Council to Discuss Open Burning Dates Monday

BOONE, Iowa---Boone City Code has open burning of yard waste in the spring set for April 15th to May 15th, but the unseasonably mild weather has led to a quite a few people calling the fire department and asking them to change the dates.  Since the Fire Department can't change the code, the matter will be brought to the Council when they meet Monday.  The ordinance is written to allow the Council to adjust dates and times by resolution.  The ordinance has been in place since 2000.  The Boone County Landfill has already adjusted their dates for free yard waste because of the weather.

Habitat Ground Breaking Sunday

OGDEN, Iowa---Habitat for Humanity of Boone and Greene Counties will hold a ground breaking ceremony for the organizations 22nd home, Sunday in Ogden.  The home will be constructed at 504 N.E. 4th Street in Ogden and is the only complete home construction planned for this year.  The partner family is Brittany Hendrickson and her two daughters Madison and Meredith.  Ground breaking will be conducted at 1:30 in the afternoon and the public is encouraged to attend.

Dr. Downs Retires

BOONE, Iowa---Dr. Frank Downs officially retires from Boone County Family Medicine this weekend.  Downs has practiced medicine in Boone for 35 years, joining Boone Family Practice in 1977 with Drs. Rouse and Anderson.  In 1987, Boone Family Practice joined McFarland Clinic and relocated to their existing facility on South Marshall Street.  In 2002, the practice joined the Boone County Hospital and became known as Boone County Family Medicine.  Dr. Joshua Anderson will be joining Boone County Family Medicine in July to fill the vacancy created by Downs retirement.

Teen Maze Hits Central Iowa

BOONE, Iowa---Kiwanis Clubs and Youth and Shelter Services are just a few of the organizations in bringing the Teen Maze to the Boone County Fairgrounds Community building.  7th grade students from Boone, Greene and Story counties will be visiting the site next week, navigating the maze and addressing life choices.  Mary Mix with Youth and Family Counseling in Boone said this week that some 1,200 7th graders went through last year and and estimated 1,500 could go through next week.  Parents, school and community leaders are invited to an open house Sunday afternoon to personally see the maze.  The open house is from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

Holy Week Services Kick Off Saturday

BOONE, Iowa---2012 will mark the 59th annual Inter-Church Council of Laypersons Holy Week Services.  The 2012 event begins Saturday morning with a breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church.  Dan Saftig, known for his work as President of the Iowa State University Foundation will be the featured speaker.  Tickets for the breakfast are available at local churches and at the door.  The cost is $5.  The Inter-Church Council of Laypersons donates proceeds to pre-designated Boone County organizations.  The series of services continues April 2nd through April 6th.

Republicans Face Off In Sheriff's Race

BOONE, Iowa---Two Republican candidates have filed papers for the parties endorsement in the June Primary Election.  Rick Lampe is currently the Boone County E-911 Coordinator and is a retired State Trooper, announced in January that he would be seeking the nomination.  Also filing to be on the ballot is Richard Tasler, Madrid Police Chief.  Prior to taking over as Police Chief in Madrid, Tasler was a Boone Police Officer.  One Democratic Candidate filed, Chief Deputy Gregg Elsberry will seek the parties nomination.  Sheriff Ron Fehr announced late last year that he would not be seeking re-election.

Conference Board Makes Offer

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Assessor's Conference Board has made a verbal offer to Ames Chief Deputy Assessor, Paul Overton to become the new Boone County Assessor.  Overton was one of two finalist interviewed by the Conference Board Monday.  The other candidate is current Marion County Assessor Drew Sanders.  The Conference Board, following a lengthy debate, voted to offer the appointment to Overton.  A compensation package with a starting salary of $88,000 was made.  Details are being put down in writing and that portion has not yet been completed.  If everything works out, Overton says he could begin his duties in mid-April.

School Board Approves Bond Sale

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board has moved ahead with the second of three planned bond sales that will cover the cost of the district's high school renovation project.  Tuesday the Board approved a $10-million general obligation bond sale.  Last December the Board approved a sale of more than $5-million in Sales Tax Revenue Bonds.  A third sale is expected in 2013.  The proceeds are being used for the district's $21-million high school renovation, demolition and addition.

Supervisors Proclaim Child Abuse Prevention Month

BOONE, Iowa---April is the month of the Young Child and features such awareness campaigns as Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The Boone County Board of Supervisors approved their official proclamation Wednesday and took part in a presentation with kindergartners from Boone Schools, children from Child Care Junction, from Crawford Hall and others.  Many will be participating in the Celebrate Families event being planned for the Boone Middle School on Saturday, April 14th.

Boone School Patrons Support Staff

BOONE, Iowa---Boone School District patrons made impassioned pleas to keep a third band director, the athletic director and all the school nurses.  Those were some of the possible positions the board has been considering to reduce the district's general fund spending by at least $500,000.  School Board President Jeff Anderson said the Board will still need to make some hard decisions, depending on the outcome of contract negotiations and funding decisions at the state level.  Final staffing decisions will be made over the next several weeks.

Ogden District Deals With General Fund Shortfall

OGDEN, Iowa---Ogden School District Superintendent Bill Roederer says like most district's Ogden is working hard to bring their general fund portion of their budget into line.  Roederer says the general fund reserves are close to the goal set by the Board, but the the district will need to tighten things up to stay within the state established spending authority.  The Ogden School Board will have the public hearing on the District's budget at their meeting on April 9th.

Suspect In Shooting Incident Faces Charges

BOONE, Iowa---Boone and Boone County authorities will have multiple charges against 48-year old Brian Lee Johnson, the suspect that was seriously wounded during a shooting incident with Boone Police officers Saturday evening.  Boone County authorities did have a warrant for his arrest for parole violation, but Johnson and Jeff Stevens were suspects in on going investigations.  Sheriff Ron Fehr says Stevens is in custody on $20,000 bond for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of precursors, possession of meth and conspiracy to manufacture meth.  Additional charges are pending.

DCI Releases Names

BOONE, Iowa---Iowa DCI has released the names of the suspect and Boone Police Officers involved in Saturday night shooting.  The suspect is 48-year old Brian Lee Johnson.  The officers are 32-year old Sgt. John Wiebold and 29-year old Officer Korie Barber.  Wiebold and Barber were backing up a Boone County Deputy on a call at 827 South Division Street.  Johnson ran from the house and officers pursued.  Barber attempted to subdue Johnson with a Taser.  It had no effect.  Johnson then turned and aimed a handgun at officers who fired multiple times, striking Johnson.  Johnson was being treated in Des Moines for serious injuries.  Jeff Stevens of 827 South Division Street was arrested by a Boone County Deputy on charges that were not related to the shooting.

Pawty Fundraiser

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County residents are being asked to support a Boone Area Humane Society Fund Raiser Capital Campaign.  The Friday night event at 7 Oaks Lodge will feature numerous auction items, raffle items and more.  Dora Burma has been consigning items for the silent auction and says people will be impressed with the donations.  The capital campaign is an effort to raise funds to construct a surgical center for use by veterinarians, a remodeling of the old shelter and a reconfiguration of outdoor kennels and fencing.  In April the Humane Society Annual Rummage and Bake Sale will be held.  Those proceeds are used for operating costs.  Tickets for the Pawty for Pays are available at the shelter at 432-6112.

YSS Offers Telehealth

BOONE, Iowa---Mary Mix, licensed mental health counselor with the Youth and Family Counseling Center in Boone, says the advent of telehealth is offering additional assistance to youthful clients of Youth and Shelter Services.  Mix says a licensed psychiatrist is used to review individual cases and monitor medications.  She says the service is quite valuable for counselors and is very beneficial to the continuity of care for Boone County Clients.  Mix says the service is only available for a few hours a couple of times a month, but efforts are underway to try an expand the telehealth service in Boone County.

Shooting Incident

BOONE, Iowa---Details are still sketching about a late night, officer involved shooting on the south side of Boone.  Initial reports have the shooting occurring at 827 South Division Street, and is outside the city limits.  The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation is involved in the investigation.  Little additional information has been made available at this time.

Two Finalist For Assessor

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Assessor's Conference Board will interview two candidates Tuesday.  The two were selected by a Conference Board interview committee and have been recommended for interviews with the full board.  Paul Overton is currently the Ames City Chief Deputy Assessor and Drew Sanders is currently the Marion County Assessor.  If the Conference Board makes a decision they will also need to include a compensation package.  That has already drawn some concern because records indicate that previous Assessor D. Kevin Burggraaf was paid $90,000.

Board Considers Cuts

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board is considering cuts in general fund spending to balance declining revenue and increasing costs.  Superintendent Brad Manard said recently that the district is also dealing with some Department of Education decisions that change how the district spends it's resources.  One area of contention is the Drop Out Prevention money received by the district.  Manard says the district is now being told that some of the spending is not appropriate, even though it was not a problem last year or the year before.

Manard says the financial impact will be presented to the public Monday evening at a forum at the Boone Middle School Commons, beginning at 7:00.

School District Finances to be Covered Monday

BOONE, Iowa---Boone School District patrons are talking alot about the school districts finances, the high school renovation project and more.  The question is, will they turn out to talk about their concerns to the Boone School Board.  The Board is holding a public forum on financial issues Monday at the Boone Middle School Commons.  School district staff is expected to be in attendance, but will patrons take the time to turn out.  School Superintendent Brad Manard has said there are proposed cuts in staff that "goes against what we do".  The Board has been presented a number of options, but has not finalized any decisions.  Monday's meeting begins at 7:00 PM.

Holy Week Services Kick Off March 31st

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Interchurch Council of Laypersons has completed plans for the 2012 Holy Week Services.  The event will kick off Saturday morning March 31st with a breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church in Boone.  The featured speaker will be Dan Saftig, President of the I.S.U. Foundation.  Saftig announced his resignation from the Foundation this week, but will still deliver the opening address.  The kick off  breakfast tickets are available at local churches and cost $5.00.

Landfill Changes Free Yard Waste

BOONE, Iowa---This week, on the KWBG Talk To The Expert Program, Boone County Landfill Administrator Scott Smith said he would propose to the Boone County Supervisors a change in the annual spring time free yard waste days at the landfill.  The Supervisors did support his request and free yard waste will be accepted beginning Monday.  Smith says all the regular rules will apply, covered loads, eligible participants, times of operation and so on.  Free yard waste days will run through May 5th.  Usually free yard waste is taken April 15th to May 31st.  For more information click here.

Fareway Purchases Former Bank Building

BOONE, Iowa---Fareway Stores, Inc. announced late Wednesday afternoon that they have purchased the former Bank of the West building at 715 8th Street in Boone.  The release from President and Chief Operating Office Fred Greiner says Fareway corporate offices were located in downtown Boone until 1979, when they were relocated to their current location.  Greiner's letter says the return to downtown Boone symbolizes Fareway's commitment to Boone, as well as a commitment to continue growing.  The facility will be transformed into Fareway offices from some staff members currently located in the Industrial Park.  The transition is expected to take several months.

County Looks at Service Improvements

BOONE, Iowa---The Iowa Legislature has several major issues under consideration this session.  Education reform, property tax reform and improving the system for providing mental health and developmental disability services.  Boone County has not waited for legislative action to make improvements in services to clients with intellectual disabilities or mental illness.  John Grush, Boone County Community Services Coordinator, says Boone County has teamed with Madison County for a number of years and is starting a program with five other counties that will provide service beyond what is currently available and will be more cost effective.  Grush, on KWBG Tuned In Program, says portions of the service structure are already in place.

Supervisors Consider Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors once again considered approval of a Joint Public Service Agreement with a number of other entities involved with the High Trestle Trail.  Initially the Board had been reluctant to adopt the agreement because of language that could have created a Trail Authority or Trail District which might have had taxing authority.  The upside of the agreement, the County contributes $5,000 a year to a fund that will be used for future repairs to the trail.  Since the biggest share of the trail is in Boone County and the High Trestle Bridge is also in the county, it could alleviate future expenses for Boone County Conservation.

School Budgets Attract Attention

BOONE, Iowa---For a variety of reasons, many school districts in Iowa are taking long looks at staff reductions to meet budget guidelines for the next fiscal year.  Boone Superintendent Brad Manard has said there are still a number of variables like allowable growth, contract settlements, declining enrollment and costs of operating.  Manard says the problems are coming in the general fund portion of budgets.  The Boone School Board has looked at a plan that may not replace several faculty members and could eliminate others in the future.  Manard says the Board has made no final decisions.  The Boone School Board will host a public forum on the Budget, Monday, March 26th beginning at 7:00 PM at the Boone Middle School.

Initial Interviews With Assessor Candidates Complete

BOONE, Iowa---A committee of representatives of the Boone County Assessor's Conference Board has completed interviews with five candidates for the job.  The final interview was completed Monday afternoon.  Boone Mayor John Slight represents Boone County Mayors.  Supervisors Tom Foster represents the Supervisors.  Rob Scott, Southeast Webster Grand School Board Member represented the School Boards.  Slight says the committee had very good candidates.  He says he expects two names to be forwarded to the full Conference Board for consideration.  That next meeting is expected Tuesday, March 27th.

City Hopes to Save $100,000

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has approved moving ahead with a plan to refinance sewer revenue debt, incurred from the State of Iowa's revolving loan fund.  Some of the debt actually dates back to the construction of the sewer plant in the mid-90's.  Boone Mayor John Slight says it won't be a typical bond sale to refinance the debt, but will be put together by financial consultants.  Slight says the savings to Boone residents will be the effort to hold the city utility rates in place.  It's not known when a final package could be completed, but the Council approved refinancing up to $5-million of debt.

Primary Field Partially Set

BOONE, Iowa---The candidates for federal and state office had to submit papers to the Secretary of State's office by last Friday to be on the June Primary Election Ballot.  As expected in the new 4th Congressional District Steve King is seeking the Republican nod and Christie Vilsack the Democratic nod.  For State Senate District 24, which includes Boone, Greene, Hamilton and portions of Webster and Story Counties, Jerry Behn will seek the Republican endorsement and Shelly Stotts the Democratic candidacy.  Candidates in House District 47 are Republican Chip Baltimore and Democrat Donovan Olson and in District 48 Republican Robert Bacon and Democrat Becky Perkovich.  The deadline for local races at the county level is March 28th.

5th Assessor Candidate Interviewed

BOONE, Iowa---The fifth candidate for Boone County Assessor was interviewed Monday afternoon at the Boone County Courthouse.  Drew Sanders has been the Marion County Assessor for four years.  The Conference Board Interview Committee will select at least two candidates for interviews with the full conference Board in just over a week.  The Conference Board would like to get someone aboard to work with the State Department of Revenue to move ahead with corrections for Boone County valuations.  The biggest matter at the present time is a complete revaluation of the industrial and commercial properties in Boone County by a third party.  

One Injured in Motorcycle Accident at The Ledges

BOONE, Iowa---A 49 year old Boone woman was hospitalized following a motorcycle accident at the Ledges State Park Sunday afternoon shortly before 5:00.  A Boone County Deputy is conducting the investigation and reported that Cheryl K. Russell lost control on a hill and gravel and left the roadway.  Russell reportedly had arm and head injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Boone County Hospital.  The Boone Fire Department, Fire and Rescue, State Park Rangers and Boone County Ambulance assisted the Sheriff Department.

Stotts Announces State Senate Run

BOONE, Iowa---Boone native and veteran teacher Shelly Stotts has announced her candidacy for the Iowa State Senate in District 24.  The new 24th District includes Boone, Greene and Hamilton Counties, portions of Webster County including Dayton, Lehigh and Otho and a small portion of Story County including the city of Gilbert.  Stotts will seek the Democratic nomination in the June 5th Primary Election.  The 24th District is currently served by Senator Jerry Behn, Senate Minority Leader.  Behn has also filed for the Primary on the Republican ballot.

School District Reviewing Cost Cutting Moves

BOONE, Iowa---Boone School Superintendent Brad Manard some of the cost cutting moves being considered by the Boone School District "goes against what we do".  Manard says the Boone District is once again looking for ways to reduce general fund expenditures.  Under consideration will be the elimination of several different positions.  Manard stressed to the Board this week that nothing is final at this time, but people need to be aware of the problem.  The Board wants the public to take part in an open meeting at the Boone Middle School Commons on Monday, March 26th at 7:00 PM.

Narrowband Radio Project Continues

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Communication Center, like many across the country, will be upgrading to a narrowband radio system.  New digital technology makes it possible and many systems are already being put in place.  The downside is the federal mandate to have system ready by the end of the calendar year.  In Boone County, E911 Communications Coordinator Rick Lampe and County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan have been working with responders on a project.  The $750,000 project will be partially funded by grants recently awarded to the Ogden and Boone Fire Departments.  This week, the Supervisors approved a resolution requesting a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission for one year, if it needed.

Conference Board Approves Budget

BOONE, Iowa---The budget was controversial, but the Boone County Assessor's Conference Board did adopt the budget that calls for a reduction in the tax rate and in the tax asking for the Assessor's office.  The original proposal put forth by Acting Assessor Phil Meier was a 60 cent levy raising nearly $700,000.  The Conference Board on March 14, asked that the rate be lowered to 50 cents, which meant a $125,000 reduction in taxes levied.  The change also led to some salary adjustments that were not well received by at least two employees who wish to appeal the decision at meeting that could be held the later this month.

United School Board Settles With Unifac

BOONE, Iowa---The United School Board and the United Faculty bargaining unit are among the first to settle their contract negotiations.  The United School Board approved a settlement that results in a salary increase of just over 3% which also is a total package increase of just over 3%.  The United Board and Unifac were able to settle their contract in less than a month.

Omelet Breakfast Raises Dollars For Scholarships

BOONE, Iowa---4-H and FFA seniors in Boone County will be the recipients of the dollars raised Thursday morning during the annual Omelet Breakfast, served up by celebrity chefs representing the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee, the Boone County Farm Bureau and the Boone County Fair Board.  The omelet breakfasts have been held for more than two decades.  The exact count for Thursday's event was not available.

School Board Reviews Potential Cuts

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board previewed a series of potential cuts that could reduce general fund expenditures by at least $500,000.  Superintendent Brad Manard says the cuts will include staff and will probably be just the first to be addressed over the next three years.  Manard, on the KWBG Tuned In Program, said increased operating expenses, fuel, heating and cooling, supplies and personnel costs, coupled with limited or reduced allowable growth, are driving the issue.  Additional discussion on the district's financial issues will take place in an open, public forum, Monday, March 26th at 7:00 PM at the Middle School Commons. 

Supervisors Adopt Budget

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Supervisors have adopted the proposed Boone County budget for the 2013 Fiscal Year.  The budget does call for an increase in property tax asking to just over $7.8 million up slightly from the current level of just under $7.6 million.  The Supervisors also accepted the recommendation from the County Compensation Commission, however the increase was reduced by 50%.  Recommendations for increases the past couple of years were zeroed out, and this year the Compensation Commission indicated that their work was a waste of time if the Supervisors continued to eliminate recommended increases.

Assessor Candidate Interviews Continue Monday

BOONE, Iowa---A committee of the Boone County Assessor's Conference Board will continue interviews with yet another potential candidate to fill the Assessor's position in the county.  Committee members conducted interviews with four candidates Tuesday, including 35 year veteran, Jones County Assessor Arnie Andreesen.  An interview next week will be conducted with Marion County Assessor Drew Sanders.  Sanders has four years experience as Assessor in Marion County.  The Committee conducting preliminary interviews did not indicate and possible favorites but did report some very good candidates.

Conference Board Budget Less Than Published

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Assessor's Conference Board will conduct a public hearing on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year on Wednesday evening.  The Conference Board did direct Acting Assessor, County Auditor Phil Meier to reduce the budget for the Wednesday meeting.  Meier noted that the published budget would have sought nearly $700,000 in property and excise taxes.  The actual budget that will be considered Wednesday will seek about $575,000 in property and excise taxes.  The budget hearing will be held at the Boone County Courthouse at 6:30 Wednesday evening.

School Board Budget Proposal

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will be asking for an increase in property tax dollars for the next fiscal year, but the amount will still be less than what was received in the last fiscal year.  Information being considered by the School Board Tuesday evening shows that the tax asking went from $7.9 million to just under $6.9 million to just over $7.1 million.  The Board plans to hold it's public hearing at the April 12th meeting.

Park Commission Accepts Paint Bid

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission has accepted a bid for painting and caulking the Boone Municipal Swimming Pool this spring.  Pospisil Paint, Incorporated submitted the successful that amount to the basic painting and the first alternate for a total of $53,000.  Parks and Public Works Director John Rouse told the Commission the bid is well within the budgeted amount.  The completion is set for mid-May.  Pool Manager Darcy Newcomb expects the pool to be open by the end of May.

School Board Considers High School Principal Contract

BOONE, Iowa---Following a pretty intense search process the Boone School Board will consider the contract for a new High School Principal Tuesday.  Principal Dave Kapfer had informed the Board early of his intentions to retire and the search got underway fairly quickly.  A contract will be considered with Dr. Ben Johnson, currently an administrator in the Fort Dodge High School.  Johnson would begin his duties on July 1st.

School Board to Consider Formal Plan Approval

Boone, Iowa---The Boone School Board went through most of the information last week and have indicated they will take formal action to approve a plan for renovation of the high school Tuesday evening.  The plan does call for keeping the swimming pool but eliminating more than a million dollars worth of renovation in the 1955 addition to the high school.  The revised plan will meet the District's proposed budget of just under $21-million.  Superintendent Brad Manard says the plan does not include equipment and fixtures.  The Board meets at the High School Board Room Tuesday at 6:30 PM.

Conference Board Has Busy Week

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Assessor's Conference Board will be busy this week, first with a committee conducting interviews with potential candidates for the Assessor's job.  Interview will be held Tuesday and will include Paul Overton, Deputy Ames Assessor; Arnie Andreesen, Jones County Assessor; Jill Heimes, Deputy Jones County Assessor and Mitch Friedow, Property Appraiser II for the Ames City Assessor's Office.  Following interviews, the committee will decide if a fifth candidate should be interviewed.  A recommendation on the top two could be made during the Conference Board Meeting on Wednesday.

Conference Board Bill Slows in House

BOONE, Iowa---Representative Chip Baltimore has been trying to gather more support for a bill he proposed that would change the make-up of the Assessor's Conference Board.  Currently the Boards are made up by County Supervisors or Commissioners, a representative of each incorporated city and a representative of each school board.  Baltimore tried to expand the Board by included public representatives selected to represent residential, commercial and agricultural property tax payers.  Baltimore said there was opposition from the several groups, like the counties, cities, school boards and also the Assessors organization.  On "Tuned In" Friday, he said he doesn't expect the bill to make the funnel.

Supervisors Approve Landfill Equipment Purchase

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Landfill will be getting a new Excavator and Grapple to use with their new grinder.  Landfill Administrator and Recycling Coordinator Scott Smith says they received some very good bids from companies they have worked with in the past.  The purchase will be a new Komatsu with a grapple at a cost of just under $165,000.  Smith says equipment costs will fit within the lease purchase agreement already set up for grinder purchase.  Smith says the most obvious benefit will be extended live of the Boone County Landfill.

County Conventions

BOONE, Iowa---Democrats and Republicans will take the next step for this political season Saturday when parties hold county conventions.  Boone County Democrats will be meeting at the Historical Center at 602 Story Street, with registration beginning at 9:00 AM and the convention beginning at 9:30 AM.  Boone County Republicans will meet Saturday morning at Boone High School, 500 7th Street.  The Republicans will gavel in at 10:00 AM.

School Board Looks to Keep Swimming Pool

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board seems inclined to keep the high school swimming pool and give up  some renovation on the 1955 portion of the building as part of a nearly $21-million high school renovation project.  Initial plans put the cost of the project about $2-million over budget.  DLR Group, architects for the project came back with alternate plans and will seek formal approval at the March 13th School Board meeting.  The Board has considered a number of options to keep the project in budget.

Fair to Feature Music, Mud and Muscles

BOONE, Iowa---The 2012 Boone County Fair will celebrate it's 90th year with country music duo Bomshel.  Kristy Osmunson and Kelley Shepard are set to perform Saturday night, July 15th.  Muscle will start out the fair with Impact Pro Wrestling Thursday night.  Friday night is a tribute to Buddy Holly with Robbie Vee, Bobby Vee's son.  Sunday night brings back the popular Mud Bog Racing in the grandstand.  The 2012 Boone County Fair is set for July 12th through July 15th at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Benefit Fair Draws Crowd

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Veterans Affairs Commission had a pretty good turn out for the Boone County Veterans Fair on Thursday.  The event featured several different agencies that provide a variety of services to Boone County clients.  Bob Steben, Executive Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs says one of the biggest problems that agencies face is getting information to veterans about benefits they have earned.  He says frequently family members discovery that benefits were available after it's to late.  Steben said even those that couldn't make it to the fair could work through the Boone County Veterans Commission to make sure they at least know what benefits they've earned.

Supervisors Reject Appeal Request

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have decided to deny a request from county residents, opposed to an expansion of a confined animal feeding operation in Jackson Township.  Last month, the Supervisors completed the Matrix Review hearing and expressed their opposition to the project.  The DNR then notified the County that a permit would be issued, and residents asked the Supervisors to appeal.  The Board rejected that request Wednesday noting there was no legal basis for the appeal.  The Board did indicate that they would continue to support efforts by the Iowa Association of Counties in dealing with CAFO siting issues.

Veterans Benefits Fair

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Veterans are being asked to come out to a Veterans Benefits Fair at the Community Building on the Boone County Fairground Thursday.  Boone County Veterans Affairs Director, Paul Ladd (Colonel USMC, retired) says many Veterans will refuse to use their benefits, but he says they are benefits that have been earned and should be used.  Several agencies join with the Boone County Veterans Affairs Commission for the event which will feature door prizes and free food.  The Veterans Affairs Commission holds the Benefits Fair every other year.

High School Plans Reviewed

BOONE, Iowa---In February, the Boone School Board learned that the initial plans for a rejuvenated High School exceeded the available budget by nearly $2-million.  The Board directed DLR Group, architects for the project to go back to the drawing board and come back with some alternatives to consider.  That will take place at a Board Work Session Wednesday afternoon.  Board members need to make decisions on the project fairly soon to stay on schedule for bidding later this summer.

City Sees Health Insurance Savings

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Mayor John Slight says he thought the numbers would be good, but he thinks the savings on health insurance the past year is a tribute to the staff and the city council, looking for alternatives and working together.  Last year the city joined the Iowa Public Employers Pool, established by United Health.  Slight says estimates called for a $253,000 savings with 25% usage.  For the first 7 months of the year, usage has been at 10% and is projected to be lower than the norm of 18%.  The new estimated savings will be more than $260,000 and could be even higher.  Insurance costs have been a concern.  Historically the premium cost was a quarter of every tax dollar received.  That has now dropped to 20%.

Recommendation on Communication System Expected

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will receive a recommendation on the bids received for the new mandated narrow band communication system.  Bids were received last month, but because of options were under review.  Mazzitello Consulting has been working with county officials to prepare specifications and has been reviewing the bids.  The project recently received a big boost in funding with the Ogden and Boone Fire Departments with over $400,000 in grants.  The project is estimated to cost at least $750,000 and is required to be operational at the end of the year.

Severe Weather Spotter Training

BOONE, Iowa---The annual Severe Weather Spotter Training for Boone County will be held Thursday evening at the Boone City Hall Auditorium.  Basic spotter training will be presented by Jeff Johnson of the Nation Weather Service office in Johnston and is hosted by Boone County Emergency Management.  Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says many that do spotting in Boone County will attend, but the class will help anyone interested.  Morlan says when it comes to severe weather, the more eyes on the look out the better.  There's no cost for the training.  Anyone interested should show up at the City Hall Auditorium at 7:00.

City Budget Hearing For Boone Monday

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will give consideration to the proposed 2013 City Budget, following a public hearing Monday.  City Administrator Luke Nelson had said last week that he's pleased the way the budget came together, but remain cautious about what the legislature might do and the impact that will have on the city and it's residents.  Nelson said Boone has made substantial changes in the past couple of years and has been able to maintain services.  If revenue is affected very much, some of those services may change.

Supervisors to Consider Appeal Wednesday

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors are expected to a make a decision Wednesday about whether or not to appeal a decision by the Iowa DNR to issue a construction permit for Capstone Finishers in Boone County.  The proposed site, northeast of Boone, has drawn numerous complaints from neighbors.  Chairman of the Supervisors, Steve Duffy, had said new evidence would be needed for an appeal.  The proposal did pass the Master Matrix Review last month.

Vestibular Rehab Among Rehab Services at BCH

BOONE, Iowa---Unless one is affected directly by balance and dizziness issues, many never hear about vestibular rehabilitation.  The process helps those dealing with balance issues that cause a multitude of problems.  The KWBG Health Talk-Talk to the Expert Program will feature Jake Stotts from Rehab Services at the Boone County Hospital and a patient, Brad Pruismann.  The program airs on KWBG, Tuesday at 9:05 AM.

USDA Rural Development Roundtable in Ogden

OGDEN, Iowa---Local residents, business owners and community leaders are invited to a share their thoughts about opportunities and challenges for rural Iowa, Monday afternoon in Ogden.  USDA Rural Development State Director Bill Menner will visit Ogden as part of a series of meetings being held around the state.  Menner says he specifically wants to stop in Ogden, because of the partnerships that have already developed.  He says he's interested in see the progress.  The Roundtable will be at the Ogden City Hall at 1:30 PM Monday.

Baltimore Pushes Bill to Change Conference Boards

BOONE, Iowa---State Representative Chip Baltimore says a bill to change the make-up and offer some directions for County Assessor Conference Boards is still alive in the Iowa House.  Baltimore sponsored the bill and has drawn criticism from the respective associations for counties, cities, schools and assessors.  He says one of the primary features is to add a segment from the public, not affiliated with a taxing entity.  Baltimore says more work is needed, but he thinks the bill will move out of the house.

Fair Board Fund Raiser

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Fair Board will host their annual Fair Board Pancake Days Friday and Saturday at the Boone County Fairgrounds.  The Fair Board always designates the proceeds go back into facilities and over the years have made improvements in the Community Building, the Commercial Exhibit Building, Swine Barn and others.  The Boone Lions volunteer to do the cooking.  Several 4-H groups will assisting.  Tickets are $5.00 and are available at the door.

Conference Board Committee Named

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Assessor's Conference Board has named a sub-committee to conduct interviews with potential candidates for Boone County Assessor.  The Conference Board met Wednesday and received from the Examining Board a list of five candidates, narrowed down from eight applications.  The intent of the Conference Board is to now narrow down the numbers to the top two candidates and involve the entire Conference Board with interviews.  Committee members meeting with candidates will be Supervisor Tom Foster, Boone Mayor John Slight and Southeast Webster-Grand School Board member Rob Scott.

Committee Agrees to Parking Vouchers

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's Public Safety and Transportation Committee has agreed to try a proposed parking voucher system.  The proposal was made by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce on behalf of member motels and hotels.  Officials say that many times business representatives stay in local motels and hotels and conduct business downtown.  The voucher system being proposed would deal with any parking tickets those business representative may receive.

Boone County Woman Fatally Injured

BOONE, Iowa---A multiple vehicle accident in eastern Boone County Wednesday morning claimed the life of 72-year old Julia Betts of rural Boone County.  According to the Iowa State Patrol, Betts was headed east on West Lincolnway near XE Place, right west of Ames, when her vehicle was struck head-on by a vehicle operated by 34-year old Ryan Smith of Gilbert.  Betts was flown from the scene to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines where she was pronounced dead.  Smith was transported to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines by ambulance.