Council to Consider Consultant Contract

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will once again consider action to continue their affiliation with the Russ Reid Company, a Washington, D.C. based lobbying and consulting firm. The City has retained the services of the company for the passed couple of years and has received $1.3 million in federal funding for the Corporal Snedden Overpass Project and the on going sanitary sewer rehabilitation work in the city. The cost has been $120,000 a year. The Council will consider continuing the contract at a revised rate.

Supervisors Present Budget to Farm Bureau

BOONE, Iowa---For the past several years, the Boone County Board of Supervisors and Auditor Phil Meier have taken time to present the preliminary County Budget to representatives of the Boone County Farm Bureau. That tradition continues Monday evening at the Pizza Ranch in Boone. The Supervisors have had to struggle with the budget for Fiscal Year 2012. The official Public Hearing on the budget will be held in March.

City Bans Garbage Trucks From Alleys

BOONE, Iowa---The unseasonably mild weather this week has brought up the usual spring problem of soft alleys and the related ban on garbage trucks in the alleys. Every year the issue creates controversy because of the number of people that have alley pickup. Public Works Director John Rouse says the conditions deteriorated quickly this week and the ban was need to try and preserve the alleys as much as possible. The ban will be in effect indefinitely.

Friends of Ledges Meets

BOONE, Iowa---The Friends of the Ledges State Park meet Thursday evening for their second meeting of 2011. Andy Bartlett, Ledges Park Manager says the group is planning a project for one of the upper park picnic areas this year. Bartlett says the group of volunteers is also inviting others to join their efforts. More supporters will lead to more projects. Bartlett says the volunteer group has been a big addition to the work being done at the state park. People that want to find out more can also go to the groups web site. The meeting is held at the Ledges Park Office at 6:30 PM.

Former NBA Star At DMACC for Black History Month

BOONE, Iowa---Former Iowa State University and National Basketball Association star Don Smith, now known as Zaid Abdul-Aziz, will make an appearance on the Boone Campus of DMACC February 24th. Abdul-Aziz will speak at the Boone Campus Theater at 9:40 AM. After retiring from the NBA, he authored Darkness to Sunlight and is a recognized national speaker. The appearance is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by the Boone Campus and DMACC Urban Campus Student Activities Council and the DMACC Diversity Commission.

Phillips Named Chamber Exec

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that Kurt Phillips of Boone has been named the new Chamber Executive Director. Phillips has lived in Boone with his wife Rita for 22-years. They have 3-sons. Phillips has worked at Redekers Furniture and Carpet for 15-years. He has also been involved with the Boone Area Merchants Association and the PUFFERBILLY DAYS Steering Committee. Phillips is expected to begin his position at the Chamber in the next few weeks.

Emergency Communications

BOONE, Iowa---Most of the public is not aware that a change has been mandated that will affect emergency radio communications. The change is called Narrow Banding Radio and a group of Boone County's Emergency Responders have been meeting and planning for the change for several months. The mandated change will be January 2013. The cost of the radios and the necessary infrastructure to cover the county is expected to be covered, at least in part, by the 911 Surcharge. Rick Lampe, who now coordinates the 911 activity, told the Boone County Supervisors that grants will be sought, but will not cover the cost of what needs to be done. Infrastructure improvements could more than a $1 million.

Sledding Hill

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission this week voted to continue a temporary closure of the McHose Park Sledding Hill. The hill was closed as a result of a multi-million dollar lawsuit. State Representative Chip Baltimore has been asked to sponsor legislation that would amend the state code to include properly constructed and maintained sledding hills in the same category as skate parks and similar recreational activities. Baltimore has said he will pursue the amendment if the City and Park Commission intend to reopen the sledding hill.

Park Commission to Raise Funds For Shelters

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Park Commission is moving ahead with a plan to begin raising it's own funds for shelter repair projects. Park Commission President Mike Swarts says the Boone Parks have a real need for a number of improvements and funding from the City is not able to cover all the immediate needs. Swarts proposed starting by selling decals supporting the parks seen here. He says proceeds will be directed to the Boone Parks Foundation and will then be used for fixing and repairing shelters. The Commission is developing a long range plan to lay out work in the future.

Fish Kill Project Update

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Conservation Board is considering a proposal that could restore a stronger fishery program to Don Williams Lake. Conservation Director Andy Hockenson was successful in obtaining a grant from the DNR to make repairs on the dam. While that takes place, it also creates an opportunity to rid the lake of the gizzard shad. DNR Fisheries Biologist Ben Dodd says Don Williams Lake had a reputation for good pan fishing but the gizzard shad and silting have hampered the program. If the project can move forward, it could take place in late summer or early fall.

County Budget Work

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will spend much of their regular meeting Wednesday working on the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget. Some additional work will be mixed in, but the focus will be making the decisions needed to complete much of the budget. The board is expected to set their public hearing on budget during the meeting. The budget will need to be completed and adopted within the month.

Hog Confinement Fires Injure Two.

OGDEN, Iowa---Boone County authorities report that two people were injured in flash fires that occurred at a hog confinement located north of Ogden. The fires occurred last Thursday and Friday mornings. The confinement is on property owned by Tom and Raechel Hollingshead. The more serious injuries occurred Friday when Adrian Romero-Cadena was flown from the scene to a Des Moines hospital for treatment of burns to his hands and face. Authorities have not confirmed if Romero-Cadena has been transferred to University Hospitals in Iowa City. The cause of the flash fires was not identified.

Don Williams Lake Plans Review

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Conservation Board will receive a first hand review of plans for a fish kill at the Don Williams Lake later this year. Andy Hockenson, Director for Boone County Conservation has presented the idea to the Conservation Board and will be joined Monday by a DNR Biologist who will discuss the project with by the Board. So far, discussion has included lowering the level of the lake to aid in a fish kill of rough fish. Additional work on the lake area is being discussed in connection with the project.

Two Injured in Sunday Crash

BOONE, Iowa---Two people received treatment for injuries at the Boone County Hospital following a two car crash on the southwest side of Boone late Sunday morning. The accident at the intersection of US Highway 30 and Montana Road was investigated by deputies of the Boone County Sheriff's Department. 42-year old Rebecca Hart was westbound on 30 and made a left turn at the intersection into the path of a car operated by 51-year old Duanna Thompson of Ogden. Hart was cited for failing to obey a yield sign.

County Zoning Commission Meeting Set

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Commission will be meeting the last Monday of February and will conduct a public hearing on request to recommend repeal of a section of the County Zoning Ordinance dealing with Conservation Overlay Districts. The public announcement of the meeting went out earlier this week, indicating the meeting will be held at the Boone High School Gymnasium. In November, a huge crowd filled the Boone County Courthouse in protest over the proposed Ordinance Amendment that would implement rules and maps associated with Conservation Overlay Districts. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM.

School Facilities

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will continue to push forward with the development of a plan for updating the District's High School facilities. Over the past couple of months, the board has discussed alternatives and options. Superintendent Brad Manard says finances will not permit the construction of a new high school, but an addition, remodeling and or demolition of the oldest part of the building are possible. Besides decisions about the physical plant, the Board will need to address financing and then a plan to present their ideas to the public.

Conditional Use Permit Approved

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to extend a permit originally granted in 2008 to allow for the operation of a 10 stage Sport Clay Shooting Range south of Boone. Board members said they felt that property owner Greg Davis met the conditions set out in the summer of '08. The permit was challenged by neighbors in court and the court did up hold the Board of Adjustments decision. Since 2008, county zoning laws have changed and opponents contend they would prohibit the Shooting Range. There is also a contention that a condition of parking was not met and the noise is a nuisance.

Utility Committee Reviews Project

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council Utility Committee has reviewed the proposed plan for the next phase of the on going sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. The Committee this week took a look at the revamped proposal that would focus work on Linn Street from Industrial Park Road, through the intersection with 11th Street. The review is the first step to putting together work that was agreed to with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The work being done late last fall will continue down 8th Street to the City Shed.

Council Tables Lobbiest Contract

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council tabled action on a contract for services from Washington, D.C. based Russ Reid consulting firm. The City has worked with the company for a couple of years now and has received more than $1 million for the Corporal Snedden Drive Overpass Project. Boone Mayor John Slight says the City would still like to have a discussion about cost of services. He says if the costs can be reduced, he would like to see the City continue it's affiliation. Currently he says the cost is to high.

Contract Negotiations

BOONE, Iowa---Contract negotiations have begun between the Boone School District and the Boone Education Association. At an earlier meeting, the BEA submitted a proposal calling for an increase of 6.5% for salary and benefits. Much of the increase would be expected to go toward health insurance premium increases. The District has countered with an increase of just under .6% The amount is expected to actually exceed anticipated new money from the state. Both sides had several other matters for negotiation and talks have begun.

Demolition Just One Option

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board did take the necessary first steps to demolishing two-vacant elementary school buildings. Dr. Brad Manard says the School Board needed to proceed because of the timing and steps needed to complete demolition. In the meantime, he says the District is still trying to sell one or both of the vacant buildings and continue to get inquiries. Manard says the School Board has indicated something needs to be done this year. It costs an estimated $25,000 each to keep the buildings minimally maintained this winter.

Crop Insurance

BOONE, Iowa---Producers get a new look Crop Insurance Program this year. The new Common Crop Insurance Policy has been rolled out and now producers need to educate themselves. Steve Johnson, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist will present "Crop Insurance Decisions and Marketing Strategies" Thursday in Ogden. The presentation will include a panel discussion with insurance representatives. The Ogden Ag Marketing Club is sponsoring the program. It begins at 6:30 PM at the Leonard Good Community Center in Ogden.

Sledding Hill

BOONE, Iowa---The majority of the Boone City Council would not be interested in restoring the sledding hill in McHose Park at this time. The sledding hill was closed following a multi-million dollar lawsuit that still has yet to be settled. Part of the action is closing the sledding hill. The Boone Park Commission conducted a community survey last year and discovered that residents that responded called for the reopening of the sledding hill and the skate pond during the winter months. Council representatives are expected to meet with Park Commission members to address the matter.

Annexation Negotiations

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has voted 5-to-2 to negotiated an agreement between the Council and several businesses in the Boone Industrial Park regarding possible annexation. The Boone Industrial Park was identified in an annexation study as a possible area for annexation. Businesses have testified before the Council that such action would certainly cost the city jobs if not the businesses themselves. The annexation study is yet to be completed, but the majority of the Council would like to see what can be worked out with the businesses. Any proposal would go through legal review before being presented to the Council at their next meeting.

Facility Planning Continues

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will continue discussing facility needs for the Boone High School. A smaller, working committee has been meeting with the DLR Group to continue putting together possible plans for the district. At this point, the School Board has seriously considered a project that would include an addition to the High School and then extensive demolition and remodeling of the existing structure. No definite decisions have been made yet, but could be within the next couple of months.

Conservation Overlay Issue

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors will once again have a discussion about the Conservation District Overlay issue. The Board will be meeting with Boone County residents Brian Burge and possibly others Wednesday. Burge and a number of others attended the recent County Zoning Commission meeting with the understanding that the Commission would be taking action on the numerous petitions that had been submitted to the Supervisors. The matter had not been published on the Commissions agenda and is expected to be on the agenda for the February 28th meeting. A bigger problem could be the location of the meeting. Several hundred people could possible attend and comment on the issue.

Wind Chill Advisory

BOONE, Iowa---The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory for the KWBG listening area from late Monday until mid-day Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to drop to -10 or -15 by Tuesday morning. Even with light winds, Wind Chill is expected to be -20 or -25 which is a dangerous category. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur in a short time. Conditions are expected to remain dry.

School Board to Hearings on Demolition

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board will hold two public hearings during their Tuesday meeting to address the proposed demolition of two vacant former elementary school buildings. The only offer that had been received was not finalized, so the process to proceed with demolition was begun. A more accurate cost for demolition has been made available for Board consideration and it exceeds the original estimates. The Board has repeatedly held the position that the buildings would be demolished if an appropriate use, benefiting the neighborhoods and the community could not be found.

City Considers Consulting Contract

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will again consider a contract for consulting services with the Washington D.C. based Russ Reid Company. The City has used the company for the past few years to try an garner federal appropriations for projects, especially the Corporal Snedden Drive Overpass Project and the on going sanitary sewer rehabilitation project. Last fall, the Council approved an arrangement with former Economic Development Director Darrel Rensink for consulting services, including lobbying the Congressional Delegation. Since then, representatives of the Russ Reid Company made an offer to continue working with the city at a reduced rate.

Boone Revitalization Plan

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will see more detailed information about the proposed "JumpStart Boone Urban Revitalization Plan" Monday. The Council's Economic Development Committee will work with the details prior to the City Council meeting at 7:00. The plan is being designed to promote new construction and improve economic conditions in both the residential and commercial areas of the community. The focus will be on making tax abatement's available for qualifying projects.

Pilot Mound Fire

PILOT MOUND, Iowa---A Pilot Mound family lost their home to fire Thursday. According to county records the home is owned by Vicki Robinson. The first call was received by Boone County Communication at 9:17 AM. That fire was contained, but the home received smoke and water damage, so the family found somewhere else to stay. Then the fire rekindled Thursday evening and continued until early Friday morning. Multiple agencies assisted the Pilot Mound Fire Department. There were no injuries and the cause remains under investigation.

Radon Seminar

PILOT MOUND, Iowa---The third in the series of Home Owner Maintenance Education Programs will be held in Pilot Mound on Tuesday evening, February 8th. Boone County Sanitarian Mike Salati will give a presentation on Radon. The last program in Boone drew several dozen residents. Salati says if people could see or smell the Radon gas more would be addressing the problem. There's no charge for the seminar and no registration is required. The program will be held at 7:00 PM at the Pilot Mound Community Room.

Boone Fire Seeks Paid On Call Staff

BOONE, Iowa---Last year, three dozen people signed up to try the Boone Fire Department's Paid On Call program. 10 received their certification. Fire Chief Justin Adams says that applications are currently being taken to expand the Paid On Call force. Adams says everyone is busy and by building a bigger On Call force, there will be more people available should the need arise. Applications will be taken until the end of the month. He says those that meet the guidelines will begin training this spring. Applications are available at the Boone Fire Department at 923 8th Street or here.

Ogden Budget Hearing Set

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council has set the public hearing on the 2012 Fiscal Year Budget for their March meeting, March 1st at 7:30 PM. City Administrator Donovan Olson reviewed budget options with the Council Wednesday. Staff recommendations made adjustments in both the Special Revenue and Expenditures and in the Proprietary Account. The actual levy for the city will be up slightly from the current fiscal year, going from $15.08 per thousand valuation to $15.11.

Bike Ride to Rippey

PERRY, Iowa---The 34th Annual BRR-Bike Ride to Rippey will be held this Saturday, no matter what the weather conditions. Fortunately, after blizzard conditions and a fourteen below temperature Thursday morning, conditions are more promising for Saturday. Riders will gather in Perry and will depart at 10:00 Saturday morning for the original winter bike ride. Those that have held off on registering because of the weather, can register on site Saturday morning. The ride begins at the McCreary Community Building in Perry.

Business Program Comes to Boone

BOONE, Iowa---If you've had this idea for a business, but just aren't sure what you need to do to get it off the ground, help is on the way. Dave Cook of Boone is working with the Boone County Philanthropy and Entrepreneurial Development Project. Part of the effort is making available the "First Step Fast Trac" program through the Boone Campus of DMACC. Cook says even existing business owners, looking to expand, can make use of the program. Cook says he's available to provide information and registration is being handled by DMACC. The Thursday evening class begins March 22nd.

Hospital Weapons Policy

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees have approved the implementation of an updated weapons policy. Hospital Chief Executive Officer Joe Smith says the Board took the action during their meeting in January. The hospital has had a weapons policy in place since 2004. Smith says there is security for weapons in the emergency room, but most of the time, they simply ask anyone with a weapon to lock it in their vehicle if possible. Smith says appropriate notices will be placed at the entrances of the hospital.

Winter Storm

BOONE, Iowa---Emergency responders in Boone County did have to go out for a couple of calls, and were fortunately able to retrieve some people that tried traveling during Tuesday nights blizzard. Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan says it took a little while to get to a few people. Morlan says east-west roads were the most difficult to negotiate, especially rural gravel roads. Boone received 3 inches of snow from 8:00 Monday morning to 8:00 Tuesday morning and an additional 3.8 inches of snow from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Blizzard Warning

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Emergency Responders are encouraging all county residents to be extremely cautious overnight. Boone County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan has said that travel is not advised. He also says anyone that gets caught out in the weather might be there overnight. Blizzard conditions are expected to continue until at least noon Wednesday. Most activities locally have been cancelled or postponed. More information on the weather announcements is available at the KWBG Weather Threat Box.

RAGBRAI Organizational Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---Representative of the City of Boone and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce are calling for volunteers to help organize and plan for the overnight visit from RAGBRAI. Over the weekend it was announced that Boone would be an overnight stop. An Advisory Committee is being established to start putting plans together. The meeting will be held at the Chamber Office on Tuesday, February 8th. Those interested in participating should contact the Chamber of Commerce at 432-3342.

Conservation Overlay

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County residents are still very concerned about a portion of the county zoning ordinance that deals with a Conservation Overlay. The portion of the code focuses on land considered environmentally fragile. The Boone County Zoning Commission formally accepted petitions Monday, asking for the section to be removed from the county ordinance and never addressed again. The petitioners have reportedly gathered more than 1,200 signatures. Tom Ross, Chair of the County Zoning Commission did say during the Monday meeting the Commission would hold there public hearing on the petition request at their February meeting.

Zoning Commission Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet Monday evening at the Boone County Courthouse. The last time the Commission met in November, a portion of the meeting had to be stopped because of a large crowd of property owners with concerns about a proposed amendment to the Conservation Overlay portion of the Zoning Ordinance. Since then, Boone County Supervisors have received multiple petitions requesting the language for the Conservation Overlay be removed from the County Ordinance. The Supervisors have sent the petitions to the Zoning Commission to begin that process.

Hospital Board Approves Search Firm

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital Board of Trustees have approved retaining a search firm to assist in recruiting a couple of new family practitioners. The Board Thursday supported the request from hospital administrators. Several interested family practitioners have visited the hospital over the past several months. Hospital CEO Joe Smith says they have yet to successfully get the recruits to commit. Smith has said at least two physicians are needed for Boone County Family Medicine.

Pancake Days

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Lion's Club Annual Pancake Days is always held the last weekend in January and is one of the organizations major fundraisers. Members serve up pancakes Friday afternoon and evening from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM and again Saturday morning from 7:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Pancake Days are held in the Community Building at the Boone County Fair Grounds.

RSVP Seeks Volunteers for Balance Program

BOONE, Iowa---Falls are a dangerous incident for older adults and RSVP of Boone and Greene Counties is looking for a couple of interested volunteers to work on the "Matter of Balance" program. Michelle Hull says RSVP is working with Aging Resources of Central Iowa and needs volunteers to take the training workshops in February and then be willing to conduct a couple of workshops in Boone County. For information about the "Matter of Balance" coach training, contact RSVP at 433-7836.

Hospital Revenue Matches 2009

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Hospital is keeping pace with net revenues from a year ago. Through the first six months of the fiscal year, net revenue is at $396,000 compared to $398,000 one year ago. The budgeted balance was estimated at nearly $540,000. Financial information for the hospital is just one of the topics considered during the monthly meeting of the Hospital Trustees.

Council Finalizes Budget Numbers

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has finalized budget numbers for the 2012 Fiscal Year budget. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson told the Council that the tax rate for the city will remain unchanged, which was a goal for many on the Council. Nelson says even with the rate unchanged, the actual property taxes will change because of other factors, including adjustment in the rollback by the State. The numbers will now be used to prepare the city's preliminary budget for a public hearing in March.

Historical Program

BOONE, Iowa---After taking the off during December, the Boone County Historical Society will resume a monthly Historical Program Thursday evening. Charles Irwin, Executive Director says to kick things off this year, he's going to use one of the videos available from the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace. Irwin says the video covers the topic of Presidential Limousines and lasts about 45 minutes. The Historical Programs are free of charge and open to the public. The presentation will be held in the lower level of the Historical Center.

Mentoring

BOONE, Iowa---January is Mentoring Month and some 90 mentors are currently volunteering through the GRIP Program through Youth and Shelter Services. GRIP stands for Great Relationships In Pairs. Barb Biersner, Program Director says mentors work with children from Boone, Ogden and Southeast Webster Grand currently. She says funding and volunteers limit the growth at this time. Biersner says the numbers couple easily double if there were enough people willing to take 45 minutes a week for a child.

Capital Improvements

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will consider approval of $5.1 million in Capital Improvement Projects for the 2012 Fiscal Year. Of that amount, officials expect to sell bonds for just over $1.6 million. Nearly $3 million will come from various grants, including $1 million for the Corporal Snedden Drive Overpass Project. Nearly $600,000 in grant proceeds will go toward improvement projects at the Boone Municipal Airport. Another $600,000 in grant proceeds is directed to the Northeast Sanitary Sewer Improvements.

Allowable Growth

OGDEN, Iowa---Governor Terry Branstad this week said he expects zero percent allowable growth for Iowa's schools. Ogden Superintendent Bill Roederer says that is not a workable amount from the state. Roederer noted that school districts with enrollment increases might get by, districts with enrollment declines like Ogden will take a hit. Roederer says it's still early in the state's budget process so they will continue to monitor what's happening. In the meantime, work will need to begin on next fiscal year budget for school districts. They need to be completed by April 15th.

Special Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will hold a Special Council Meeting, Wednesday afternoon to finalize portions of the budget. Finalizing Capital Improvement Projects and Local Option Sales Tax expenditures will bring much of the budget work to an end. The proposed budget will then be prepared and will be reviewed by the Council prior to a public hearing in early March. The Special Council Meeting will be a City Hall at 5:30 PM.

Annual Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Historical Society will hold their annual meeting this week. Executive Director Charles Irwin says there will be a review of 2010. He says the sanitary sewer construction work in Boone did have an impact on attendance. Irwin also says there will be an election of officers and board members during the meeting. The meeting is open to members and the public and will begin Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the Historical Center.

More Petitions for Supervisors

BOONE, Iowa---For the third week in a row, the Boone County Board of Supervisors will be expecting additional petitions directed at the Conservation District Overlay issue. The petitions that have been received ask for the Board to amend the county zoning ordinance and eliminate the language for the Conservation District Overlay. The requests have been turned over to the County Zoning Commission. The Commission is expected to meet later this month.

Emergency Managment Budget

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Emergency Management Commission, made up of representatives from the county and the cities in Boone County, will consider the agency's 2012 Fiscal Year Budget Tuesday evening. Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Morlan has prepared a budget with revenue at $115,000 and expenditures at just under $160,000. The published announcement indicates a budget carry over of more than $75,000. The public hearing on the budget is to begin at 6:40 PM at the Emergency Management Office on West Mamie Eisenhower.

Free Radon Seminar

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Sanitarian and Code Enforcement Officer Mike Salati will bring his Keep Boone County Healthy Radon Seminar to Boone Tuesday evening. Salati says the seminar is free to the public and provides information about the dangers of Radon and also ways to deal with Radon. Salati says it's important for the public to be aware about the Radon problem in Iowa and in Boone County. He says not only are people not aware about the Radon problem, even if they are, they're not doing anything about it. Tuesday's seminar will be held at the Boone City Hall Auditorium and begins at 7:00 PM.

United Board Plans Special Vote

BOONE, Iowa---The Board of Directors of the United Community School District will be looking toward a special election for district patrons to decide the future of the current Instructional Support Program. School boards can institute Instructional Support Levies through board action or a vote of the district patrons. The United School Board will be meeting Thursday evening at 6:00 to conduct a public hearing on a resolution to move ahead with the special election.

Boone Parks Restoration

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Parks Commission wants to embark on a 10 year plan to restore the City Parks infrastructure. Commissioner Jack Murphy recently requested funding from the Hotel-Motel Tax receipts received by the City Council. The first area for improvement was the main shelter house in McHose Park. Commissioners have reported that vandalism and age have taken their toll on the facility and improvements are needed. Commission President Mike Swarts has begun working on a "Better Boone Fund Raiser" to assist with the Commissions efforts.

Homes To Be Sold

BOONE, Iowa---The City of Boone is getting close to putting some homes back on the market. The City, using Neighborhood Stabilization Grant money purchased homes that were in foreclosure and have been getting them fixed up. Earlier this week, City Economic Development Director Beth Brincks told the City Council that at least one of the homes being worked on would soon be back on the market. The majority of the money has been federal grant dollars, but the city has invested some money dedicated to low to moderate income housing. When the homes are sold, the first dollars are returned to the city and anything additional goes back to the revolving account created by the grant.

DMACC Enrollment

BOONE, Iowa---The official numbers won't be available until sometime next week, but Associate Provost on the Boone Campus of DMACC, Brian Green says another record enrollment is expected. Green says a couple of years ago, the increases were double digit percentages, but have now slowed to low single digits, and he says that's a good thing. He says space is stretched on the Boone Campus, running about 80 percent capacity or higher. Besides enrollment, Green says they've had to virtually double the number of adjunct faculty members just to keep up.

5 Charged in Vandalism Case

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Police have charged 5 juveniles with 1st Degree Criminal Mischief following an investigating into vandalism at the Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone last August. Police Chief Bill Skare says early in the morning on August 8th, it was discovered that thousands of dollars in damage had been done to the golf course. The investigation has taken a long time, but Thursday, three 15-year olds and two 13-year olds were charged. Skare says the case is now in the hands of juvenile authorities and will be handled in juvenile court.

Wynn Conference

BOONE, Iowa---Several different groups have teamed together to bring internationally recognized speaker Mark Wynn to the Boone Campus of Des Moines Area Community College. Wynn addresses the issue of domestic violence and will hold several break out sessions on specific topics during the one day conference. The initial registration was limited to local professionals and was then opened up to others from across the state. The more than 230 attendees will certainly fill the DMACC Auditorium.

Resolution Tabled

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Supervisors tabled action this week on a resolution that would have prohibited weapons on county property, unless locked in a vehicle or carried by those with a professional permit. The matter was discussed earlier with County Attorney Jim Robbins and Sheriff Ron Fehr. Action was tabled so the Board could see if the issue actually needs to be addressed. The matter of permitting firearms has escalated since the new law setting guidelines for permitting became law January 1st.

RAGBRAI Invite

BOONE, Iowa---Representatives of Boone have been invited to attend the upcoming announcement for the 2011 RAGBRAI Route. The announcement will be made in Des Moines on January 29th. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson told the City Council this week that being invited to the announcement is not an indicator that your community will be included in the summer event. Ogden and Boone were pass through communities three years ago, when the ride overnighted in Ames.

More Budgets Presented

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors continued to receive budget proposals for the 2012 Fiscal Year, during this week's extended Board Meeting. A half dozen department budgets were presented Wednesday, including the department with the largest budget dollar wise, Secondary Roads. Budget proposals for a couple more departments remain, including the mental health budget which usually has the highest percentage of property tax dollars. In the past, the Supervisors have put together a preliminary budget and usually meet with representatives of the Boone County Farm Bureau for a review.

Water Main Cost

BOONE, Iowa---There's a bit a dispute over the $16,000 cost of a water main, constructed at the Franklin Elementary School Building to service the buildings fire suppression system. The dispute is, who should pay for the work? The issue is whose responsible because of the need for an improved water main to make the fire suppression system work. The DLR Group did the design work for the School District and apparently feels the City should cover it. The City Council voted Monday to reject the request for payment indicating the cost should be covered by the DLR Group.

City Agrees to Animal Control Fees

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has approved a 4-percent increase in the amount paid to the Boone Area Humane Society for animal control with in Boone. Heidi Drees-White presented the Council's Policy, Administration, and Employee Relations Committee with the figures for the past year. A couple of years ago, the Council switched from a base contract with charges for services to a flat fee. Boone Mayor John Slight says the flat fee makes it easier to budget, but it does make the Humane Society guess about the number of calls. The new contract still needs to be considered by the Council, but the cost will be just over $70,000.

City Receives Dividend

BOONE, Iowa---The City of Boone participates in the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Safety Insurance Group and recently received a dividend check from Hans Boehm of Boehm Insurance. The dividend is an incentive to continue safety training and education and eventually, reduce claims. Dividends have also been awarded previously to Madrid, Ogden and Boone County. The associated picture features Hans Boehm presenting a check for $23,682 to Boone Mayor John Slight. Also pictured is Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson.

Water Advisory Lifted

BOONE, Iowa---A Drinking Water Advisory for Boone residents and customers of the Xenia and Logansport water systems has been lifted. City officials announced that the Advisory was lifted Monday morning after testing showed that the water was safe to drink. The Advisory was put into place last Friday morning because of the work being done to repair broken water mains and the potential for contamination. Boone Water Works calculated that the system lost about 4.5 to 5 million gallons of treated water last week. That is about 3 days of water for all the customers together. Officials say they were never close to not being able to meet the demand for water.

Free Clinic

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County has joined others across the state in making health care available through a free clinic. The Free Clinic of Boone County is held the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at the First United Methodist Church at 703 Arden Street in Boone. Clinic hours are 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Organizers says it's on a first come, first served basis and no appointment is necessary. The clinic has been available since late 2010 and is becoming more well known.

Radon Seminars

OGDEN, Iowa---The first in a series of seminars about Radon will be held in Ogden, Tuesday evening. Mike Salati with the Boone County Health and Sanitation Department says the seminars are part of the Keep Boone County Healthy programs on HOME or Home Owner Maintenance Education. Salati says if people could see or smell Radon gas, awareness would not be an issue. Seminars are free of charge and a free Radon test kit is available while supplies last. The Tuesday evening program begins at 7:00 at the Leonard Good Community Center in Ogden.

Drinking Water Advisory

BOONE, Iowa---The Drinking Water Advisory for the Boone water supply is still in effect. City officials issued the advisory on Friday because of possible contamination that resulted while repairs were being made because of water main breaks. Many have thought there was a ban on using water all together, but the advisory affects only water from the tap that would be used for drinking or cooking. If water from the tap is used for consumption, drinking, cooking , making ice, brushing teeth and so on, it should be boiled for at least one minute then allowed to cool. Water can still be used for other purposes. Many people of opted to get bottled water while the advisory is in effect.

Conditional Use Permit Tabled

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Zoning Board of Adjustment has tabled action on a conditional use permit for property located south of Boone. The property is on Montana Road and is close to a secluded residential development and the Honey Creek Golf Course. Over two-years ago, the Zoning Board of Adjustment awarded a permit for a clay target shooting range. Neighbors challenged in court and the permit was upheld. The matter is once again being contested and could likely end up in court again. The Zoning Board of Adjustment intends to consider the matter at a meeting in February.

Humane Society Contract

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will give consideration to the annual contract for Animal Control Services from the Boone Area Humane Society during their Monday meeting. The last two-years, completing a contract has not been easy. First, the Council decided to pay a flat fee for services. Last year, the Council wanted to know the cost of services received compared to the amount that was budgeted. During the same time, the Society has changed Directors, most recently for the third time, recently naming Heidi Drees-White to that position.

January 13, 2011 5:10pm

Boil order to come in Boone

Boone: Boone City officials will be instituting a boil order sometime Friday as a precautionary measure. When repairing the water main breaks, they had to drain a pipe and when they start using it again, procedure says that a boil order needs to be put in place. The water going through the new pipe will then be tested to make sure it is okay; and at that time, the boil order will be lifted. The time of the boil order has not yet been set. When the official order comes through, it will be on KWBG AM1590 and kwbg.com

School District Audit

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board has accepted the audit report for the recently completed fiscal year. The report shows revenue of more than $25.5 million, a decrease from the prior year. Expenditures totaled $24.2 million, an increase of nearly 2% from the previous year. Superintendent Brad Manard says the District has experienced a tremendous turn around in the past four years. The audit was reviewed by the District's Audit Committee, made up of local accountants, attorneys and a couple of Board members.

Inaugural

UNDATED, Iowa---Several Boone County residents will participate in the Branstad-Reynolds Inaugural Friday. Many will be commissioned as Honorary Colonels at HyVee Hall Friday morning. They include Keith and Susan Berg of Ogden, Vince Handeland, Elmo and Jolene Hansen, Steve and Connie Kruck, Gary and Kathy Nystrom and Tom and Jan Putnam all of Boone. In addition, Dr. Tom and Martha Gleason of Boone have been members of the Inaugural Committee.

School Board Moves Toward Demolition

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone School Board has approved resolutions to begin the process to demolition two vacant buildings. The former Lowell and Bryant Elementary buildings are being targeted for demolition because no one has presented an appropriate plan to make use of the vacated structures. Superintendent Brad Manard says the Board has been insistent that any use would need to complement the neighborhoods and the community. But Manard also reported that new estimates for demolition could easily exceed $600,000.

Deputies Want to Drop Union

BOONE, Iowa---Boone County Deputy Sheriff Brian Pontius and Dispatcher Rhonda Crim met with Boone County Supervisors this week to inform the Board that their bargaining unit has begun the process of dropping their affiliation with AFSCME. Pontius told the Board that the group does not intend to join another union. He told the Supervisors the group has been dissatisfied by their representation and felt they could do a better job dealing directly with the county. Boone County has had three bargaining units, Deputies and Dispatchers, Secondary Roads and Landfill Employees and finally the Jailers.

Watermain Breaks

BOONE, Iowa---Then there were three, watermain breaks that is. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson says he can't say for sure if the breaks are connected. But he says they are sure putting pressure on the city's Public Works Department. The last break Tuesday evening occurred right west of the intersection of 8th and Crawford near the site of the old power plant, flooded back yards and even encroached on the homes. Nelson says the break downtown at 9th and Story may take a couple of days to repair.

Semi Rollover

BOONE, Iowa---A semi rollover on US Highway 169 Monday evening left about 40 market hogs dead. Sheriff Ron Fehr reported that the accident occurred when 21-year old Daniel Brubaker of Sigourney, Iowa lost control and rolled into the ditch. The semi and trailer received thousands of dollars in damage. Brubaker was not injured. Fehr says deputies were on the scene until 8:00 Tuesday morning helping with the clean up. About 160 hogs survived the rollover. Brubaker was cited with failing to maintain control.

Watermain Break

BOONE, Iowa---Boone is still being affected by a major watermain break. The downtown break is on a larger 10 inch main and according to Public Works and Parks Director John Rouse is a lengthwise split in the pipe. Rouse said earlier Tuesday that temporary valves will need to be installed so crews will be able to shut down the water so the pipe can be replaced. The break is no minor inconvenience. The water loss is anticipated to be in the millions of gallons by the time it's repaired.

Petition Submitted

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors have officially received a petition calling for amending the county's zoning ordinance to eliminate the language for a Conservation Overlay. More than 800 signatures were included on the petitions that have circulated since late November. The matter will now be referred to the Zoning Commission where the issue will be investigated. Eventually, the Commission will forward a recommendation back to the Supervisors. The language was left in the ordinance when it was adopted a couple of years ago, but related maps and regulations were not included.

City Implements Snow Ordinance

BOONE, Iowa---For the first time in 2011 and in fact for the first time this winter, the City of Boone has implemented it's Snow Ordinance for both residential and the downtown business areas. The residential implementation is 9:00 PM Monday. The downtown business district is 11:00 PM. Any vehicles left on city streets in residential neighborhoods after 9:00 PM and in the downtown business district after 11:00 PM run the risk of being ticketed and towed.

Conservation District Overlay

BOONE, Iowa---Even though the Boone County Supervisors have stopped any work on a proposed amendment dealing with a Conservation District Overlay, Boone County residents have not forgotten about the matter. The Supervisors are supposed to receive a Petition related to the matter during their meeting Tuesday. Petitions have been circulating since the end of November.

Special Council Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council's special meeting will focus on the appropriation of the city's Hotel-Motel Tax receipts. But the Council will also take action on a couple of other matters. One is the Tax Increment Certification for the next fiscal year and the other is to see if funds are available to support an effort by the Iowa Railroad Historical Society to obtain a CAT Grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Fenner Stevenson, General Manager at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad says an anonymous donor is willing to pledge a third of cost of a major museum project. The entire project is estimated to cost over $1.5 million.

Hotel-Motel Tax

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has a special meeting Monday at the City Hall and will take time to review and consider allocations for the City's Hotel-Motel Tax. Boone only receives about $100,000 a year in Hotel-Motel tax and uses it in a variety of ways. A portion has been used by the City of Economic Development purposes, including a $20,000 annual contribution to the Central Iowa Expo. Each year a large segment is sought by the Boone Convention and Visitors Bureau, this year it's $36,000. As always, the requests far out weigh the funds available.

Park Commission Meeting

BOONE, Iowa---A special Park Commission meeting, originally scheduled for Friday afternoon has been rescheduled to be a part of the regular Park Commission meeting on Monday. Council member Gary Nystrom and City Administrator Luke Nelson were to meet with Park Commission members and discuss the former sledding hill in McHose Park. The hill has been closed down due to a law suite that was filed against the City and others. Jennifer Lacy Cruz was injured over two years ago. A settlement in the case has been in the works, but details have not been released.

State Finances

BOONE, Iowa---Republican Governor -Elect Terry Branstad says he'll keep his promise to support big tax cuts despite facing a budget shortfall of up to $700-million. Tax cuts at the state level will also have an impact locally. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson this week told the City Council that tax issues being talked about by the State Legislature could have a $500,000 impact on the city. Nelson told the Council the General Fund portion of the budget would see a possible $340,000 loss of revenue. Over the past three years, the city has reduced General Fund expenditures by an estimated $500,000.

Gun Permits

BOONE, Iowa---Like many other parts of the state there's been an increase in Boone County residents seeking gun permits. The new state law took affect January 1st, but Monday was the first day that people could apply for permits under the new rules. Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says about 50-applied Monday and about 20 on Tuesday. He says the numbers were up, but not as high as he thought they might be. Previously a Sheriff had discretion and could deny a permit. With the new law, only a limited number of things could lead to a permit being denied.

Budget Process Underway

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council began it's budget process this week with some good news and some not so good news. Boone City Administrator Luke Nelson had said last week that he was pleased with the city's financial position. During a budget work session, Nelson told the Council that progress had been made establishing reserves in accounts like the general fund. At the same time, the Police and Fire Retirement Fund, managed by the state, is forcing larger increases onto cities. Nelson told the Council he expects some improvement in Road Use Tax revenue, but he also expects increases in operational expenses. The next budget work session for the Council will be Monday when the Hotel/Motel Tax distribution is reviewed.

Olson Named Ogden Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council accepted the recommendation of the city's Personnel Committee and named Donovan Olson as their new City Administrator. Olson says he's excited about the opportunity presented to him by the community. He says he's looking forward to reconnecting with everyone he worked with while he was the Ogden Main Rural Mainstreet Coordinator. Olson lost a bid for re-election to the Iowa State House by fewer than 30-votes to Chip Baltimore.

Supervisors Gain Extension Over Safety Issue

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone County Board of Supervisors sought and gained a one-month extension for submitting solutions and plans for dealing with large crowds in the courthouse meeting rooms. In a letter from Boone Fire Chief Justin Adams, the Supervisors were asked to present some corrective action for the problem that occurred on November 29th when the County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public meeting that included consideration on a proposed ordinance amendment dealing with a Conservation Overlay. The Supervisors have referred the matter to the County Safety Committee. A citizen complaint to the Fire Department initiated the process.

Lawsuit Settlement

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council has considered a settlement in a lawsuit against the City because of injuries sustained while sledding in McHose Park just over two-years ago. Next up, the Boone Parks Commission will review the proposed settlement in a special meeting Friday afternoon. Many people have questioned Park Commission members about the closure of the sledding hill, which was permanently closed because of the lawsuit.

City Moves Ahead With Development Plan

BOONE, Iowa---It won't be official for a couple of months, but the Boone City Council has approved moving ahead with an economic development plan called JumpStart Boone Urban Revitalization. The proposal is a tax abatement program that would be available city wide for all property except agricultural land. The basic requirement would be to increase building assessments by a minimum of 10%. The Council has approved the concept and directed staff to work on the details.

Chamber Events Coordinator

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors moved ahead and have named Samantha Dillon as the new Administrative Assistant and Events Coordinator. Dillion is a 2009 graduate of Cornell College in Mt. Vernon. She will be involved with coordinating and working with the Pufferbilly Days Steering Committee and their efforts to bring the celebration back downtown. Dillon replaces Ashley Reutter as Events Coordinator.

Consult Makes Offer

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone City Council will need to a weigh and offer from the Russ Reid Company, a Washington D.C based consulting firm, to continue working with the Boone City Council to obtain federal funds for infrastructure projects. Clay Boothby told the City Council Monday that the firm knows finances are difficult. He says they would like to continue working with the City and would like to consider some other options. The original contract for the services amounted to $10,000 a month. Mayor John Slight says the Council will need to discuss the matter when they meet during a budget work session Wednesday.

New Year's Holiday

BOONE, Iowa---The Boone Police and Boone County Sheriffs Departments were both pretty busy over the New Year Holiday, but fortunately, neither department had any serious incidents to report. The most serious accident occurred early Saturday morning when 18-year old Jordan Railey-Spaulding of Ames fell asleep and rolled his vehicle. He was taken by ambulance to the Boone County Hospital for treatment of injuries. Sheriff Ron Fehr also says Deputies raided an party of underage drinkers late on New Year's Eve with several citation arrests.

Ogden City Administrator

OGDEN, Iowa---The Ogden City Council hopes to appoint a new City Administrator when they meet Tuesday evening. In November, a search committee had made an offer to a candidate, but eventually could not come to terms with that candidate. In December, applications were being received for a second time, including one from State Representative Donovan Olson. Olson had worked with the Ogden Main Street Program a number of years ago. Mayor Kieth Berg has said the City Clerk and City Administrator will cover the duties previously handled by the Administrator/Clerk and Recreational Activities Director.

Supervisors Funding Requests

BOONE, Iowa---More funding requests will be submitted to the Boone County Board of Supervisors when they meet Tuesday, including one of the bigger requests, Public Safety. Public Safety includes the Sheriff's Department, the Boone County Jail and the Boone County Communications Center. Sheriff Ron Fehr and Chief Deputy Gregg Elsberry will submit the requests. Other funding requests will be received from the Fair Board and Boone County Soil and Water Conservation.