United Way Fund Raising

BOONE, Iowa---United Way of Boone County kicked off their annual fundraising effort this week. Shari Gillespie, President of the United Way of Boone County says they've kept their goal the same for the 2011 campaign, $110,000. Gillespie says last year they went over the goal by about $5,000. She says it did take a little longer because of the economy, but Boone County residents really stepped up again. United Way of Boone County distributes financial resources to 22-agencies serving Boone County clients.

Logansport Water Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has voted to approved the Water Service Agreement with the Logansport Water District and to keep the rate at $5.90 a thousand cubic feet. That rate is the focal point of debate between the Water District Board and the City Council. The Water District Board felt the increase was excessive, but Boone Mayor John Slight has said it's the amount the city calculated for processing, pumping and storing water. The City Council did send the Water Service Agreement back to the Council's Utility Committee to develop a phased in rate structure.

Drainage District Meeting

PILOT MOUND, Iowa---Supervisors from Boone and Webster County will conduct a Joint Drainage District meeting in Pilot Mound Wednesday evening. The meeting will deal with possible work in the district which stretches from southern Webster County into Boone County. The area is often referred to as the Bluff Creek or Don Williams Watershed area. The meeting will be held at the Pilot Mound Community Room and will begin at 6:30.

Boone County Man Hospitalized

BOONE, Iowa---An unidentified Boone County man was hospitalized for evaluation at the Boone County Hospital, following a stand-off with law enforcement Monday evening. Sheriff Ron Fehr says the initial report was a complaint about a possible suicidal individual with a weapon in the 1200 area of 198th Road, right northwest of Boone. Fehr says the Strategic Response Team secured the area. After an hour and half the individual walked toward officers but refused to comply with orders and was tasored. Fehr says a weapon was recovered.

Contract Negotiations

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will meet in a closed session Tuesday to discuss negotiation strategy for upcoming talks with one of three bargaining units. The jailers are represented by Teamsters Local 238. The other county bargaining units are the Secondary Road employees and Sheriff's Deputies. The Supervisors do work with a professional negotiator when it comes to dealing with contracts.

Thomas has a Soggy Weekend

BOONE, Iowa---The past weekend was not a particularly good one for Thomas the Tank Engine at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. Even though the weather was wet and dreary, Thomas fans still showed up for a day out with Thomas. Fenner Stevenson, Executive Director for the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. A second weekend with Thomas will be held next Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Quilt Show

BOONE, Iowa---Organizers began moving quilts and quilted objects into the Boone County Historical Center Monday, in preparation of the 18th Annual Quilt Show this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Charles Irwin, Executive Director for the Historical Society says since 1993, over $50,000 has been raised for the Historical Society. This years featured quilter is Ardy Clinkenbeard of Boone.

Building Demolition stirs Revitalization

OGDEN, Iowa---Last week, the Ogden City Council approved a contract with Brink Construction of Ogden to demolish three downtown properties. The low bid from Brink was $90,000. The properties included the former Johnson and Sons location, the Rattray Building and the former Ahrens Service Station at 1st and Walnut. The City has worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the EPA and also Keep Iowa Beautiful to obtain funds for the work. Also, community leaders kicked off rejuvenation efforts for the Ogden Community Development Company.

Water Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---After several months of negotiations, a Water Agreement between the City of Boone and the Logansport Water District will be up for City Council consideration Monday. The majority of the negotiations have been held between staff and the Council's Utility Committee. District representatives have one item they really want to address with the Council and that's the rate for water service. Board members have not opposed a reasonable increase, but have said the proposed increase of nearly 90 percent up to more than 180 percent is excessive.

Stormy Weather Doesn't Stop Romp

BOONE, Iowa---Isolated thunderstorms and rain plagued the 5th Annual Dragoon River Romp Saturday, but it didn't stop volunteers from cleaning up a stretch of the Des Moines River in Boone County. Because of high water levels at the Saylorville Reservoir, the clean up was moved upstream from Fraser to the Boone Water Works. In the first four years, some 16-tons of refuse was removed from the river.

Ogden Revitalization

OGDEN, Iowa---Over 50-people turned out to help kick off and effort to revitalize economic development efforts in Ogden. The meeting was put together by community members participating in the Ogden Community Development Company. Craig Christensen says they don't want to reinvent what's all ready available in Ogden, just rejuvenate the efforts. Much is being driven by the recent City action to demolish three main street properties.

School Construction

BOONE, Iowa---Work has nearly been completed on the two building projects in the Boone School District. This week, Superintendent Brad Manard told School Board members that the contractor is handling the final touches on both projects. Manard says the Middle School addition has created a vast facility, while the Franklin Elementary construction should impress many. Because of the low bid for construction, additional remodeling of old class rooms was added, upgrading the entire Franklin facility.

Humane Society

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Humane Society will begin participation in breed rescue programs. Executive Director Linn Price says the Board has approved investigating the opportunities that are available. Price is part of a breed rescue program and says participation could lead to more adoptions. She currently estimates that about 80 percent of the dogs that go through the shelter are pure bred. Price began as Executive Director in August.

Annexation Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council held a special meeting Tuesday to hear from several businesses in the Industrial Park east of Boone. The majority of the area is outside the city limits. The City has contracted for an annexation study by Snyder and Associates, but is not expected to receive the report for several more weeks. Rick Beckwith, CEO and Chairman of Fareway Stores asked the Council to keep in mind the kind of impact annexation would have on employees. Many business owners said added expenses like additional property taxes could impact efforts to be competitive.

No Action on Purchase Offer

BOONE, Iowa---Boone School Board members were more concerned about their responsibility to neighbors and the community than their desire to get rid of two-vacant elementary school buildings. Superintendent Brad Manard says Board members have directed him to try and gather additional information about plans for the Lowell and Bryant Elementary buildings before the next meeting. An offer of $100 for both buildings was made by Chad Thompson of Boone.

Dragoon River Romp

BOONE, Iowa---The 5th Annual Dragoon River Romp will beheld Saturday in Boone County. Landfill Administrator and Recycling Coordinator Scott Smith says the finishing touches are being put in place. 150-volunteers will take to the Des Moines River at Frazier and travel to the boat ramp near Boone Water Works, cleaning up the river. He says there will be 100 on the water and 50 land lovers. In the first four years, 16-tons of debris were removed from the river. Smith says they reached the limit for volunteers a week ago.

Offer made on Buildings

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will discuss and could possibly consider action on an offer to purchase two unused school buildings. The district has received an offer on the Lowell and the Bryant buildings. Lowell has been empty for more than a year and this is the first year that Bryant has been empty. So far the district has only received inquires. This will be the first offer to purchase to actually come to the School Board.

Little League Lease

BOONE, Iowa---Differences over the lease between the Boone Park Commission and the Boone National Little League finally came to an end Monday. The Park Commission held the necessary public hearing required for the long term lease. No opposition to the lease was raised and it was approved and signed by the Park Commission Chairman Phil Brown, who thanked the Little League Board members who helped rework the lease. The lease is for 37-years. It does include a clause for sharing utility costs in the winter months.

One Injured in Rollover

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says a 55-year old Luther man, Steven R. Pickell sustained injuries when he vehicle rolled south of Boone Monday afternoon. Fehr says Pickell was on Quill Avenue when he lost control, entered the ditch, struck a utility pole and rolled. His car sustained $10,000 in damages. Pickell was taken by ambulance to the Boone County Hospital where he was treated and released. Fehr says he was cited with failing to maintain control.

Special Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---Annexation will be the subject of a special meeting of the Boone City Council. The meeting was requested by Fareway Stores, Mid-States Steel and Boone Freight Lines, all located in the Industrial Park, outside the Boone City limits. The three businesses requested time of visit with Council last week as the Council prepares to receive an annexation study prepared by Snyder and Associates, a Des Moines area engineering firm. As yet, the Council members have not seen the report, but expect to begin receiving information later this week. The special meeting will be Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 at the Boone City Hall.

Thomas Comes to Boone

BOONE, Iowa---Thousands are expected to visit Boone the next two weekends for Thomas the Tank Engine. Fenner Stevenson, General Manager at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad says they have hosted Thomas visits since 1997. He says early says are running way ahead of last year by about 16-percent. Stevenson says the expectations are that 12,000 to 15,000 people will be in town for a visit with Thomas.

Constitutional Question

BOONE, Iowa---Voters in November will have several different candidates to choose from, but will also get to vote on a constitutional amendment called the Iowa Water and Land Legacy Amendment. Jim Pease was on KWBG Monday and talked about establishing the trust account that would be protected from raiding by the legislative or executive branches of the government. The ballot issue has been in the works for 4-years. Pease says it will create the process but does not provide funding.

Pufferbilly Days

BOONE, Iowa---The 34th Annual Pufferbilly Days celebration kicked off Thursday evening with a formal flag raising ceremony conducted by the Boone Veterans Council. Boone Mayor John Slight welcomed those in attendance at the Boone County Fair Grounds, and especially paid attention to the families of all the Iowa National Guard members that were recently deployed. Slight also reminded everyone that there's still another contingent of Boone based soldiers that have been in Kosovo. Iowa Adjutant General, Brigadier General Timothy Orr, a Boone native, will serve as the Grand Marshall of the Pufferbilly Days Parade Saturday.

Ogden Building Demolition

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday to move ahead with their plan to award a bid for the demolition of buildings in their city. Ogden Mayor, Kieth Berg, says after reworking the bid specifications, three-bids were received and were substantially lower than the original bid that was received. Berg says Ogden has worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, getting the areas of concern declared Brownfield Areas. He says contracts for demolition work are expected to be approved. More information on Ogden plans are available here.

Dragoon River Romp

BOONE, Iowa---The 5th Annual Dragoon River Romp will be held on September 18th and Coordinator Lois Powers says they have to stop taking volunteers for the program. Powers says this is the earliest they've had to shut off volunteer applications. The Dragoon River Romp is an award winning program in which volunteers garbage and refuse from the Des Moines River in Boone County. Over 16-tons of refuse has been removed from the river in the first four events. Volunteers are limited to 100-on the water and about 50-on land. The limits are set for safety purposes.

Pufferbilly Days

BOONE, Iowa---The annual Pufferbilly Days begins in Boone Thursday. Opening ceremonies will be held at the Boone County Fairgrounds Thursday evening and will include a formal flag raising ceremony conducted by the VFW. Ashley Reutter, Pufferbilly Days Coordinator with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce says special attention is being given to the families of deployed military personnel. This is the third year that the celebration has been held at the Boone County Fairgrounds. The 2011 celebration is slated to return to a downtown setting.

3 from Madrid Injured in Rollover

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says three-young men from Madrid sustained injuries in a single vehicle rollover, right north of Madrid Tuesday afternoon. 16-year old Mitchell Koontz was driving on Rose Road when he lost control and rolled into the ditch. Passenger 14-year old Colton Braunscheig and Koontz went to Mercy Hospital and a second passenger, 14-year old Jacob Clayton was taken to Mary Greeley Medical Center. Fehr says Koontz was cited with failing to maintain control.

Accident Kills Hogs

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says a semi-rollover in southwest Boone County Tuesday did not injure the driver of the semi, but did result in the death of 70-market hogs. Fehr says 26-year old Anthony Popp of Kamrar lost control on Highway 144 in an area referred to as the Angus Curve. Popp was cited with failing to maintain control. Damages to the semi and trailer were estimated at some $20,000.

Economic Development Talks

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has decided to discontinue participation in talks about creating a county wide economic development program. On a 4-to-3 vote, the Council voted to continue to operate as they have for the past couple of years, with their own economic development director and working with Boone's Future. With the announcement of the intended retirement of Darrel Rensink as the city's Economic Development Director, discussions began to see if other opportunities would be available through the county.

Water Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's Utility Committee and the Logansport Water District Board of Directors will continue to work on an agreement for water service to the rural district. The negotiations have been going on since earlier this year and are nearing completion. One of the latest issues is the proposed water rate offered by the city. Logansport has countered with information about what they consider to be a reasonable increase. The Utility Committee of the City Council meets Wednesday afternoon to discuss the matter.

Burglary Arrests

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says a Friday morning traffic stop by Story City Police has helped with his departments investigation into at least one Boone County burglary. Fehr says evidence has been collected in the burglary of the Western Edge Store in eastern Boone County. Fehr says 19-year old Syyrit Fawn Larson of Story City and 21-year old Brandon Whorlow of Ames are being held for possession of stolen property. Fehr says Boone County charges are pending.

Hospital and "Y" Deal on Building

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital is in the process of turning over the former Heartland building to the "Y" of Greater Des Moines. Hospital Chief Executive Officer Joseph Smith says after 5-years, the time has come to let the "Y" have the facility. The change in ownership will allow the "Y" to make it's own improvements. The building was the property of the Boone County YMCA until the late 1980's. The Boone County Hospital has owned and maintained the facility since then. Smith says the change in ownership should be completed this month.

Natural Gas Line Severed

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency responders were on standby right before noon Tuesday, anticipating a possible evacuation of the Boone HyVee. Sanitary sewer work on 8th Street at Tama Street resulted in a severed natural gas main. The 4-inch main was putting out quite a bit of gas, but officials reported that strong winds were dissipating the gas and not allowing it to accumulate. Personnel from Alliant Utilities were quickly on the scene to make necessary repairs. H & W Construction has had several gas main breaks during the sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.

Road Closure

BOONE, Iowa---Sanitary sewer rehabilitation work continued Tuesday as H & W Contracting began working on 8th Street, between Tama and Benton Streets. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson announced last Friday afternoon the closure of 8th Street for the work, but many residents didn't get the message. The problem is finding away around the construction site, which means using Story Street and crossing to Benton Street at 5th Street or 11th Street.

SuperNationals

BOONE, Iowa---Once again, the population of Boone has nearly doubled, as America's Racing Vacation gets under way at the Boone Speedway. IMCA SuperNationals begin Monday afternoon and will continue all week. Late last week, promoter Robert Lawton said record numbers of cars were getting pre-registered and he expected the week to be one of the best for race fans. Racing actually begins at 3:00 in the afternoon to avoid problems with racing after midnight. Already, law enforcement had early morning calls to deal with reported assaults on the speedway grounds.

Contract Extension

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has received a formal request to extend the contract with H&W Contracting for sanitary sewer rehabilitation work in the city. The Council has been very critical of the work begin done by H&W and had raised concerns about the company's ability to complete the first part of the third phase of the sewer project. The extension is being sought under a portion of the contract that deals with precipitation during construction. Over the months of June, July and August, the Boone Water Pollution Control Plant recorded just under 28-inches of rainfall.

Meetings Moved

BOONE, Iowa---The extended Labor Day Holiday Weekend has led to the rescheduling of both the Boone and Madrid City Council meetings. Both meetings have been rescheduled for Tuesday. Madrid City Council meets at 5:30 at the Madrid City Hall and the Boone City Council will be meeting at 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Boone City Hall.

Pilot Identified

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr has released the name of the pilot who died as a result of a plane crash in Boone County Thursday morning. Fehr says 24-year old Adam J. Danhauer of Whitehouse, Ohio died as a result of the accident. Danhauer had taken off from the Boone Municipal Airport, towing an advertising banner for Farm Progress Show vendor. He was unable to gain altitude and crashed in a cornfield north of the Farm Progress Show site. The accident investigation is now in the hands of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Labor Day Weekend Events

UNDATED, Iowa---The Labor Day weekend features two long time family fun events, the Madrid Labor Day Celebration on the Dayton Labor Day Rodeo. Both have activities beginning Friday afternoon and evening. Excellent weather conditions over the weekend should help bring out families and friends. Both celebrations will feature Labor Day Parades, Monday at 10:00 AM.

Weather Dampens Farm Progress Show

BOONE, Iowa---The 2010 Farm Progress Show wrapped up Thursday, amid light showers as a cold front began pushing through central Iowa. The final day always sees reduced attendance and this year was no different. The bigger set back was Wednesday, following a 4-inch down power over night. Attendance was fairly good, but many had to deal with wet parking lots. Still officials felt good about what they were able to handle on the permanent site. The Farm Progress Show heads back to Decatur, Illinois in 2011.

Plane Crash

BOONE, Iowa---One person has reportedly been killed as a result of the crash of a small plane near the Farm Progress Show site in Boone County. The plane was towing a promotional banner when the crash occurred. Boone County authorities quickly notified the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct the investigation. Officials at the Boone Municipal Airport report that the pilot was not local, but had little additional information.

Latham Draws Concerned Crowd

BOONE, Iowa---Iowa Congressman Tom Latham held a public meeting for constituents Tuesday at the Boone City Hall. A crowd expressed concern and outrage at some of the things being done at the federal level. Latham says the town meetings have been similar, because people are concerned and afraid about what's happening. He says people don't like the changes that Congress has pushed through and the manner in which it was done. Latham faces a challenge from Democratic Candidate Bill Maske in the November General Election.

Real Estate Exchange

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a resolution to enter into a Real Estate Exchange Agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad. The process began with the plans by the Union Pacific to make some improvements in the rail yard on the east side of Boone. Part of the work will require getting onto county right of way.

Farm Progress Show Traffic

BOONE, Iowa---There were no reports of any serious problems but for many, the traffic for the Farm Progress Show was certainly an issue. Many people traveling through Boone County Tuesday morning discovered it wasn't just a leisurely drive. Just getting through the traffic to the Farm Progress Show to some up to a half hour. Sheriff Ron Fehr and Boone Police Chief Bill Skare have been cautioning the motoring public to consider alternate routes during the run of the Farm Progress Show.

Sewer Rehab Progress

BOONE, Iowa---This week is one of the deadlines Boone City officials are looking at to consider the progress on this year's sanitary sewer rehabilitation work. H&W Construction is currently on Tama Street and will soon look to move on to 8th Street which will create a number of issues. All year, the City Council has been concerned about the progress, realizing the work is substantially behind schedule. City Administrator Luke Nelson says one of the important dates will be Wednesday, September 1st. He says the Council has insisted that all streets be paved before the end of the season.

Cipperley-Price Heads Humane Society

BOONE, Iowa---Linn Cipperley-Price has been named the new Executive Director of the Boone Area Humane Society. She began her duties a week ago. Cipperley-Price is a graduate of Iowa State University and is a registered Veterinary Technician. She has been the owner and operator of "Spoiled Rotten Pets" near Paton, Iowa. Cipperley-Price replaces Lori Bonnell who has been Acting Executive since the resignation of Rick Carlyle earlier this summer.

Farm Progress Show

BOONE, Iowa---Many details are being hastily completed for the 2010 Farm Progress Show, held east of Boone on the grounds of the Central Iowa Expo. Officials don't go into specifics on attendance numbers but expect visitors from more than 40-states and 50-countries over the three-day event. The 2010 show marks the second time the event has been held on it's Iowa permanent site. The other permanent location is Decatur, Illinois. Locally, Sheriff Ron Fehr and Boone Police Chief Bill Skare are encouraging commuters to consider alternative routes to avoid the high traffic areas.

"Y" Building to be Donated

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Directors has approved moving ahead with the transfer of ownership of the building housing the Boone County Family "Y". Boone County Hospital acquired the building over 20-years ago. Five years ago, the Hospital began leasing the building the "Y" of Greater Des Moines to house it's Boone County operations. The Board has approved a stipulation that should the "Y" of Greater Des Moines consider selling the building, the Hospital will have a right of first refusal.

More Downtown Work

BOONE, Iowa---Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson said this week that more work was going to be done on the site of a downtown demolition project. Fire damaged buildings were removed, but sidewalks were damaged in the process. Nelson says Majors Construction was the successful bidder to fix the damage and has quickly moved in to take care of problem. He says the city still hopes to get the site looking better for Pufferbilly Days.

Motor Tour to Visit Boone

BOONE, Iowa---The Iowa Lincoln Highway Association 2010 Motor Tour kicked off on the eastern side of Iowa this year and will end Sunday on the west side of the state. This year, the group will overnight in Ames, Saturday night, but will pay a visit to Boone for the Lincoln Highway Transportation Show. A "Bring What You Drive" show is being held in Boone and is sponsored by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tall Corn Auto Club, the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association and the Boone County Historical Society.

Emergency Repairs

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Public Works Director John Rouse says heavy rains earlier this month caused quite a bit of damage below the street surface at 8th and Benton Streets in Boone. Rouse says he knew earlier there was a smaller problem that would be addressed with the on going sanitary sewer project, but heavy rains this month changed the situation. He says the storm sewer needs to be repaired right away, which will mean some travel limitations at the busy intersection. Rouse says the work should be completed and traffic returned to normal on Saturday.

Hospital Revenues

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees have learned that the new fiscal year started out in the black, but not quite as well as originally hoped. Financial performance in July was affected by lower patient revenue, due to lower numbers. Pretty much all numbers were under the budgeted amounts including both revenue and expenditures. Net income was over $63,000, but was below both the budgeted amount and the amount for July 2009.

Traffic Study

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's Public Safety and Transportation Committee may consider a traffic study to take a look at traffic patterns around all school buildings. The Committee was approached by the School District again this week to install additional stop signs at the intersection of 1st and Benton. The Committee has refused similar requests in the pasts, but this time agreed that there are other matters to consider. Since the School District has closed two buildings and moved classes to new locations, it was felt that a complete look at the traffic patterns might be helpful in addressing grid lock.

Visioning Meeting Held

BOONE, Iowa---A large group of Boone citizens gathered at the Boone City Hall Auditorium Monday to hold a visioning meeting for the City of Boone. The meeting was organized by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and was facilitated by Linda Howard of the Iowa Great Places program. Howard says she was pleased with the work of those who showed up for the meeting, which sets up the next steps for the community, an action plan, implementation, focus groups and plan development. No second meeting is set at this time.

Bridge Vote

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have decided to seek a vote of the public to determine the fate of the Wagon Bridge located west of Boone. The current structure over the Des Moines River is closed to vehicular traffic. During the March flood, a large tree hit the structure causing an estimated $800,000 in damage. The Supervisors are proposing a $6-million bond issue to remove the old bridge and build a new on to meet current specifications. The vote will be included in the November General Election.

Storm Damage Reassessment

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says the Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to return for a quick reassessment of storm related damage in Boone County. In the past couple of weeks, several additional properties have been added to the list. Morlan says the first time damages were assessed, there were not enough individual properties to be considered. He says inspectors will limit their investigation to property that was destroyed or received major damage.

Hit and Run Driver Apprehended

BOONE, Iowa---The driver of a pickup involved in a hit and run accident with a high school girl last Thursday as been arrested. Boone Police Chief Bill Skare says officers were able to track down the vehicle and Saturday afternoon, filed charges against 29-year old William Austin Carlin, Junior of Boone. Charges included failing to leave aid and information at the scene of the accident, failing to yield to a pedestrian, no valid Iowa Drivers License and no proof of insurance. Carlin was taken to the Boone County Jail. The case has been turned over to the Boone County Attorney.

Farm Progress Show

BOONE, Iowa---In another week, thousands of visitors will be headed to the Farm Progress Show east of Boone. Police Chief Bill Skare is asking residents, especially those that commute to Ames and Des Moines, to plan for their morning and afternoon trip. Skare says he's asking people to use South Story Street to US Highway 30 in the morning and in the late afternoon and early evening. He says doing so will help avoid some of the heavily traveled local roads.

Bond Vote

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will take formal action to put the matter selling bonds to replace the Wagon Bridge west of Boone to a vote of county residents. The matter was first brought up by Supervisor Tom Foster during a public hearing held by the Supervisors to consider the closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic. The matter is in the agenda for the Supervisors to consider, Tuesday afternoon. The proposal would include removal of the old bridge, construction of a new bridge and related roadway. Early estimates for a new bridge were about $4-million which did not include removing the old bridge.

Driver Still Sought

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police Chief Bill Skare says his department is still seeking the driver of a pickup involved in a hit and run accident by the Boone High School Thursday morning. Skare says the pickup was a black early to mid-90's Nissan, possibly with some damage to the front drivers side bumper. The driver was described as a white male, early 30's, short dark hair and a goatee. Sierra Owen sustained bumps and bruises and a possible knee injury from the accident.

Visioning Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will be the host for a "Visioning Meeting" Monday at the Boone City Hall. Chamber Executive Director Richard Baker says he's been staying in touch with representatives of the Iowa Great Places program for two-years and he thinks the time is right to take the next step to obtaining Great Places recognition. Baker says to do that, community members will need to participate in the Monday session. He says it will begin at the City Hall Auditorium at 6:30 PM.

DMACC Enrollment

BOONE, Iowa---The numbers are not official by any means, but an enrollment increase is expected this fall for the Boone Campus of DMACC. Provost Tom Lee says a single digit increase is expected this fall. Lee says after several semesters of double digit increases, it's nice to have things slow a little. He noted that many classes are already filled and more are expected to be filled early next week. Classes begin August 26th.

Parade Entries

BOONE, Iowa---Those businesses and organizations that still want to get an entry into the 2010 Pufferbilly Days Parade have to get the entry into the Chamber office by Friday. The deadline was extended, because some weren't sure about the $10-entry fee imposed this year. Janet Schultz, Parade Chair, says the fee will be used to defray some of the costs school district face in transporting their bands to Boone for the parade. At least 7-bands have agreed to participate in the parade.

Boone PD Seeking Driver

BOONE, Iowa---Boone police Chief Bill Skare says the department is looking for the driver of an early to mid-90's model, black Nissan pickup. Skare says the vehicle was involved with an apparent hit and run accident at Boone High School Thursday morning. The driver was described as a white male, early 30's, muscular build, short dark hair and a goatee. Skare says the was in good condition, but may have some damage to the driver's side bumper. A Boone High School student was injured in the accident.

Injury Accidents

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says deputies were very busy Wednesday, with three accidents, resulting in various injuries. The first near Perry in southwest Boone County, sent 45-year old Kae Olerich of Jefferson to the Guthrie County Hospital. A single vehicle rollover near Woodward caused 16-year old Nathaniel Kent of Des Moines and his passenger, 15-year old Jeffrey Mitchell of Woodward, to get cited for illegal possession of alcohol. Finally, a motorcycle accident north of Boone sent 44-year old Mark Zinnel to the Boone County Hospital. Fehr says all accidents remain under investigation.

Ledges Damages

BOONE, Iowa---The Ledges State Park in Boone County has experienced three-flood events this year along with some major August rain events that caused substantial damage. Ledges Park Manager Andy Bartlett told KWBG that some of the damage through the Canyon Road is comparable to damage during the record flooding of 1993. The second flood event this summer was just shy of the crest in 2008, placing it in third place for flood waters. Bartlett provided KWBG with pictures of some of the damage. The Lower Ledges Road remains closed.

Nursing Home Project Continues

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has approved the proposed site plan for the second phase of the Evangelical Free Church Home building project. The first phase, a major addition to the home was recently completed and now the focus turns to the next phase, the older, two-story wing next to Division Street. Remodeling of the two-story wing was not considered cost effective so work will involve demolition and reconstruction of a single story wing.

Supervisors Pursue RISE Grant

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors spent time in Ames Wednesday, meeting with Iowa Department of Transportation officials in an effort to gain support for a RISE Grant application. RISE stands for Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy. Grant dollars are being sought to use for road improvements in the industrial park on the east side of Boone. Most grants are directed to new projects or new construction.

Two Hospitalized following Accident

BOONE, Iowa---Two people were hospitalized following a two-vehicle accident west of Boone Monday. Sheriff Ron Fehr says a deputy investigated the accident at "L" Avenue and US Highway 30. 56-year old John Huffman of Woodward was traveling north on "L" Avenue and failed to a west bound vehicle on Highway 30 driven by 45-year old Kim Pluemer of Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Pluemer was flown from the scene to Mercy in Des Moines. Huffman was transported by Boone County Ambulance to the Boone County Hospital. A condition update was not available from authorities.

Storm Water

Boone, Iowa---Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says he expects Boone to join many other communities pushing to eliminate sump pump discharges from the city's sanitary sewer system. Nelson told the City Council Monday that many cities are starting to vigorously pursue the problem. Many residents with sump pumps and footing drainage, discharge the water into the sanitary sewer system, causing massive flows at the sewer plant and even resulting in sewage backups into basements. Nelson told the Council that many of the actions they will be asked to consider will be controversial.

Peddler Ordinance

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has begun consideration on a new ordinance dealing with peddlers, solicitor and transient merchants. The Council approved the first consideration Monday. City Attorney Alan Schroeder explained to the Council that the ordinance is different that one adopted by the Council over 10-years ago. That ordinance was challenged by several residents and the Iowa Civil Liberties Union. The ordinance was repealed. Schroeder says the new ordinance requires registration for a nominal fee.

Body Found

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says a deputy recovered a body on the west side of the Wagon Bridge, west of Boone, Saturday afternoon. Fehr says the initial call reported a decapitated body. Detectives from the Sheriff's Department, Boone County Search and Rescue and the Boone County Medical Examiner were also at the scene. Early indication's are that the unidentified victim from Cook County Illinois took his own life. An autopsy will be completed this week. Fehr reported that the identity was being with held pending notification of next of kin.

Two Injured in Sunday Accident

BOONE, Iowa---A Sunday morning accident, reported over 4-hours after it occurred, did result in two-people receiving treatment at the Boone County Hospital. Sheriff Ron Fehr Monday said that a deputy began the investigation shortly before 9:00 Sunday morning, even though it reportedly occurred about 4:00 Sunday morning. A pickup, driven by 22-year old Travis Riddle of Ogden went out of control on a gravel road and struck a tree. Passengers Blain Snyder of Boone and Mason Nicklos of Ogden, both 20, were injured but not seriously. Damages were estimated at some $25,000.

One Injured in Saturday Accident

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says deputies reported a two-vehicle accident Saturday that sent 83-year old Lovey Mondt of Ogden to the Boone County Hospital. Fehr says the investigation indicates that Mondt attempted to cross US Highway 30 at "J" Avenue when her vehicle was struck by a west bound vehicle operated by 71-year old Darrell Halbert of Boone. Mondt was taken to the hospital by Boone County Ambulance. Fehr says damages estimates exceeded $17,000.

Pufferbilly Parade Fee

BOONE, Iowa---Entrants for the 2010 Pufferbilly Days Parade are being asked to pay a $10 entry fee that will be used to help cover some of the costs of high school bands. Janet Schultz, Parade Chair says the celebration has given the schools $50 and she says that doesn't cover much anymore. Over the past couple of years, the number of bands participating have declined because of the increased costs to school districts. So far, 7-bands are entered this year. The deadline to submit a parade entry has been extended to Friday, August 20th.

Road Closures

BOONE, Iowa---Storms this week have caused quite a bit of damage to Boone County roads. Officials have reported posting county roads for at least three-dozen locations. Some are still dealing with water, but many are damaged from water running out of fields and a crossing the roads. Boone County Secondary Roads personnel have been working at restoring roads to safe conditions. The list of roads that are posted can be found here.

Public Hearing on Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission has scheduled another public hearing on a long term lease agreement with the Boone National Little League. The agreement is for the long term use of park property where the Little League facilities are located. The hearing will be held during next months Park Commission meeting. Last month, Little League representatives raised concerns about a number of issues, including the need for a new agreement. Park Commission members have been told that a public hearing is required for any lease exceeding three years.

Water Agreement Heads to Council

BOONE, Iowa---After several months of negotiations, a proposed agreement between the City of Boone and the Logansport Water District will head to the Boone City Council for approval. As the rural water district expanded over the past several years, plans were developed to make improvements in the Logansport distribution system it was discovered that there was no existing agreement for water service. Some of the most recent issues addressed were maximum volume of water per month, rates and hook-up fees.

Miliatry Appreciation Day

BOONE, Iowa---Military Appreciation Day will be held at Galen Wiley Field at the Boone Municipal Airport this Saturday. Assistant Adjutant General for the Iowa National Guard, Air, Brigadier General Gregory Schwab is scheduled to open the event during a 10:00 ceremony. Organizers say the event is aimed toward public appreciation of the military and especially to the families of local members of the National Guard deployed overseas. The day will include a fly-in of rare, antique aircraft and vintage aircraft from the World War II era. Parking and admission is free.

Boone County Storms

BOONE, Iowa---Heavy rains and strong winds created quite a few problems in Boone County Tuesday night. Winds caused quite a bit of tree damage considered by Public Works personnel to nearly equal the damage cleaned up from a major wind storm just three weeks ago. Heavy rain on saturated soils created flooding problems, closing several roads, including Interstate 35 and US Highway 30 at Ames. Excessive rain in northeast Boone County caused massive flooding in Ames, leading to numerous evacuations.

School Facilities

BOONE, Iowa---Boone School Superintendent Brad Manard says he's confident that the district's facilities will be ready for school next week. The Middle School Addition, which will house 5th graders is virtually complete, but missing student desks. However, he says more work will be needed at Franklin Elementary. Manard says the contractor is optimistic about having classrooms completed, but paving of a parking lot might not get done for a couple of weeks. Classes for 5th through 12th grades begins Thursday, August 19th.

Flood Insurance

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County and some of the cities in Boone County were represented at a meeting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the engineering firm working on the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map. The maps identify flood areas where residents and businesses would be required to carry flood insurance. Cities and the County will need to determine if they will participate in the federal flood insurance program. Decisions will need to be made in the next several weeks.

Steps Taken for Disaster Assistance

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says steps have been taken to include Boone County in disaster assistance programs. A Governor's Proclamation was first on Tuesday, allowing the county, cities and citizens to participate in state offered opportunities. Morlan says the Supervisors have also taken steps with their own local declaration which is the first step to gaining a Presidential Disaster Declaration which would allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to offer financial assistance. Morlan says it's not certain that Boone County will receive a Presidential Declaration.

Scam Alert

BOONE, Iowa---This week, the final local send-off ceremony was held for the Iowa National Guard 2nd Brigade Combat Team. And, this week, authorities began getting complaints about a possible scam spreading across the state. Commander John Sloter of the Boone Police Department says the Boone Police Department had not received any complaints but did work with the Urbandale Police on a Fraud investigation. Sloter says solicitations are sought under the guise of assisting troops overseas. He says anyone being contacted should use caution and if assistance is needed, contact authorities.

Park Commission Rejects Grinding

BOONE, Iowa---By a three-to-two vote Monday, the Boone Park Commission has once again refused to accept an offer from a contractor to grind a concrete paving project. The project is the recreational trail adjacent to the Linwood Park Cemetery. The contractor, Concrete Technologies, Inc. offered to grind 100-feet of the trail as a sample of the work that would be done. The majority of the Park Commission is still insisting the unacceptable work be removed and poured again.

Thunderstorms

BOONE, Iowa---Thunderstorms Sunday night and Monday morning dumped anywhere from 3-5 inches of rain in the KWBG listening area. Besides extensive lightning, the storms also had winds of 50-to-60 miles per hour which did cause some large power outages. Several hundred people in Boone were without power early Monday, but by noon, there were no reports of any problems. Additional thunderstorms are possible into Tuesday. Boone has recorded over 6-inches of rain so far in August.

House Fire

BOONE, Iowa---Early morning thunderstorms are suspected of causing a house fire at 528 West 16th Street, Monday morning. The fire was reported about a quarter to five in the morning at the Larry Swank residence. Authorities did report that everyone was out of the house. The fire apparently started on the roof and then spread. Officials do suspect lightning as the cause. The Boone Fire Department, Boone Police, Boone County Sheriff's Department, Boone County Search and Rescue and Boone County Ambulance were all at the scene.

Facility Projects

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will be updated on the status of their two-major construction projects, the addition to the Middle School and the addition and remodeling at the Franklin Elementary building. Both were slated for completion by the beginning of school this month. The Middle School project has been easily on pace, by the work at Franklin has been a little tighter. Earlier, Dr. Brad Manard, Boone Superintendent, said that the Franklin project was adjusted to include additional remodeling of older class rooms, but is still expected to be completed.

House Fire

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Fire Department was at the scene of a house fire, Friday afternoon. The early report had the fire located at 1212 Union Street. There has been not report about the cause or if anyone was home at the time of the fire. Details from the fire department are expected over the weekend.

Visioning Session

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will be looking for a lot of participation for a visioning session with representatives of the Iowa Great Places program. The public meeting will be held at the Boone City Hall Auditorium on Monday, August 23rd. Richard Baker, Executive Director of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce says the more participation the better. He says if people can come together with some ideas for making improvements, the Chamber will try to work with Iowa Great Places.

Storm Sewer Repairs

BOONE, Iowa---Timing was one of the big issues in allowing the general contractor for the Boone sanitary sewer rehabilitation work to fix a storm sewer break that occurred a week ago. A heavy downpour on Friday July 30th caused a blowout on the Honey Creek storm sewer on Marshall Street. Engineer Wayne Schwartz told the City Council that H&W Construction took steps to deal with a rain event. The problem was the 1.5-inches of rain that fell in less than an hour. One week later, 72-inch culvert has arrived to replace the old storm sewer.

Justified Shooting

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Attorney Jim Robbins has determined that the use of force by law enforcement personnel in late May, which resulted in the death of Randall Kimsey of Ogden, was justified. Robbins in an press release Wednesday noted that after review of the DCI investigative report and from his own observations at the scene, he has concluded that law enforcement personnel were justified in firing their weapons. Kimsey was involved in a stand-off with law enforcement at a residence in Ogden on May 26th.

Bid Rejected

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council this week voted to reject a bid received for the demolition of a couple of downtown buildings. Plans to demolish the adjoining structures has been underway for some time. However, at the recommendation of Mayor Kieth Berg, the Council rejected a demolition bid from Anderson Excavating for nearly $193,000. Work will begin on the specifications used to solicit bids and new bids will be sought, probably later this month.

Flood Insurance

BOONE, Iowa---Officials from Boone County, communities in Boone County as well as representatives from the state and federal government will hold an open meeting Wednesday, August 11th to talk about the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map for Boone County. The meeting will be held at the Boone City Hall Auditorium and will begin at 9:00 AM. The public is encouraged to attend and learn the details of the Boone County Flood Insurance Study.

Storm Sewer Repairs

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council this week, approved allowing their sanitary sewer rehabilitation contractor, to make repairs to the Honey Creek Storm Sewer. Last Friday, H&W Construction was work on a stretch of the sanitary sewer line that exposed an old brick paved section of Honey Creek. Heavy rain caused the the sanitary sewer line to blow out. Monday the Council approved the work on a 6-to-1 vote. Council member Fenner Stevenson opposed allowing H&W to do the work, instead arguing that another contractor should be hired.

Storm Sewer Project

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council has accepted a low bid of $1.2-million from Priority Excavation, for the construction of a storm sewer that is expected to divert excessive rain fall away from the city's sanitary sewer system. Ogden is under a Department of Natural Resources mandate to reduce storm surcharges at the city sewer plant which has caused by pass situations. A special meeting will be held in two-weeks to try and complete the contracts. Work could actually begin on the project by the end of August.

Moratorium Approved

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have approved and adopted a resolution putting a six-month moratorium on and land divisions or development projects in the Des Moines river corridor. The Supervisors expect an independent committee, headed by the County Zoning Commission, to complete work on necessary mapping needed to provide consistency with the use of conservation requirements for environmentally fragile land. Critics have said the last six-month moratorium lasted a year and a half.

Chickens in Boone

BOONE, Iowa---By City Code, Boone residents can have chickens in the city limits, but there are limits on how many. In a letter to be considered by the City Council Monday, Rick Daniels says he was told he could have six chickens per 11,000 square feet of property. Three months later he was told he needed a half acre for four chickens. Daniels is seeking a variance from the City Council to keep his chickens.

Moratorium

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors are expected to approve and adopt a formal moratorium on any land division or development with the Des Moines River corridor in Boone County. The moratorium would be for six-months and would allow a committee that includes the Boone County Zoning Commission, to complete work on zoning map for a conservation district overlay. The County Zoning Ordinance already has the language, but the map was never adopted. The intent is to use a conservation district overlay on environmentally fragile land in the river corridor.

Police Chief Evaluation

MADRID, Iowa---The Madrid City Council is slated to enter a closed session during their Monday meeting to conduct an evaluation of Police Chief Rick Tasler. Tasler has been on the job for some time in Madrid and has been the center of some controversy. The most notable was an issue about his participation in a Internet video promoting an upcoming Mixed Martial Arts fight. At that time, Tasler did accept some disciplinary action.