Last Welcome Home for Red Bulls

BOONE, Iowa---For the past week and a half, welcome home ceremonies have been held for the nearly 2,900 members of the Iowa National Guard 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. One of the first was held in Boone for members of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Not all the members returned home at that time, but they will Saturday afternoon. The last of the welcome home ceremonies will be held at the DMACC gymnasium, Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM. The public is invited to attend.

Hospital Board Reviews Report

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees took time to review a report from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals this week. The DIA showed up for a surprise inspection on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid for Critical Access Hospitals. The report did not reveal any apparent deficiencies, but did note a couple of areas for improvement, such as more attention to the security of patient records. Rod Roberts, appointed Director of the DIA by Governor Terry Branstad did participate in the final day of the inspection.

Pufferbilly Requests Street Closures

BOONE, Iowa---Just as many are recovering from the street closings associated with the overnight stay by thousands of RAGBRAI participants, the City Council will give consideration Monday to the street closures for Pufferbilly Days, just over a month away. Pufferbilly Days is returning to downtown Boone after a three year run at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Pufferbilly Days will be held September 8th through the 11th.

Hospital Board to Review DIA Information

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital recently completed a visit by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. A preliminary review of the information received from the inspection will be discussed by the Hospital Board of Trustees Thursday evening. There were no substantial issues that were raised, but there were apparently a couple of minor compliance matters. The Hospital Board meets Thursday evening at 7:00 at the Boone County Hospital.

Council to Consider Appointment Tuesday

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council will consider appointing former Mayor Mark Trueblood to fill a vacancy created with the death of Council Member Lyle Conklin earlier this month. City Administrator Donovan Olson had said that the Council was looking at making an appointment, which would be good until the next municipal election in November. He noted that residents would still have an option to petition for a special election if they wished.

RAGBRAI Impact

BOONE, Iowa---The arrival of RAGBRAI in Boone Tuesday did impact some of the city services. City Administrator Luke Nelson says the city water plant pumped an additional 100,000 gallons of water, not all that much considering the heat. The city water environment station received an additional 200,000 gallons water to be treated. Boone spent about $12,000 to $14,000 on street maintenance, $8,000 on streets that served as RAGBRAI routes. Boone County spent $73,000 on maintenance of county roads that served as a RAGBRAI route.

Annexation Study Expected by Late Summer

BOONE, Iowa---Even though the Boone City Council and businesses in the Boone Industrial Park have a tentative agreement for long term, voluntary annexation, Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says the Council will still have some hard decisions to make once the Annexation Study is received. Most of the focus has been on the Industrial Park east of Boone. But Nelson noted that there are four other segments of possible annexation that will need to be considered. Those areas are to the north, northwest, southwest and additional area to the east for industrial development. Nelson feels the study might be available in September.

Boone Merchants Host Crazy Day Saturday

BOONE, Iowa---The end of July always brings out the Boone Area Merchants Association Crazy Day event and that will be the case Saturday. Organizers are using a sports theme with "Go, Shop, Win!" The suggested hours will be Saturday from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. As usual, some of the downtown streets will be closed off to vehicular traffic during the event.

RAGBRAI Traffic Was Up at BCH ER

BOONE, Iowa---Heat took a toll on RAGBRAI riders coming into Boone Tuesday. Traffic at the Boone County Hospital Emergency Room was quite high during the afternoon and early evening. Of course there were the usual crashes with riders suffering road rash and other scrapes. The most severe appeared to occur shortly before noon just a couple of miles north of Boone on Nature Road. A rider passed out and crashed. Sheriff Ron Fehr reported that the rider sustained head and leg injuries was take to Boone County Hospital, then flown to a Hospital in Des Moines.

RAGBRAI Coming to Town

BOONE, Iowa---Thousands of bicyclists and their support vehicles will be descending on Boone Tuesday. Monday, Boone Public Works began putting up some barricades to block of the streets. More are expected Tuesday. Police Chief Bill Skare says the most important word for people to remember will be "patience". Skare says several streets will be blocked while riders enter Boone. Many will be headed to McHose Park. Others will go to DMACC and the Boone Middle School. Still others will be headed off to stay with private families. The Iowa State Patrol is estimating more than 20,000 riders will be in Boone Tuesday night.

After School Program

BOONE, Iowa---Youth and Shelter Services after school program has been growing in popularity and the need for the program is expected to continue. Laura Teske is Coordinator for the YSS After School Program and says now is a good time for parents to start checking out how the program can help them. Teske says the summer programs have been successful and growth is expected to continue during the school year. YSS offers the program in five school districts including Boone. Information on the program is available at the YSS website.

Crop Storage

BOONE, Iowa---Storms two weeks ago damaged some important grain storage in central Iowa and at first there was a concern about storage at harvest time. Mark Licht, ISU Extension Crop Specialist says storage will probably still be at a premium, but things are coming together. Companies providing bins and storage facilities are stepping up production which will help. He also says is looks like storage for soybeans might be available due to marketing plans for the bean crop.

Traffic Issues Expected During RAGBRAI

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police Chief Bill Skare has said travel in Boone next Tuesday and Wednesday will be possible, but people will need to be cautious. Skare says traffic will be diverted on a number of streets or will be available for local residents only. Tuesday, Skare says suggested routes north and south will be Benton Street under the viaduct, Division from Park to 9th and Marion Street. East and west will be 22nd Street, which is expected to have heavy bike traffic, 11th Street which will be closed at Division, 8th Street from Greene to Allen and US Highway 30. Access to many parks and camping areas will be limited.

RAGBRAI Mural Done

BOONE, Iowa---Volunteers working on a mural in downtown Boone have completed their project. Meagan Yoder and Jonny Hodges headed the effort. Yoder teaches are at Woodward-Granger and Hodges was one of her students. Numerous people donated time, supplies and equipment to the mural project. The wall on the south side of the building at 807 Story Street was left exposed following the demolition of fire damaged buildings last summer. City officials have indicated the wall needs to be weather proofed to preserve the building.

Boone PD Investigating Several B and Es

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police are investigating a rash of breaking and entering reports from Thursday. The reports were made quickly Thursday morning but continued to get called in through out the day. Authorities have not said the investigations have revealed thefts from vehicles. Little additional information on the thefts has been reported at this time. Officers could not confirm that the incidents are connected.

Governor's Education Meeting Successful

BOONE, Iowa---If turnout and input are measurements than Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds were pleased with the town hall meeting on education held in Boone Thursday. A number of central Iowa educators were in attendance, asking questions and offering input about the future of education in Iowa. Branstad did say it was one of the best town hall meetings that had been held. He says all the input is leading up the his Education Summit next Monday and Tuesday in Des Moines.

Municipal Band Ends Wednesday Concerts

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Municipal Band concluded it's regular Wednesday series of concerts Wednesday evening, the hottest evening of the season. Nine weeks ago, the season started on blustery day with the temperature topping out at 55 degrees. This week, concert goers experienced at 96 degree temperature reading with a heat index of more than 105 and an on going excessive heat warning. The concert concluded the 95th season for the band.

RAGBRAI Volunteers

BOONE, Iowa---With the arrival of RAGBRAI just days away, the final push for volunteers to help in a number of areas continues. Volunteer Coordinator Kay Rouse says people are need to help lay out the camp grounds on Monday. She says a meeting for those willing to help will be held Friday evening at 6:00 at Genesis Development at 927 8th Street. She says once the camp grounds are laid out, volunteers will be needed to help guide campers and riders to their destinations. And once RAGBRAI leaves Boone, volunteers will be needed to help make Boone beautiful again on Wednesday. Anyone willing to volunteer is invited to Genesis Friday at 6:00 PM.

Volunteers Still Sought

BOONE, Iowa---Only days to go until thousands of bicycle riders descend on Boone and organizers are still looking for more people to help. The list of volunteers continues to grow but particular committee members are seeking a special help. Denny Hamman is handling entertainment and says he needs some people to help be a road crew, setting up stages beginning on Monday. Chad Christeson is handling the beverage committee and "Chug Central" and says they do have a number of volunteers, but more are certainly welcome. Those that wish to help can still contact the Volunteer Committee here.

State Ag Officials Monitoring Multiple Issues

BOONE, Iowa---John Whitaker, State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency says his people are following multiple weather related situations across the state. Whitaker, on the KWBG News Public Affairs Program "Tuned In" says they are obviously monitoring the flooding on the Missouri River. He also says some storms have created problems, especially the storm on the morning of the 11th that traveled east into Story, Marshall and Tama counties. Whitaker says there is a concern about storage facilities come harvest time. He also says the heat can have a big impact on livestock producers and the USDA does have some programs that could help those farmers.

Council To Change Precinct Boundaries

BOONE, Iowa---As expected, the Boone City Council will move forward with a plan to make some minor changes in the city's voting precincts. The change will not affect any Council Members. City Administrator Luke Nelson and City Staff put together the proposal which tries to balance registered voters in each precinct. The proposal moved about 6 blocks from the northwest corner of the 2nd precinct to the 3rd precinct. About 6 blocks will be moved from the north end of the 3rd precinct to the 4th precinct. The change will not affect this Novembers municipal election. The Council must still adopt an ordinance amendment to make the change.

Council Accepts Voluntary Annexation Proposal

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council voted to move ahead with the proposed voluntary annexation agreement developed by the City and business in the Boone Industrial Park. The voluntary annexation will take place in seven steps over the next 37 years. Both the City and the businesses in the industrial park spent several months negotiating the settlement. The whole effort was pushed by the City seeking an annexation study. The preliminary review of the study identified five areas the City should consider for annexation, the Industrial Park drew the most attention.

Hay Expo Comes to Boone County

BOONE, Iowa---The Central Iowa Expo site will be a busy place in 2012. Farm Progress Shows announced Tuesday that the 26th Annual Farm Progress Shows Hay Expo will be held at the same site as the 2012 Farm Progress Show. Matt Jungmann says logistically is works very well. He says the Farm Progress Show parking areas will be used for the Hay Expo. Parking for the Hay Expo will be held on the Farm Progress Show grounds. Jungmann says this will mark the 4th time the Hay Expo has been held in Central Iowa. The Hay Expo will be held June 20th and 21st and the Farm Progress Show will be held on the site in August 2012.

Council Vacancy

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council will look to appoint someone to fill a vacancy created on the Council with the recent passing of long time Council Member Lyle Conklin. City Administrator Donovan Olson says the appointment would be until the next election which is in November. Olson says community members also have the option of petitioning for a special election. Conklin was recognized by the Council for his years of service during their last meeting.

RAGBRAI in 1 Week

BOONE, Iowa---Entertainment and Beverage committees can still use a few dependable volunteers for the July 26th visit by RAGBRAI in Boone. Denny Hamman and Chad Christeson both say a few more volunteers will always be needed and there will always be a place for them. Hamman says he needs help with set up and tear down of the stages. Christeson says he will always need additional help from 8:00 PM to Midnight. People that would like to find out more and wish to volunteer can find information at this link.

Marketing Club

OGDEN, Iowa---The crop year has been pretty interesting already and looks like things won't change any time soon. Iowa State University Extension and West Central Cooperative will host an Ag Market Meeting in Ogden, Tuesday evening at 6:30. John Roach will be the featured speaker for the event. The public is welcome, there is no registration. The program will be held at the Leonard Good Community Center in Ogden.

School Board Elections

BOONE, Iowa---Candidates for the upcoming school board elections in Iowa have begun circulating their nominating petitions, and some have already submitted the paperwork and will be appearing on ballots in September. It was a week ago that many began circulating their petitions. For the Boone School District, Dr. Jeff Anderson has already submitted his paperwork. Brad O'neal is also expected to file. Shiloh Burke was elected by write-in last time and has indicated she will not file petitions to be on the ballot. Candidate information for each district is available through the district secretary.

Annexation Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---There is apparently an agreement between Industrial Park Businesses and the City of Boone over annexation. At least the issue is on the agenda for the Boone City Council's meeting on Monday. City Administrator Luke Nelson had indicated that both sides were working on a voluntary annexation agreement that would be implemented over a number of years. The Council agenda for Monday has the Council considering a resolution related to the agreement. There is no indication that the entire Council has seen the agreement prior to release of the agenda for the Monday meeting.

Fair Grandstand Events

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Fair Board is moving ahead with planned grandstand events. Friday night is Demolition Derby night in the West Arena. Cars and combines are expected. Saturday night will feature Joey and Rory on the Leonard A. Good Stage. Sunday night will be the Mud Bog racing, which returns for it's second year. Organizers expect the driver county to be up from last year.

Excessive Heat Watch

BOONE, Iowa---The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch that will carry well into next week. Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says the weather will be dangerous because of the on going effects of the heat. He says the usual precautions are being recommended like drinking fluids, especially water. He also says people need to watch others for signs of difficulty due to the heat. At this point, there are locations that are air conditioned where people can get a break from the heat. If an emergency cooling shelter is needed, KWBG will help pass on those announcements.

Welcome Home

BOONE, Iowa---A packed Boone High School gymnasium greeted the nearly 90 members of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team on their return to Boone. The unit based in Boone has just completed a return from active duty in Afghanistan. The Headquarters Company led the nearly 2,900 soldiers as their part in Operation Enduring Freedom. Not all members were able to return Thursday. Colonel Greg Hapgood has said that units will be returning home over the next several weeks.

Utility Committee Reviews Proliant Needs

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's Utility Committee has done some review on the needs of Proliant Inc. located in the south side Boone Business Park. Proliant officials recently told the City about plans for growth. Part of the issue is waste water. The city is regulated by the DNR about types of waste water and Proliant's expansion could use up excess capacity. The Utility Committee could meet Monday, prior to the regular Council meeting to review the matter.

7 Injured in Crash

BOONE, Iowa---Seven people were hospitalized as a result of a two-car accident on the south side of Boone early Wednesday afternoon. The Iowa State Patrol is handling the investigation and reported that a car, operated by 26 year old Ashley Sabatka of Omaha failed to yield for traffic from a stop sign at US Highway 30. A car driven by 20 year old Sarah Conry of Harlan struck Sabatka's car broadside. Sabatka was flown to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. 5 year old Nathan Sabatka was taken to Blank Children's Hospital. Conry and two others were taken to Boone, one was taken to Methodist and one to Mary Greeley in Ames. Condition updates were not available. The Iowa State Patrol is conducting the investigation.

School Board Sets Bond Vote

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board has been petitioned to hold an election on a bond referendum to pay for a high school renovation project. The proposed project would include an addition to the current facility, demolition of the oldest portion of the current building and extensive remodeling. The bond will be just over $16-million. The School Board set the election date for September 13th, during the regular School Board election.

Boone County Fair

BOONE, Iowa---Thursday will signal the beginning of the 2011 Boone County Fair, an American Tradition. Thursday will feature the first of the livestock shows with sheep, horses and goats. The commercial exhibit building is slated to open at 11:00. The annual Fair Parade will be held Thursday afternoon at 5:30, beginning at the Boone High School, traveling on 8th Street to Benton, under the underpass and out the the Fairgrounds. The 2011 Fair Queen will be crowned after the parade and the Boone Municipal Band will play a patriotic concert. The Boone County Fair is a free gate fair.

FFA Recognized

BOONE, Iowa---As the 2011 Boone County Fair gets underway, Monsanto took time during the Pre-Fair Booster dinner to present a $1,500 check to the Boone FFA Chapter. The chapter was a first place finisher in the a pilot FFA Chapter Challenge program. Members had to go out in their communities and get farmers to visit a website and vote for the favorite Chapter. 360 chapters from 7 states were involved. Brad Walkup of Monsanto was at the Booster dinner to make the presentation to the chapter and advisor Doug Dodd. Dodd says the chapter also received a $500 award from Louis Dreyfus Ethanol Plant in Grand Junction.

Supervisors Consider Financing

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will consider authorizing County Auditor Phil Meier to contact bonding counsel to begin the process of incurring debt to replace the temporary financing for the Central Iowa Expo site. The Supervisors have been making regular payments to cover the cost and now need to consider the longer term debt. The Board has been waiting for the Central Iowa Expo Board to begin providing reimbursement, but recently it's become apparent that will not happen in the near future. Beginning the legal process will not commit the Board to the longer term debt package.

Storm Damage

BOONE, Iowa---It could take a few weeks before Boone County producers get a handle on the storm damage that occurred over the southeast quarter of Monday morning. Strong winds laid down whole fields of corn, downing power lines and more. Mark Licht, ISU Extension Crop Specialist says the damage happened at a time when the crop had begun tasseling. He says there may be a chance that some will recover. Licht says producers in the affected area will certainly see a yield reduction. Licht says the damage continued through Story, Marshall and a number of additional counties to the east. Wind speeds were estimated at 80 to 100 mph.

Arrest Made in Trail Investigation

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says deputies have taken a 22-year old Boone man into custody on a warrant for Theft in the 2nd Degree and 4th Degree Criminal Mischief. Spencer M. Sisco was charged as a result of the investigation into the theft and vandalism of lighting on the High Trestle Trail Bridge west of Madrid. Andy Hockenson, Boone County Conservation Director had said that 13 light fixtures were taken or damaged at a cost of $410 a piece.

Variances Approved for Wal-Mart Plan

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Zoning Board of Adjustment did approve requested variances for a proposed new Wal-Mart store that would be located on the south side of the city. One of the variances was to reduce the size of the required parking spaces and the second to reduce the number of parking spaces. Neighboring business owners did not protest the variances, but did voice concern about traffic flow patterns at South Linn and Southeast Marshall Streets. Traffic study information has already been sent to the Iowa DOT for review. City staff is currently working with the traffic study information.

Historic Recognition

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Historical Society is set to honor Kate Shelley this weekend, recognizing the 130th Anniversary of Kate's heroic feat, crawling across the Des Moines River Bridge to warn railroad personnel that the Honey Creek Bridge was washed out and there had been a train wreck. Historical Society Executive Director Charles Irwin says the public is welcome to join in Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until 4:00 at the Kate Shelley Railroad Museum and Park in Moingona. The event is free of charge.

2011 Boone County Fair

BOONE, Iowa---The 2011 Boone County Fair, An American Tradition, will be held July 14th thru the 17th. Ashley Fitzgerald, incoming Fair Board Secretary/Manager says shes excited about the Fair and notes that it still has an agriculture base with 4-H and FFA, but it also offers plenty for other folks. Larry Kelly, King of the Hill Productions, has been assisting the Fair Board the past several years with activities and promotion. He says everyone will find something entertaining about this years Fair. Fitzgerald and Kelly were guests on Tuned In on KWBG Friday.

Boards and Commissions

BOONE, Iowa---The first meeting of the new fiscal year and Boone Mayor John Slight says the Council has approved a couple of appointments. Slight says the city has been fortunate to have a good mix of volunteers, men and women, to fill spots on the city's Board and Commissions. But, Slight says they are always looking for new people that want to be involved. Slight says anyone interested in finding out more about those opportunities should contact City Hall. The Boone County Supervisors are also encouraging people interested in serving to find out more on the county's website.

High Trestle Trail Work

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Conservation Director Andy Hockenson update the Boone County Supervisors Wednesday about work being done along the High Trestle Trail that should help some of the drainage issues that have surfaced this spring and summer. One area east of Madrid had a culvert removed and water has made the trail surface slippery causing several biking accidents. Hockenson says Mallon Excavating is working on the problems. Supervisors want to travel the trail this fall to inspect additional drainage problems.

RAGBRAI Mural

BOONE, Iowa---It seems that more and more people are following along with an effort to paint a mural on the side of a downtown building, before RAGBRAI gets to town. Jonny Hodges and Megan Yoder are heading up the project and drew a pretty good crowd Tuesday afternoon as the mural began taking shape. However they also drew a visit from Boone Police as friends were playing music to entertain everyone showing up. Some downtown neighbors complained about the noise. Check KWBG on Facebook for updates as they become available.

RAGBRAI In 3 Weeks

BOONE, Iowa---Organizers planning for the RAGBRAI overnight stay in Boone are putting on a final push for more volunteers and more hosts for RAGBRAI teams. Vicki Greco is heading up the Hosting Committee and says over 190 teams have been placed in the community. She says they are now down to the about 30 teams looking for accommodations indoors. She says most of the remaining teams average about 3 people. Information on hosting is available by contacting Greco at the Boone County Family YMCA or e mail Vicki.Greco@DMYMCA.org.

City Council Considers New Precinct Boundaries

BOONE, Iowa---Cities in Iowa with more than 3,500 people have to take a look at drawing new boundaries for voting precincts and the Boone City Council will consider a proposal Monday evening. Last month the Council directed City Staff to put together a plan for consideration. The proposals being considered offer a couple of alternatives, but staff is recommending a plan to move a portion of the 2nd ward into the 3rd ward and a move to shift some of the 3rd ward into the 4th ward. The Council will need to make the changes by amending the precinct boundary ordinance.

Vacant Fraser Building Burns

FRASER, Iowa---The old Fraser Tap burned down early Tuesday morning as fire fighters from Boone, Ogden and Pilot Mound worked to contain the blaze. The fire was reported at 12:30 in the morning and the Boone Fire Department was on the scene for about 5-hours. Officials say the building was vacant and the electricity had been disconnected. The exact cause may never be known. No injuries were reported during the fire.