received treatment for injuries at the Boone County Hospital following a two car crash on the southwest side of Boone late Sunday morning. The accident at the intersection of US Highway 30 and Montana Road was investigated by deputies of the Boone County Sheriff's Department. 42-year old Rebecca Hart was westbound on 30 and made a left turn at the intersection into the path of a car operated by 51-year old Duanna Thompson of Ogden. Hart was cited for failing to obey a yield sign.

County Zoning Commission Meeting Set

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Commission will be meeting the last Monday of February and will conduct a public hearing on request to recommend repeal of a section of the County Zoning Ordinance dealing with Conservation Overlay Districts. The public announcement of the meeting went out earlier this week, indicating the meeting will be held at the Boone High School Gymnasium. In November, a huge crowd filled the Boone County Courthouse in protest over the proposed Ordinance Amendment that would implement rules and maps associated with Conservation Overlay Districts. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM.

School Facilities

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will continue to push forward with the development of a plan for updating the District's High School facilities. Over the past couple of months, the board has discussed alternatives and options. Superintendent Brad Manard says finances will not permit the construction of a new high school, but an addition, remodeling and or demolition of the oldest part of the building are possible. Besides decisions about the physical plant, the Board will need to address financing and then a plan to present their ideas to the public.

Conditional Use Permit Approved

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to extend a permit originally granted in 2008 to allow for the operation of a 10 stage Sport Clay Shooting Range south of Boone. Board members said they felt that property owner Greg Davis met the conditions set out in the summer of '08. The permit was challenged by neighbors in court and the court did up hold the Board of Adjustments decision. Since 2008, county zoning laws have changed and opponents contend they would prohibit the Shooting Range. There is also a contention that a condition of parking was not met and the noise is a nuisance.

Utility Committee Reviews Project

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council Utility Committee has reviewed the proposed plan for the next phase of the on going sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. The Committee this week took a look at the revamped proposal that would focus work on Linn Street from Industrial Park Road, through the intersection with 11th Street. The review is the first step to putting together work that was agreed to with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The work being done late last fall will continue down 8th Street to the City Shed.

Council Tables Lobbiest Contract

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council tabled action on a contract for services from Washington, D.C. based Russ Reid consulting firm. The City has worked with the company for a couple of years now and has received more than $1 million for the Corporal Snedden Drive Overpass Project. Boone Mayor John Slight says the City would still like to have a discussion about cost of services. He says if the costs can be reduced, he would like to see the City continue it's affiliation. Currently he says the cost is to high.

Contract Negotiations

BOONE, Iowa---Contract negotiations have begun between the Boone School District and the Boone Education Association. At an earlier meeting, the BEA submitted a proposal calling for an increase of 6.5% for salary and benefits. Much of the increase would be expected to go toward health insurance premium increases. The District has countered with an increase of just under .6% The amount is expected to actually exceed anticipated new money from the state. Both sides had several other matters for negotiation and talks have begun.

Demolition Just One Option

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board did take the necessary first steps to demolishing two-vacant elementary school buildings. Dr. Brad Manard says the School Board needed to proceed because of the timing and steps needed to complete demolition. In the meantime, he says the District is still trying to sell one or both of the vacant buildings and continue to get inquiries. Manard says the School Board has indicated something needs to be done this year. It costs an estimated $25,000 each to keep the buildings minimally maintained this winter.

Crop Insurance

BOONE, Iowa---Producers get a new look Crop Insurance Program this year. The new Common Crop Insurance Policy has been rolled out and now producers need to educate themselves. Steve Johnson, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist will present "Crop Insurance Decisions and Marketing Strategies" Thursday in Ogden. The presentation will include a panel discussion with insurance representatives. The Ogden Ag Marketing Club is sponsoring the program. It begins at 6:30 PM at the Leonard Good Community Center in Ogden.

Sledding Hill

BOONE, Iowa---The majority of the Boone City Council would not be interested in restoring the sledding hill in McHose Park at this time. The sledding hill was closed following a multi-million dollar lawsuit that still has yet to be settled. Part of the action is closing the sledding hill. The Boone Park Commission conducted a community survey last year and discovered that residents that responded called for the reopening of the sledding hill and the skate pond during the winter months. Council representatives are expected to meet with Park Commission members to address the matter.

Annexation Negotiations

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has voted 5-to-2 to negotiated an agreement between the Council and several businesses in the Boone Industrial Park regarding possible annexation. The Boone Industrial Park was identified in an annexation study as a possible area for annexation. Businesses have testified before the Council that such action would certainly cost the city jobs if not the businesses themselves. The annexation study is yet to be completed, but the majority of the Council would like to see what can be worked out with the businesses. Any proposal would go through legal review before being presented to the Council at their next meeting.

Facility Planning Continues

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will continue discussing facility needs for the Boone High School. A smaller, working committee has been meeting with the DLR Group to continue putting together possible plans for the district. At this point, the School Board has seriously considered a project that would include an addition to the High School and then extensive demolition and remodeling of the existing structure. No definite decisions have been made yet, but could be within the next couple of months.

Conservation Overlay Issue

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will once again have a discussion about the Conservation District Overlay issue. The Board will be meeting with Boone County residents Brian Burge and possibly others Wednesday. Burge and a number of others attended the recent County Zoning Commission meeting with the understanding that the Commission would be taking action on the numerous petitions that had been submitted to the Supervisors. The matter had not been published on the Commissions agenda and is expected to be on the agenda for the February 28th meeting. A bigger problem could be the location of the meeting. Several hundred people could possible attend and comment on the issue.

Wind Chill Advisory

BOONE, Iowa---The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory for the KWBG listening area from late Monday until mid-day Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to drop to -10 or -15 by Tuesday morning. Even with light winds, Wind Chill is expected to be -20 or -25 which is a dangerous category. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur in a short time. Conditions are expected to remain dry.

School Board to Hearings on Demolition

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will hold two public hearings during their Tuesday meeting to address the proposed demolition of two vacant former elementary school buildings. The only offer that had been received was not finalized, so the process to proceed with demolition was begun. A more accurate cost for demolition has been made available for Board consideration and it exceeds the original estimates. The Board has repeatedly held the position that the buildings would be demolished if an appropriate use, benefiting the neighborhoods and the community could not be found.

City Considers Consulting Contract

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will again consider a contract for consulting services with the Washington D.C. based Russ Reid Company. The City has used the company for the past few years to try an garner federal appropriations for projects, especially the Corporal Snedden Drive Overpass Project and the on going sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. Last fall, the Council approved an arrangement with former Economic Development Director Darrel Rensink for consulting services, including lobbying the Congressional Delegation. Since then, representatives of the Russ Reid Company made an offer to continue working with the city at a reduced rate.

Boone Revitalization Plan

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will see more detailed information about the proposed "JumpStart Boone Urban Revitalization Plan" Monday. The Council's Economic Development Committee will work with the details prior to the City Council meeting at 7:00. The plan is being designed to promote new construction and improve economic conditions in both the residential and commercial areas of the community. The focus will be on making tax abatement's available for qualifying projects.

Pilot Mound Fire

PILOT MOUND, Iowa---A Pilot Mound family lost their home to fire Thursday. According to county records the home is owned by Vicki Robinson. The first call was received by Boone County Communication at 9:17 AM. That fire was contained, but the home received smoke and water damage, so the family found somewhere else to stay. Then the fire rekindled Thursday evening and continued until early Friday morning. Multiple agencies assisted the Pilot Mound Fire Department. There were no injuries and the cause remains under investigation.

Radon Seminar

PILOT MOUND, Iowa---The third in the series of Home Owner Maintenance Education Programs will be held in Pilot Mound on Tuesday evening, February 8th. Boone County Sanitarian Mike Salati will give a presentation on Radon. The last program in Boone drew several dozen residents. Salati says if people could see or smell the Radon gas more would be addressing the problem. There's no charge for the seminar and no registration is required. The program will be held at 7:00 PM at the Pilot Mound Community Room.

Boone Fire Seeks Paid On Call Staff

BOONE, Iowa---Last year, three dozen people signed up to try the Boone Fire Department's Paid On Call program. 10 received their certification. Fire Chief Justin Adams says that applications are currently being taken to expand the Paid On Call force. Adams says everyone is busy and by building a bigger On Call force, there will be more people available should the need arise. Applications will be taken until the end of the month. He says those that meet the guidelines will begin training this spring. Applications are available at the Boone Fire Department at 923 8th Street or here.

Ogden Budget Hearing Set

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council has set the public hearing on the 2012 Fiscal Year Budget for their March meeting, March 1st at 7:30 PM. City Administrator Donovan Olson reviewed budget options with the Council Wednesday. Staff recommendations made adjustments in both the Special Revenue and Expenditures and in the Proprietary Account. The actual levy for the city will be up slightly from the current fiscal year, going from $15.08 per thousand valuation to $15.11.

Bike Ride to Rippey

PERRY, Iowa---The 34th Annual BRR-Bike Ride to Rippey will be held this Saturday, no matter what the weather conditions. Fortunately, after blizzard conditions and a fourteen below temperature Thursday morning, conditions are more promising for Saturday. Riders will gather in Perry and will depart at 10:00 Saturday morning for the original winter bike ride. Those that have held off on registering because of the weather, can register on site Saturday morning. The ride begins at the McCreary Community Building in Perry.

Business Program Comes to Boone

BOONE, Iowa---If you've had this idea for a business, but just aren't sure what you need to do to get it off the ground, help is on the way. Dave Cook of Boone is working with the Boone County Philanthropy and Entrepreneurial Development Project. Part of the effort is making available the "First Step Fast Trac" program through the Boone Campus of DMACC. Cook says even existing business owners, looking to expand, can make use of the program. Cook says he's available to provide information and registration is being handled by DMACC. The Thursday evening class begins March 22nd.

Hospital Weapons Policy

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees have approved the implementation of an updated weapons policy. Hospital Chief Executive Officer Joe Smith says the Board took the action during their meeting in January. The hospital has had a weapons policy in place since 2004. Smith says there is security for weapons in the emergency room, but most of the time, they simply ask anyone with a weapon to lock it in their vehicle if possible. Smith says appropriate notices will be placed at the entrances of the hospital.

Winter Storm

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency responders in Boone County did have to go out for a couple of calls, and were fortunately able to retrieve some people that tried traveling during Tuesday nights blizzard. Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says it took a little while to get to a few people. Morlan says east-west roads were the most difficult to negotiate, especially rural gravel roads. Boone received 3 inches of snow from 8:00 Monday morning to 8:00 Tuesday morning and an additional 3.8 inches of snow from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Blizzard Warning

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency Responders are encouraging all county residents to be extremely cautious overnight. Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan has said that travel is not advised. He also says anyone that gets caught out in the weather might be there overnight. Blizzard conditions are expected to continue until at least noon Wednesday. Most activities locally have been cancelled or postponed. More information on the weather announcements is available at the KWBG Weather Threat Box.

RAGBRAI Organizational Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---Representative of the City of Boone and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce are calling for volunteers to help organize and plan for the overnight visit from RAGBRAI. Over the weekend it was announced that Boone would be an overnight stop. An Advisory Committee is being established to start putting plans together. The meeting will be held at the Chamber Office on Tuesday, February 8th. Those interested in participating should contact the Chamber of Commerce at 432-3342.

Conservation Overlay

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County residents are still very concerned about a portion of the county zoning ordinance that deals with a Conservation Overlay. The portion of the code focuses on land considered environmentally fragile. The Boone County Zoning Commission formally accepted petitions Monday, asking for the section to be removed from the county ordinance and never addressed again. The petitioners have reportedly gathered more than 1,200 signatures. Tom Ross, Chair of the County Zoning Commission did say during the Monday meeting the Commission would hold there public hearing on the petition request at their February meeting.