Trauma Team Recognized

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Foundation created a new program this year called "Healthcare Heros".  Several members of the staff have been nominated and received recognition over the past several months.  The most recent recognition was made this week and went the the trauma team that took care of a dozen patients, some critically injured, in the collision of a Hummer limousine and an SUV in late June.  The Hummer limousine was transporting a wedding party to a reception following a wedding in Boone.  The mother of the bride, Sherry Katch was actually the one that nominated the trauma team.  The accident claimed the lives of Delbert and Dorothy Peter of Boone.

Supervisors To Discuss Health and Sanitation Job

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Health and Sanitarian, Mike Salati, will be leaving his position in
August and will, with approval, join the City of Boone as a Community Service Officer.  The position had been moved to the Police Department and deals with nuisance abatement issues among other things.  The position was vacant with the recent resignation of Matthew Carlson.  Initially, it's expected that arrangements will be made to receive Sanitarian services on a contract basis from Story and Dallas Counties, until the position can be filled.

Abuse Case Dismissed, Humane Society Concern

BOONE, Iowa---A case of animal abuse that dealt with two cats being beaten to death in May has been dropped, according to a report from Heidi Drees-White, Executive Director of the Boone Area Humane Society.  In May, a Boone resident called the Humane Society to dispose of two dead cats.  The cats reportedly were in a live trap and when the property owner attempted to release them, he received a bite by the mother cat.  Drees-White had reported that the mother cat and the unweaned kitten were then clubbed to death.  The case was dropped after the receipt of a letter from a Boone County Hospital Emergency Room physician that said the cat would have had to been euthanized to test for rabies.

Baltimore Helps Fund Insurance

BOONE, Iowa---State Representative Chip Baltimore had to set the record straight over the weekend.  Baltimore told KWBG during a Legislative Tuned In program in January 2011, that he was contributing to his health insurance premium available as a state legislator.  Last January he once again said he increased that contribution.  Saturday, it was reported that no legislators had followed the request of Governor Terry Branstad to contribute 20% to their health insurance premiums.  A Sunday newspaper article did identify that Baltimore has been contributing to his health insurance cost.  Baltimore faces former State Representative Donovan Olson in a rematch of a closely contested race two years ago.  This time, District 47 includes a large portion of Boone County and all of Greene County.

Lunch Program Still Available

BOONE, Iowa---It started as a dream and quickly became reality with the receipt of a grant from the Iowa Department of Public Health.  The Boone Summer Lunch Ministry continues to make free lunches available to children that otherwise might not receive lunch.  The idea was driven by the fact that at least 40% of Boone School students qualify for free or reduced priced lunches.  The program offers lunches Monday through Friday at four locations, Open Bible Church, Salvation Army Church, Marion Street Methodist Church and the American Legion Cabin.  Parents that want more information about having their children participate may call the 1st United Methodist Church, mornings at 432-4660.  Boone County Transportation also provides free transportation.  Information about that is available by calling 432-5038.

Quilt Block Winners Announced

BOONE, Iowa---Those who attended the Boone County Fair and took time to visit the air conditioned comfort of the Community Building had a chance to vote for their favorite quilt blocks, sewn by adults and youth in the annual quilt block contest.  First place in the adult division went to Merlene Geiger with Rooster Wins the Prize.  Second place went to Brenda Snider with Granny Square Block.  In the youth division, Aubrey Keenan won with Grandma's Pie and second went to Arabella Hau with an unnamed block.  Connie Sturtz is the coordinator of the Quilt Block Contest.  She will use the 49 quilt blocks that were entered to make a quilt using the theme "Grandma's Day at the Fair".  That quilt will be raffled off during the 2013 Boone County Fair.

Hospital Foundation Mid-Year Report Positive

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees received a Mid-Year review of the Hospital Foundation's Activities.  Director Sara Behn presented the report with Board members Mike Scheuermann and Gabe Bowers were also on hand.  Scheuermann will be stepping down from the Board when his term expires the beginning of next year.  The Foundation received it's first estate gift of more than $84,000 in 2011.  Annual giving has been strong with employee support around $20,000 or 40 percent participation.  A new project coming up will be remodeling the Same Day Surgery Waiting Room.  Planning is already underway.

MFTHL Planning Picking Up

BOONE, Iowa---Ed Hall, Meals From The Heartland Area Coordinator, says planning for the North Central Iowa Hunger Fight is well underway.  Hall on KWBG Radio's Tuned In Program Friday said the goal is to pack some 860,000 meals this November.  The cost will be nearly $173,000 which translates to just over $43.00 per box of meals.  Hall says a fund raising Duathlon will be held in September by the Open Bible Church.  This year's meal packing event will be held November 9th and 10th at the United Community School.

Facade Removal At PD Begins Soon

BOONE, Iowa---Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says work is expected to begin soon on the removal of the facade at the Boone Police Department.  Over the past couple of years, water damage has caused the surface to separate from the building.  Nelson says the plan is to remove the facade and assess the building itself before making a decision on the next step.  He said on Tuned In this week that the work could begin soon make repairs to the brick surface.  If extensive work is required, it might not be done until spring.

Boone County Included For Emergency Grazing

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency grazing of conservation reserve acres was approved for 25 counties this week, including Boone County.  USDA FSA County Executive Director Lee Ann Davis says eligible producers that are interested in grazing on CRP need to request approval before starting and all need to modify their conservation plan.  Information is available from the staff at the Boone County office or by calling the office at 515-432-4320.  All livestock will need to be removed from CRP acres by the end of September.

Storms Bring More Wind Than Rain

• BOONE, Iowa---Severe thunderstorms rolled through Boone County Wednesday evening, causing damage to trees, power lines and to a few buildings.  And the associated rain reported at the Boone Water Environment Weather Station was only about a third of an inch.  Winds were estimated to be about 50 MPH up to 70 MPH.  There was damage at the Central Iowa Expo site east of Boone.  The home to this year's Farm Progress Show had a permanent building collapse and several tents go down.  No injuries have been reported.

Underpass Work Begins Wednesday

BOONE, Iowa---Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says if the weather cooperates, work to clean and paint the concrete surfaces of the Boone underpass should be completed by Saturday morning.  The work is being done by Tim Longnecker with Protective Coatings of Iowa.  Nelson says the closing is currently plant for 10:00 PM until 5:00 AM the next three days.  Nelson talked about the project on the KWBG Tuned In Program Wednesday morning.

Supervisors Approve Rezoning

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors did complete the rezoning process on just over 70-acres of land located in Beaver Township, west of Ogden.  The property is at the corner of US Highway 30 and "E" Avenue.  Ag Reliant Genetics will be constructing a seed corn processing facility on the property over the next 30-months.  The Supervisors are scheduled to present an application for RISE funds from the Iowa DOT to assist with cost of paving 1500 feet of "E" Avenue.  The Board wants to secure the RISE funding before construction actually begins.

Beckwith Joins Iowa Business Council

DES MOINES, Iowa---Rick Beckwith of Fareway Stores, Inc. in Boone recently accepted an invitation to join the Iowa Business Council.  The Council membership consists of the top executives of 21 of Iowa's largest employers, three Regent universities and the state's largest banking association.  Beckwith is currently the Chairman and CEO of Fareway Stores, Inc.  a position he has held since 2010.  He started with the company in 1967 and was recently honored by the Iowa Grocery Industry Association as the 2011 Retailer of the Year.

Supervisors Consider Third Reading on Rezoning

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing Wednesday, on the third consideration on a request to rezone property west of Ogden for the Ag Reliant Seed Corn Plant.  So far, no one has voiced opposition to the rezoning, but neighbors have shown up to keep up to date about what's happening.  The Supervisors are also trying to gain a Revitalize Iowas Sound Economy or RISE funding from the Iowa DOT to pave 1,500 feet of "E" Avenue, from US Highway 30 south to facilitate the project.  The application for that is expected before the DOT next week.

No Burn Ban in Boone County

BOONE, Iowa---Fire conditions in Boone County continue to deteriorate, but the County is still not under a Burn Ban.  In fact, 39 counties in Iowa have not instituted a ban on open burning.  Boone Fire Chief Justin Adams said earlier that there wasn't a burn ban but there was still quite a bit of concern about the danger.  The Fire Chiefs in Boone County communicate about the conditions on a pretty regular basis and will be the ones making any recommendations about a burn ban.

Underpass Painting Project

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Public Works will be closing down the underpass in Boone, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night.  When the viaduct was repaved as part of the city's sanitary rehabilitation project, the Union Pacific Railroad applied some funds to help clean up and fix up the viaduct.  Public Works is scheduled to paint the concrete walls.  The closing the viaduct is expected to begin at 10:00 PM and last until about 5:00 AM each evening.  Weather permitting the work is expected to be completed by Saturday morning.

Shelter Receives Grant for Fire Protection

BOONE, Iowa---The Crawford Hall Family Shelter has been awarded a check for $10,300 from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company.  The award was officially made at a presentation at the Crawford Hall Family Shelter at noon Monday.  The proceeds will be applied toward the installation of an updated fire suppression system.  Last week, representatives did approach the Boone City Council about possibly waiving the tapping fee for the project.  The Council did not take any action on the request, instead turning the matter over the Council's Utility Committee which will be meeting in August.

Missing Woman Found

BOONE, Iowa---A Boone County woman, missing about 30-hours was found Saturday evening in a cornfield near her home in southern Boone County.  Authorities report that 68-year old Donna R. Myers left her home on walk Friday morning about 11:00 AM.  Family members contracted authorities about 2:00 PM Friday afternoon when she hadn't returned home.  When she hadn't returned by 6:00 PM Friday, a search was begun.  Officials stopped searching about 11:00 PM Friday night but resumed at 7:00 AM Saturday.  Myers was spotted by a neighbor about 7:00 PM Saturday evening.  She was reported to be severely dehydrated.  Myers was taken by ambulance to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Extension Offering Drought Program Wednesday

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Extension and Outreach will participate in the Wednesday webinar for producers dealing with crop and livestock issues during the current drought.  Mary Clancy, Program Director at the Boone County office says presenters will be discussing livestock, crops and farm finances.  Anyone with questions on the program can call the Boone County Extension office at 432-3882.  There is no charge to attend the webinar.  Clancy says the Boone Office will accommodate as many attendees as possible.

Woman Suffered Heat Trouble On The River

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency responders were at the Des Moines River, west of Boone Thursday afternoon, after receiving a call about a woman suffering from apparent heat exhaustion.  A call was received at the communication center describing the situation.  Sheriff Ron Fehr's report said a 78-year old woman, tubing the river, was having difficulty.  Responders accessed the river, near the bridge on old highway 30.  The woman was removed and taken to the Boone County Hospital for treatment.  Her identity was not made available.

Fans Still Available From Fire Department

BOONE, Iowa---With another round of excessive heat, the Boone Fire Department is continuing their efforts to get fans out to those that need them.  New box fans are being distributed to anyone in Boone County that is in need.  Priority is given to the elderly, those without air conditioning, low income families or those with children under 8-years of age.  For those that may need help, or those that might know of someone needing help, call the Boone Fire Department at 515-432-3446.

52 Exhibits Bound For State Fair

BOONE, Iowa---170 4-H members entered nearly 800 projects for the 4-H family, consumer science and special interest judging at the 2012 Boone County Fair.  The exhibits were on display during the run of the Boone County Fair and many are already set to be taken to the Iowa State Fair in a couple of weeks.  A few will either be reproduced are will be brought in by the exhibitor.  Natalie Hedlund, Boone County 4-H Youth Coordinator said she was pleased with Boone County entries for the State Fair.

DMACC Fall Semester Begins in 5 Weeks

BOONE, Iowa---DMACC Boone Campus Provost Tom Lee said the summer has gone quickly and attention is now turning to completing enrollment for the 2012 Fall Semester.  Lee said parents and students that are planning on enrolling should really get their FAFSA information done and schedule time with a counselor.  He said late enrollments will not be accepted unless there are special circumstances.  On the KWBG Tuned In Program, Lee said there is time to get things taken care, but potential students or returning students shouldn't wait much longer.

Salvation Army Camp Reunion

MADRID, Iowa---How many remember Camp Laurie near Madrid?  43-years ago, the Salvation Army sold the camp to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Saylorville Lake Project, closing the camp that hosted hundreds of children from Iowa and Nebraska for more than 40-years.  Captain Robin Rutledge with the Salvation Army Corps in Boone says some of the campers are planning a reunion Labor Day weekend.  A portion of the camp remains as Swede Point County Park.  The reunion activities will be held at Swede Point Park.  Rutledge says those interested in more information can contract the her in Boone at 515-432-5570 or at robin_rutledge@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Barn Quilt Winner Announced

BOONE, Iowa---Colleen Wrage of Boone won the "Barn Quilt" quilt raffle last Sunday at the Boone County Fair.  The "Barn Quilt" was made out of the quilt blocks sewn by youth and adults for the 2011 Boone County Fair.  Connie Sturtz of Boone, with help from some quilting friends, made a queen sized quilt that was displayed during the fair.  The proceeds are used to support 4-H and FFA fair premiums.

Clean Up Underway

BOONE, Iowa---As promised, Chad Thompson, owner of the Gigglin' Goat in Boone is moving ahead quickly to get his establishment reopened.  Rainbow International Restoration and Cleaning is working on the building and Service Master Restoration by Moorman is handling the contents.  Thompson has said he intends to replace the fire damaged roof but will have to wait for the delivery of trusses which will need to be manufactured.  Thompson said he can't say enough about the job fire fighters did in getting the fire out and minimizing damage inside the building and Fareway helping to save the contents of the freezer.

Ag Reliant Rezoning Moves Ahead

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors quickly approved the second consideration to rezone property west of Ogden for a proposed Ag Reliant seed corn processing facility.  A third consideration is scheduled for the next regular meeting on Wednesday the 25th.  Supervisor Bill Lusher told Ag Reliant representatives that because of the size of the project, he felt all three hearings should be held, even though it doesn't appear to have any opposition.  But, Lusher has also said using all three considerations will give the county a little more time to move ahead with a request for RISE funding from DOT for paving 1,500 feet of "E" Avenue.  That request may  come up in early August..

Weather Service Expands Weather Radio Coverage

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan was investigating why several weather radios did not receive a severe thunderstorm alert last Saturday afternoon.  The Weather Service issued the alert at 3:00 PM and many in the spotter network didn't even realize it had occurred.  Because of the issue, Morlan says the Weather Service has not included storm alert coverage on the Fort Dodge Weather Radio at 162.400 MHz.  The Des Moines Weather Radio is at 162.550.  Morlan says residents should check both signals and use the strongest to monitor for alerts, especially residents in northwest Boone County.

Supervisors To Tour Gates Building

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Recycling would like to relocate from their current spot at 10th and Division to the Boone Industrial Park.  Boone County Recycling, a part of the Boone County Landfill is operated by Genesis and is located in space made available by Coe Trucking.  Landfill Administrator Scott Smith has been working to acquire the Gates Building and that is getting close to done.  The Supervisors will tour the facility Wednesday afternoon as part of their regular meeting.

Council Approves Spending Extra For Library

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council approved spending nearly $20,000 in local option sales tax dollars to repair the air conditioning at the Ericson Public Library.  The Council took the action Monday after finding out that the air has not been working properly for more than a month.  Council member Gary Nystrom did express concern about the dollar amount for the work that was to be done and the Council voted to have him contact the vendor to check on the pricing.  Boone Mayor John Slight said on Tuned In that reserves had been built up to cover the cost of situations just like this.

Origin of Fire Located, Cause Uncertian

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Fire Chief Justin Adams Monday, released information about the investigation into the Friday the 13th fire at the Gigglin' Goat in Boone.  Adams says the investigation did show that the fire originated in the attic area of the structure, but the actual cause or ignition of the fire has not yet been determined.  Adams said in his release that the cause of the fire is not suspicious.  Plans are already in the works to rebuild as soon as possible.

Two River Rescues Over the Weekend

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff's Deputies and Search and Rescue made two river rescues over the weekend, one after 11:00 PM last Friday and the other about 1:00 AM Saturday.  Both searches were initiated by 9-1-1 calls.  The first on Friday night by three people tubing down the river, trying to go from the US Highway 30 boat ramp to the Luther boat ramp.  They were unable to find the Luther boat ramp in the dark.  The early morning call was made after a group left the Fraser area on a raft and was floating down stream.  Concerns were raised about fog and the fact that alcohol was involved.  The group was located and removed from the river with no injuries.  Deputies did take 24-year old Jodi N Fiferlick of Lehigh into custody on a Wright County warrant.  Deputies also charged 18-year old Brittany Powers of Boone with possession of alcohol under the legal age.

McNally Joins Arboretum Staff

MADRID, Iowa---Joe McNally has been selected to be the Horticulture Project Manager for the Iowa Arboretum.  McNally has been in the Pacific Northwest, moving from Seattle to bring years of experience in nursery and plant care management to the Iowa.  McNally will be managing the 378 acres of the Arboretum that includes 19 themed gardens, woodlands, trail and two prairies.  McNally will be introduced to the public at an ice cream social on, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM on  Friday, July 27th.

Boone County Fair Concludes

BOONE, Iowa---Final activities with the 2012 edition of the Boone County Fair, "Celebrate Good Times", wrapped up Monday with a livestock auction for the those wishing to participate.  Others will be taking entries to the Iowa State Fair.  Half the 4-H clubs to preparation work for the fair grounds, the other half worked Monday on clean-up.  Many 4-H participants, family members and exhibitors will be taking part in a pool party at the Boone Municipal Swimming Pool.  Over 50 activities and entries have qualified to participate in the Iowa State Fair in August.

Ostendorf and Swanson of Madrid named Outstanding Ag Youth

BOONE - On Friday afternoon at the Boone County Fair, Ben Ostendorf and Matt Swanson were named Outstanding Ag Youth for Boone County.  Both of these young 4-Hers from Madrid were nominated by 4-H officials for their great dedication to the tenets of 4 H:  pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.   Tom Ross of Midland Power Cooperative,  and Jim Turbes of KWBG, sponsors of the Brownfield Outstanding Ag Youth Award,  presented an engraved belt buckle to each young man.

Early morning fire damages Gigglin' Goat

 
 
BOONE -Boone Fire Chief Justin Adams credits an observant crew with calling in the fire at the Gigglin' Goat restaurant and City View Reception Hall.  Around 5am on Friday, firefighters were responding to a medical call when they smelled and saw smoke coming from the building at 628 Story Street in downtown Boone.  By calling in reinforcements right away, they were able to begin fighting the fire while it was still in the roof area.  Both Ogden and Madrid crews were called in to assist once it was identified that the fire was fully involved.  The fire was fully contained by 10am.  Fareway Stores, with it's corporate headquarters in Boone, offered assistance by providing a refrigerated truck to store restaurant product.  The State Fire Marshall and the Boone Fire Department continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

Brown crowned Boone County Fair Queen

BOONE - At Thursday evening's Boone County Fair Queen Pageant, Carissa Brown of Boone, daughter of David and Annette Brown, was crowned Boone County Fair Queen for 2012.  As Fair Queen, Carissa receives $400 and will represent Boone County at the Iowa State Fair Queen contest in August.   First runner up is Jaslyn Clark, who receives $150.  The second runner up, awarded $100, is Natalie Toms.  As third runner up, Hannah Swanson collects $75.  And, placing with an Honorable Mention, Sydney Heyer accepts $50.  The Boone County Fair Queen Pageant is sponsored by  the Boone American Legion & Auxiliary, Eckstein's Jewelry and Boone County Agricultural Association

Power restored!

KWBG is back on the air!  Power has been restored to the downtown Boone area, but traffic will be restricted on Story Street  between 6th and 8th Streets for a portion of the morning.  Firefighters continue to work through the aftermath of the Gigglin' Goat fire

KWBG without Power

Friday, July 13, 2012 - Boone - Due to a fire at the Gigglin' Goat in downtown Boone, the KWBG studios have no power.  Therefore, we are not on the air this morning.  According to Fire Chief Justin Adams, it is hoped that power will be restored by noon.  As soon as we can, KWBG will be back on the air with all of your local news, weather and sports for Boone County.  In the meantime, Ben and Jim are on the scene of the fire, and have posted pictures to www.facebook.com/kwbgam1590.  We are sorry for the inconvenience!

Humane Society Involved in Pilot Project

BOONE, Iowa---Boone will be the site of a pilot project for a new Live Healthy Iowa Challenge.  The newest challenge is called "The Dog Days of Summer" and will be held in August.  Heidi Drees White, Executive Director of the Boone Area Humane Society, says the Humane Society hopes to help by offering dogs to help people exercise.  On Tuned In Thursday, Drees White says those that want to exercise shelter dogs will be need to attend a volunteer training event, currently planned for Wednesday, July 18th.  Information is available at the Boone Area Humane Society Shelter at 432-6112.  

Height Variance Sought For AgReliant

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Board of Adjustment will consider a variance Thursday, allowing AgReliant to exceed building height restrictions for a proposed project west of Ogden.  AgReliant is current have the property rezoned to an A-2 designation which is Ag Business.  The height restrict for A-2 is 45 feet, but AgReliant reports that at least four structures planned for the project will exceed that limit.  The Zoning Board of Adjustment also has a request for a variance for a side yard set back.  Both will be addressed when the Board of Adjustment meets at 5:30 PM Thursday.

Water Main Break

BOONE, Iowa---Xenia Rural Water customers northwest of Boone, northeast of Ogden and north of 192nd Street and south of 130th Street are under a boil advisory following a watermain break early Thursday morning.  The boil advisory means water should be boiled for at least one minute then allowed to cool before drinking, making ice, cooking or brushing teeth.  Water may still be used for showering, laundry, watering pets or livestock.  The Y Camp and Camp Sacajawea had about 500 campers and bottled water had been sent to the camps.  The boil advisory may extend into the weekend.

AgReliant Rezoning Moves Forward

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have approved the first consideration to rezone just over 70-acres in Beaver Township as a site for a seed corn processing facility.  AgReliant Genetics wants to build in Boone County, and would like to start with site work in August.  The Supervisors have two more considerations on rezoning scheduled on July 18th and 25th.  The Boone County Zoning Board of Adjustment is also scheduled to consider a variance on height restrictions on four buildings that would be built on the site.  The Board of Adjustment will consider the variance Thursday afternoon at 5:30.

Thursday Opening Day for Boone County Fair

BOONE, Iowa---Even though there's been quite a bit of activity at the Boone County Fairgrounds, Thursday is actually considered the opening day.  This year, special activities are planned.  Thursday is Senior Citizens Day.  It will include a presentation by the Beckwith Adult Day Services, a Diabetes Prevention Seminar and a Senior Citizens Exercise Class by the YMCA.  Friday is Kids Day, Saturday is Family Day and Sunday is Heritage Day.  Information on the Boone County Fair is available here.

School Board Votes to Change Student Info System

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board voted to support a staff recommendation and make a change in the Student Information System.  Many parents have been dealing with PowerSchool and beginning in January that will change to Infinite Campus.  Superintendent Brad Manard says work will begin setting up the new system and he thinks parents will like the new system when they begin using it.  Manard says Infinite Campus is used in many other districts and will also help with the digital reporting that is required by the Iowa Department of Education.  The initial first year cost is just under $51,000.  An emergency and everyday phone dialer option will cost an additional $7,600.

Supervisors Consider Rezoning

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will give their first consideration on rezoning request for property in Beaver Township, west of Ogden.  Agreliant Genetics would like to construct a seed processing facility at that location.  The Boone County Plan and Zoning Commission recommendation to the Board is to proceed with the rezoning.  The facility would be located just off US Highway 30 right west of Ogden.  Agreliant Genetics has already constructed a research facility at the southwest corner of the junction of Highways 30 and 17, near the Central Iowa Expo site. 

Exhibit Judging Wednesday

BOONE, Iowa---Wednesday may not appear to be a regular day at the Boone County Fair, but it is a very big day for a lot of 4-H and FFA exhibitors.  Wednesday is judging day.  All those projects that have been underway need to be completed and presented for judging.  Following judging, exhibits will then be displayed for the run of the fair.  The actual opening day for the 2012 Boone County Fair will be Thursday, with Meat Goat Show starting the day in the Show Ring.  The Sheep Show begins at 9:30 AM.  Thursday will also feature the Boone County Fair Parade and the Fair Queen Coronation.  There's more information available here.

Dog Park Proposal Offered To Park Commission

BOONE, Iowa---The topic has come up before, but little has been done to follow through a the creation of a dog park with the Boone City Park system.  This week, the Park Commission was approached by Bill and Donna Greenley to see if there might be a interest by the Commission to allow them and friends to move forward with a possible project.  The Greenleys told the Park Commission they had help establish a dog park in Ottumwa.  The Park Commission was not asked to take any action on the Greenley proposal, but did encourage them to continue working on a project.

Parks Foundation Fundraiser

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Parks Foundation will be hosting a celebration, Saturday, July 21st at McHose Park from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  The "Picnic In The Park" will be one of several events planned for show off the park system that Saturday.  Dr. John Murphy, a Park Commission member and representative of the Boone Parks Foundation said on KWBG that several businesses and individuals have tickets available for the event for only $5.00.  All proceeds will go to the Boone Parks Foundation for financial support for improvements in the Boone Park system.

Boone School Registration Underway

BOONE, Iowa---E-Registration for the 2012-2013 school year is now underway for the Boone School District.  Registration actually began Monday.  E-Registration needs to be completed for students 1st through 12th grades.  Families without computer access will be able to use computers at the District Office on the third floor of Boone High School.  Optional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Walk-In Registration will be held Monday, August 6th from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Boone Middle School Commons.  Children's health information will be needed.  The Walk-In Registration is for option kindergarten and kindergarten only.

Cooling Centers to Shut Down

BOONE, Iowa---With the recent heat wave, Boone County Emergency Management, the Salvation Army and others established cooling centers for those that had inadequate cooling.  Centers were made available in Boone, Madrid and Ogden during the week, including on the 4th of July.  Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says with the conditions changing over the weekend, the service will be discontinued.  Boone Fire Chief Justin Adams says the Fire Departments effort to pass out box fans will continue, because more weather is expected yet this summer.  The Fire Department fan project targets the elderly, those without air conditioning, low income and those with children under 8.  Information is available at the Boone Fire Department, 432-3446.

Band Festival Draws Three New Bands

BOONE, Iowa---The 21st Annual Iowa Municipal Band Festival will be held on Saturday, July 14th and this year will feature three new bands.  Dave Richardson, Director of the Boone Municipal Band says organizers are excited about have three new bands, including the Rockwell Collins Concert Band, the Dcamp Family Band and the Eastern Iowa Brass Band.  The Boone Municipal Band will host the event at the Herman Park Pavilion, beginning at 11:00 AM.  The Boone Municipal Band concludes the program at 6:00 PM.  There is no charge to attend.

4-H Horse Project Receives Donation

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County 4-H Horse Committee recently past along a donation from Horsemen of Iowa for the Boone County 4-H Horse Project.  The Project was established to purchase box stalls for use at the Boone County Fair Grounds.  The stalls, which are portable, cost about a thousand dollars apiece and the Project has been collecting donations for a couple of years.  Travis Jacobs, a member of the Boone County 4-H Horse Committee presented Natalie Hedlund with a $2,000 check from the Horsemen of Iowa.

Fire Department Continues Fan Program

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Fire Department is taking donations of new box fans to give to those with inadequate cooling in Boone County.  The department started the program earlier this week, when Cooling Centers were established in the County.  Several Boone businesses are cooperating by allowing people to stop and buy a fan and then permitting them to leave it at the store and letting the Fire Department pick it up for distribution.  The elderly, those without air conditioning, low income families and families with children under 8-years of age.  Information on the program and participation are available from the Boone Fire Department at 515-432-3446

Noxious Weed and Growth Ordinance Amended

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has approved an amendment to the city's noxious weed and growth ordinance.  The change identifies that enforcement will be handled through the Department of Public Safety instead of the Office of the Building Official.  The Council already approved moving the position to the  Police Department.  Boone Mayor John Slight says he feels the move will benefit residents by being more proactive in dealing with nuisance matters.  Slight says the city is in the process of looking for a Code Enforcement Officer. 

Three Selected From Fashion Show For State Fair

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County 4-Hers modeled purchased and constructed outfits at the 4-H Fashion Show last Monday.  Three of the participants will move on to compete at the Iowa State Fair.  Hannah Swanson of the Madrid Duets 4-H Club will represent Boone County in the State Fair Fashion Revue.  Carissa Brown of the Green Clovers and Zach Eldridge of the Harrison Hilltop Hornets were selected to represent Boone County in the Clothing Selection division.

City Considers Residential Development Support

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's Economic Development Committee has asked the full Council to set aside $100,000 to be used acquiring a demolishing residential properties.  Boone Mayor John Slight says he support the Committee's effort to demolish homes that can no longer be rehabilitated.  Committee members believe that the lots would then be purchased and new housing would be constructed.  The city actually did a similar program in the 90's when home were damaged by heavy rains and flooding.  Those lots were then redeveloped.  Slight says the money for the program is essential.  In the past, when dollars are short, funds to demolish properties were among the first to be eliminated.

Share The Fun Acts Selected For State Fair

BOONE, Iowa---Even though the 2012 Boone County Fair doesn't begin until July 12th, 4-Hers have still had entries getting judged for the State Fair.  This week, five Share The Fun acts were judged.  Representing  Boone County at the Iowa State Fair will be the Bluff Creek Wranglers, who performed a group vocal "Proud to be an American".  The second act selected to compete at the State Fair will be the Green Clovers who performed a skit entitled "The Green Clovers Save the Day".  The third act is a vocal solo by Natalie Bretey, "Rolling in the Deep".

Public Right of Way Care

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council spent time discussing the care and maintenance of public right of way following construction projects.  The discussion was driven by the next phase of the city's sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.  Over the past two years, not all the public right of way disturbed by sanitary sewer projects has come back and Boone Public Works continues to receive complaints about the work.  Boone Mayor John Slight says part of the problem has been the weather, part is a contractor that did poor work and sometimes it's residents that haven't cared for the parking.  Many residents feel that the city had the property dug up and the city should take care of it.  Slight made his comments on Tuesday's Tuned In Program.

Fire Department Runs Fan Program

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Fire Department began running a program Tuesday, collecting new box fans for distribution to Boone County residents that have inadequate cooling.  Fire Chief Justin Adams said people can purchase a new box fan at anyone of a number of local businesses and drop it off at the Fire Department and they will handle the distribution.  Fans will be brought to the cooling centers established in Boone, Madrid and Ogden and will be available to those that visit.  They will also be available at the Boone Fire Department by calling 515-432-3446.  Cooling center locations Wednesday, July 4th will be at the Boone County Hospital in Boone, St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Madrid and the Leonard Good Community Center in Ogden.

Cooling Sites Available

BOONE, Iowa---With continued hot, humid weather, Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan and the Salvation Army have been putting together plans for cooling centers in Boone County. Morlan says Boone will have a cooling center at the Salvation Army Church on Benton Street Monday and Thursday.  The First United Methodist Church at 7th and Arden will be available Tuesday and Friday.  Morlan is still seeking a site for Wednesday.  In Madrid, St. Malachy's Catholic Church will be available each day thru Friday.  In Ogden, the Leonard Good Community Center will be available Tuesday thru Friday.  Morlan says the centers will be open 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM each day.  Boone County Transportation can provide rides at their regular rate of $5 in Boone and $7.50 from rural Boone County to town.  He said no one will be turned away if they can't afford the fee.  Wednesday, the 4th of July, police officers and deputies will transport people if needed, in between their usual calls.  Contact should be made through the Boone County Communication Center at 515-433-0527.

Boone Man Dies in Car Train Crash Saturday

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency responders were called to the scene of a car-train crash shortly before noon on Saturday.  25-year old Clyde A. Joseph of Boone was crossing the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at Key Lane, when his vehicle was hit broadside by an east bound train.  Joseph died from his injuries.  His vehicle was considered a total loss.  The investigation is ongoing and deputies are awaiting the results of an autopsy. 

Council Considers Sanitary Sewer Project

BOONE, Iowa---Finally, the Boone City Council will be able to move ahead with consideration of the plans and specifications for the Northeast Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project.  The work is the next phase in the mandated upgrade of the city's sanitary sewer lines.  City Administrator Luke Nelson says the hold up was a rule change tied to the award of Community Development Block Grants.  Until this year, grants would be awarded and cities would move ahead with projects.  Now, all paperwork has to be signed before bids can be sought.  Nelson says Boone was awarded a block grant in March, but just got papers to sign late last month.