TreeCycle Program Begins Sunday

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County residents have long supported the Boone County TreeCycle program and the same is expected again this year.  The program takes real Christmas trees and mulches the trees for use in the parks in Boone County.  Lisa Anderson, Boone County Environmental Coordinator says residents are invited to take their real trees, clean them of decorations, ornaments, tinsel, tree stands and drop them off at designated locations.  She says the program is free of charge and will run from the 1st through the 15th of January.  Additional information is available here.

Teams Already Registering For Wellness Challenge

BOONE, Iowa---Nicole Bruce, Director of Live Healthy Iowa says teams are already signing up for the next 100 Day Wellness Challenge, beginning in January.  On the KWBG "Tuned In" Program Friday, Bruce said registration started on December 20th.  She says the online registration is the easiest way for people to sign up or learn more about the program.  Bruce says there is a nominal fee to register, but coupons to lower the cost are available.  She says those that are interested can chose to record activity or weight loss or both.  Information on getting a team registered is available at www.livehealthyiowa.org.

Multiple Injuries In Thursday Accident

BOONE, Iowa---Three people were taken to the Boone County Hospital Thursday evening, following a multiple vehicle accident on US Highway 30 west of Boone.  Sheriff Ron Fehr says deputies investigated the accident that started when a pickup with a trailer full of hay was struck by a vehicle that was apparently struck by yet a third vehicle.  Taken to the Boone County Hospital were 21-year old Megan Engleen of Boone, 20-year old Curtis Sievers of Jefferson and 19-year old Joseph Hupp of Scranton.  None of the injuries were considered life threatening.

Candidates Announce

BOONE, Iowa---Most of the political campaign focus is on the Presidential candidates in Iowa, but after the Caucuses next Tuesday, attention will turn to the June Primary and local candidates for public office.  After winning a term for Boone County Sheriff in 2008, Ron Fehr indicated it may be his last term.  If Fehr decides to retire, there are already candidates that have shown an interest in running.  Current Chief Deputy, Gregg Elsberry has indicated he will seek the Democratic nomination for Sheriff.  Rick Lampe of Ogden, retired from the Iowa State Patrol and currently the Boone County E911 Coordinator, has indicated he will seek the Republican nomination for Sheriff.  

Compensation Board Asked to Reconsider Increases

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Compensation Board met earlier this month to consider recommendations for salary increases for Boone County elected officials.  The Board's recommendations go to the Supervisors and can be accepted, lowered or rejected outright.  The last couple of years, proposed increases were eliminated.  This year, the Compensation Board recommended dollar amount increases based on salaries for similar positions in similar sized counties.  The proposal created some issues for the Supervisors and for Department heads as well.  A letter is being prepared, asking the Compensation Board of reconvene and reconsider their recommendations.

Special Conference Board Meeting Delayed

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Attorney Jim Robbins told the Boone County Supervisors that they currently have the authority to call a special meeting of the Assessor's Conference Board, however he also encouraged the Board to give Assessor D. Kevin Burggraaf a chance to respond to issues raised by the Iowa Department of Revenue.  The Assessor's Conference Board is expected to hold a regular, annual meeting January 24th to consider the Assessor's Budget.  A second, special meeting could be held in February to address the Revenue Department's concerns over the handling of the Commercial and Industrial Valuations in Boone County.

One Injured in Single Vehicle Rollover

BOONE, Iowa---23 year old Mandy Cox sustained an apparent broken ankle when she lost control and rolled her vehicle north of Boone Tuesday afternoon.  Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says Cox was traveling north and lost control when her front tire went onto the shoulder.  She was taken to the Boone County Hospital by ambulance, where she was treated.  Investigators estimated damages to her vehicle at $5,000.  Cox was alone in her vehicle at the time of the accident.

Snow Removal Budget Looks Good

BOONE, Iowa---The good news about the extremely mild weather this fall and during the first few days of winter is the condition of the city's snow removal budget.  A year ago, Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson noted that the city had gone through a good portion of the budget as well as supplies of salt and sand.  Things have been quite a bit better this December.  Public Works has actually been out three or four times to spread sand and salt at intersections because of slippery conditions.

Arrest Made in Stabbing Incident

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says his department has charged 22-year old Blaine R. Snyder of Boone in connection with a stabbing incident at a party east of Boone last Saturday night.  Fehr says injuries to 18-year old Bailie J. Biersner led to a Felony Serious Assault charge.  Injuries to 18-year old Jackson Martin led to a charge of Aggravated Assault.  Injuries to Biersner were to her face and resulted in 60-stitches.  Fehr says she is receiving additional treatment at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.  Martin was treated and released from the Boone County Hospital.

Hiker Falls at Ledges

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency personnel answered a call to the Ledges State Park Wednesday afternoon, to rescue a hiker who fell while hiking on the Lost Lake Trail.  Detailed information is not available at the present time, but the hiker was apparently had to be approached off the Des Moines River.  Boone County Sheriff's Deputies, Boone County Ambulance, Boone Fire and Rescue, Boone County Search and Rescue and park personnel handled the rescue.  The unidentified individual was taken to a hospital in Des Moines. 

Tree Trimming Continues

BOONE, Iowa---Mild weather conditions have allowed Boone Public Works personnel to continue their efforts trimming street trees.  Boone Mayor John Slight this week said he was pleased with the amount of work Public Works was able to complete this year.  The trimming of street trees, those on the parking, have been an issue for Slight.  He feels the city should deal with the trimming while city code says it's the responsibility of the property owner.  Public Works and Parks Director John Rouse says city personnel are now working on the south half of the city.

Supervisors to Consider Property/Liability Insurance

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will be making a choice on property and liability insurance quotes when they meet Wednesday.  Currently the coverage is with Quam Insurance and the Board has also received information on coverage from Boehm Insurance.  Presentations were made to the Board last Wednesday.  Since then Supervisors have been comparing the information, seeking the most cost effective coverage.  Usually quotes for insurance coverage is sought every three years.

Frosty Conditions Cause Accidents

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr reported that his department had 4-single vehicle accidents between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM Monday.  Fehr noted that frosty, slippery road conditions were to blame for all the accidents.  The first occurred on the west side of Boone, one at the junction of Highways 30 and 17, one  on Kale Road near Fraser and one north of Boone on Nature Road.  At least two people were transported by ambulance and another visited the hospital by private vehicle.  No serious injuries were reported.  Fehr noted that mild weather conditions have limited drivers exposure to slippery road conditions.

Council Decides Stop Sign Unnecessary

BOONE, Iowa---Since the traffic control system at South Story Street and Park Avenue has malfunctioned, public works has left a 4-way stop sign in the intersection, even though the signals are all flashing red.  City Council Member Gary Nystrom brought the matter up during Monday's Council meeting.  The Council decided that because of the traffic, it would be better to remove the 4-way stop sign and just go with the flashing red lights.  Parks and Public Works Director John Rouse says his department is still waiting for a newly constructed controller to install at the intersection.

Two Injured In Knifing at Party in Rural Boone.

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says Detectives are continuing their investigation into a stabbing incident, reported by the Boone County Hospital Emergency Room personnel Saturday night.  Fehr says an adult male teenager and and adult female teenager were at the party, reportedly at 2180 180th Street, about 6 miles east of Boone.  The female received severe slashes to the head and face and the male was slashed across the arm.  A suspect was located and a knife was confiscated.  Charges are pending.  The identity of those involved has not been released.

Frosty Roads Responsible for Multiple Accidents

BOONE, Iowa---Like many parts of the state, weather conditions this morning made the commute a trying affair.  Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says roads built up a frost cover as temperatures dropped.  Then traffic compacted the frost, creating a glazing condition.  At least four accidents were reported when vehicles left the road, hit the soft shoulder and ditch and then rolled.  A number of people were taken to the Boone County Hospital for treatment of injuries.  Conditions improved as throughout the morning.

Fire Department Recruiting Interested Volunteers

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Fire Department is in the midst of it's annual campaign to attract interested people to be paid on call fire fighters.  Fire Chief Justin Adams says this is the third year recruiting and training will begin in mid-January.  He the paid on call effort has been as successful as he'd hoped it would be, but it's a constant effort to continue adding and replacing personnel.  Qualifications to apply for the paid on call program are available at the Fire Department Headquarters at 923 8th Street in Boone are on line at www.boonegov.com.

Baltimore Expects A Busy Session

BOONE, Iowa---Representative Chip Baltimore, Republican Representative from Boone, says the legislature will have some important matters to deal with beginning in January.  Baltimore on the KWBG "Tuned In" program says he thinks some progressive things can be done for mental health services in the state.  He also says there will be a big focus on education reform.  However, he still expects most of the attention to be on the economy and jobs.  The legislature will convene on January 9th.

Duffee Recognized at Gold Star Event

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Veteran Ray Duffee will be part of a presentation honoring World War II Heroes, Saturday afternoon at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston.  Duffee's story as a Navy Corpsman with the Marines at the Battle of Tarawa is included in a book by Scott McGaugh called Battlefield Angels.  Duffee is included in the list of special guests for the event that begins at 2:00 PM.  It is open to the public.

Tree Trimming Half Done

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Public Works and Parks Director, John Rouse, told the Boone Park Commission that the city's tree trimming program is half done when work was completed north of Mamie Eisenhower Avenue.  Rouse told the Commission this past week that trees in the parking had been trimmed when access was available.  Work will move south of Mamie Eisenhower and with luck will be completed in a year or so.  The Boone City Council has diverted funds used for tree planting to tree trimming rather than enforce the city ordinance requiring property owners to have the street trees trimmed.

Trail and Bridge Maintenance Fund

BOONE, Iowa---A number of participants in the High Trestle Trail and Bridge have been talking about developing an agreement that would require the groups to contribute money for a maintenance endowment fund.  Discussion could also include a Regional Trail District for maintenance and management consistency and sustainable funding.  The proposed 28-E agreement was only recently presented to the County Supervisors and  Conservation Board.  It's still to early to tell exactly how the plan will play out, but Boone County officials have been interested in seeing what develops.

Efforts Addressing Delinquent Bills Continues

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Utility Committee is on a mission to try and reduce the number of shut-offs and delinquent utility bills.  Staff told Committee members this week that the more they dug into the matter the more difficulties they encountered.  Part of the problem is that some of the soft ware used to develop reports hasn't matched up to usage reports.  Utility Committee Chair, Council member Gary Nystrom says working at reducing delinquencies will benefit all users of the city water system.

Boone County Family Y Hosts Open House

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Family YMCA is hosting a Silent Night-A Holiday Open House, Friday afternoon and evening.  Part of the event is inviting the public in to take a look at the work that was done following the fire a couple of months ago.  The fire was actually confined to a basement office, but there was extensive smoke damage.  The renovations includes moving some activities around and installing new equipment.  A Silent Auction will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.  Santa Claus is expected to participate.

Hope Foundation Has Successful Festival

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Hope Foundation annual Festival of Hope Saturday turned out to be the biggest fund raiser the group has had.  At the end of the Festival on Saturday, the Foundation at $22,101.  The amount exceeded the $15,700 received last year and the more than $16,000 in 2009.  So far this year, the Hope Foundation has expended nearly $28,000 to assist more than 75 families and more than 130 Boone School District students.

Supervisors City Continue Talks On Paving

BOONE, Iowa---Businesses in the Boone Industrial Park are pushing for the city and the county to move ahead quickly with a plan to pave the Industrial Park Road and a portion of Quartz Avenue.  The road has not received much attention because of uncertainty about annexation.  The recent voluntary annexation agreement has taken care of the uncertainty.  The city has federal money, allocated for the proposed overpass project and will use that money next year if possible.  The county is planning on a project that would be ready to go in 2013.  City Administrator Luke Nelson is expected to update the Council next week.

Utility Committee Considers Phase 4

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's Utility Committee has voted to move ahead with planning for the fourth phase of the mandated sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.  The fourth phase affects the northeast part of the community and is projected to cost about $1.5 million.  Perry Gjersvik with Foth Engineering told the Committee that the Iowa DNR has signed off on the proposal and the next step will be to finalize plans, expected in January.  The Council recently endorsed an application for a Community Development Block Grant to defray some of the expense.

CIE Receives Cash Contribution

BOONE, Iowa---The effort to obtain pledges and donations for the Central Iowa Expo site in Boone County received a nice show of support Tuesday.  Monsanto donated $150,000 to help support the 2012 Farm Progress Show Hay Expo to be held next June.  Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey says he was pleased to see Monsanto step up and help promote the show and he hopes other ag businesses in Iowa will follow suit.  Northey says having a site promoting agriculture is an investment for Iowans.  Monsanto Corporate Affairs representative Dave Tierney present the big check Tuesday.

Park Commission Preps for Skate Pond

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission is determined to have a successful skate pond, if it ever gets cold enough for ice and skating.  Park Commission members this week learned that new skates have been delivered and also helmets for those just learning.  Older skates were being checked and cleaned up.  The warming house was being prepared and Park Commission members put out a call for volunteers to help run the warming house, when the skate pond opens.  Those interested in volunteering can get additional information by calling the Boone Parks Department at 432-4211 extension 142.  If there's no answer, leave a message.  Opening of the skate pond is weather dependent.

Conservation Board Rescinds Alcohol Policy

BOONE, Iowa---Last month, the Boone County Conservation Board took action to deal with alcohol related issues that either are or are expected to occur on the High Trestle Trail and Bridge in Boone County.  This month, the Commission rescinded their action after receive input from the Boone County Sheriff's Department. The trail is considered a public area and there are already state laws that regulate alcohol on those areas.  Commission members agreed to work with current state code.  Concerns had been raised about potential problems with alcohol on the High Trestle Bridge.

Festival of Hope Saturday

BOONE, Iowa---The 7th Annual Festival of Hope will be held Saturday at the Boone County Hospital Atrium.  The Festival is the brainchild of the Hope Foundation, established by Boone School District personnel to raise money and use it to help students and families of students in the Boone School District.  This year, for the first time ever, the Foundation has actually used up all the money they've raised last year.  Rhonda Getschman is a board member and says there's a waiting list of families that need additional assistance.  The Festival of Hope will run from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

Pufferbilly Logo and Theme Deadline Nears

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has returned to having the annual Pufferbilly Days Logo and Theme contest.  Chamber Executive Director Kurt Phillips says local artists are encouraged to submit their ideas for the 2012 Pufferbilly Days festival.  The winning logo and theme will each receive $25 in Boone Bucks.  Phillips says the plan is to judge and announce the winners on December 19th.  More information on the contest is available here.

Paul Campaign Draws Crowd Thursday

BOONE, Iowa---Congressman Dr. Ron Paul brought his Presidential Campaign to Boone County Thursday and packed the Ericson Public Library meeting room.  Paul, currently running second in the polls among Republican candidates has consistently held a strong following in Boone County.  Paul spoke about his plans to cut a trillion dollars in federal spending in his first year as President.  With the caucuses in Iowa just over 3 weeks away, Paul Campaign members took time to organize.

Power Outage

BOONE, Iowa---More than 1,700 Alliant Utilities customers in Boone were without power for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon.  Scott Drzycimski, Communications Program Manager, says the problem was traced to a transmission issue, were an arrestor on a transmission line on the south side of Boone failed causing the outage.  In fact, the outage also affected some of the service for Midland Power customers.  Repairs were made and service was restored by 3:30 in the afternoon.

Employees Recognized

BOONE, Iowa---Each year, the Boone County Board of Supervisors takes time to recognize county employees that have served Boone County residents for 15, 20, 25, 30 or more years.  This week, the Board took time during their regular meeting to recognize 10 employees.  Pictured are Bill Mulder (15 years); Supervisor Bill Lusher; Tim Sheibley (30 years); John Grush (25 years); Dennis Consier (20 years); Veronica Rardin (15 years); Roger Koch (20 years); Sheryl Hurst (35 years); Supervisor Tom Foster; Lois Powers (15 years) and Supervisor Steve Duffy.  Not pictured is Tamara Reimers with 15 years of service.

Shop With A Cop

BOONE, Iowa---There are Shop With A Cop programs and then there's the Boone Police Associations Shop With A Cop program.  Thursday marks the annual Shop With A Cop program for more than 100-children.  The number is narrowed down from the more than 200-children that were nominated.  Members of the Boone Police Department host the event, but hundreds of volunteers will be helping.  Earlier this week, Boone Mayor John Slight, a long time supporter of the program, said monetary donations were still coming in with the most recent check, more than $1,900 from Pat Clemons, Inc.

Grant Received for Miles of Lights

BOONE, Iowa---The Miles of Lights campaign received a big boost with a grant from the Leonard Good Trust of Ogden.  Public Works and Parks Director John Rouse says the Boone Area Merchants Association and Holly Larson in particular worked to secure the grant that will be used to help purchase additional new lighting for the city.  Rouse says the $5,000 will be spent after the holidays in hopes of securing a better price.  Early, Rouse said city personnel were using multiple decorations for parts to make one working street decoration.  Most of the decorations had been in place for 20 years.  Rouse says the city maintains a separate Miles of Lights account and people can donate to the account year round.

Supervisors Amend Ordinance

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Supervisors quickly amended their recently adopted ordinance establishing voting precincts in Boone County, effective next month.  The recommended changes were made by state officials after a review of the previously adopted ordinance.  Part of the amendment included identifying city ordinance for Boone and Madrid which spell out voting precincts in those communities.  Auditor Phil Meier says if either city amends it's ordinance, it will be covered automatically by the county ordinance.  By the way, the Madrid City Council Tuesday amended their ordinance at the request of the state.

Hospital Selects HMS to be Project Manager

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital has retained the services of HMS technology services to be the project manager for the new electronic health records system.  Joe Smith, Chief Executive Officer says HMS was selected because of their working knowledge of the Meditech software system.  Smith says virtually all the hardware has been installed and now the hard work of developing the program for local medical records gets underway.  Hospital staff have estimated the entire project will cost about $5-million, much of which will be reimbursed by the federal government. 

Supervisors To Amend Voting Precinct Ordinance

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will be considering an amendment to the recently adopted ordinance setting out voting precincts in Boone County.  Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Phil Meier says the amendment will focus on the precincts for Boone and Madrid.  Both cities establish voting precincts by ordinance and the amendment will identify the precincts by those ordinances.  Meier says that way if the cities make a change, it will automatically be included in the county's ordinance.

Traffic Signal Malfunction

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Public Works and Parks Director John Rouse told the Boone City Council this week that he will not recommend repairs on the traffic signal at South Story and Park Avenue.  Rouse says the signal has been a problem since a lightning storm last May.  He told the Council Monday that the company that built the system is now in the process of building a new controller box.  Rouse did not have an estimated time frame to get the traffic lights operational.

Council Goal Setting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will hold another work session Tuesday to complete work on Council goals for the coming year.  Boone City Administrator, Luke Nelson has said he would bring out Council goals for the past several years so everyone gets a good feel for the progress that's been made.  Five years ago, the top goal dealt with annexation.  The Council last month accepted a phased in 37-year voluntary annexation of the industrial park.  However, an annexation study being conducted to consider other areas has yet to be submitted by Snyder and Associates.

Airport Development Request

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council Economic Development Committee will continue discuss a request from the Airport Commission to participate with a development proposal to locate Half-Fast Flying Adventures at the Boone Municipal Airport.  Discussions have been going on for most the past year, but the Committee has been concerned about committing any funds to a project at the airport when few if any jobs are tied to the proposal.  Staff has been working possible tax rebates for a hangar project.

Ohlson Assumes Council Seat Tuesday

OGDEN, Iowa---David Ohlson will take the oath of office Tuesday, filling the unexpired term on the Ogden City Council.  Ohlson was elected in November to fill the position on the Council held by Lyle Conklin.  Former Mayor Mark Trueblood had filled in since Conklin passed away, but did not seek election to the seat.  Ohlson will be sworn in prior to the regular meeting Tuesday evening.  Other unexpired terms were filled on the Boxholm City Council and the Luther City Council.

LP Tanker Site Cleaned Up

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says the clean up of an LP tanker that tipped into a ditch near Moingona was uneventful.  Fehr says as a precaution, residents within a quarter of a mile were evacuated. He says the driver, 31-year old Lee B. Butterfield made the turn a little short causing the trailer to roll into the ditch.  The trailer did have some 2,000 gallons of LP on board.  Damage was minimal and Fehr says the clean up occurred without incident.

Council Meets Monday

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will have a pretty light agenda for their Monday meeting.  Council members will be considering a couple of change orders for the Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation program.  The change orders were briefly discussed at a previous Council meeting.  The Council has historically been concerned about unexpected change orders on projects.  The change orders actually affect to housing rehab projects.

Chilly Night Greeted Parade Goers

BOONE, Iowa---Wind chill was very noticeable Thursday evening for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lighted Parade in Boone.  After a year off from the Boone Area Merchants Association hosted event, the Chamber picked up the opportunity.  Judging of the entries was held and the float entered by U.S. Bank took top honors.  Lora & Company was second and third went to the Boone National Guard.  The Community Tree was lite following the parade.  Organizers felt that gusty north winds did limit the crowd.

LP Truck Rolls In Boone County

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency responders were handling a single vehicle accident Thursday afternoon near Moingona in Boone County.  An LP tank truck rolled into the ditch.  Authorities are planning a controlled evacuation of the area while they deal with the situation.  The Boone County Sheriff's Department and Ogden Fire Department were handling the call initially.  There are no reports of any injuries.  Additional details are expected later.

Community Concert

BOONE, Iowa---The 11th Annual Community Concert celebrating the Christmas Story will be held at the Boone High School Auditorium Sunday evening.  The annual event features more than 60-volunteer members of a combined choir representing numerous congregations across Boone County.  Pam Grundstad of Boone directs the performance.  There is no admission charge, but a free will offering for Habitat for Humanity of Boone and Greene Counties will be accepted.  This is the largest annual fundraising event for Habitat for Humanity.

Potential Winter Storm

BOONE, Iowa---Thursday's passage of a week cool front caused a little flurry activity in the KWBG listening area, but there's a better chance of a more substantial winter storm headed into the weekend.  Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says the down side at this time is the uncertainty of the storms track.  Morlan says the certain part is that we will have some precipitation but exactly what and how much is still being studied.