Supervisors To Consider Appeal of CAFO Permit

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors did take formal action Wednesday to acknowledge the receipt of a Notice of Intent to Issue a Permit for an expansion of the Capstone Finishers confined animal feeding operation in Jackson Township.  Once again, a number of residents gathered to encourage the Supervisors to appeal the decision.  Earlier in February, the Supervisor held a Master Matrix Review, as required by law.  The project passed the review, but the Board submitted a letter in opposition to the permit.  The law allows 14-days to appeal the Iowa DNR decision, and Chairman of the Board Steve Duffy says they consider an appeal at their next meeting on March 7th.

Veteran Benefits Fair March 8th

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Veterans are being urged to consider taking in the upcoming Veteran's Benefits Fair, Thursday, March 8th.  Paul Ladd, Colonel USMC retired, is the Executive Director of Boone County Veterans Affairs and says the Benefits Fair is held every other year and brings together a number organizations and service providers, to answer questions and generally get out information about their services. Ladd says the goal is to make sure all veterans and their family receive the benefits they have earned.  There's no charge to attend.  The Benefits Fair is at the Boone County Fairgrounds, in the Community Building on March 8th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Public Safety Committee To Consider Parking Vouchers

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's Public Safety and Transportation Committee will be considering a request to establish a parking voucher system.  The voucher system is being proposed through the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for local hotels and motels.  They would be able to use vouchers for out of town business guests that will be downtown and may receive a parking ticket.  Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says the Public Safety and Transportation Committee will meet at the City Hall at 5:00 Wednesday afternoon.

County Board Receives CAFO Notice

BOONE, Iowa---Earlier this month, the Boone County Board of Supervisors held their required hearing to review the Master Matrix report for an expansion of a Confined Animal Feeding Operation in Jackson Township of Boone County.  The Board had asked that the permit be denied, even though the Master Matrix review met state guidelines.  The Iowa DNR has now indicated that a permit will be awarded to Capstone Finishers to construct a second building and bring the total head county to 5,200.  The Supervisors expect to acknowledge the notice when they meet Wednesday.

Truck Traffic Banned in City Alleys

BOONE, Iowa---The annual spring announcement from Boone Public Works is out, garbage trucks are being banned from alleys until further notice.  Directors of Public Works and Parks for Boone, John Rouse, says usually the frost would be coming out and that would make the alleys pretty soft.  This year, the rain and lack of frost is causing the problems.  Last spring, additional rain caused the ban to be extended for some time.  Weather conditions will also be important this spring.  Garbage companies were notified last week about the impending ban on traffic.

Derailment At Boone Rail Yard

BOONE, Iowa---The Union Pacific Railroad has confirmed that there was a problem in the Boone Rail yard Tuesday morning when five cars of a Chicago to Council Bluffs train derailed as the train was leaving the yard.  Officials said there were no injuries and the cars remained up right and did not impact traffic on the main line.  The exact cause of the derailment was being investigated.  There was a problem for traffic on Quartz Avenue on the east end of the rail yard, many trucks had to be routed through town to get to the industrial park.  

Conference Board Meets Wednesday

BOONE, Iowa---The process is already underway to find a new Boone County Assessor.  The next step will be Wednesday evening, when the Assessor's Conference Board will meet and hear the formal recommendation from the Examining Board.  The Examining Board has accepted the applications for Assessor in Boone County and will be forwarding their information to the Conference Board.  It's expected that the Conference Board will create small working group to interview potential candidates.  The Assessor's Conference Board meetings Wednesday at 6:30 at the Boone County Courthouse.

Boone Students Receive Top Honors

BOONE, Iowa---Dan Malloy and Laura Martin received the highest honor bestowed on high school speech team participants earlier this month, when they received the Critics Choice Award as the most outstanding musical theater performers in the State of Iowa.  Coach Jeff Wells called it a crowning achievement for two very deserving speech team members.  The two performed "Waltzing in Time" during the recent All State Festival.

Home Show Raises Funds For Habitat

BOONE, Iowa---The Annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show drew quite a crowd to the Boone County Fairgrounds last Friday and Saturday.  One of Saturday's events was the Annual Pie Auction for Habitat for Humanity of Boone and Greene Counties.  Auctioneer Mary Dufelmeier auctioned off homemade pies, pottery from Boone artist Marck Nystrom and an heirloom, upholstered child's rocking chair.  Organizers report that $2435 was raised during the event.  An estimated 1,200 attended the show Friday and Saturday.

Funnel Cuts Down on Some Legislation

BOONE, Iowa---The self imposed legislative deadline hit this week and that meant that bills that hadn't cleared a committee in either the State House or Senate are pretty much done.  Senate Minority Leader, Senator Jerry Behn of Boone says there are a some companion bills in one house or the other that might keep an issue alive, but there are not many of those.  Representative Chip Baltimore says education and mental health reform are still moving and bills in either Ways and Means or Appropriations are not limited by the funnel.  Baltimore says he expects some floor debate to begin next week.

Hospital Tax Asking Up Slightly

BOONE, Iowa---For the 12th consecutive year, the Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees has kept their property tax rate the same.  The millage rate of .92455 is expected to generate $1.063 million, up slightly from the current fiscal year.  Following a public hearing on the tax asking request Thursday evening, the Board took action to set their rate for the next fiscal year.  It was noted that the property tax asking twenty years ago was about $750,000.  

Home Show Returns

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 2012 Home and Garden Show returns to the Community Building on the Boone County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday.  The Home Show is a free event and features more than three-dozen vendors that offer a variety of services and merchandise.  Even with no admission charge, several door prizes are available for those that register.  Organizers are also requesting that those attending bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Crawford Hall Homeless Shelter.  Doors are open Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Downtown Fire Call

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Fire Department answered a fire call to 807 Story Street Thursday morning.  Officials report that a front window display burned and caused some smoke damage as well.  The department did ventilate the building.  It was February 2009 when the Fire Department with help from several other departments battled the downtown blazed that claimed a life and destroyed the buildings at 803 and 805 Story Street and also led to the demolition at 801 Story Street.  

Narrowband Radio System

BOONE, Iowa---Bids have been received and now work will begin to determine the successful bidder for the new Narrowband Radio System for Boone County.  Boone County Supervisors heard from Boone County E-911 Coordinator Rick Lampe and County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan Wednesday.  Two bids were received, one at $836,000 and one with a base bid of $473,000 and options to add as much as $637,000 to the cost.  The good news Wednesday, both the Boone and Ogden Fire Departments were successful in getting federal grants amounting to almost $405,000 for the project.

Heritage Presentation Thursday Evening

BOONE, Iowa---Charles Irwin, Executive Director of the Boone County Historical Society, will be the presenter for this month's Heritage Program.  Irwin says last year, he received access to a promotional film for Quinn Wire and Iron Works in Boone and across the country.  The 1950's film will be presented along with additional items related to the business.  Irwin says the Heritage Programs are free of charge and are held in the lower level of the Historical Center.  The program begins at 7:00 PM.

Police Report Two Treated Following Accident Monday

BOONE, Iowa---Two people were taken to the Boone County Hospital late Monday following an accident near 2nd and Greene Streets.  Authorities report that a car, operated by 45 year old Tina Campbell of Boone sideswiped a car, then ended up striking a tree.  Investigating officers report that Campbell's car was a loss.  Damages to the side swiped car and tree amounted to more than a $1,000.  Campbell and her passenger, 8 year old Josie Campbell was taken by ambulance to the Boone County Hospital.  Authorities say charges are pending.

Radio Bids To Be Discussed

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will meet with Boone County 911 Coordinator Rick Lampe and Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan to discuss bids for the mandated Narrowband Radio System.  The change over from the current system is required by the end of the calendar year.  One of the hold ups has been setting up the funding for the work that needs to be done.  An effort has been undertaken to secure a federal grant to pickup some of the costs.  Narrowband communications will be required for all public entities.

Industrial Park Road Project

BOONE, Iowa---There seems to be little disagreement that the best fix for the Industrial Park Road on the east side of Boone is reconstruction.  The issue seems to be timing.  This week the Boone City Council again voted to push to get their planned portion of the work done this calendar year.  The issues are getting things done and to the Iowa DOT for bid.  Bidding would be in July, which is not a good timing because contractors will be involved in projects.  The Council did keep open the possibility of holding off on the work until 2013. Meanwhile, Boone County has budgeted for a paving project and is expected to move ahead within weeks to get it ready for the 2013 calendar year.

Spring Break Returns to BHS in 2013

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board made it official a week ago, when they held a public hearing to push the start of school to the middle of August.  Superintendent Brad Manard says early start is not new.  Two years ago, school began in mid-August and the weather was pretty comfortable.  September, however got a pretty warm.  Manard says the return of spring break next year was a decision the School Board had to make.  A year ago, the Board did not unanimously support dropping the spring break and the Board was not unanimous about bringing it back either.

Council Will Consider Community Entrance Signs

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will have quite a few things on their agenda Monday, one of which will be a plan to move ahead with new community entrance signs that would be constructed on the city's south side along US Highway 30.  Among the issues that have come up, besides the cost, finding appropriate locations that would not be a problem with the Iowa Department of Transportation.  The Council will review the plans and will consider action on a resolution to move ahead with the work.  One would be located on McHose Park property and the other on property that's part of the R.L Fisher Business Park.

Examining Board Hopes to Complete Work

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Examining Board, the Board that is narrowing down the field of potential candidates for Boone County Assessor, will be meeting on Tuesday afternoon with the hope of preparing a report for the Assessor's Conference Board.  The report could include recommendations for the Conference Board, which will then have to determine their process for selecting a new Assessor.  The Assessor's Conference Board will be meeting on the 29th to address the 2013 Budget for the Assessor's office.

Ogden Woman Wins $30,000

OGDEN, Iowa---An Ogden woman has won the top prize of $30,000 in the lottery's "Twisted" instant-scratch game.  Tami Padgett-Hull claimed her prize last Thursday at Lottery headquarters in Des Moines.  She has purchased her winning ticket at the west side Casey's at 114 Mamie Eisenhower Avenue in Boone.

Behn Delighted With Chinese Vice President's Visit

BOONE, Iowa---Calling it a tremendous moment, Senate Minority Leader, State Senator Jerry Behn, Republican from Boone said the visit this week by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping couldn't have turned out better.  Behn likened the visit to a race and this week's visit was the gun going off to start the race.  He says he believes the state is poised to sprint ahead and develop additional trade opportunities.  Behn says agricultural trade will be a starting point, but he feels other opportunities will develop.

Rescued Dogs Adopted Quickly

BOONE, Iowa---Three weeks ago, the Boone Area Humane Society joined with four others across the state to rescue dogs from a puppy mill in Sac County.  Heidi Drees-White, Executive Director for the Boone Area Humane Society took 21 dogs to be housed at the shelter in Boone.  Last Friday, the Society officially became the owners of the dogs and Drees-White says 15 were available for adoption right away.  Of those, only three or four remain.  The remaining are a mother with puppies, a pregnant mother and one additional receiving treatment.  Drees-White says the public has been very supportive.

Parks Project Receives Grant

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Parks Commission found out this week that one of their planned projects has received funding from Boone County FORCE.  FORCE is the foundation that developed from the old Boone County YMCA.  Park Commissioner Dr. John Murphy applied for funds to assist with plans to repair and upgrade the north side Memorial Park tennis courts.  The FORCE Board approved a $500 award for a project estimated to cost $2,500.  Murphy says youth, representing Boone High boys and girls tennis and young men from the Woodward Academy will help with the work.  The goal is to complete the work in May.

School Board Reviews Project Plans

BOONE, Iowa---The heavy lifting is now beginning as the Boone School Board reviewed proposed options for the planned rehabilitation of the Boone High School.  The project was estimated to cost about $21-million and that was the limit the district had available for bonding.  The initial proposals, considered Tuesday, exceeded that by almost $2-million.  Superintendent Brad Manard says the Board has asked for information on a number of additional scenarios.  Staging portions of the project, eliminating the current swimming pool, limiting the new addition to the east are all on the table for discussion.  The Board hopes to narrow plans in March.

Park Commission Shuts Down Skate Pond

BOONE, Iowa---Due to the unseasonably warm winter, the Boone Parks Commission this week decided they would wrap up efforts to get the city skate pond open.  Dr. John Murphy unless there's a significant cold spell that last for several days, it appears that little can be done to get the skate pond open.  Park personnel noted that when ice developed, it was never considered to be safe.  The shelter house had been prepared.  The Commission was able to purchase several new pairs of skates from the John Hanson bequest, but were never able to use them because of the unsafe ice condition.

Supervisors Move Ahead With Lease Purchase

BOONE, Iowa---There are still a couple of steps that need to be taken, but it appears that the Boone County Landfill will be getting some new equipment.  Landfill Administrator Scott Smith has been putting the purchase together over the past couple of months.  The purchase of the grinder, grapple and excavator is considered an investment in the longevity of the landfill.  Action by the Supervisors for a Lease Purchase Agreement, not to exceed $875,000 was a big step to completing the purchase. 

Sledding Hill Effort Stalls in Legislature

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission asked Representative Chip Baltimore to propose legislation that would remove some of the liability carried by cities and park commissions for sledding hills.  There's currently a law that limits liability of public entities for things like skate parks and the Park Commission wanted Baltimore to have sledding hills included.  Baltimore said the House Judiciary Committee voted 10-to-10 on the proposal Monday afternoon which killed the current effort.  The sledding hill in McHose Park has been closed since last year as part of an agreement on a multi-million dollar injury lawsuit.

Martin and Malloy Selected to Perform at ISU

BOONE, Iowa---Two Boone High School students were selected by the Iowa High School Speech Association to perform next weekend at Iowa State University after receiving All-State recognition.  Junior Laura Martin and senior Dan Malloy are being honored for the musical theater performance "Waltzing in Time".  The two also received all state honors in Musical Theater last year.  The All-State performers will be honored at CY Stephens Auditorium Saturday.  The recognition also marks the sixth consecutive year that Boone High has had students receive All-State honors.

Construction Underway in Boone

BOONE, Iowa---Two construction projects have recently gotten underway in Boone.  DMACC has moved ahead with site preparation for another apartment building, making it the fifth to be constructed on the Boone Campus.  The site plan received City Council approval last week.  Peterson Construction has also moved in an begun site preparation on the south side of the city for the new Wal-Mart Store.  South of US Highway 30, hidden from most of the public is the addition being built at Proliant.  

Northey In Boone At Crop Fair

BOONE, Iowa---Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey spoke at the Friday Boone Crop Fair, put on the Iowa State University Extension-Boone County, Crop Production Services, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the Iowa Corn Growers Association.  Northey talked about Agriculture in Iowa in 2012, mentioning everything from drought conditions to the upcoming visit by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping.  Northey said the Jinping visit to Iowa is very important to Iowa farmers.

Deadline Passes for Endowment Applications

BOONE, Iowa---It's pretty obvious that there will be a large number of applications for the annual Boone County Endowment Fund Grant Program.  Friday was the deadline for the applications to be submitted for the 2012 program.  Nearly $89,000 was made available for grants through the state program that doles out gambling proceeds to counties without gambling establishments.  Nearly $30,000 went to the counties permanent endowment.  The early guess late Friday was at least 40 applications were received which would be a new record for applications.

Boone Allocated Funds for Tree Planting

BOONE, Iowa---Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy Company and Trees Forever have announced the award of more than $156,000 to 49 communities for spring tree planting.  For Boone, that means Johnny Appleseed, run through the Boone Park Commission.  Boone has been awarded $2,500 for the spring planting.  The past couple of years, $5,000 that used to be budgeted for tree plantings has been used for tree trimming and the City Council had a moratorium on street tree plantings.  One area that will see Johnny Appleseed tree plantings will be the new baseball field at DMACC.

Former Boone Officer Finally Charged

BOONE, Iowa---A former Boone Police Officer has been formally charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and sending obscene material by telephone.  42-year old Rodney Allen Thompson was charged Monday and waived a preliminary hearing Tuesday.  No other court date has been set at this time.  Thompson allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to an underage girl last August.  The exchange reportedly included nude photos.  Thompson was placed on administrative leave and resigned days late when the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation began it's investigation.

Utility Committee Changes Policy

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's Utility Committee has changed a long standing policy and will not waive fees for water and sewer taps for DMACC.  The Boone Campus of DMACC is moving ahead with the building of an additional housing unit.  Historically, the City has waived fees for water and sewer taps, for building permits and so on, when the project is undertaken by another taxing entity.  The building permit was over $5,300.  Water and sewer taps are less, but the Utility Committee voted unanimously not to waive the charge.

Supervisors Hold Off on Trail Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have been holding off on adopting a joint public service agreement that would create a fund for major repairs on the High Trestle Trail.  The agreement includes many of the participating entities, which would contribute funds annually to raise a pool of dollars to help cover significant repair projects.  The Supervisors have said it appears to be beneficial to Boone County.  However, the Board has concerns about language that would allow a committee overseeing the agreement to work at becoming a Trail Authority which would be a taxing entity.

Ogden Council Tightens Up Budget

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council has approved tightening up the 2013 City Budget to meet a large decline in valuation.  Administrator Donovan Olson says the decline is about 10%.  With the expected change in the rollback set by the state, Olson says the tax rate will increase by $1.50, going to $16.52 per thousand.  He says with that, the actual tax asking will be less than the current fiscal year by some $8,300.  The Council has set their public hearing on the proposed budget for the regular meeting on March 6th.

Hospital Finances Up Through December

BOONE, Iowa---Preliminary numbers for the Boone County Hospital, through the month of December, shows  that net income has exceeded budgeted expectations by more than $95,000.  The actual amount has already exceeded the 2011 figure by almost $200,000.  Hospital CEO Joe Smith noted increases in some of the specialized service areas.  He noted that outpatient services continues to be very positive.

Supervisors Oppose CAFO Expansion

BOONE, Iowa---Even though the final decision rests in the hands of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Boone County Board of Supervisors once again, went on record as opposing a plan to expand a hog confinement operation in Jackson Township.  William Whitley proposed the expansion of his current facility which required a Master Matrix Review.  Supervisor Steve Duffy said the Board doesn't want Boone County to turn into another Wright County and considered the location of the facility a legal invasion of the privacy and property rights of the 85 neighbors opposed to the business.  Whitley and his current manager Fred Pepin were at the hearing.

Two Hospitalized Following Madrid Accident

MADRID, Iowa---Two Des Moines were taken to a Des Moines Hospital following a two vehicle accident east of Madrid Monday morning.  A Boone County Deputy investigated the accident that occurred about 11:00 in the morning.  Joseph Weed, 52, was traveling east and slowed to view a parcel of property east of Madrid.  A second vehicle, operated by Nathan Vanfossen, 28, of Boone ran into the rear of Weed's vehicle.  Weed and his passenger, James Helmers, 47, were transported to a Des Moines hospital.  Vanfossen was cited with failing to reduce speed in a safe and assured distance.  Madrid Police, Madrid Fire and the Boone County Ambulance assisted with the call.

Supervisor to Hold Hearing on Matrix Review

BOONE, Iowa---For the second time in two years, Capstone Finishers is back before the Boone County Board of Supervisors with a proposal for a Confined Animal Feeding Operation.  A year ago, the Supervisors approved a resolution opposed to the locating of a facility in Jackson Township, right northeast of Boone.  Now residents are challenged with a proposed expansion of the original facility.  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources requested the hearing and review of the Master Matrix by the Supervisors in late December.  The issue is on the Supervisors agenda for 10:00 AM Wednesday.

Council Approves First Abatement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council was able to give approval to a tax abatement request submitted under the city's new Urban Revitalization Plan.  The economic development tool focuses on creating increases in the tax base by encouraging new development or expansion.  Boone Mayor John Slight says he feels the plan will be beneficial to the community.  The approved abatement was for a residential property on South Jackson Street.  Slight says the idea is to also encourage commercial and industrial development as well.

Police Seek Robbery Information

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Police Department is asking for help with information about a Sunday night robbery in Boone.  Chief Bill Skare says officers responded to the call to the End Zone service station and convenience store after receiving a call about the robbery.  He says it's been determined that two male suspects entered the business wearing ski masks and demanded money.  They did leave with an undisclosed amount of cash.  It's not known if any weapons were involved.  Anyone with information may call the Police Department confidentially at 432-2525 or by using the Text a Tip system.  On your cell phone, Text to 274637 (Crimes) and in the message box enter BOONE and the information.

Iowa Home Care to Offer Public Health Presentation

BOONE, Iowa---Terry Meek, Iowa Department of Public Health Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program project coordinator, will present the "Make the Call, Don't Miss a Beat" at Iowa Home Care in downtown Boone.  The presentation is Thursday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.  Melanie Ervin, Branch Manager at the Boone Office says the program is designed for women 50 and older, but will also offer information to anyone that's interested.  Iowa Home Care is located at 811 Story Street in downtown Boone.

Council Expects Sewer Rehab Update

BOONE, Iowa---In December, the Boone City Council was given a tentative time frame for the progress on the northeast Boone Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project.  Expectations were that plans would be done over January into February.  Bids would be taken in March and work could begin in April or May.  The northeast Boone project will include the lining of several blocks of sewer line, some possible digging for new line and numerous manhole replacements.  The City Council is hoping to here good news in March about being awarded a Community Development Block Grant.

Annual BRR Ride No Matter What The Weather

PERRY, Iowa---The original winter bike ride will be held Saturday, no matter what kind of weather we're having.  The 35th Annual BRR Ride will begin in Perry Saturday morning, travel north and west to Rippey and then follow the route back to Perry.  Thousands have participated over the years, regardless of cold, snow or ice.  Weather forecasts call for rain changing to snow overnight with at least a couple of inches on the ground by the time the ride starts Saturday at 10:00 AM.  Riders leave Perry, travel north out of town on Highway 144 to Clover Avenue, then north to 290th Street and west to Rippey.  Riders reverse the route on the way back.

Fire Department Deals With House Fire

BOONE, Iowa---Fire fighters had to quickly deal with a house fire Thursday afternoon in Boone.  The call came in right before 3:00 PM at 518 West Second Street.  Officials report that flames were beginning to come through the roof as fire fighters arrived at the scene.  Damage was contained to an upstairs room and hallway.  There was also smoke damage throughout the home.  No injuries were reported.  The cause remains under investigation.

Chamber Seeks Council Help for Endowment Application

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will be seeking support for an application for the Boone County Endowment from the City of Boone.  The Council will consider the request during the Council meeting on Monday.  The Chamber project would be to construct a street side entrance at the Chamber office.  The City support would amount to essentially being a sponsor for the application itself.  The City Council meets Monday evening at 7:00 PM.

Winter Weather

BOONE, Iowa---Winter weather will move into the state this weekend, but the exact track of the storm system is still a variable.  Already Thursday, the National Weather Service dropped several counties from a Winter Storm Watch.  Boone County remained in that watch, but on the extreme east end of the watch area.  Officials say the precipitation will begin as rain and should change to snow by Saturday morning.  Heavier snow is expected to the west, but again, the exact track of the storm is not certain.  Stay tuned to KWBG for your weather related announcements.

Citizen's Police Academy

BOONE, Iowa---A number of people have already expressed an interest in taking part in the Boone Police Departments Citizen Police Academy.  Chief Bill Skare says the deadline to apply will be Friday afternoon.  Skare says all the costs are covered, the only thing they really ask is that applicants be willing to commit three hours every Thursday evening, February 23rd thru April 12th, to learn about the department.  Applications can still be obtained online and submitted to Police Chief Bill Skare.

CAFO Comments Due Friday

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Planning and Development Director Sandra Monck says the deadline for any resident to submit comments about the proposed plan to expand Capstone Finishers in Jackson Township is Friday afternoon.  Monck says she's already received comments that will be included on the matter when the Boone County Board of Supervisors review the master matrix next Wednesday.  Last year, the Supervisors passed a resolution encouraging William Whitley to locate the facility somewhere else due to residential development and waterways.  Monck says those seeking more information can check the county's website.

Death Under Investigation

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Police Department and the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation are investigating the death of a Boone woman.  Boone Police responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive female about 8:00 Sunday evening.  Responding officers found 32 year old Emily Fazzino unresponsive.  She was transported to the Boone County Hospital where she was pronounced dead.  Monday, an autopsy was conducted by the State Medical Examiner's Office in Ankeny.  The results of the autopsy are pending laboratory results which may take four to six weeks.  The death remains under investigation.

Authorities Arrest More Than 60 At Party

BOONE, Iowa---Deputies from the Boone County Sheriff's Department, with assistance from Ames Police, raided an underage party late Friday night in southeast Boone County.  Over 60-people were cited with underage possession of alcohol.  19 year old Eric Longnecker of Cambridge, 18 year old Joseph Crawford of Cambridge and 18 year old Jordan Balbiani of Madrid were taken into custody on the Social Hosting Ordinance.  It marks the first time since the ordinance was adopted that someone was actually charged for violating the ordinance.

MICA Fund Raiser to Support Living With HIV Program

BOONE, Iowa---Mid-Iowa Community Action provides a number of services to Boone County residents including those suffering from HIV and AIDS.  Janelle Durlin is one of the Health Directors with MICA and she says the organization is hosting a fund raiser, February 9th to provide additional support for the Living with HIV  Program.  The Love Responsibly Silent Auction and Variety Show will be held at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 1015 N. Hyland Avenue, Ames, Iowa.  Durlin says MICA works with more than a dozen HIV and AIDS patients in Boone County.