Street Work Progresses

BOONE, Iowa---Contractors are very busy in Boone as they try to get street work completed. The Boone City Council this week pushed engineers to try and get the work done by Friday or as soon as possible after that. Boone Mayor John Slight said earlier this week that getting traffic signals completed might take a little longer. Slight says the Council has consistently said that all street work needs to be completed this fall.

Omelet Breakfast

BOONE, Iowa---The annual Fall Harvest Omelet Breakfast drew a pretty nice crowd once again. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee and the Boone County Farm Bureau cosponsor the event to raise money for 4-H scholarships. This year they have also added the Boone F-F-A chapter to the recipients. The breakfasts are held twice a year, in March and in November.

ITC Power Line Upgrade

BOONE, Iowa---ITC Midwest is the company that owns many of the big power lines that criss cross the KWBG listening area. Troy Weary is the Area Manager and says they will have a big project coming up in the next couple of years, that may impact some residents. Weary says the plans are to upgrade the line north of Boone to the Boone Junction. There will also be an upgrade from that location into Boone which will affect some residents. Weary says they want the county, city and residents to know it's coming, even if it's more than a year away.

Goal Increases

BOONE, Iowa---The Salvation Army in Boone is seeking quite a bit of support for their annual programs. Envoy Tim North says he was reluctant to increase their fund raising goal, but in the end, increasing demand for services required it be done. North says the Christmas fund raising effort will be $150,000 and that will include the Red Kettles. He says the funding will be directed toward their $277,000 budget. North says in 2009, snow storms severely hampered the Red Kettle Campaign.

C-M-O-M

BOONE, Iowa---C MOM is an acronym for capacity, management, operation and maintenance and it refers to sewer lines, both sanitary and storm. For Boone, it will be focus of new efforts to change the action plan accepted by the Iowa DNR to deal with sewer back-ups in basements. Boone Mayor John Slight says he likes the new effort because they won't be digging up so many blocks of street and will get the work done more cost effectively. The focus of the effort will be on the trunk sanitary sewer line on Linn Street, north of the railroad underpass.

Chamber and Pufferbilly

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have announced their support for relocating the Pufferbilly Days community celebration back to downtown Boone. The celebration, due to loss of volunteers and declining revenue had moved to the Boone County Fair Grounds for the past three years. Many in the community have pushed to have the celebration brought back downtown where it began as a retail promotion. The Chamber Board has been working with the Steering Committee and also with Boone businesses to address the financial viability of the annual event.

Street Construction

BOONE, Iowa---Will work be completed and streets reopened for travel before Thanksgiving. That's the hope of the Boone City Council. Doug Ernst with Foth Engineering says the intent is to get streets back open this week if possible. Ernst told the Council Monday that he will be meeting with the contractor to push for openings as soon as possible, may even yet this week. He did note that lines need to be repainted and traffic signals need to be made operational. One of the problems at 8th and Benton has to do with damage done to one of the traffic signal poles.

Equipment Purchases

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has approved moving ahead with the purchase of equipment for the city's Public Works Department. Public Works and Parks Director John Rouse told the Council Monday that bids were received for a mini-road maintainer that will be used for alley work, for a new street sweeper and for a new truck. In addition, the department also purchased a new full size road maintainer. The purchases will be funded through a bond sale. There is the possibility that the City may borrow from Public Works reserves to cover the purchase in the interim.

Recycling Awards

BOONE, Iowa---Nearly 180-Boone County businesses and workplaces were recognized Monday for the 2010 Outstanding Business and Workplace Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards. Landfill Administrator and Recycling Coordinator for Boone County, Scott Smith says it's still one of the best days each year. The program, now in it's eleventh year, is sponsored by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Boone County Conservation and the Landfill and Recycling Center. Smith says another 20-businesses and workplaces were added to the ever growing list. He also recognized the efforts of the schools to teach young people about recycling. Included in our slide show are a couple of photos from the Monday morning ceremony.

Red Kettle Campaign

BOONE, Iowa---This is about the busiest part of the year for the Salvation Army. Envoy Tim North says with the Red Kettle Campaign, the sign up for Christmas Food baskets and the Angel Trees really keep everything hopping. North says last year's winter weather really hurt the fund raising. He says there were several days in December when Red Kettles were not even set out. With better weather this year, it's hoped that fund raising will return to normal. North says the Red Kettles, the mail in donations and other contributions will fund many programs for the next year.

Westhaven Construction

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will hear about the progress being made on the Westhaven Care Facility of the Evangelical Free Church during their meeting Tuesday. Nan Sloan will provide the board with the update, but will also discuss the possible issuance of Assisted Living Facility Revenue Notes for the Westhaven Project. The Supervisors are being asked to consider a resolution to assist with the issuance of up to $2-million in notes for the project. The action will include a public hearing.

Stimulus Funds Cause Delays

BOONE, Iowa---A couple of utility projects in Boone continue to be plagued by delays because of the use of Stimulus Funds. The City Council's Utility Committee found out there will continue to be delays in work on two sewer lift stations and a high service pump located at the water plant. Superintendent of Utilities Roy Martin has told the Committee that the delay is the requirement that materials used by made in America. Martin has said the delay could be a couple of months. One lift station is at South Linn Street and is being relocated south of US Highway 30. The second is on Division Street on the sanitary sewer line that was rehabbed last year.

Veterans Day Ceremony

BOONE, Iowa---Beautiful weather conditions greeted a nice crowd at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone Thursday. Those who attended heard from Boone High School Graduate Eric Sandegren who is currently working with the Defense Department in Military Intelligence. Sandegren spoke about veterans important in his life and talked about some of the issues facing soldiers currently in Afghanistan.

Disaster Sign-up Deadline

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says Friday is the last day for any homeowners, renters or businesses of all sizes to file for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Morlan says Boone County was added to the list of eligible counties late, but a number individuals have been able to receive assistance. He says anyone who had storm or flood damage in June, July or August may be eligible for assistance. To register, call toll free 800-621-3362 or go on line to www.disasterassistance.gov.

School Calendar

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School District calendar for the 2011-2012 school year, does not have a week off for spring break. Superintendent Brad Manard says surveys of parents and staff found that most favored additional days around Easter weekend. He says the calendar would have school beginning on August 22nd and would have a planned end date of May 22nd. He did note that several vacation days are also spread through the year. The calendar has not been adopted yet, but will be addressed when the Board meets in December.

Conservation Board Sets Fees

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Conservation Board has set fees for next season. Most fees charged for camping are unchanged, but shelter rental at Swede Point Park near Madrid is being raised to $40. The only other increases will be in the fees for golfing with the individual and family membership fees increasing by $5. Daily golf fees will remain unchanged. The Conservation Board took action on the fees during a regular meeting Monday.

Ice Skating Pond

BOONE, Iowa---If Mother Nature cooperates, there will be ice skating at the Boone Parks Skate Pond this winter. The Boone Park Commission Monday found out that staff had taken steps top prepare the pond for winter. Weeds and tree branches were dealt with and the area was set to be flooded. Park staff has put in place marking posts to allow skaters to see where the main channel is located. Last year, heavy snow early in the season created problems with safe ice for skating.

County Conservation Seeks Grant

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Conservation Board has approved a resolution supporting a grant application for the Fish Habitat Grant Program. If received, the grant would be used for maintenance on the spillway floor on the damn at the Don Williams Recreation Area. Another portion would be used for a planned fish kill on the lake. Andy Hockenson told the Conservation Board that discussions will also be held with NRCS and other conservation officials to see about creating additional projects to protect the lake for years to come.

Pool Has Good Season

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Municipal Swimming Pool Manager Darci Newcomb says the 2010 season was better than 2009, but not quite as good as the record season of 2008. Newcomb gave her review of the year to the Boone Park Commission Monday. Newcomb says since most storms this year occurred at night, there were only 11-days affected by the weather. Newcomb told the Commission that gross income from the pool for swimming was nearly $70,000.

Culvert Repair

BOONE, Iowa---A long awaited culvert repair project will move ahead with the awarding of the contract by the Boone County Board of Supervisors. The project is not your ordinary culvert project. It's a large culvert, near Madrid, under the High Trestle Trail. The culvert received extensive damage during flooding in 2008. FEMA recently confirmed that federal funds are available to fix the damage. Bids have been reviewed with the apparent low bidder the Jensen Construction Company of Des Moines for nearly $687,000. The high bid for the work was about $1.1-million.

Election Results

BOONE, Iowa---The results for Iowa House District 48, covering western Boone County and Perry in Dallas County are not official yet, but it appears that Republican challenger Chip Baltimore will become the new House Member. Absentee and Provisional ballots in Boone County were counted Monday morning and incumbent Donovan Olson picked up 20-votes to Baltimore's 17. Updated numbers from Dallas County have not been available. Following the canvas of the results, there could still be a recount.

Lowell and Bryant School Buildings

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will consider action on a Right of First Refusal Option for the sale of the now vacant Lowell and Bryant Elementary Buildings. The District has received only one formal offer to purchase of properties. That offer came from Chad Thompson and was for one-dollar. The Board has concerns about what will happen to the buildings and were unable to get any details on Thompson's plans. Instead they have offered the Right of First Refusal to allow Thompson time to present his plans to city officials. The Right of First Refusal is for 6-months.

Ogden Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---Ogden Mayor Keith Berg says negotiations are still underway with a candidate that would service as Ogden's City Administrator. Berg says unfortunately an agreement was completed before last week's Council Meeting. Berg says many have asked about hiring an administrator. Berg says the Council decided to have an Administrator and City Clerk rather than having a City Clerk/Administrator and an Activities Director. He says the goal is to continue providing services to residents while creating continuity at City Hall.

Assistance Still Available

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County residents that sustained property loss or damage from storms or flooding this past summer still have time to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Friday November 12th is the deadline. John Mills with FEMA told KWBG earlier that even if residents received assistance from another source, they should still register. He says the may be eligible for additional assistance. To register, call toll free 1-800-621-3362 or on line at www.disasterassitance.gov. Help is also available at the Boone County Disaster Recovery Center located at the Luther City Hall until November 9th.

Election Results

BOONE, Iowa---The final outcome of the Iowa House District 48 race will be determined Monday. That's the day the Absentee Committees will meet to consider those ballots that have arrived this week. Boone County Auditor Phil Meier says the deadline is noon on November 8th. The committee will review the postmarks to try and determined if they are one or before November 1st. Any after that can not be counted. The Boone County Supervisors will meet Monday afternoon to complete the canvas of the election results. At last count, the difference was 25-votes with Chip Baltimore leading Donovan Olson.

Pufferbilly Discussion

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors is inviting any interested businesses to a meeting Monday, November 8th at 5:30 at the 4th floor conference room at the Boone County Hospital. Richard Baker, Chamber Executive Director, says the meeting will be an open discussion about ways to improve Pufferbilly Days. The 35-year old community celebration began as a retail event and will be relocating downtown in 2011.

Street Work

BOONE, Iowa---The good news, street work has moved ahead very quickly this week. At the last Boone City Council meeting, Engineer Wayne Schwartz said under ground work on the sanitary sewer rehabilitation was completed and street paving would be the big item this week. Contractors have moved rapidly to resurface the intersection at 8th and Benton, 8th Street, 7th Street and Tama. Schwartz told the Council that streets wouldn't open right away, but should all be done, weather permitting, with in three weeks.

911 Surcharge

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County voters this week, approved a proposed rate increase in the Enhanced 9-1-1 surcharge. The surcharge is apparent on telephone bills and is currently $.85 a month. With the vote this week, that will go to $1.00 a month. All the proceeds are used for emergency communications in Boone County. That includes new radios for police and fire departments. Revenues have been declining because fewer people actually have land line telephones, instead opting for cell phones. Voters gave the measure a 51-percent approval Tuesday.

Baltimore Leads

BOONE, Iowa---Iowa House District 48 might not have a winner until next week. Currently, Republican Challenger Chip Baltimore has a 28-vote lead over incumbent Democrat Donovan Olson. The unofficial numbers so far have Baltimore ahead in Boone County by 296 votes. But Olson leads in Dallas County by 268 votes. Absentee ballots remain in both counties, at least 270 in Boone County. The Boone County absentees will be counted next Monday, prior to the canvas of the ballots by the Boone County Supervisors.

Ogden Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---Hopes by the Ogden City Council to name a new city administrator did not work out Tuesday. City officials had conducted interviews with five-candidates over the past couple of weeks. Council Member Brian Reimers says an offer was made to one of the candidates, but the differences over salary and other costs were just to great to overcome. Reimers told the Council Tuesday that the city's offer was rejected, just hours before the Council meeting. Council Members will review the situation but agree that additional staff is needed to help City clerk Deb Vigdal.

Bridge Question Defeated

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County voters overwhelmingly opposed a proposed to sell up to $6-million in bonds to remove and reconstruct the Wagon Wheel Bridge west of Boone, over the Des Moines River. The bridge sustained extensive structural damage last March when it was hit by a tree during the spring flood. A second flood caused the bridge to shift and since then, the Boone County Supervisors have closed it to traffic. Earlier this summer, residents submitted a petition with about 600-signatures opposing the closure. The Supervisors then called for the vote. 70-percent of the votes cast were opposed to the project.

Nov 2, 2010 10:57pm - Terry Branstad has been declared the winner of the 2010 Governor's Race. Chuck Grassley and Tom Latham also declared official winners.

10:20pm Unofficial Boone County Election results. All precincts reporting, but not all absentee votes counted. About 10000 votes cast, just under 60% of Boone County

State House of Reps: Baltimore, Heddens, Quirmbach Supervisor-Duffy Bo CoTreas- Bosch Bo Co Recorder – Rardin Bo Co Attorney – Robbins US Senate- Grassley US House-Latham Gov-Branstad Secretary of State-Mauro State Auditor-Vaudt State Treas-Fitzgerald Secretary of Ag-Northey Attorney General – Miller Judicial retention- Boone County voted NOT to keep the Supreme Court justices. Did vote to retain appellate court judges. 911 Surcharge – yes Allow wagon wheel bridge replacement – no

Annexation Delay

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has temporarily delayed moving ahead with an annexation study to allow council members a chance to learn a little more about annexation and the process. Council Member Gary Nystrom raised the matter during Monday's Council Meeting. Nystrom also proposed establishing a committee of staff members and a Council Member to discuss alternatives with businesses in the Boone Industrial Park. The Industrial Park is considered one of the prime areas for annexation according to information provided to the Council by Snyder and Associates.

Free Clinic

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County now has a new free health care clinic in Boone. The clinic is a volunteer based health care program and is located at First United Methodist Church at 703 Arden Street in Boone. The clinic will operate the first and third Tuesday of every month from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Dr. Eric Peterson is the Medical Director, Jennifer Clubine is the Clinic Manager with Char Wilkening and Sandy Puntenney providing assistance. Anyone is welcome and all patient information is confidential.

Historical Center Recognition

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors took time Tuesday to approve and sign a Proclamation celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Boone County Historical Center. Executive Director of the Historical Society, Charles Irwin was on hand for the presentation and invited the Board to the Center Thursday evening at 7:00 for a brief program and tours of the facility. A picture of the Supervisors with Irwin is on the KWBG slide show.

Three Injured in Accident Near Ogden

OGDEN, Iowa---A Des Moines man was flown to Des Moines Sunday afternoon following a two-car accident west of Ogden. Sheriff Ron Fehr says 22-year old Brandon Drost was traveling south on US Highway 169, stopped at the stop sign and turned onto US Highway 30. Drost was struck by a westbound car driven by 35-year old Jon Schuttinga of Denison. Schuttinga and a passenger, 7-year old Aiden Schuttinga were taken by ambulance to the Greene County Medical Center. Fehr says Drost will be cited for failing to yield the right of way. Damages amounted to nearly $13,000.

Barn Fire

BOONE, Iowa---Fire fighters from Boone, Ogden and Stanhope were at the scene of a barn fire, about three and a half miles northeast of Boone Sunday afternoon. Sheriff Ron Fehr says the call initially came in as a fire at a cattle confinement building. Tim Anderson, owner did use the barn to store alfalfa bales for cattle, but Fehr says no cattle were lost in the fire. The barn and all it's contents were destroyed. Boone County Search and Rescue did assist personnel at the scene. The cause remains under investigation.

Consulting Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will receive a committee recommendation during their Monday meeting regarding the proposed Consulting Agreement between the City and Darrel Rensink, the retiring City Economic Development Director. Boone Mayor John Slight proposed the agreement at the end of the last Council meeting in October. That led to a heated debate and a vote to move ahead with the agreement of 4-to-2. The formal agreement will go through the Council's Policy and Administration Committee Monday evening, prior to the Council meeting.

Hospital Audit

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Directors accepted the most recent audit report during a meeting Thursday. The report did show a slight decrease in total assets for the hospital as well as a decline in liabilities. Kevin Morey with BKD a Kansas City firm, did encourage the board to continue it's efforts to incorporate electronic health records, noting funding is available to assist. Morey did note the on going issue of segregation of duties, a common occurrence audits for smaller hospitals, cities, schools and other entities.

Gano Receives Recognition

BOONE, Iowa---Des Moines Area Community College Boone Campus Nursing Professor Barb Gano has been named the DMACC Distinguished Teacher by the DMACC Foundation. Gano was recognized during the President's Day activities earlier this month. Gano began teaching at DMACC in 1968 and has been an educator, advisor, mentor and colleague to many during her career. She received her award from DMACC Foundation Board Member Dotty Thurston. Gano, Thurston and Dr. Kim Linduska are pictured in the KWBG slide show.

BAMA Trick or Treat

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Merchants Association had a pretty successful kick-off to fund raising for the Shop With A Cop program Thursday. The Trick of Treat for Shop With A Cop drew hundreds of children to downtown Boone. Merchants handed out treats to the children and collected donations for the Boone Police Departments annual holiday shopping extravaganza. Last December, the original date for Shop With A Cop was postponed because of a blizzard. This year, the Shop With A Cop is set for December 9th.

Candidate Visits

BOONE, Iowa---In the final days of the 2010 campaign, candidates are criss crossing the state, encouraging supporters to get out the vote. Thursday, US Senator Charles Grassley joined 4th District Congressman Tom Latham in Boone. Grassley says people that are comfortable with social networking should use it to encourage their friends to vote. Governor Chet Culver visited Boone Wednesday and talked about his campaign and pushed for his supporters to get their friends to the polls as well.

Early Voting

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Auditor Phil Meier says any resident that wants to have an absentee ballot will need to get that request in by the end of business Friday. Meier says Friday is the last day he will be able to send out the ballots by mail. Meier says already the county has had about double the absentee requests of four years ago. Eligible voters will be able to vote at the Auditors office at the Courthouse Friday, Saturday and Monday. Early registration ended last Saturday, but Meier says same day registration will be conducted with the proper identifying information.

Youthful Offender

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says a Deputy Zach Zeutenhorst responded to a call Monday evening in Pilot Mound that led to a confrontation with an 11-year old. Fehr says Zeutenhorst arrived at the scene and the out of control 11-year old was hitting another child with a baseball bat. The 11-year old ran from the Deputy into the home and pulled a gun. Zeutenhorst did draw his weapon but ended up tackling the child and took him into custody. The gun turned out to be a BB gun. Skylar Allen was charged with assault on another juvenile, assault on a peace officer and going armed with intent with the baseball bat.

Identifies Released

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police Chief Bill Skare says a 29-year old HyVee employee, Gerald Beals II was the man with a knife Monday at the Boone HyVee. Skare says the first officer on the scene to confront Beals was Rod Thompson. Thompson ordered Beals to put down his knife which he refused to do. Beals approached Thompson who them used a taser which had no affect. Skare says Thompson then had to use his service revolver then, firing multiple shots at Beals. Beals was pronounced dead at the scene. The 911 calls have been released by the Boone County Communications Center and are available on this website. The DCI autopsy results show that Beals was NOT H-I-V positive.

Ogden Community Survey

OGDEN, Iowa---The planned Ogden Community Survey is underway and will continue for about another week. Earlier this week, Ogden Mayor Kieth Berg noted that the youth portion of the survey was leading adult participation. Tuesday, Ogden Superintendent Bill Roderer said he was pleased with the numbers of youth participating and the school district has encouraged the students to do just that. He says by taking part, the youth will have a stake in the future of their hometown.

Final Public Mitigation Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The third of three planned public meetings to allow Boone County residents a chance to review the proposed County Mitigation Plan is being held in Boone Tuesday evening. County Emergency Management Director Dave Morlan has said the meetings are an opportunity for the public to review the 61-mitigation action plans developed from earlier public meetings. Participation also helps meet some of the required matching commitment to the grant paying for the work. The meeting is at the Boone City Hall Auditorium and begins at 6:30 PM.

HyVee Shooting

BOONE, Iowa---Not a lot of additional information has been made available about a shooting incident at the Boone HyVee store Monday morning. Boone Police Chief Bill Skare says officers were called to the store right before 11:00 about an employee with a knife. He says the call led to an officer involved shooting. Specifics about the incident have not been released at this time. The Department of Criminal Investigation is conducting the investigation. The store was evacuated and has been closed since shortly after the incident.

Let's Just Talk

BOONE, Iowa---The Teaming Together 4 Teens is expanding efforts to spread the word about unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among teens in Boone and Story Counties. The next step is to spread the word to adults. Sue Doran with the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program through Youth and Shelter Services, says the participation has been excellent and is growing. October is "Let's Talk Month" and their campaign is "Let's get it started..The Talk". Organizers have events planned for November and have more information at their website here.

Visioning Meetings

BOONE, Iowa---Volunteers serving on three different committees will be meeting at the Boone City Hall Monday to move ahead with the next step on developing a plan for the Iowa Great Places Program. Work so far has led to the committees working on three different topics, Community Pride, Business Vitality and Downtown Beautification. Richard Baker, Executive Director of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce says he remains excited about the work being done.

County Zoning

BOONE, Iowa---A possible issue over a conditional use permit will come before the Boone County Zoning Commission Monday. The property owner is seeking the permit to allow for a 10-station Sport Clay Shooting Range. Early indications are that some neighbors have concerns about the location. The property, in Worth Township is along Montana Road and is south of the Boone County Landfill and Honey Creek Golf Course. Since the matter involves a conditional use permit, the Boone County Zoning Board of Adjustment will also be involved in the process.

FEMA Inspector Investigation

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says an investigation is being conducted into a complaint by a Boone County resident that complained about a FEMA Inspector. Morlan says if a resident is not registered, a FEMA Inspector will not just come to your house to do an inspection. He says appointments are made with people that register. Morlan also says FEMA Inspectors will readily show you their identification. He says make sure before you allow anyone to inspect your property.

Survey Underway

OGDEN, Iowa---Ogden Mayor Kieth Berg is hoping that Ogden residents will take time to complete a brief survey that will be used to help give direction for future development in the community. There's been a resurgence of interest since the demolition of three-properties in downtown Ogden. Berg says youth are also being encouraged to participate in the survey. The actual survey can be completed on line here. Copies of the survey are also available at the Ogden City Hall.

Boone County Assistance Rises

BOONE, Iowa---As of Thursday morning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had approved nearly $73,000 in grants to homeowners and renters in Boone County as the result of storm damage and flooding from June, July and August. John Mills with FEMA says the number of registrations continues to increase daily and inspectors are able to quickly move in an assess the damages. Mills says even if residents received assistance else where, through the state, Red Cross or some other agency, they still may be eligible for FEMA assistance. He says registration continues through November 12th. Call 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

Open House Successful

BOONE, Iowa---A couple of hundred people turned out for the Boone Fire Departments Open House on Wednesday. The crowd did include quite a few children as expected, but also a good number of Realtors, insurance agents and even a couple of contractors. Fire Chief Justin Adams says the contractors, Realtors and insurance agents were really the targeted group because they were displaying the newest information on home sprinkler systems. Adams says current city code doesn't include a requirement for residential sprinkler systems, but it is a growing trend.

Fair Board Haunted House

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Fair Board is set to hold their Halloween Haunted House over the next two-weekends. The Haunted House is going to serve as a fund raiser for the Fair Board and also as a way to collect food for the local food pantries. Admission is only $5 but goes down by a dollar with a couple of canned food items. Fair Board members warn that some material may not be suitable for children under 5 and people should enter at their own risk. The Haunted House is open this Friday and Saturday from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM. Proceeds will be used for building upkeep on the fairgrounds.

City Appeals Consent Order

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has responded to a letter from the Department of Natural Resources regarding the order agreed to in May of 2009 about the completion of the City's sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. City Administrator Luke Nelson presented the information to the City Council Monday. The response addresses the Council's financial concerns and also proposed a revised Action Plan to deal with storm water that enters the sanitary sewer line. The deadline to meet the consent order was November 1st.

Fringe Development

BOONE, Iowa---An update on the Fringe Development Plan for the City of Ames and Boone County will be reviewed for the County Zoning Commission during a regular meeting next Monday. Representatives of the City of Ames Planning and Housing Department are slated to meet with the Commission. In years past, there's been a difference of opinion about the Fringe Development Plan and it's impact on Boone County.

Nominations Sought

BOONE, Iowa---Nominations are being sought for the annual Boone County Local Workplace Business Recycling Awards. November 8th is the deadline for the nominations to be submitted for the recognition. In 2009, over 140 Boone County workplaces were recognized. The event is held in conjunction with America Recycles Day and is sponsored by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, the Boone County Conservation Board and the Boone County Landfill and Recycling Center. Nomination forms are available at the Boone County Landfill, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce or on line here.

Council Debates Consultant Agreement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has a heated debate Monday, about the extent of services being handled by retiring Economic Development Director Darrel Rensink. Boone Mayor John Slight developed an agreement allowing Rensink to serve as the point person securing federal appropriations, overseeing the progress on the planned Corporal Snedden Drive Overpass and continuing to head up the Annexation Study. Councilmember Greg Piklapp disagreed and wanted the Annexation Study handled by income Economic Development Director Beth Brinks. Following a heated exchange, the Council voted to move ahead with the agreement on a 4-2 vote.

Registrations Increase

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says he expects more registrations with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Morlan says when FEMA announced that Boone County would be eligible for individual assistance for residents and businesses, there were 52-people registered. By Tuesday morning, the number increased to 68. Morlan says not everyone will receive assistance, but without registering, you know you won't receive assistance. To register with FEMA for storm related damages that occurred in June, July or August, call toll free 1-800-621-3362 or go online to www.disasterassistance.gov. The deadline to register is November 12th.

Rezoning Moves Ahead

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have approved the second consideration to rezone property near the junctions of US Highway 30 and Iowa Highway 17, east of Boone. The rezoning will allow for the development of an agriculture related business. Tuesday, the Supervisors found out that AgReliant Genetics would like to relocated their Boone County operations to the site. The company has out grown the current location in eastern Boone County.

Ogden Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council will be involved with interviews of candidates for the job as City Administrator over the next two-weeks. Mayor Kieth Berg says the list of candidates has been narrowed down and by the beginning of November, it's hoped that a candidate will have been selected. Kimberly Claypool was the Ogden City Administrator and Clerk. Prior to her departure, she helped the Council restructure Administrator/Clerk and Community Activities Director positions. The Council has already hired Deb Vigdal as the City Clerk.

Fire Department Open House

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Fire Department will host an Open House Wednesday, featuring a live demonstration of a side by side burn that will show the effects of a sprinkler system. Fire Chief Justin Adams says interest in a couple of areas about sprinkler systems, especially in residential settings, is driving displays similar to the one being used in Boone Wednesday. The matter could come up for cities that adopt the 2010 International Building Code and the International Fire Code. Adams says the display is funded by a grant from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

Storm Damage Sign ups

BOONE, Iowa---Registered Boone County residents and businesses increased over the past weekend, after the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that Boone County was eligible to apply for individual assistance. Just over 50 registrations had taken place before the announcement Friday. By Monday morning it increased to nearly 60. Inspectors were in the county over the weekend and by Monday had approved more than $40,000 in assistance and grants. Registration for anyone that suffered any kind of damage from storms or flooding in June, July and August continues until November 12th. To register by telephone call 1-800-621-3362 or on line at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Disaster Declaration

BOONE, Iowa---Late Friday, it was announced that Boone County was one of three additional counties in Iowa to qualify for the July Presidential Disaster Declaration, which makes individual assistance available to residents and businesses. Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan has been pressing the appeal for the past several weeks. He says the biggest matter right now is that any Boone County resident or business that sustained any kind of damage from weather in June, July or August, needs to register with FEMA. Registration can be handled over the telephone by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Annexation Study

BOONE, Iowa---The much talked about annexation study, commissioned by the Boone City Council, will be presented to the Council when they meet Monday afternoon. Already, business in the Boone Industrial Park met with the City Council in a special meeting to express their concerns about possible annexation and the impact it would have on business and the community. The Boone City Council meeting will actually begin at 5:30 Monday to allow for the presentation of the study.

Missouri Man Electrocuted

BOONE, Iowa---A 47-year old Missouri man, working for an electrical contractor on power lines north of Boone Friday, was electrocuted when his boom truck basket came in contact with a power line. Sheriff Ron Fehr says Kelly L. Bruce of Hannibal, Missouri was working for Hydacker and Wheatlake, a Missouri contractor. Fehr says Bruce apparently contacted the Emergency Communication Center. He was described as conscious and talking. Fehr says Bruce was flown from the scene to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. His condition was not immediately available.

Ogden Development

OGDEN, Iowa---Demolition of three buildings in downtown Ogden are serving to push the community ahead to consider a number of marketing options. A market analysis webinar was held this past week and beginning next week, community surveys are going to be done. Much of the work is being done on line, but paper copies of surveys are also being developed. Mayor Kieth Berg has said the communities participation will help with the success of future plans. Berg will be a guest on the KWBG News and Public Affairs Program "Tuned In" Monday morning. Information about the work being done is available here.

Field Fire

BOXHOLM, Iowa---One of the bigger field fires of the season hit western Boone County Thursday afternoon. Sheriff Ron Fehr says the call came in about 2:00 in the afternoon about a large cornfield fire near Boxholm. Firefighters from Boxholm, Grand Junction and Ogden responded and Boone County Emergency Management and the Iowa State Patrol assisted deputies with traffic control. Fehr says farmers in the area used chisel plows to create fire break to stop the fire. He says an area, about a half mile long and a quarter mile wide was affected.

400 Pound Pumpkin

LUTHER, Iowa---A pumpkin, weighing more than 400-pounds will be part of the Iowa Arboretum's Autumn Hullabaloo Saturday afternoon. Sara Kobilka, Arboretum Executive Director, says the pumpkin was planted by 2-year old Drake Hosteng and will be moved to the Arboretum for Saturday's free event. Hosteng is also taking part. Kobilka says the pumpkin and Hosteng are added attractions for the family fun event that features games, food, prizes, a costume contest, hayride and more. The Arboretum is located west of Luther in Boone County.

Intersection Closing

BOONE, Iowa---Boone residents will need to plan a little more travel time beginning Monday. City officials say Monday morning, the intersection at 8th and Benton Streets will be closed for the sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. Last year, the underpass was closed for two months which created a huge concern for the City Council. This week, work is being done to place a temporary road across the northwest corner of the intersection, through the HyVee parking lot. City Engineer Wayne Schwartz says it will serve traffic to the north and west. 8th street to the east and Benton Street from the south will not be passable. He encourages the public to plan alternative routes.

Burglary Arrest

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police Cheif Bill Skare says his department has charged a 19-year old Boone man as a result of an investigation into multiple burglaries. Skare says John Allen Rose was taken into custody Monday. When Rose was taken into custody, he also had Methamphetamine in his possession. Skare says the charges are three counts of Burglary and one of Possession of Methamphetamine, 2nd Offense. Skare says the Police Department has been assisted by the Boone County Sheriff's Department and the Central Iowa Drug Task Force. He also says the investigation is continuing.

Street Tree Authority

BOONE, Iowa---Conflicting ordinances have left control over street trees up in the air. The Boone Park Commission this week received an opinion from City Attorney Alan Schroeder, noting that the ordinances deal with both the Tree Board, a responsibility of the Park Commission and the Council's authority through Public Safety and Transportation. City Administrator Luke Nelson sought the opinion in preparation for expected discussion about planting trees on city parking, the area between the street and sidewalk. Tree related matters are usually handled through the Urban Forester, a position included in the responsibilities of John Rouse, Parks and Public Works Director.

No Sale, Yet

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board has not taken any action to accept an offer from Chad Thompson of Boone for the purchase of the Lowell and Bryant Elementary buildings. Both buildings are now vacant, and Thompson made a formal offer to take the buildings off the district's hands. However, the School Board has expressed a concern about the future of the buildings and the resulting impact on the neighborhoods and the community. Thompson has not shared his plans for the buildings with the School Board.

School Resource Officer

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board and the Boone City Council's Public Safety and Transportation Committee seem to be in agreement about having a School Resource Officer. The Boone School Board this week, approved moving ahead with the development of an agreement for the shared position. Plans are to have a police officer working in the school system to help with various situations. Police Chief Bill Skare has said the position should benefit both the schools and the community.

Shelter Vandalism

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission is making an effort to try and preserve one of the smaller shelters located in McHose Park. Commission members says the Ella McHose Shelter, located near the Teddy Roosevelt Statute, was constructed in the 1920's. The shelter has become a popular hang out for young people. Phil Brown, Chairman of the Park Commission says the graffiti has been painted over. He says the Commission is looking for someone to adopt the shelter to help with it's preservation.

Rezoning gets 1st Approval

Boone, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have approved the first consideration to rezone property, right southwest of the Junction of US Highway 30 and State Highway 17 east of Boone. The land is currently zoned Agricultural and would be changed to an Agriculture Business designation. The location is close to the Central Iowa Expo location and is considered a highly visible parcel of property of an agribusiness venture. The Supervisors will consider the matter when they meet again next Tuesday.

Vandals hit Don Williams Golf Course

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says his department is investigating vandalism at the Don Williams Golf Course near Pilot Mound, Sunday night or Monday morning. Fehr say a cart shed was entered and several golf carts were used to drive around the course. Several carts were damaged. The incident is similar to a case being investigated by Boone Police, which occurred this summer at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone. It's not known if the incidents are connected.

Purchase Offer for Bryant and Lowell

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will continue discussion about a purchase offer made for two empty district buildings, the Bryant and Lowell Elementary Buildings. The first and so far only formal offer the district has received came from Chad Thompson. School Board members did not take any action on the request last month, because of concern over the responsibility the district has to the neighborhoods and the community.

Two Rescued from the River

BOONE, Iowa---Two men were rescued from the Des Moines River Sunday, when their pontoon became entangled in debris and began sinking. Sheriff Ron Fehr says the incident happened near the "Y" Camp north of Boone. Boone County Search and Rescue did take 20-year old Joshua Mull of Ames and 47-year old Kevin Moore of Ames off the pontoon. Fehr says the pontoon will be removed when conditions on the river are safer.

Facility Planning

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will receive an update on the district's facility planning when they meet Tuesday. Board members have been anxious to start taking a look at possible projects for the high school building. This year, work was completed on the Franklin Elementary Building and the Boone Middle School. The cost of the construction and remodeling is being covered by the one-cent sales tax.

Hazard Mitigation Meeting

MADRID, Iowa---The second in a series of Public Meetings about the Boone County Hazardous Mitigation Plan will be held Tuesday evening in Madrid. Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says the meetings are a time for public review of work that went into the plan. He says 61-mitigation scenarios have been developed. Now, the idea is to make sure nothing was missed. Attendance is also beneficial because public participation counts toward the local match for the cost of the project. The Tuesday meeting is at the Madrid City Hall and begins at 6:30.

Bridge Vote

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Supervisor Bill Lusher says turnout improved for an informational meeting about the Wagon Wheel Bridge project, Thursday evening in Ogden. Lusher says once again, the public has some very good questions about the project. On KWBG Friday, Lusher said the Supervisors decided to put the question on the ballot for a couple of reasons, one it has been in the works as a project for several years and secondly, they did receive a petition earlier this summer with about 600-signatures. Lusher says those that were unable to attend any of the meetings can find out more here.

School Open House

BOONE, Iowa---Boone School District patron are invited to the view the Boone Middle School Addition and the Franklin Elementary School Addition and remodeling during an Open House Monday. Superintendent Brad Manard says the open house will be self guided and will run from 6:00 until 8:00 Monday evening. The two-projects did allow the district to close the Lowell and the Bryant Elementary Buildings. The School Board has received a token offer for the two buildings.

Battery Program

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Firefighters have once again teamed up with Boone Hardware to offer new batteries to Boone residents for their smoke detectors. Fire Chief Justin Adams says the program has been very successful. The program really targets the elderly and others that are unable to change batteries in their detectors. He says the public can schedule an appointment and find out more about the program by calling the department during the day at 432-3446.

High Pressure Gas Line Damaged

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency responders were on the scene for over 6-hours Wednesday, while repairs were made on a high pressure gas line, adjacent to 220th Street east of Boone. Sheriff Ron Fehr says the incident occurred right before 9:00 in the morning, when a construction crew hit the gas line. Alliant made repairs to the line. The Sheriff's Deputies, Reserves, Boone Fire Department and Boone County Search and Rescue were all on the scene. Only one residence was evacuated. Fehr did not know if Iowa One Call had been contacted.

Fund Raiser for Boone Grad

BOONE, Iowa---The friends and family of Mark Depew have planned a Benefit Open House and Silent Auction Sunday in Boone. Depew, a 1981 graduate of Boone High School was diagnosed earlier this year with a malignant brain tumor. The benefit is to raise funds to help his family with ongoing medical bills and supplies and will be held October 10th from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Big G's Log Cabin BBQ at 720 8th Street, Boone, Iowa.

Assessor Offers Forums

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Assessor D. Kevin Burggraaf has announced a series of public forums to help Boone County residents understand the assessment process. Burggraaf says he will cover the basics on assessment practices, but will also be available to answer questions from the public. The first forum will be held at the Boone County Courthouse on Tuesday, October 12th. The Boone County Assessor's Office is currently in the midst of a revaluation of Boone County.

Council Defers Action on Sewer Project

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council has deferred action on a bid received for a planned sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. The low bid for the work was submitted by Municipal Pipe and Tool from Hudson, Iowa. The bid exceeded the project cost by about $40,000. One portion of the bid, a one-block section of open digging was actually over half the project cost. Council members will wait until a review can be done by Fox Engineering and the Community Block Grant Administrator. A special meeting yet this month might allow the project to move ahead.

Final Public Meeting on Bridge Vote

OGDEN, Iowa---The Leonard Good Community center in Ogden will be the location for the final public meeting on the Wagon Wheel Bridge Project. The Boone County Supervisors are hosting the meeting in an effort to pass along information to the public about the ballot question. Voters in the general election will be deciding the fate of the nearly $6-million project. The current Wagon Wheel Bridge received extensive damage in March and additional damage from flooding in June. The Board received a petition earlier asking that the bridge not be closed to vehicular traffic. Supervisor Bill Lusher will appear on the KWBG Tuned In program Friday to talk about the project.

Open House

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Fire Chief Justin Adams says the Boone Fire Department will host an Open House on Wednesday, October 20th at the Fire Department. Adams says the Open House will feature a couple of different things, but one of the big attractions will be a working demonstration about the impact of having a sprinkler system installed in new residential properties. He says sprinkler systems are necessary in certain settings and are becoming more affordable for residential applications.

City Pursues more FEMA Dollars

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Public Works has been working with FEMA representatives to secure federal dollars to cover the costs related to storms in Boone this year. Now the City's Utility Department is lining up assistance. Utility Superintendent Roy Martin says heavy rains in August caused damage to stream banks and to the inside of the water pollution control plant. He told the City Council that FEMA recently indicated the City could qualify for $300,000 in assistance for related repairs.

Paid on Call Firefighters

BOONE, Iowa---The effort to support full time fire fighters in Boone was recognized at this week's City Council meeting, when eight members of the paid on call staff were recognized for obtaining their Firefighter I Certification. Boone Mayor John Slight says he's been very pleased with the efforts that have been taken since the Council decided to move ahead with it's Department of Public Safety concept. Not only are there paid on call fire fighters, but several city staff members and members of the Police Department are cross training as well.

Early Voting

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Phil Meier says people need to remember follow directions when they vote an absentee or early ballot. Meier says in the past, if the paper work was unsigned, the ballot was not counted. Now, he says they are able to open the mail and check for signatures and have already had to contact voters about their error. Meier says if you intend to cast your ballot early, just remember to read and follow the directions to make sure your counted.

Body Recovered

OGDEN, Iowa---Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says emergency responders were able to locate and recover the body of an Ogden women early Saturday morning. Fehr says the communications center was notified about a quarter after three Saturday morning that 54-year old Marcia Brink was missing on property north of Ogden. By 7:30, Fehr says her body was recovered from a well on the property and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was sent to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Foul play is not suspected. Brink took her dog for a walk Friday morning, the dog apparently fell in the well and Brink fell in trying to rescue the dog.

Recreational Trail

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Park Commission has consistently refused to accept the work done a year ago on the Recreational Trail located next to the Linwood Park Cemetery and near the Skate Pond. The Commission has repeatedly voted to refuse accepting what they consider to be unacceptable work on the trail. Meanwhile the contractor of the project has refused to reconstruct the stretch of trail. It appears the matter may be headed to arbitration. Boone City Attorney Alan Schroeder may be able to update the City Council Monday.

Community Theatre Production Cancelled

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Community Theatre has cancelled it planned October production. President of the Board of Directors for Boone Community Theatre, Scott Porter, says due to a variety of reasons they were unable to get a cast set for the production. He says the Board is discussing options to put something on stage for Halloween, but a final decision has not been made. Occasionally individual performances may need to be cancelled, but seldom has the Board had to cancel the entire production. Auditions for the the December production will be held next Monday and Tuesday.