Data Loading...
Thursday, MAY 21, 2020 •
Vol. 161 - No. 3 - usps no. 254060
ONE SECTION
A total of 58 firefighters from 12 area fire departments took part in a training exercise at Pro Cooperative in Rutland on Saturday, May 16. Departments represented were: Gilmore City, Bode, Livermore, Bradgate, Renwick, Clare, Badger, Goldfield, West Bend, Manson, Eagle Grove and Pocahontas. There were also 12 instructors onsite. A total of four buildings were burned in the training. The training was coordinated by Scott Thompson of Fire Training Consultants. See this photo and more at www.humboldtnews.com.
12 area fire departments take part in controlled training burn in Rutland The landscape in Rutland changed on Saturday as four buildings owned by Pro Cooperative were burned down in a training fire coordinated by Scott Thompson of Fire Training Consultants.
A total of 58 firefighters from 12 area fire departments took part in the training exercise. Departments represented were: Gilmore City, Bode, Livermore, Bradgate, Renwick, Clare,
Sales tax vote set for September 8 Supervisors spar over surprise shop visit, drainage work orders A special election will be held on Sept. 8 where voters in Humboldt County will decide whether to continue an existing one-cent sales tax for another 10 years. The current one-cent local option sales tax in place is set to expire on June 30, 2021. At Monday’s meeting of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors the board voted to approve a resolution to place the matter on the ballot in a special election. Auditor Peggy Rice explained state law does not allow the matter to be put on the November general election ballot. The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors opted to leave the wording on the resolution for the county portion of the proceeds the same as it has been with 70 percent of the revenues going towards Humboldt County Secondary Roads projects and 30 percent towards Humboldt County community betterment projects approved yearly by the Board of Supervisors. Supervisors Rick Peterson, Bruce Reimers, Dave Lee and Sandy Loney met in the board room and Supervisor Chair Erik Underberg conducted the meeting via Zoom from his home. The Humboldt County Courthouse remains closed, but how much longer it will remained closed was a subject of discussion. Rice said the court system has requested the courthouse security committee to meet to discuss how to open the courthouse back up. Dave Lee volunteered to be on the security committee representing the supervisors. The supervisors noted while Webster County has opened its courthouse, most other area courthouses will remain closed until June 1. Offices in the Humboldt County Courthouse are currently assisting patrons by appointment. People can do drive up voting in the parking lot of the courthouse for the June primary. Rice said the new drop box has been used quite a bit by people to drop things off. She said the drop box is emptied on a regular basis. The board discussed leaving the drop box even after opening the courthouse. “We will need to determine when we re-open and to define how we re-open. Will it be by appointment or open all the way,” Rice said. Supervisor Bruce Reimers said the Treasurer’s Office is trying to catch up on a backlog of driver’s license business and urged people to have patience. In other action on Monday, Supervisor Vice-Chair SEE SUPERVISORS, 2A
Visit our website at
Badger, Goldfield, West Bend, Manson, Eagle Grove and Pocahontas. There were also 12 instructors onsite. Water was drawn from the Des Moines River just below the Rutland dam to
use in the training. A crew of firefighters from Gilmore City were stationed at the river filling tanker trucks who then brought the water to a series of portable water tanks that were set up on
Main Street. warehouse that was burned. Thompson also brought The bean house (built his aerial fire truck which in 1920), feed mill (built in he used to cool a Quonset 1963), feed warehouse (built building that was not to be burned, even though it was SEE RUTLAND, 8A about two feet from a feed
School approves security contract after network breach Graduation options discussed By PHIL MONSON
Because of a breach in its computer network, the Humboldt School District has been forced to purchase a network security contract. Mike Sherwood, interim superintendent, up-
dated the board of education in their monthly meeting on Monday night, May 17. “A week and a half to two weeks ago our district was hit with some ransom ware so our network has been shut down. The district carries a cyber security rider on the existing insur-
ance policy and that covers the cost of hiring a law firm, which has expertise in dealing with ransom ware. They are working through the issues through a cyber security firm to help us get through this,” Sherwood said. “The Prairie Lakes AEA has rebuilt the servers and they should be here tomorrow (Tuesday) to start in-
stalling them,” Sherwood said. “But the cyber security company is still having difficulty with the ransom ware. Once they have that resolved, all of the external and desktop units in the district will be cleaned up and taken care of to make sure it won’t happen again,” SherSEE SCHOOL BOARD, 5A
Three-way race for auditor highlights June 2 primary By KENT THOMPSON
Humboldt County Republicans and Democrats will be going to the polls on Tuesday, June 2, for the primary elections. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, both Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Humboldt
County Auditor Peggy Rice are encouraging voters to cast absentee ballots. Because of the pandemic, only two precincts will be open for primary election voting. Voters in the Avery-North Weaver, Delana-WacoustaNorth Rutland and Humboldt-West Vernon precincts are asked to vote at the
Livermore City Hall. Voters in the Dakota City-Grove, Humboldt 1-Corinth-South Weaver, Humboldt 2-Beaver-South Norway, Humboldt 3-South Rutland, North Lake-East Vernon, and South LakeNorth Norway precincts are asked to vote at the Humboldt County Events Center.
People with questions about where to vote may contact the Humboldt County Auditor’s Office at (515) 3321571. Regarding local races, the only contested race in either party is for Republicans running for Humboldt County SEE PRIMARY, 3A
City of Humboldt wants to add property on 3rd Avenue North By KENT THOMPSON
Following a 22-minute closed session to discuss the purchase of real estate, the Humboldt City Council agreed to purchase just under five acres of property adjacent to the Humboldt Park Department shed on 3rd Avenue North, next to the Cottonwood Trail. The city is offering to
purchase the property at 1305 3rd Avenue North from Rosemary Linhares for a purchase price of $240,000. The property edge lies on the east bank of the Des Moines River, 140 feet south of the mill dam and then east to 30 feet from the mill race to 3rd Avenue North and west along the street line to the east bank of the river. The property includes a
www.humboldtnews.com
two-story house and a barn and is listed at 4.95 acres. According to the Humboldt County Assessor’s Office Beacon website, the total assessed value of the land and buildings is $101,210, according to 2019 totals. The property has a net taxable value of $51,280, according to the records. The list price for the property was $249,900.
The Council was able to enter into closed session under Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (j) to discuss real estate purchase where the premature disclosure of information could increase the price. The closing date will be after July 1 but on or before July 17, so the expenditure will be on the 2021 fiscal SEE COUNCIL, 7A
• email us at: [email protected]
2A • Humboldt Independent • Thursday, MAY 21, 2020
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital celebrates healthcare workers during Hospital Week Humboldt County Memorial Hospital (HCMH) celebrated Hospital Week last week, celebrating all of the HCMH employees for their dedication to the organization and providing exceptional patient care. “I am so proud of our team and the way they have stepped up to this new normal. I’m also thankful of everyone in our community who has stayed home to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” HCMH Chief Executive Officer Michelle Sleiter said in a press release. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made it crystal clear just how much communities rely on their local hospitals and also how much we rely on you. During the past couple months, we’ve felt an outpouring of support and we are grateful to everyone who has delivered a meal, sewn a face mask, left a card, made a PPE donation, or who has just reached out to one of our employees to say – thank you. “At HCMH, we are used to responding in times of crisis, but this pandemic is unlike anything any of us has ever experienced. And, we know it has created anxiety for many people, especially when it comes to seeking healthcare services. So, we want you to know a few things. “First, you can count on us to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff. We are going above and beyond all our normal efforts to keep our hospital, surgery
Supervisors Rick Peterson read a letter with concerns directed at Supervisor Chair Erik Underberg. Peterson expressed concerns about a new contractor brought in to do drainage work without informing the board. He said some of
center, and senior living facilities clean and safe. We are screening everyone who comes into the hospital, taking temperatures, providing face masks as needed and rearranging our environments to ensure social distancing,” Sleiter said. “We also want you to know that if you have sudden symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, you can - and you should - seek immediate medical attention. Our emergency department is open 24/7, for you and your loved ones. Getting fast medical treatment could be the difference between life and death – so please, don’t ignore or rationalize the signs of a medical emergency. Call 911, come to the hospital, and get the help you need,” Sleiter commented. “The same goes for chronic conditions and even routine healthcare needs. We are ready and prepared to care for you safely if your visit requires you to come to the hospital. “We are in this together and together we have seen how powerful our human connection really is. So, help us stay strong as we continue in this journey– stay six feet apart, wash your hands frequently, tell someone how much you appreciate them, and if you need healthcare, please don’t be afraid. We are here and prepared to safely meet your needs,” Sleiter said. “Thank you for your con- Hospital employees make a human chain to create the hospital logo on the helipad in celebration of Hospital tinued support to our team at Week, May 12-19. Submitted photo by Mardi Ratzlaff, HCMH. HCMH.”
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
the work orders had already been assigned to other contractors. Peterson said the board wasn’t aware of the new contractor until bills were submitted. Board members said it was their understanding work orders for drainage are
¤¯ ¦¡ ª¦¤¡¯ ¤¨¤¡£¤¨£¡©¤£¤¡န
Jim Stahl Charles Joens Merlyn Altman Donald Jorgenson Howard Minor Lloyd Goodell Berkley Bedell
Lyle Nelson Larry Torkelson Ranney Leek David Thesing Orrin Trenary Brian Maxson Marvin Miller
www.lentzfuneralhome.com
)VNCPMEUr"MHPOBr#VSUr-JWFSNPSF
assigned by Drainage Clerk Trish Erickson. “It’s not our job as supervisors to assign work,” Peterson said. In his defense, Underberg said he was simply following up on a request from the drainage clerk to look at the contractor’s work. “I was just trying to be helpful,” Underberg said. “I’m not out soliciting to hire someone. I would bring it before the board. These things were already in progress when I was asked to check on the work I went out and looked at the request of the drainage clerk.” Peterson also discussed a beaver dam removal bill. He said Underberg asked Erickson to put the check in someone else’s name and called it unethical. Underberg said the work was done by a father and daughter team and it was requested that the check be made out to the daughter. “There was nothing unethical,” Underberg said. The third item brought up by Peterson was a surprise inspection of Humboldt County Secondary Road buildings. The board decided it would be good to check on the county’s equipment and facilities and Peterson said it was set up for Friday, May 1. Peterson said Underberg said that date would not work for him and asked that it be delayed until May 8.
Peterson said since the May 1 date worked for the rest of the board they stayed with the original date and time of 4 p.m., but evidently did not tell Underberg. Shortly before that they met with County Engineer Ben Loots to inform him of the surprise visits and to access keys to the facilities. “No one knew of the surprise visits, except the county engineer and that was five minutes before,” Peterson said. The board split in groups of two and set out to visit the facilities. The board reported they were very pleased with the condition of the facilities and equipment. “On May 5, you called the Bode shop to tell them of the surprise visit coming up on May 8. Had we changed it to May 8 as you asked they would have had a week to prepare at the Bode shop. How can we function as a board if we cannot trust? Peterson said. Underberg denied calling anyone and said there must have been miscommunication. “I did not and would not,” Underberg said. “We need to correct this. I’m sharing this with you and fellow board members. We want to move forward as a unified board,” Peterson said. In other matters on Monday, the board held a public
hearing on a budget amendment of $345,725 for public safety (computer server for Sheriff’s office, tower repair for the LEC, autopsies, EMA correction, Sheldon Park cabins and Boone waterway study). Auditor Rice included #237,543 in revenue, leaving $108,182 that was taken out of cash reserves to pay for the amendment. The county’s cash reserves were projected at $1,959,413 after the budget amendment. The board approved a pair of applications for work in the county right of way. The first was from Mid-American Energy for replacement of overhead electrical with underground electrical with boring under County K Road near Wempen’s. The second was from Clarence DeLanoit to apply dust control at 2750 Lone Tree Road. The board approved a liquor license renewal for Wempen’s Floral and Gifts. The resignation of John A. Myers from the Humboldt County Zoning Board was approved. Anyone interested in serving is asked to contact one of the supervisors. The board approved budgeted transfers to the secondary road department in the amount of $56,886 from the general basic fund and $591,554 from rural services. The board also approved the transfer of $275,000 from local option sales tax
WHEN THE STAKES ARE RAISED, WE’VE GOT THE BEEF TO BACK YOU UP Bank Iowa agribusiness loans and services make the cut. Gilmore City: 515-373-6244 Humboldt: 515-332-1451
revenues to secondary roads. Supervisors Reimers and Lee reported on the mobile food pantry distribution last Wednesday from the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. A total of 128 families and 351 individuals received food. Reimers said they have volunteers and food to take to people in need in the smaller communities in Humboldt County and asked for people to contact the UDMO office for assistance.
HCMH agrees to postpone golf outing The Humboldt County Memorial Hospital (HCMH) Foundation is sorely disappointed it will be postponing the 2020 Founder’s Golf Outing, the organization is hopeful that it may be able to reschedule this event before the course closes for the year. The funds raised at the annual Founder’s Golf Outing are crucial. All donations made to the HCMH Foundation help the hospital purchase equipment to provide the best care for our community. People who would like to make a donation to the HCMH Foundation please go to: https://www.humboldthospital.org/donatenow.
Arts Festival cancelled
Angie Frerk [email protected]
Dyanne Poppen [email protected]
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Humboldt Area Arts Council has announced that this year’s 14th annual Arts Festival has been cancelled. The event was scheduled for Saturday, June 20 at the Humboldt County Historical Museum grounds in Dakota City. The organization thanks its members and the community for its support and looks forward to having a community event sometime later in the summer if conditions allow. People are asked to check out the Humboldt Arts Council on Facebook during the month of June to see photos of area artisans. The organization is always looking for more volunteers and members. People can find more information at their website www.artsinhumboldt.com.
Thursday, MAY 21, 2020 • The Humboldt Independent • 3A
Primary
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
Auditor. Longtime Auditor Peggy Rice announced earlier this year that she is not seeking re-election. Three candidates have filed papers for her seat. All are on the Republican Primary ballot. The Humboldt Independent sat down with the three candidates to get thoughts on their views of the office and reasons for seeking the job. TRISH ERICKSON
Trish has worked in the county auditor’s office for more than nine years. She serves as the county’s drainage clerk and has been the deputy auditor for the past two years. “Keeping track of drainage projects, billing and drainage assessments are a large part of my job. I also help the auditor with filing necessary reports. Our entire office is involved in election work, entering names, handling voter requests and testing election equipment. I also work on some real estate filings,” Erickson said. As far as her qualifications for the job, Erickson said she is very familiar with the infrastructure of the county entities and offices in the courthouse, “what they do and how they provide for each other and work together.” “I like working with people and serving customers. There’s always something to learn. It keeps you on your toes,” she said. “I have a pretty good working relationship with the Board of Supervisors. I have represented drainage district clerks at Iowa Drainage District Association Board meetings. “I have a lot of determination to see that things are done right. If there is a problem in drainage matters, I work with the landowners, tenants, engineer, contractors and the supervisors to see that problems are fixed,”
515 Sumner Ave, Humboldt 515-332-5921 www.humotatheater.com
Erickson said. Because the county auditor is the central clearinghouse for all budgets (townships, cities, school districts and the county), a large amount of accounting and financial reporting is needed. Erickson said she worked at a tax preparer’s office prior to coming to work for the county. “There is a lot of mathematical formulas and interest figuring for drainage assessments. Some people want to put those on installment payments and there is a lot of budgeting with that,” Erickson said. There has been a lot of talk nationally of secure elections. Iowa is one of 14 states that require paper ballots, so there is a paper trail regarding votes placed. Erickson said she believes that local elections are secure and correctly counted and tabulated. “Our machines are tested to make sure they are in proper working order and are reading correctly. The equipment is encrypted and tamper-proof, sealed and locked, so there are a lot of checks and balances. Our equipment will pop out a ballot that is not readable. For instance, if a person votes for too many people for the same office,” Erickson said. “Every precinct has to balance. All ballots are identification secured, whether they vote in person or absentee,” Erickson said. Following the election, the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office audits one precinct from each county to audit. Erickson said that Rice has been a good teacher and boss and she would appreciate the chance to succeed her as the county auditor. She has lived in Humboldt County most of her life and said she has met even more people through being involved in Community Chorus for several years. Erickson lives on a farm northeast of Humboldt with her husband, Brandon. She has three daughters, Abby, Emily and Jamie. CODY LAWMAN
Cody Lawman is making his first venture into the political arena. He is a self-employed carpenter, specializing in floorSATURDAY, MAY 23 ing, zero entry showers and cabinetry. 2-7PM He grew up in the small CURBSIDE POPCORN PICKUP town of Somers in Calhoun LARGE POPCORN County and has lived in the DISCOUNTED TO $5 EACH! area of Humboldt and WebEXACT CHANGE ONLY ster counties for the past 10 CASH OR LOCAL CHECK years. He moved with his family from Callender to Limit 2 per vehicle Humboldt two years ago. He Donations to our non-profit also welcome! Your donations is building a new house on are needed now more than an acreage east of Dakota ever to keep the Humota alive! City.
OPEN
Lawman said his reason for running for office is that he is a big political follower and believes government best serves the people at the local level. “I believe in traditional Iowa values, common sense and keeping the rural heritage of Humboldt County alive. I have read the duties of the office and one of the things the auditor does is to maintain the courthouse building. It’s a historical building and I want to see it maintained and kept up for the public,” Lawman said. Lawman said his financial and accounting experience is related to calculating for his carpentry projects and budgeting and creating estimates. “Building my own home has been my biggest test in terms of budgeting. That’s been a big project. Being self-employed, I’m also keeping track of inventory and supplies and working on taxes,” Lawman said. He supports Iowa use of the paper ballot and the voter ID law. “I think accountability in elections is very important. The Iowa Caucuses didn’t portray the state very well, but I also think more was made of it than should have been,” Lawman said. “I don’t think any personal information should be in the system that doesn’t have to be. I do have concerns about protecting personal information and the right to privacy. I do want to see everyone who is eligible to vote have a right to exercise that.” Lawman said he is not a big computer person but believes he can learn the skills of the job and the secretarial portion of working with the Board of Supervisors. “I’ll do what I’m told and enforce what’s required on the books.” Lawman said he believes in traditions that are worth preserving and protecting. “I don’t want to throw away hard work of past generations and ideas put in place by others. While we should try to make things better, we shouldn’t throw out protocols and policies from the past. They were put in place for a reason and we shouldn’t be quick to abandon traditional ideals,” Lawman said. Cody is married to Delayna. The couple has three children.
Chris Freund
Cody Lawman
fice does and is responsible for doing. During this time I have been in charge of payroll and employee benefits and I also have done accounts payable.” Freund had also gotten more involved in election work and some claims accounting and drainage work. Chris is a graduate of Iowa Central Community College in the office education program where she gained knowledge in accounting and office work. After being a deputy auditor for so many years, Freund believes being elected as county auditor would be the “next step” in her career path. “Running for auditor is an opportunity to utilize my knowledge and experience while continuing to grow and adapt with the many changes presented in county government,” she said. The county auditor is the coordinator of budgets for all public entities in the county, as well as the county board of supervisors in preparing the budget for the coming year and work in determining tax levies. “Working with numbers has always been a passion of mine. Payroll gives me the opportunity to work with numbers all the time. I’ve held past positions where I did accounts payable and receivable. For 35 years, my husband was self-employed and I managed his books. Over the years I have had conversations with Peggy on how budgets are calculated and monitored and the different funds and department spending. I know about all of the areas, but some I don’t deal with on a regular basis, so there would be transition period,” Freund said, if she were to be elected as auditor.
Trish Erickson
As the commissioner of elections, it’s the auditor’s responsibility to ensure that elections are secure, accurate and free from voter
fraud. Freund said the county holds a public test, which will be next Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the election room at the courthouse, to make sure all tabulator machines are operating thoroughly and accurately. The county utilizes secrecy sleeves for all voted ballots (in-person and absentee). Voted ballots are put in a locked voting machine, and only a select few people actually handle the ballots. “Secretary of State Paul Pate has spent many hours focusing on security and trying to eliminate fraud when it comes to voting. Cybersecurity is a huge concern due to the advancement of technology and this will continue to be an ongoing issue. Humboldt County does not use live internet for voting, which lessens our exposure to being hacked. We take precautions by limiting access to locked storage space for election equipment and ballots. Security measures are in place to prevent tampering of election equipment sent to the polling precinct,” Freund said. “Showing proper ID while voting is one step implemented to prove identity and residence of all voters. We assure them we are taking all precautions necessary to account for the privacy and security of having their vote counted in a positive and safe manner. With COVID-19 causing the courthouse to be closed to the public we are all focusing more on the safety of voters by encouraging absentee voting by mail. It seems every election more and more voters are voting absentee but this is a very different time for all of us. All machines are tested prior to
election night to make sure ballots are counted correctly by the absentee board personnel,” Freund said. She has served as the backup secretary for the board of supervisors when Rice has been gone or unavailable. Freund said she has done some research for board members to get answers to questions. She has also served as the secretary for the Humboldt County Compensation Board and previously served as secretary to the Planning and Zoning Board. Chris grew up near Rutland and lives in Humboldt with her husband, Dan. The couple has two adult daughters, one who lives southwest of Humboldt, and another in Des Moines. “Working in the auditor’s office, I have gained vast knowledge and experience of what is required to be the county auditor. From doing payroll to working on budgets to handling elections, I am aware of the auditor’s vital role in county government. I have witnessed the importance of being a professional who represents the community we live and work in. Every new position presents an opportunity for growth,” she said. OTHER OFFICES
There are no other contested local offices for the primary. Humboldt County Sheriff Dean Kruger is running unopposed for sheriff, as is Humboldt County Auditor Jon Beaty, both on the Republican Primary ticket. Also running unopposed as a Republican is District 4 Supervisor Erik Underberg of Livermore, who represented the northern and western portions of the county. District 5 Supervisor Dave Lee is also up for election. Lee represents the eastern and central portions of the county. Lee is unopposed in the Republic Primary. He does however have a challenger on the Democratic side. SEE ELECTION, 4A
$2,000
SIGN-ON BONUS
CHRIS FREUND
Chris Freund (pronounced Friend) is a lifelong Humboldt County resident and has worked in the Humboldt County Auditor’s Office for nearly two decades (recently celebrating 19 years). “This has given me an insight as to what our of-
If you are a
TIME FOR
SOMETHING
'0!
Read &
ACT!
Call 515-604-6256 TODAY!
Humboldt County Veterans Affairs offers assistance for veterans and their families.
NOW HIRING FEED HAUL DRIVERS
#OUNTYFUNDEDVETERANSRELIEFPROGRAMINCLUDESASSISTANCEFORTHEFOLLOWING
s2ENTs5TILITIESs"URIAL HER ER R s4RANSPORTATIONTOMEDICALFACILITYs-ONTHLYFOODVOUCHER 3TATEBENElTSOFFEREDTOELIGIBLEVETERANS s,ICENSEPLATESs,IFETIME(UNTING&ISHING s$ISABLED6ETERANS(OMESTEADTAXCREDIT s0ROPERTYTAXEXEMPTIONFORDISABLEDVETERANS s4RUSTFUNDSs)OWA6ETERAN#EMETERY s6ETERANDESIGNATIONON)OWADRIVERSLICENSE s%DUCATIONs)NJUREDVETERANSGRANT &EDERALBENElTSOFFEREDTOELIGIBLEVETERANS s(EALTHCARESYSTEMs6!DISABILITYCOMPENSATION BEN ENEl NEl E TS TSS s6OCATIONALREHABILITATIONs%DUCATION')BILL s"URIALBENElTS s0ENSIONSELIGIBLEVETERANSANDFAMILYMEMBERS (EROESWITHHEARINGLOSS s(EARING)MPAIRED NOCOSTTOVETERANSCAPTIONEDTELEPHONE
Earn $63,000+ (5 Nights/Week on Night Shift)
6'$*) * ' 0'.*(" &'4 $ -" *-! ! -",0&-"! 6' ..'& ")."2&/% $**!!-&1&)$-" *-!-",0&-"! 6..&./ ) " 1 &' '"#*-,0 '&5"! )!&! /"./** / &) /%"&-'& ")." 60./ " 4" -.*# $" Smithfield offers an excellent benefit package to include: 6").&*)' ) 6 + &!! 4.*##&)/%"5-./4" -*#"(+'*4(")/ 6 ' ) 6"!& '")/ ' &.&*)(*-"
Qualified candidates should apply:
Humboldt County Director of Veterans Affairs — Dean Ewoldt Located in the Legion Building, Downtown Humboldt s%MAILVETERANAFFAIRS HUMBOLDTCOUNTYIAORG /FlCE(OURS-ON 4HURS!- 0-
LOW RISK POSITION FOR COVID-19 - DRIVERS WORK ALONE
6)'&)" /222.(&/%5"'!#**!. *( -""-. 6*)/ /&) '#"-. / "3/ *- ++'4&)+"-.*) / /%1"'$*) -0$/"./&)$&)*-&/&". *(")&. '"! "/"- ).
4A • Humboldt Independent • Thursday, MAY 21, 2020
Way Back When ships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines included: Jami Humboldt may soon have Olson, Michelle Martin, Kaits name in the Guinness tie Almond, Amber Bacon World Records as organizers and Lexi Maurer. attempt to cook the world’s largest pork burger in down2005 town Humboldt. Sponsored Students from Taft Elemenby the Downtown Hum- tary School participated in boldt Enrichment Group, a the State Invention Conven240-pound pork burger will tion at Hilton Coliseum in be cooked on Sumner Ave- Ames. They are: Jack Curnue in downtown Humboldt. ran, Samantha Larson, Sarah The 42-inch diameter pork Rasmussen, Ian Hadar, Ryan burger will be 10 and one Lee, Cody Weisbrich and half inches thick. Taylor Pedersen. TEN YEARS AGO 2010
2010
Meet after meet, for four years, Missy Abrahamson of West Bend-Mallard/Twin River Valley, has been a steady, consistent scorer for her track team. At Drake Stadium in the Class 1A Girls State Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Abrahamson closed out her high school career in familiar fashion by placing among the top eight in both the shot put and discus events. Abrahamson placed seventh in the shot put with a throw measuring 36-feet and 0.75 inches. In the discus, Abrahamson was eighth with a throw of 113-4. Both efforts earned her a medal.
TWENTY YEARS AGO 2000
1980
Five girls captured the North Central Conference girls’ golf title at Clear Lake. Team members are: Lori Buhr, Angie Christensen, Kathi Barnes, Sandy Ford, and Mary Sue Kirkpatrick. 1980
Eunice Gruener, press book chairman for the Humboldt Business and Professional Women’s Club, received a First Place Certificate for the book she prepared. The press book was in competition with other books for all Iowa BPW clubs at the annual meeting of the Iowa Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs in Des Moines.
Humboldt’s varsity team placed first in the JETSTeams State Competition in Division 5, tied with Bishop Heelan of Sioux City. Team members included: Ryan FORTY-FIVE YEARS AGO 1975 Hartford, Jill Heider, Will Hett, Chris Larsen, Becky Dennis Holmes, adminisNeppl, Carrie Rundle and tration assistant, announced that six students from Lu Jennifer Schulze. Verne Community High School were tapped for 2000 Michelle Harklau, daughter membership into the naof Bret and Deb Harklau tion’s leading high school of Humboldt, was named honorary, The Society of American captain of the University of Distinguished High School Students. The Iowa cheerleading squad. students awarded the honor were: Allan Voss, Vir2000 Doug Van Pelt was selected ginia Penton, Sandra Nelby the Iowa Softball Coach- son, Becky Hefty, Danny 2010 es to serve as co-coach in Froehlich and Kerry StripDallas Clark, a seven-year Class 2A at the summer All- ling. NFL veteran with the India- Star Classic. napolis Colts, said the 2010 1975 fundraising event was big- TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO Butch’s O.K Tire won the ger and better than ever with State American Legion 1995 roughly 224 golfers taking Winners in the Humboldt bowling tournament at the part in the 18-hole golf tour- Soil and Water Conserva- Rose Bowl in Fort Dodge. nament, which included an tion District annual Soil There were 235 teams parauction of numerous college Conservation Poster Con- ticipating. Team members and professional football test are: Chassidy Gonder, included: Bob Worthington, memorabilia. Perhaps the third place; Stephanie Wag- Dick Torgerson, Duke Edge, biggest highlight was the ner, second place; and Chris Roger Heiter, Jim Johnson, presence of Colts quarter- Beekman, first place. Fritz Eggerich, Les McPherback Peyton Manning, who son and sponsor Butch was joined by other Colts Dreyer. 1995 players who included Austin Twin River Valley’s NationCollie, Anthony Gonzales, al Honor Society inducted 1975 Ryan Diem, Charlie John- five new members. They Ray Fisher presented the son and Jacksonville punter are: Rachel Smith, Adrianne AAA Safety Patrol certifiJason Baker. Former Min- Collins, Eric Rolland, Jacob cate of participation to Dave nesota Vikings and former Jacobson and Sarah Gan- Clay at Mease Elementary Iowa State linebacker Matt zeveld. School as Police Chief PerBlair was also in attendance. ry Slaikeu looked on. Dave was captain of the Mease 1995 FIFTEEN YEARS AGO Steve Nelson and Jenny Safety Patrol. 2005 Krug were the recipients of The United States Achieve- the Humboldt High School FIFTY YEARS AGO 1970 ment Academy has an- acting awards. Presenters nounced that Nicole Rous- of the awards were drama Steve Stanford will have seau of Dakota City has been sponsors Jeff Ulstad and conferred upon him the named an All-American Jeanne Raine. Degree of Chevalier. The Collegiate Scholar. Nicole, Degree of Chevalier is the who attends Central Cololdest and highest honorary FORTY YEARS AGO lege, was nominated for this degree within the Order of 1980 national award by Vivian In one of the first official acts DeMolay. It is awarded by Rippentrop, Associate Dean of the upcoming Livermore the International Supreme of Academic Programs. Ni- Centennial, a groundbreak- Council of DeMolay only cole is the daughter of Lyle ing program was held for once a year at its regular sesand Mary Gronbach of Da- the burial of the time cap- sions. The degree is awarded kota City. Her grandparents sule. Rev. Mark Bergano, to only the top 1 percent of are Don and Jeanie Stowell pastor of the Livermore and the DeMolays in the world. of Dakota City and Marvin Lu Verne United Methodist Steve is a member of Gotch and Bernice Gronbach of Churches spoke briefly and Chapter in Humboldt. Humboldt. Mayor Virgil Smith broke 1970 the ground. The capsule will 2005 be buried beneath the water Honorary members of the Humboldt’s contingent in tower and is to be opened in Worthwhile Club of Dakota City were special guest of the girls’ Class 3A state 50 years. the Club at its 75th annitrack and field champion-
[Election
FROM PAGE 3A
J.D. Myers of Humboldt is running for District 5 Supervisor on the Democratic ticket. Myers is the only declared Democrat running for county office. There are also no contested state races. District 10 State Rep. Mike Sexton of Rockwell City is running unopposed in the Republican Primary. There is no declared candidate on the Democratic side. There are contested national races on both sides of
This photo is the Dakota City Mill built in 1890, on what is now the grounds of the Humboldt County Historical Association’s Millhouse and Museum. Ed McKnight and A.B. West built a dam across the east branch of the Des Moines River in 1865 or 1866. They built a water powered saw mill probably where the current mill foundation is. There is no known photo of that building. There were plans to have it also grind grain, but it is not known if that happened. The mill passed into the hands of Charles Bergk about 1867 or 1868 when McKnight left the area. There was a mention in the local newspaper about Charles Bergk going east to buy some burrs for the mill in 1869. Charles Bergk got into financial difficulties in the early 1870s, sold all of his property in the county to pay his debts and left for California in 1876. The mill was sold to Corydon Brown in January 1878 at a sheriff’s sale. He and his sons operated it for many years. They built a new mill in 1890. That building stood until 1943, when it burned down. It was the last water powered mill in the state. The Brown family sold the Mill sometime in the later 1930s. The photographer’s ink on the photo is “Molander,” which was a photo studio in Humboldt. Mabel Erickson ran it for years when she was Mabel Molander. She and her husband, Leslie, were well known local photographers in Humboldt. Mabel died in 2017 at age 108. Humboldt history information by Pat Baker and Martha Schmidt. Scan of the Molander negative submitted by Tom Tierney. versary celebration held at the Dakota City Municipal Building. Members include: Mrs. Will Sayers, Mrs. Mabel Olson, Mrs. Nellie Druschilla, Mrs. Sylvia Persons, Mrs. Zeulah Ulrich and Mrs. Cora McKitrick. 1970
Tim Cahill, James Vonderhaar, Steward Olson, Denny Wellen, Terry Stanford and Bill Benda. SIXTY YEARS AGO 1960
Mr. and Mrs. Herb Ruble, took fourth prize in a statewide poster contest sponsored by the Department of American Veterans. 1960
The National Honor Society has elected Dick Lane as president of its club for the coming year. Other officers are: Bill Edwards, vice president; Ellen Carter, secretary; Sharon Rod, treasurer; and Roger Coltvet, historian.
It was announced that two Humboldt High School students, Mike Toner and Junior Baldwin, have been chosen to receive the National Science Foundation Awards. These awards consist of several weeks of science study at well-known colleges or universities.
urday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. People who did not receive an absentee ballot request form in the mail may obtain one by calling the Humboldt County Auditor’s Office or downloading a form at the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at www. sos.iowa.gov.
Absentee ballot request forms must be returned to the Auditor’s Office by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22. No ballots will be mailed after Friday. Returned absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 1 to be counted, or delivered to the courthouse by 9 p.m. on June 2.
The Humboldt boys’ golf squad finished one point behind Algona’s 329 to win second in the sectional golf tournament held at Algona to qualify for the district. Bill Benda, Humboldt, was sectional medalist with 77. 1960 The squad members were: John “Butch” Ruble, son of
]
the ballot. For Republicans, Randy Feenstra of Hull, Steven Reeder of Arnolds Park, Bret A. Richards of Irwin and Jeremy Taylor of Sioux City are all running to unseat incumbent Steve King of Wall Lake for U.S. Representative District 4. The winner will take on Democratic challenger J.D. Scholten of Sioux City. On the Democratic side, there are four candidates vying for the right to challenge Iowa Republican Sen. Joni
Ernst of Des Moines. They are Michael Franken of Sioux City, Kimberly Graham of Indianola, and Theresa Greenfield and Eddie Mauro, both of Des Moines. Cal Woods of Des Moines is listed on the ballot, but has since dropped out of the race. ABSENTEE VOTING
designated for absentee voting. Call the Auditor’s Office at (515) 332-1571 to let them know you are at the courthouse. They will ask some questions to verify you are registered to vote in the county and bring you the correct ballot. When you are finished voting, you may place it in the portable ballot box. In-person open voting is from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through June 1. There will also be inperson absentee voting Sat-
Humboldt County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Peggy Rice reminds voters that there are a couple of ways to vote absentee. In-person absentee voting may be done from the comfort and safety of your car. Fill out the absentee ballot request form you received 8 a.m. Tuesday, in the mail and bring it with MAY 19, 2020 you along with a black pen. NEW Cooperative Drive to the courthouse Corn............................. 2.84 parking lot and part in one of Oats ............................. 1.40 the west side parking spaces Beans ........................... 7.99
Markets
JAMES GARGANO .......................... Publisher Emeritus JEFF GARGANO.............................. Co-Publisher JAIME ZWEIBOHMER ..................... Co-Publisher TIM CRAIG ....................................... Sales Representative HEATHER DAHL .............................. Graphic Designer JEN JENSEN.................................... Graphic Design Manager DANETTE MILLER ........................... Production Manager PHIL MONSON ................................ Managing Sports Editor TAMMY MOSER ............................... Office Manager KENT THOMPSON .......................... News Editor Published weekly on Thursdays by Humboldt Printing Company at 512 Sumner Avenue, P.O. Box 157, Humboldt, Iowa 50548. Periodical postage paid at Humboldt, Iowa. USPS #254060. Postmaster: send address changes to The Humboldt Independent, P.O. Box 157, Humboldt, IA 50548.
NEWS & ADVERTISING DEADLINE: MONDAY – 12:00 P.M. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $55.00 per year in Iowa • $67.00 in other states INTERNET ADDRESS http://www.humboldtnews.com E-Mail us at: [email protected] Telephone (515) 332-2514 • FAX (515) 332-1505 Advertising Rate Card available upon request.
1ST ANNIVERSARY SALE RACK
@ $59.97
@ $69.97
Thank you to our Loyal customers for making our 1st year a success! Brown’s Sale Rack will continue to offer Great Buys on Great Footwear with savings up to 50% off.
@ $59.97
@ $99.97
210 S. 25th St, Fort Dodge | 515.955.8200
invitations - save the dates - cards - letterheads - envelopes - tickets - flyers - handbills statements - newsletters - business cards - brochures - business forms and much more!
Bring us your idea and we'll turn it into a finished product as colorful as you like and in whatever quantity you need. CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES!
515.332.2514 512 Sumner Ave Humboldt
Thursday, MAY 21, 2020 • The Humboldt Independent • 5A
[School Board wood said. “Six network drives in the district have been encrypted and only one of those we were most concerned about that had some lessons for smart boards from teachers and some files and backup information,” Sherwood said. “Up to this point there is nothing that has been exported or accessed. Hopefully by the end of the week we will have the network back up and running.” Sherwood proposed the district purchase SENTILONE Network Security Software to prevent or notify the district if something is invading the district computer network. “The law firm and the company we have been working with says SENTILONE Network Security Software is the best or one of the best on the market,” Sherwood said. “We have three options, one of which is a contract for $48,000 for one year, which would check and monitor everything. That is probably overkill for the Humboldt district. The second option is a contract for three years at a total cost of $36,691.20 with SENTILONE. That would provide the software and the monitoring would be done by our technology director (Tony Thilges) but they would provide the base for doing that. Tony has no problem with doing it,” Sherwood said. “The third option is a contract for $15,052.80 for one year which would do the same things as the three-year contract. “The cost would come out of your one-cent sales tax or PPEL funds to purchase the software. Annie Rathke, our business manager, is comfortable with our budget being able to cover that cost,” Sherwood said. “It has been quite an ordeal and we aren’t through with it yet, but I want to thank Tony (Thilges) and Josh (Telschaw, assistant technology director) and everyone for their patience. It has been challenging trying to do payroll and some things but the bank has been good to work with,” Sherwood said. “Our bank accounts are fine and our payroll records are offline and safe.” “EMC, the property insurance carrier, Hartford Boiler, the subcontractor that carries the rider to cover this, are working with the law firm and the cyber security company to get things moving forward. This does happen periodically to districts. The district will be in a better position in the long run after dealing with this,” Sherwood said. At the recommendation of Sherwood and the cyber security firm, the board approved purchasing SENTILONE Network Security Software at a cost of $36,691.20 for three years. Another action item was approving support staff contracts for the 2020-21 school year. The board approved a 2.32 percent pay increase, matching the 2.32 percent the certified staff received last month. “There are some things I didn’t want to address because I feel that should be more of a conversation for
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
Mr. Murray (new superintendent) to have with some of these groups,” Sherwood said. “I have not met with the business office, transportation director, food service director, technology director or the maintenance and custodial director. We will meet with them prior to the next meeting, so you can approve all but those I just listed,” Sherwood said. PERSONNEL
The personnel portion of the agenda had 19 action items, including the resignations of Jordan Yates as regular route bus driver, Emily Lane as half-time high school robotics coach and Zach Gotto as TLC math curriculum leader. Out of the list of hiring and transfer moves for 2020-21, the board approved hiring Deb Dahl and Isaac Thurm as summer custodians, Sarah McCullough as elementary Title One teacher for 2020-21, Shelly Martin as high school special education teacher, Lynette Reigelsberger transfer to second grade, David Wirtz transfer to third grade, Lori Daniel as middle school art teacher and Pam Stalpes as summer technology help. Teacher Leadership positions approved for the 2020-21 school year include Michelle Zaugg as reading curriculum leader, Greg Wickett as social studies curriculum leader, Chelle Busse as special education coleader and Jennifer Kehoe as technology integrationist at Taft Elementary School, Emily Lane as social studies curriculum leader and Emily Peterson as special education co-leader. A salary contract upgrade was approved for Stacey Wardell from BA+15 to MA, Emily Peterson (BA to BA+15) and Roseanne Keolakhonevong from MA to MA+15. The board also approved a summer band contract with two options for the two upper level band directors. If there will be an Independence Day parade on July 4, the contract calls for 12.5 hours of instruction for each instructor. If there is no parade for group band to prepare for, then individual sessions will account for a pair of 10-hour contracts. “It will depend on the governor’s announcement later this month on what activities will take place this summer,” Sherwood said. The board also approved continuation of the graband-go meal program in the summer with possible changes. “Our plan is to continue providing meals as we are right now through the end of June. There are question marks on whether there will be a summer meal program like the old model where students would come to the school to eat, or continue the grab-and-go format,” Sherwood said. “If it goes to the old format, there will be no delivery and they’ll have to eat on site,” Sherwood said. “We’ll have to see how that moves along. Tonight’s action continues the program for the summer.” Board president Tate Satern read a letter to the
]
board thanking the district for taking care of its employees and also seeing that the students continue to be fed during the coronavirus pandemic. The board approved specifications and seeking of bids for the high school parking lot replacement project. Bids will be opened on June 11, 2 p.m. at the district office. The board set a public hearing for June 15, 5:35 p.m. in the district office. “The specifications will be reviewed with Sande Construction on Wednesday. We will also make sure we have conduit to ensure adequate lighting,” Sherwood said. “They expect to have a total cost for the project on Wednesday. We look forward to getting the project started. The only hurdle that might be involved is what happens with commencement and summer activities.” “We will know more by the end of the month and make appropriate accommodations. If there are activities, we can stage the project so part of the lot is available for parking,” Sherwood said. “One thing I want to add is that the project includes adding sidewalks attached to the recreation center and the trailer courts nearby. A lot of students from the trailer court area have to walk on the blacktop to get to the school. There will be a connecting sidewalk coming down through the trees north of the tennis court with a sidewalk connected closer to the building,” Sherwood said. “Some concrete bunkers will be built behind the ball fields for infield clay storage. You lose a lot having it piled on the ground as it is dissipated and washed into the ground. We hope to make for a better storage area,” Sherwood said. “We will be using California (sloped) curbs in the parking lot to make it easier for pushing snow in the winter. That middle sidewalk will be gone and all the power lines will be buried,” Sherwood said. “Instead of one section of light poles down the middle, there will be two sets of poles with LED lighting. A couple will be off center.” “It’s not a terrible thing for snow removal. Certainly not as bad as having islands and curbing in your lot. It will be brighter and more efficient up there,” Sherwood said. GRADUATION
The board approved a list of high school graduates pending successful completion of all requirements. The board also approved a list of graduates to participate in the ceremony who did not have seven classes on their schedules this semester. Commencement is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, June 21. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony was moved from its original May 24 date. “Conversations continue on how we will hold commencement. If the governor allows us to have an event with groups of more than 10 people, or if we have to continue with social distancing, then we’ll have to determine
where we could host it to allow for those things to happen,” Sherwood said. “We are also making plans if we need to hold a virtual ceremony. If it is a virtual ceremony, it will take a couple of weeks to put that together. But our first priority is an in-person graduation,” Sherwood said. “We will make plans accordingly after the governor makes her announcement on what we can do.” “The gymnasium and the football field are two options we are looking at. And depending on the weather, we would have to have a rain date or another accommodation. There is a lot of discussion happening right now,” Sherwood said. Board member Kristi Clark asked if the fairgrounds could be an option. Clark and Satern said the grandstand provides a roof for spectators. The portable stage the fair uses also has a roof. “A roof over the stands and a roof over the portable stage would be an option, possibly. That might be an option if it is a hot and sunny day,” Satern said. Sherwood said the fairgrounds could be added to the discussion on possible locations for commencement. Satern said he would contact the fair board to see if their facilities could be added to the district’s options. Open enrollment requests were approved for Lawton Thompson in from Twin Rivers for 2020-21, Caleb Kaltschnee to Iowa Connections Academy for 2020-21 and Harley Schnobrich to Iowa Connections Academy for online learning 2020-21. The meeting marked the initial appearance of new superintendent Jim Murray, who was in attendance. Murray said he has had an opportunity to work with administrators and meeting staff to prepare for the 2020-21 school year. Murray is moving to Humboldt on May 30. IN OTHER ACTION, THE BOARD:
• approved updating the resolution on the district pandemic response and emergency suspension policy. • set June 10, 1:10 p.m. as the date to accept bids for milk and bread products and food services for 2020-21. • set June 10, 1:15 p.m. as the date to open bids for laundry services for food service workers and custodial staff. • approved renewing a whole sharing agreement with Twin Rivers for middle school and high school sports for 2020-21. • approved an agreement for Title One services with St. Mary’s Catholic School in Humboldt. • learned the end of year celebration for staff will be done through a video put together. • received a positive report on the district’s final 201819 audit report, presented by Rathke, the district’s business manager. • received praise from Sherwood, noting May is School Board Recognition Month.
New sidewalks are being poured around Rotary Field at Taft Park in Humboldt. Crew members from Berte and Son Construction are shown forming up new sidewalk on the west side of the ball diamond. Humboldt Independent photo.
Why Should You See a Financial Advisor? The social distancing and stay-at-home orders necessitated by the coronavirus have led many of us to feel isolated. Still, we’ve fought back through social media, “virtual” gatherings and walks in the neighborhood, where we could greet friends and neighbors (from 6 feet away). But when you’re dealing with the financial effects of the virus and you’re investing alone, you could encounter some problems that may prove costly. Of course, with so much investment-related information available online, on television and in any number of periodicals, it’s not surprising that some people feel they can invest without any assistance. But the volatility of the financial markets over the past few months has also pointed to the dangers of going solo in the investment world. And you might find that a professional financial advisor can help you in several ways, including the following: Taking emotions out of investing. During this period of market turbulence, many self-guided investors are letting their emotions drive their investment decisions. As a result, they sell investments when their price is down, “locking in” their losses. Furthermore, if they then stay out of the financial markets, they will miss out on the eventual recovery – and some of the biggest gains in market rallies usually occur right at the beginning. But if you work with a financial advisor who has helped you develop a personalized investment strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, you will be far less likely to react to extreme market conditions by making ill-advised decisions. Maintaining perspective. When you’re putting away money for the future and you suddenly have a lot less of it, you might start to wonder if that future is somehow in jeopardy. But if you’ve been working with a financial advisor and following your investment strategy, you’ll know that you don’t have to immediately cash out those investments that have lost value, and you may not need to liquidate them for decades if they were designed for a long-term goal, such as retirement. By the time you do need to sell them, their value may well have appreciated significantly. And if you’ve got a well-constructed portfolio, you’ll also own shorter-term, less volatile investments to help meet your current cash flow needs. Understanding the history of investing. The recent market instability is unique in the sense that its cause – a worldwide pandemic – is so highly unusual, and it hopefully will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Typically, prolonged market downturns are triggered by explainable financial or economic factors, such as the bursting of the “dot-com” bubble in 2000. However, market drops of 20 percent or more – generally referred to as bear markets – are not at all unusual and have happened every few years over the past several decades. Financial advisors are well aware of this history and share it with their clients. And for many people, the knowledge that “we’ve been here before” is reassuring and makes it easier for them to continue following their investment strategies. The road to your financial goals is a long one, with many twists and turns. So you might like to have some experienced company along the way. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Finding Solutions for Your Financial Needs Tony R Christensen, AAMS® Financial Advisor .
530 Sumner Ave Humboldt, IA 50548 515-332-2431 www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
7KLVDGZDVSUHSDUHGDQGSULQWHGE\+XPEROGW1HZVSDSHUV 32%R[+XPEROGW,$3K
We reserve the right to limit quantities.
Due to the current situation some items may be limited or unavailable. 5)"7&/)8:8t)6.#0-%5 (30$&3:űű.&"5űű
AD PRICES GOOD: May 20-26 www.fareway.com
Miller Lite or Coors Light
2$ 25 -for-
24 pk 12 oz cans
When you buy 2
+dep
Bud Light
17 99
$ Busch Light 24 pk 12 oz cans
11
$
99
+dep
When You Buy $5.01 in Meat
24 pk 12 oz cans +dep
Michelob Ultra 24 pk 12 oz cans
21
$
88 +dep
Black Velvet Canadian Whisky 1.75 L
15
$
99
+dep
Truly or Bud Light Seltzer
8
12 pack cans
$ 99 +dep
6A • Humboldt Independent • Thursday, MAY 21, 2020
Independent Sports Thurm saw lots of growth in 2nd year at Northwestern By PHIL MONSON
Despite a shortened season, Humboldt’s Isaac Thurm saw a lot of growth in his second season on the Northwestern College baseball team. Thurm, a 2018 HHS graduate, was batting .321 with 11 runs batted in when the Red Raiders saw their season end in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. A backup catcher, Thurm found a home in the starting lineup as the team’s designated hitter. “Looking back I was pretty happy with how our team performed this past season and how I performed individually, too,” Thurm said. “The season started off rough for us as we lost the first two games we played. Then we bounced back the next day and won the next two,” Thurm said. “The second weekend of our season we had another rough set of games so we were below .500 going into our trip to Arizona,” Thurm said. “The games we played down in Arizona went well for us. In the second game down there I actually got to start that game and played really well. From that point on I was in the starting lineup. I played the last nine games in Arizona and the first two we played when we got back to the Midwest,” said Thurm, who started nine of the team’s 13 games. Northwestern, a member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference and an NAIA school in Orange City, IA, compiled a won-loss record of 11-9 overall, 1-1 in league play. “I played mostly designated hitter when I started the last nine games of our season. I caught one of those games and was DH the rest of them,” Thurm said. “Our starting catcher is from Arizona and he is really good defensively and a hard guy to bump out of the lineup. Thurm collected nine hits in 28 at bats with seven runs scored, one double and one triple. In an interview with the Independent last week, Thurm talked about the transition from high school ball and his progression in year two. “Offensively the biggest difference you see playing up at this level is the fact every pitcher you face is like the top-of-the-line pitcher you occasionally face in high school. I would say 95 percent of the pitchers we face can throw above 85 miles per hour so you have less time to react to the fastball,” Thurm said. “And a lot of the pitchers have good breaking ball stuff so compared to the guys you face in high school so that keeps you honest at the plate, too,” Thurm said. “Me personally, my ap-
proach at the plate changed this year. In high school and even last year as a freshman at Northwestern, I was seeing Isaac Thurm the ball deep into the strike zone and trying to hit to the opposite field and so I would draw a lot of walks. This year I decided to make more adjustments,” Thurm said. “This year I was in a sense, hunting for a fastball that was in the strike zone. If it was a curveball and less than two strikes, I would let it go,” Thurm said. “Up until it was two strikes I was looking for that good fastball to hit and I would jump on it.” “Defensively I didn’t do a ton of catching this year. I also experimented playing some different positions. I played a little second base in the spring and last fall I played some outfield. I also caught a lot of games,” Thurm said. “As a catcher at this level, it is noticeably harder because the pitchers throw a lot faster. Granted they have good command of their pitches and a lot of pitchers have five different pitches they can use. That is a lot harder than catching at high school where most of the guys have only two or three pitches,” Thurm said. “And with that increased velocity that college pitchers have, you have shorter reaction time behind the plate,” Thurm said. Unable to finish the last six weeks of the season and forced to leave campus and finish up academically at home online, Thurm and his teammates will never know how their anticipated season would end. “Last fall everyone got together and played well and you could tell that the 2020 team was going to be different and better than our 2019 team. We had so many guys willing to put in the work outside of practice,” Thurm said. “We made it our goal at the beginning of the season that we wanted to win our conference championship. Up until the season was cancelled, we truly believed we were going to do that.” “We have a great group of guys on our team and we are all motivated. People are unselfish and they wanted to work together for what the team could accomplish more than what they could accomplish as individuals,” Thurm said. “We were only able to play a doubleheader in conference play before the season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic,”
Thurm said. “It was definitely different coming back to Humboldt earlier in the spring, that’s for sure,” Thurm said. As of this writing, Thurm was working his summer job as a school custodian and hoping that he can have another chance to coach the seventh grade baseball team this summer. 2019 was his first year leading the program in Humboldt. “This year’s class I would expect to have more kids on the team than last year’s class that I coached. I’m hoping that maybe we can still have some kind of season. We will find out here soon,” Thurm said. Another transition Thurm made was his educational major, going from criminal justice to exercise science. “Academically I finished up my spring classes the first week of May. I’m also switching my major from criminal justice to exercise science and go on to a career in physical therapy,” Thurm said. “I took quite a bit classes this spring to prepare for my major switch this fall. Even with the classes going online to finish out this year, I think I ended up with my highest grade point average that I’ve had so I’m pretty happy with that.” “Online classes proved to be a smooth transition for me. My schedule worked out so that three of my five classes were already online so that helped out a lot. It was tailor-made for the content in those classes,” Thurm said. “I know a lot of my friends have had problems with their specific major in switching all of their classes to an online format,” Thurm said. “I thought my workload was pretty reasonable and it went smoothly.” Thurm is excited about the 2021 season. “A week after our season got cancelled it was announced that everyone would gain an extra year of eligibility. We have our whole team except one senior coming back,” Thurm said. “There will be a good incoming freshman class. I know we’ll be in the running for the GPAC championship next year.” “I don’t know if the same academic scholarships will be available for that extra year of eligibility. I do know at the end of each year the coach will evaluate everybody and bump up scholarships for certain players. I would assume some people wouldn’t get the scholarship bump if they wanted to come back another year,” Thurm said. “It’s hard to believe I’ve been at Northwestern for two years now already. It was another great year. I thought my freshman year was incredible but my sophomore year was even better,” Thurm said.
Humboldt High senior distance runner Bryce Gidel is shown here en route to a fifth-place finish in the 3,000 meters in the 2019 Class 3A state track and field championships in Des Moines. Gidel and her teammates had seven events in last year’s state meet. Their 2020 season was cancelled two months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic. Independent photo by Phil Monson.
Humboldt Men’s golf league results
May 14 results 12 PM LEAGUE Team scoring: Forrest Tegtmeyer and Ray Knight 20.5. Bob Ford and Dave Dodd 19.5. Marc Arends and Ken Nielsen 17. Steve Samuels and Mike Worthington Jade Lange, Humboldt, 16.5. Steve Samuels and May 15 at Sports Park Race- race, 5th in feature race. Tuners Class: 1st in heat Mike Worthington 16.5. Calvin Lange, Humboldt, way in Fort Dodge Doug Bacon and Dale Hill Jeff Feaster, Dakota City, Stock Car Class: 4th in heat race, 6th in feature race. 16.5. Low gross: race, 9th in feature race. Modified Class: 6th in heat
Area auto racing results
We wish you all the best!
Worthington 35. Low net: Joe Dvorak 30. Worthington 31. 4 PM LEAGUE 2 PM LEAGUE Team scoring: Nate Team scoring: Joe Myer and Erik Westre 20.5. Dvorak and Jim Hassett John Morrison and Keel 22.5. Brett Legvold and Zinnel 18.5. Austin Stocks Brent Weidauer 21.5. Ryan and Kyle Andreae 17. Ross Harklau and Kent Mueller Peterson and Jeremy Stat19. Nate Mueller and Scott telman 17. Low gross: Matt Mersch 18. Low gross: Dominick 36. Low net: Dayton Ruby 33. Low net: Gieber 32.
Special recognition to
Kenzie McCartan
Thanks for being part of our team!
801 Sumner Ave., Humboldt Member FDIC
Thursday, Thursday, MAY 21, 2020 • The Humboldt Independent • 7A
[Council
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
year budget. It has not yet been explained how the city intends to pay for the purchase. It will most likely need to borrow funds. City Council member Joel Goodell made a motion to approve the purchase agreement as drafted and Council member Mike Worthington seconded the motion. Councilmen John Sleiter, Matt Dominick and Kirk Whittlesey all concurred. “The city’s benefit to obtaining the property is use for Humboldt Parks and Recreation. There is a lot of potential for use of the property with the focus on the river. There is riverfront access and property borders the mill race as well,” Humboldt City Administrator Travis Goedken said following Monday night’s meeting. Goedken said the city’s intent is not to keep the house that is currently on the property, at least not long-term. “Long-term the house could be purchased or moved, or potential demolition (by the city), although that would be a last resort,” Goedken said. “There are no plans for any structure on the property at this point,” Goedken said. Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl wanted it to be made known that while the property is listed with Smith Real Estate and Insurance, a company the mayor is employed by, he had nothing to do with the city’s decision to purchase the parcel. “As mayor, I don’t vote on the proposal and offered no comment during the closed session. The sellers of the property will pay any commission and that will
]
go entirely through Madelyn Riles (principal owner of Smith Real Estate). My name is not on the document and I stand no benefit financially from the city’s transaction,” Scholl said. Riles is serving as a dual agency broker (representing the buyer and the seller) in the transaction. “The agreement is through Smith Real Estate because they are the listed agency for the property, but the Council would have worked with any realtor handling the listing,” the Humboldt mayor added. Scholl did comment that the addition of park property will be of benefit to the city in the years to come. “We are going to be building a multiple use bridge across the river from Cottonwood Trail to Eagle Ridge. This piece of property fits in well with the city’s longtime plan for recreational trails throughout the community and connecting to Sheldon Park west of Humboldt,” Scholl said. CANOPIES
The City Council had a protracted discussion of downtown canopies and what they would look like. Goedken presented to the Council a proposal for canvas awnings with aluminum frames from Bob Rasmussen with Bob and Terry’s Sign Company of Goldfield, working in conjunction with Syntex Industries of Humboldt. Rasmussen presented an estimate for Chang’s Chinese Kitchen. The sunbrella with aluminum frame awning and eight-inch removable store sign banner with styrene screen was quoted at $3,201.25. The dimensions would be 18.6 feet long by
four feet in height and four feet wide. Goedken asked about six feet in height but Rasmussen thought that would be too long to suspend on the front of some buildings. The dimensions would be pretty standard, but doublewide storefronts like V&S Variety would need a larger canopy. The Council discussed the best methods to provide city financial assistance for the placing of such canopies. It was agreed that the city’s current economic grant funding for roof and façade improvements has expended about $16,000, which around $100,000 spoken for. With $200,000 available in the grant fund, Council members Joel Goodell and Kirk Whittlesey believe that is wise for the city to use those funds that have already been allocated. The next question was, since most of the existing awnings were in the 600 block of Sumner Avenue, should the city canopy assistance program be limited to business and shop owners in the 600 block? “I think it makes more sense to let everyone downtown have a chance if they want to have a canopy and access the funds,” at large member Worthington said. “Let’s get it done,” Goodell remarked. “If the funds are exhausted and there is still a demand, we can look at something else.” The Council agreed that application for funds should be made by the end of the current calendar year (2020). Whittlesey asked about requirements and if someone wants an oddball design, will it fit in?
This is a computer rendering of what a canvas canopy with aluminum frame would look like on the V&S Variety Store in downtown Humboldt. Rendering courtesy of Bob and Terry’s Sign Company. “It’s their business, I think colorwise it should be their choice,” Goodell replied. The Council was generally agreed that they did not want crank-out canopies. “I think there has to be some requirements if they want city funds,” Whittlesey said. “Based on all the issues we have had with the other canopies/awnings in the downtown I think the less restrictions the better,” Worthington offered. After some further discussions, the Council agreed to provide 50 percent funding of the new canopies, up to a maximum of $2,500 per business. The only requirement is rigid frame with no crank outs and the canopy portion made of canvas or other suitable materials. The Council did not take official action on the matter. “Let’s wait till our June
1 meeting to get feedback from the local property owners and businesses on the proposal,” Mayor Scholl offered. The Council agreed. In a related matter, the Council approved a $210,699.99 payment to Sande Construction of Humboldt for the 2019-2020 downtown revitalization project. Engineer Nick Frederiksen with ISG said the project is just slightly behind schedule but should be completed near the end of June and within budget expectations. IN OTHER ACTION THE COUNCIL:
• Set a public hearing for Monday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. for a 2019-20 budget amendment. Because the city had no way of knowing the cost of projects and the source of funds when it set the budget in February 2019, the amendment will add $4.56 million in expenses and $4.39 million in associated revenues. The largest portion of the change is the downtown revitalization project, along with underground infrastructure at the Rec Center, FEMA projects, be wanting to stay at the city street improvement campground. With restroom and the Humboldt Business and shower facilities closed, it was noted that all campers should be self-contained for toilet facilities. Mayor Phillips recommended a May 22 opening for the campground and Tinken agreed. Janson updated the Council on the drinking water plant rehabilitation project. He reported that the environmental review for the community development block grant has been completed. The city has been awarded up to $300,000 in community development block grant funds for the project. Finals plans and specs are being completed by MSA to send off to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. In an effort to bid the project as soon as funds are released, Janson asked the Council to consider moving the June Dakota City Council meeting from June 10 to June 17. There will be a public hearing at that time to review the plans and specs. Council member Tim Myers moved to change the meeting date and the Council unanimously concurred. The Council held a public hearing on the 2020 budget Lu Verne Elementary student, Aiden Cartee, was the amendment. The city reports winner of the Poem of the Year from the Kossuth an additional $623,500 in County’s Garden of Poets. He was awarded a plaque expenditures and an addi- and $50 for his poem about America, called, “We tional $453,000 in revenues. Salute You.” Submitted photo. The change will reduce the city’s ending fund balance by $170,500, leaving the city with a balance of $1,403,297 on July 1. Capital projects, business-type activities and related revenue accounted for the change. The Council approved Barb Nelson to the Board of Adjustment through 2023. Nelson just retired from the city council at the end of
Streets are the main subject of Dakota City Council business By KENT THOMPSON
Streets were a big topic of discussion at the Dakota City Council regular monthly meeting held Wednesday, May 13 at Dakota City. All Council members were in attendance, as was Mayor Sean Phillips. MSA Professional Services certified planner Chris Janson joined the meeting via Zoom, as did city resident Deb Dahl. Dahl’s concern was the safety of the intersection at 1st Avenue North and 6th Street North. Dahl, who lives at 208 6th Street North, said the intersection is terrible for an uncontrolled intersection. “I’ve lived here since 1995 and it’s a pretty quiet street. The thing I’ve told our kids when they are learning to drive that when they head south from our house toward Main Street, to always watch the intersection with 1st Avenue North and slow down. I never expect someone to slow down, no matter who has the right of way. We know that and our kids know that, but apparently the rest of the community doesn’t,” Dahl said via Zoom. “We’ve seen an increasing number of accidents at that intersection. People come from the east and the west and by the time they get to 6th Street they are doing 35 or 40 miles an hour,” Dahl said. She said she would like to see the city put in a stop sign at the intersection. Clerk Angelique Berry said there have been two accidents at the intersection recently. “We talked with Sheriff Dean Kruger last year about some uncontrolled intersections in the city and didn’t get too far with putting in
stop signs as a way to control speed,” Phillips said. “It’s one of the most wide open intersections in town,” Council member Jon Stern said. Dahl said she realizes stop signs don’t get put up over night. Mayor Phillips recommended that the Council table any action on the matter until conversing with the sheriff and determining the best course of action. All Council members agreed. The Council also opened bids for the fiscal 2020 street work project in the city. One bid was received, that coming from Blacktop Service Company of Humboldt. Prices were the same as last year with the exception of the single and double bituminous seal coat which increased by about 10 cents per yard. The quote was for single bituminous seal coat at $2.10 per yard; double bituminous seal coat at $4.20 per yard; asphaltic concrete mix for patching at $102 per ton applied; asphaltic concrete mix for leveling at $97.25 per ton applied; and two-inch asphalt overly to the streets at $10.80 per yard. The contractor also agrees to sweep all seal coated streets in the fall at a rate of $90 per hour. All quantities are approximate and payment will be for the actual work completed and quantities used. Councilman Justin Kirchhoff moved to approve the quote with Stern seconding and all approved. The Council also discussed changing the right of way on 1st Avenue South between 2nd Street and 5th Street. It was reported that the right of way of the street in that section of town is only 80 feet but the right of way expands to 100 feet on
the street west of 5th Street South. “We would need six blocks surveyed. If someone wants to build a house, there is a concern of not having enough right of way space on the north side,” Clerk Berry reported. Janson said he could get more information and obtain a quote to have the street surveyed. “It’s just a matter of finding the property pins,” he said. Council member Tim Vought said more information is needed so the Council can consider the advantages and disadvantages of vacating a portion of the street right of way. DC Park campground The Council held a discussion on the opening of the Dakota City Park campground with camp host Kim Tinken, who was in attendance at the meeting. Tinken said she had no problem opening the campground, but just wanted to make sure that sturdy signage is on the grounds for the areas off limits, which currently includes the bathrooms, playground and shelter house, until Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says they can also be opened. “Clear signage is needed, especially for the playground area. I’ve been told that playgrounds are petri dishes for bacteria,” Tinken said. She offered that perhaps signage should be bilingual. “We have a lot of Hispanic families who play volleyball and their kids play on the playground equipment,” Tinken said. Council member Ted Prenger said he would see that signage is in place. Tinken said construction workers in the area will soon
Park. Goedken said with the exception of $450,000 authorized to Humboldt County Housing Development Corp., all of the expenses are offset by revenues. • Passed on second reading an ordinance increasing charges for water only (not sewer) by 5 percent. The increase would be roughly an average of $2.54 per month for a family of four. • Approved a payment of $4,960.05 to Sande Construction of Humboldt for the snow removal equipment storage building at the Humboldt Municipal Airport. It was reported that the building is in use with only a few minor punch list items and retainage to finish out the project. • Approved a building permit application for the construction of two grain bins on the Mark Daggy farm on Montana Avenue, north of Highway 3, in the north edge of the Humboldt City limits. Meeting last week, the Humboldt Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the approval. A variance from a 30-foot structure was allowed as the height of both bins will be 48 feet.
SEE DAKOTA CITY, 13A
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
I WOULD APPRECIATE
YOUR VOTE
In the June 2nd Primary Election
JOHN D. (JD) MYERS For Humboldt District 5 County Supervisor Paid for by JD Myers, 1915 States Avenue, Hardy, IA 50545
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +
DEAN KRUGER
DATA BREACHES ARE RISKY BUSINESS $GDWDEUHDFKGRHVQȇWKDYHWRHTXDOGLVDVWHU2XU&\EHU/LDELOLW\ DQG'DWD%UHDFK5HVSRQVH&RYHUDJHLVWKHUHIRU\RXUEXVLQHVV VR\RXUFRPSDQ\ȇVIXWXUHVWD\VVHFXUH7UXVWLQ7RPRUURZ® Contact us today.
for Humboldt County Sheriff
Your “Trusted Choice” Independent Insurance Agent Independent Insurance Agent
Humboldt Ins. Mgmt. Assoc., Inc.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +
www. .com www.humboldtnews.com www.humboldtnews.com
It’s been my pleasure to serve as your Sheriff these past 24 years.
513 Sumner Ave. • Humboldt, IA 50548
I would appreciate your vote on June 2.
www.humboldtinsurance.com
Paid for by Dean Kruger, 1835 Quebec Ave., Hardy, IA 50545
515-332-2953
“Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are registered trademarks of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2020.
8A • Humboldt Independent • Thursday, MAY 21, 2020
GCB finalizes superintendent contract State backtracks early start to next school year By PHIL MONSON
In their regular monthly meeting held last week (May 6) via the Internet, the Gilmore City-Bradgate school board finalized several leadership contracts for the 2020-21 school year. The board finalized terms of its contract with the West Bend-Mallard School District for the services of its superintendent, Amanda Schmidt, and its business manager, Crystal Eggers. Schmidt will begin serving the district on July 1. She will replace Jeff Herzberg, who is stepping down from administration after leading the district the last seven years as well as leading the Prairie Lakes AEA. Herzberg will move to Des Moines and return to teaching and coaching at the middle school level in the Des Moines Public School System. Schmidt will serve GCB 20 percent of her contracted time. GCB will pay 20 percent or $26,000 of Schmidt’s $130,000 salary. The board also finalized the hiring of Eggers to serve as board secretary and business manager for the 202021 school year. Eggers will serve GCB at 20 percent contracted time. GCB will pay 20 percent or $11,600 of the $58,000 annual salary of Eggers. “There were a few small details that needed to be finalized since we last held
a joint meeting with West Bend-Mallard early last month,” Herzberg said. In a related move, the board approved using the Software Unlimited school accounting system for the 2020-21 school year. “West Bend-Mallard uses the same accounting system so we want to make sure that Crystal Eggers has a less complicated task of doing the books for GCB starting next year when she takes over,” Herzberg said. At the start of the meeting Herzberg read a statement thanking the board for their service, recognizing them for School Board Appreciation Month. The board approved the mandated adult meal prices for the 2020-21 school year at a cost of $3.85 per meal. The board also renewed the district’s property and work compensation insurance for the 2020-21 school year with the Iowa Public School Insurance program. The premium is $56,500. It represents a 9 percent increase. During the administrative reports portion of the meeting, GCB elementary principal Jessica Goodenow reported on tasks fifth and sixth grade teachers are asking their students to do now with the rest of the school year curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Goodenow said they are working hard on completing the current school year as
well as making plans to the start of the new school year in August, helping students transition into a new school year coming off the lost classroom time this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic. Work this spring has been on a voluntary basis. She said they are developing a “required work” plan for students and to help prepare staff and students, Goodenow said they are going to try a two-week period of “required” work, in case required work online becomes mandatory next year if the pandemic continues play havoc with education. “We have asked our math and reading teachers to do this two-week trial period. We felt like our fifth and sixth graders were the most self-motivated and most independent learners out of our whole school so they could manage doing this by themselves with little stress on their families,” Goodenow said. “That’s the rationale why we didn’t do it with any other ages.” “Plus, our fifth and sixth graders are moving to a new school next year (West Bend) so that was concerning to us,” Goodenow said. “Our teachers put together two projects for the students. At the beginning of the week both teachers put out the requirements on Google Class room then had some office hours to check in with students via Zoom during the week,” Goodenow said. “The learning was centered around some things they had already done during the school year. Our literacy teacher continued on with her unit on natural disasters, which is good for what we are going through right now.” “Our math teachers put on some video Vlogging prompts together so they could talk through based
on what they were learning in math. The last week they will have a project on renovating their back yard,” Goodenow said. “The percentage of kids who actually logged in is low. We don’t have full participation from our kids, which is disheartening even though the school has provided an ipad for every child to use at home,” Goodenow said. Herzberg said Governor Reynolds and the State Department of Education last month waived the state law requiring districts in Iowa to start school on or after August 23. Herzberg said the state has now backtracked on allowing districts an earlier start date. “We had worked on potential changes for the school calendar for next year, with an August 12 start date. Amanda Schmidt and the leadership teams from both GCB and WBM have done a lot of work on developing modifications to the school calendar and they had agreed on August 12, knowing it wasn’t going to increase the teacher contract and there would be some break days within the school year,” Herzberg said. “The plan had for a short break in the fall, another day at Thanksgiving and a couple more in December at Christmas to be built into the calendar so we wouldn’t be increasing the teacher contract,” Herzberg said. “But on Friday (May 8), in the DOE webinar, they told us if you are going to start school before August 23, you would have to add instructional days. That is not going to happen so we are going to start on August 24, as originally planned,” Herzberg said. “That is frustrating for us in education trying to plan ahead. I think the tourism industry and some of the
Report of daily activity for Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office APRIL 30
7:50 p.m.—A controlled burn of CRP acres was reported at 120th Street and Georgia Avenue, rural Bode. 7:53 p.m.—A controlled ditch burn was reported in the 1700 block of 250th Street. Twin Rivers Preschool in Bode is accepting names for 8:20 p.m.—A controlled the 2020-2021 school year for children who will be 3 burning of brush was reor 4 on or before Sept. 15. If you are interested, please ported in the 2700 block call the school office at 515-379-1309. Hours vary of Delaware Avenue, rural during this time, but if no one answers, please leave a Gilmore City. message. Twin Rivers Preschool offers the following: 10:57 p.m.—A controlled an expanded preschool room, creative curriculum, burning of brush was reportGOLD assessments, 4 star QPPS rating, snack and ed in the 2200 block of Elm milk provided, 4 year old is FREE and 3 year old/ $50 Avenue, rural Gilmore City. month with scholarships available. Submitted photo. 9:45 p.m.—Kossuth County transported a transient on High-way 169 to the city of Humboldt. A deputy gave the man a ride to McDonald’s in Fort Dodge and let the Fort Dodge Police Department know. 9:55 p.m.—A suspicious black SUV was reported 4XDOL¿FDWLRQV Must be 4 to 6 years old and reside in west of Humboldt by ShelHumboldt County. Candidates will be introduced on don Park Road. The vehicle was going slowly with its Wednesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. flashers on. A deputy stopped (Will meet in Polka Hall building at 6:45 p.m.) the vehicle. The subjects were not suspicious. They PLEASE PRINT were driving slow because Name___________________________________ they had liquid in the back and did not want it to spill. ___________________________________
Entries Wanted Little Miss & Little Mister Humboldt County
T male T female
Age___________________
Parents__________________________________ Address_________________________________ City____________________________________ Phone___________________________________ Submit entries to: Amber Harrison,
8 Woodland Dr., Humboldt, IA 50548 or [email protected]
WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED FROM A DRAWING! ENTRIES DUE BY WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 (Entries will be accepted after this, but may not be printed in the program) 2020 Humboldt County Fair July 21-27
VID-19. The subject said he needed money to feed his family. 5:45 p.m.—Satern Serivce Center on 220th Street advised they would be shooting off fireworks outside their business that evening between 9-10 p.m. 6:02 p.m.—A caller in the 2100 block of Delaware Avenue, rural Gilmore City, reported a leaning power pole that could possibly fall on the road. Contact was made with Midland Power and MidAmerican Energy and neither company believed the pole in question was theirs. 6:30 p.m.—A deputy was dispatched to 1st Street in Bode for a domestic situation. A female subject was reportedly grabbing and pushing people. 8:42 p.m.—A deputy con-ducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of Sumner Avenue near US Bank. The HCSO cited Joel L. Dencklau, Thor, for careless driving. 10:53 p.m.—An ambulance was dispatched to 4th Avenue North in Dakota City. A subject was taken to HCMH.
Republican lawmakers told the Governor behind closed doors that the DOE doesn’t have the authority to allow schools to choose when they want to begin,” Herzberg said. “I think a lot of districts have already done a lot of planning to start earlier in August, but unfortunately it can’t happen now.” “Jessica and I will continue to work on developing a Return to Learn plan to start the new school year,” Herzberg said. “That plan has to be submitted to the state by July 1.” “What is that plan going to look like? Will we have a hybrid model where we will be in school sometimes and out of the school building at other times? Not knowing what things will be like in the fall with the coronavirus? What we do know is that continuous online learning will be a required part of every district next year,” Herzberg said. “There is going to be no more voluntary learning next year so every district has to plan for that. It will be interesting to see how that gets pulled off by everybody next year,” Herzberg said. “It will be challenging for each district as we all have a percentage of our students and their families who do not have Internet access in their homes,” Herzberg said. “It is disheartening. We were hoping we could start back before August 23 to get kids back into a routine. What we are looking at right now is to amp up our summer camps here in Gilmore City to get students involved in some high-engaging topics,” Goodenow said. “The summer camp options will start the end of July and go into August to conclude the week of August 17. There will be four weeks of camps. There will be a STEM camp, a pre-school readiness camp, a garden-
ing camp and a dance camp among others,” Goodenow said. “Fun things to remind kids about learning and how learning can be about a lot of things.” “We’ll have camps running both morning and afternoon. We’ll have social gathering guidelines in place to limit it to groups of 10. In the past we have had from eight to 10 kids so I don’t see any problems,” Goodenow said. Herzberg reported to the board on the CARES Act funding. Herzberg said the CARES Act funding from the federal government will provide $18,000 to the GCB district. “We will develop a plan on how to spend that. It has to be used to support learning and issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic closure,” Herzberg said. Herzberg said he would be working with Goodenow on finalizing a priority list for summer maintenance work, technology purchases, office remodeling and the purchase of a kiln for the art classroom. Herzberg followed up on a change in board policy where the district’s early retirees could get a lump sum payment or multiple payments spread over time. “We have a request from a former employee asking if that request could be applied to them as well,” Herzberg said. The board agreed to pay the retired employee their remaining balance. The board also approved an increase in pay for the school daycare staff of 2.55 percent. The board also approved a $5,000 salary increase for Goodenow, who is completing her first year in the district. Her annual salary will go from $68,000 to $73,000.
Memorial Day Services Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Memorial Day Service in Humboldt will be a broadcast only on KHBT 97.7 on Monday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m. VFW Commander Dave Lee will read a speech on the air as well as other traditional Memorial Day readings by Humboldt High School students. There will not be the traditional ceremonies at area cemeteries. “We’ll go back to normal next year,” Lee said. Livermore Livermore will hold Memorial Day services on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. on Main Street in front of the Freedom Rock and Veterans Memorial Park. Those attending can stay in their vehicles and face north. Renwick Renwick is postponing the Memorial Day program until July 4 at 10 a.m. There will be a 21 gun salute and taps on Memorial Day at 10 a.m. at the Memorial site.
MAY 1
12:26 p.m.—A caller on 3rd Street South in Dakota City wanted to speak to a deputy in reference to a report of receiving a citation for letting children ride their bikes on the street. A message was left for the chief deputy. 5:11 p.m.—Public assistance was requested in Bode for a subject that was traveling on the street to mow grass. 5:34 p.m.—A Bode male reported a possible scam call. He said a subject called and wanted money for CO-
60th Anniversary Card Shower
The family of Putter and Darlene Jergens of Gilmore City is hosting a card shower in honor of their 60th Anniversary. The couple were married in West Bend on May 22, 1960, and have four children; Jay (Julie) of Humboldt, Dean (Carla) of Gilmore City, Paul (Heather) of Denver, IA and Penny McDowell (Corey) of Kilbourne, LA. They also have 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Please send cards of congratulations to PO Box 192 Gilmore City, IA 50541.
MAY 2
1:21 p.m.—A Hardy female on 3rd Street NW wanted to speak to a deputy about her child. 2:08 p.m.—A rural Goldfield female on York Avenue reported a strange vehicle honking. A call back a few minutes later reported the Part of the structure begins to fall in Rutland during a call was a false alarm. 12:53 p.m.—A caller in training burn on Saturday. See this photo and more at the 1400 block of K Road www.humboldtnews.com. reported a controlled burn. The caller said she was burn-
[Rutland
SEE SHERIFF, 13A
FROM FRONT PAGE
]
in 1940) and former office training session. The flames were burned down in the were lit about 8:45 a.m. and the buildings were down before noon. Thompson said everything went as planned. Pro Coop location managOn All Custom er Ron Trenary said old steel Window Treatments bean bins on the property were scheduled to be taken FREE & blinds All down this week. “Shop-at-home” shades Pro Coop is investing in Decorating FREE ‘Shop-At-Home’ Service a new 750,000 bushel steel grain bin just west of where UE S RAPERIES TC the fire training took place. Sue Baedke *LU[YHS(]LU\L-VY[+VKNL 1718 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge
Spring Sale
SSUE’’SDDRAPERIES E .
Decorator/Owner
955-5398
M-FHrs: 10-5; & Evenings by appt. M-FSaturdays 10-5; Sat. 10-12 Eve. by Appt.
Thursday, MAY 21, 2020 • The Humboldt Independent • 9A
Obituaries MERLIN H. DYVIG 1924-2020 Merlin H. Dyvig, 95, of Humboldt, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020, at the Southfield Wellness Community in Webster City. He is now very alive with his loving Savior Jesus Christ. A private family service will be held at a later date. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Betty (Fevold) Dyvig of Humboldt; children, Dennis (Susan) Dyvig of Nairobi Kenya, Wayne (Renee) Dyvig and Ed (Sara) Dyvig of Humboldt; grandchildren, Jodie, Jeremy, Joshua, Hannah, and Jonah, eight greatgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Mary (Stone) Dyvig, and brothers Donald, Norman and Warren, and an infant great-granddaughter. Merlin Dyvig was born Nov. 28, 1924, in a farmhouse near Pioneer. He attended Humboldt schools. Merlin was a tail gunner on
a B17 bomber during WWII, was shot down over Germany and was a POW for six months in Germany until General Patton liberated them at war’s end. Returning to Humboldt, he met the love of his life while buying tickets at the movie theater. He was united in marriage to Betty Fevold in 1947. They made their home southwest of Humboldt where they lived and farmed for 55 years and where Merlin stayed active in the farming operation well into his 80s. Merlin’s passion for motorcycles, airplanes and John Deeres was shared by each of his sons. He enjoyed farm life and spending time with Betty. He was an avid pilot of a Champ and could often be seen buzzing his neighbors out in the fields. As part of the Greatest Generation, Merlin was blessed with a long and interesting life and he will be greatly missed by family and friends.
The Board of Directors and management of NEW Cooperative are pleased to announce the expansion of their Bode Location. The major expansion will include a new 750,000 – bushel grain storage and a new scale over the receiving pit, which will allow 20,000 bushel per hour in receiving. This addition will certainly be a dramatic improvement for producers delivering into the Bode Location. This project will allow farmers coming from the south to continue to weigh and dump grain south of the tracks. Those coming from the north will scale and dump on the north side of the tracks. This expansion will allow Bode to handle grain more efficiently and get the farmers back to the field faster. Submitted photo.
CODY FORTUNE 1991-2020 Cody had a love for golf and found joy in a motorcycle ride, a weekend away to Apple River with his friends, hunting, playing cards, the yearly family reunions at the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City and he adored and loved his four nieces. Always surrounded by seemingly endless love. Cody will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Tracy and Steph, who were so very proud of him, Algona; his sister and brother in-law, Jaron and Courtney Benz with their four daughters Addily, Aria, Arilyn, and Amelia of Hartley; his brother, Caleb Fortune and his love Natalie Enloe of Iowa City; his grandparents, Paul and Cynthia Clay of Humboldt, Marvin Fortune of Otho, and Ardith (Jack) Dorman of Harcourt; and his many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. May his smile, the sparkle in his eyes and his infectious laugh live on in all of us. Lentz Funeral Home of Algona is serving the family. Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome. com.
ROGER A. LENNING 1941-2020 Roger A. Lenning, 78, of Humboldt passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Roger was born on May 27, 1941, on a farm in Humboldt County, the son of Lloyd and Gladys (Hansen) Lenning. He grew up and attended the Humboldt schools. After school, Roger worked on the farm with his father and later worked for Carlson Implement, which later became K.C. Nielsen Implement in Humboldt. On April 5, 1964, Roger was united in marriage to Nancy J. Nielsen in Humboldt. After retirement, Roger drove for the Co-City Bus in Humboldt. Roger loved to play golf. He and Nancy enjoyed playing in many couples tournaments over
the years. His greatest joy was attending his grandchildren’s school activities. He is survived by his wife Nancy, children Chris Lenning of Fort Dodge and daughter Andrea (Shawn) George of Humboldt, grandchildren Keaton Lenning, Kaleb Lenning, Addison Lenning, Zachary George and Halie George and brother Doug (Jan) Lenning of Dakota City. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sherry Kubly and sister-in-law Patricia Lenning. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 21 (today), at 11 a.m. at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral and Cremation Service. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the start of the funeral service at the funeral home.
SCOTT L. SAWYER 1957-2020 Scott Lee Sawyer, 53, of Whiting, passed away Friday, May 8, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Julia (Brass) Sawyer; daughters, Kristin (Bryce) Sidwell of Whiting and Aimee Sawyer; granddaughter, Aliana of Sioux City;
mother, Sharon Sawyer of Humboldt; and sisters, Kim (Randal) Metzger of Hudson, CO; and Niki (Ryan) Rathert of Lantana, TX. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Sawyer; and brother, Steven Sawyer.
A crew from Wempen’s Garden Center planted replacement rose bushes at Worthington Park on Tuesday, May 12. The project was funded by the 7 O’Clock Kiwanis Club, private donations and Wempen’s Garden Center. Working on preparing for planting are: Cory Dettmann, Carter Hatcher, Tayla Wempen, Reegen Wempen and Morgan Hotovec. See this photo and more at www.humboldtnews.com.
HUMBOLDT MOTOR SALES
Cody Fortune, age 28, of Algona, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, at the Riverview Cemetery in Algona. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing practices will be followed. A wink and a smile. Cody Fortune lit up every room he stepped into since his birth in Fort Dodge on Aug. 10, 1991 to Steph (Clay) and Tracy Fortune. The youngest of three siblings and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Cody graduated from Algona High School in 2010. Following his father’s footsteps, Cody received his degree in Power Line Technology from Northwestern Iowa Community College in Sheldon and was working as a lineman for Alliant Energy. He loved being a lineman and all those who he worked with. He was compassionate, caring, fun loving, honest, and hardworking. He had a way of touching the lives of all whom he met, lifting them up when they were down and loved his friends and family with his whole heart.
Thank You
There is a part of every heart that is satisfied for moments when acts of kindness, compassion & caring occur. Mine is overflowing. I am overwhelmed by the cards, messages, notes, food, phone calls, memorial gifts, flowers and virtual hugs. My mom would be so touched as we are. With deep appreciation~ the family of Maisie Donnelly Pat/Patty & Mike Worthington, Nancy Donnelly, Kathleen Niegoci, Brian & Jen Grant, Gracie & Gabby Menke
Free Multi-Point Inspection A/C Inspection ............ $49.95 includes connection of A/C machine to check pressures and refrigerant MFWFM JOTQFDUDBCJOŪMUFSBOEDIFDL system operation.
Automatic Transmission Flush ...................................... $159.95 Cooling System Flush ............. $149.95
Commercial Equestrian Hobby Shops Agricultural Garages And More!
Some cars & heavy duty trucks may be extra
Eastern CO 970-230-2052
Highway 3 East, Humboldt
Phone 515.332.2764 www.humboldtmotors.com
NE and Western IA 402-426-5022
www.GingerichStructures.com 4 5 3 6 $ 5 6 3 & 4
+ $500 OFF
WANTED FREON WANTED: We pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-6754818 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com.
Wisconsin 608-632-1389
FOR ACTIVE MILITARY AND VETERANS
THOSE WHO SERVE, RUN WITH US.
LOW RATES OR WAIVER TRACTORS 18 18 17 17 13 12 11
8400R 380H E23 ........ $335,900 8320 RT 788H IVT....... $269,900 9520RT 527H 36"....... $369,900 6155R 1461H IVT ....... $129,900 8360RT 3270H IVT...... $169,900 7280R 2357H 46 DLS . $142,000 8335R 5413H PS ........ $155,900
TILLAGE 2410 61.5' N-ERVE ............ $85,000 2210 36' 4 Bar .................. $32,900 985 38' 3 Bar .................... $15,000 980 34.5' 3 Bar ................. $13,900
PLANTERS 1775 24R CCS ME5 PM20 $198,500 1760 12N 3BU HFLD .......... $44,900
SPRAYERS
THANK YOU VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY Let’s remember those who have given their lives for our country and honor those who are still with us. Active military and veterans please accept extra savings1 on John Deere 1 Series, 2 Series and 3 Series Compact Tractors, May 15, 2020–June 01, 2020, with our thanks. 7R͐QGRXWPRUHWDONWR\RXU-RKQ'HHUH'HDOHUWRGD\
515-890-0787
NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERETM | RUN WITH US 6HDUFKɗ-RKQ'HHUH0LOLWDU\'LVFRXQWɘIRUPRUH
Subscribe Today!
R4045 482H 120' ....... $415,000 STS14 465H 120' ....... $407,900 STS12 1432H 120' ..... $335,900 STS12 323H 100' ....... $345,900 STS12 2109H 120' ..... $255,900 R4030 1058H 90' ....... $199,900 STS12 2008H 120' ..... $229,900 STS10 2021H 120' ..... $133,900
COMBINES 19 S780 200H 650 DLS ... $439,900 19 S780 305H 1250 LSW $436,000 15 S680 1265H 42 DLS 4WD $209,900 13 S670 872H 42 DLS ..... $187,500 08 9770S 2037H 208/42 DLS $95,900 06 9560 1890H 30.5R ....... $82,900
SKIDLOADERS & MISC.
What else can enliven and entertain like the newspaper? It’s also your best source for the news, sports and local information you need every day.
515.332.2514 512 Sumner Avenue PO Box 157 • Humboldt www.humboldtnews.com
19 19 18 17 16 15 15 06
+: