CLAYTON COUNTY: DNR virtual public meeting for Fawn Hollow feedlot nutrient management plan on March 30

DNR News Release The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a virtual public meeting on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 1:00 pm to gather public comment on the Fawn Hollow Feedlot Nutrient Management Plan (NMP).  The Fawn Hollow Feedlot is owned by Mike Butikofer and is located in Wagner Township in Clayton County.  To request an electronic copy of the NMP, contact Kelli.Book@dnr.iowa.gov.  Per the administrative rules, comments should be limited to the following topics: 1) that the NMP was submitted according to procedures required by the DNR and 2) that the NMP complies with the provisions of 567 … Continue reading CLAYTON COUNTY: DNR virtual public meeting for Fawn Hollow feedlot nutrient management plan on March 30

Window decals to assist community members and first responders

News Release Local first responders are teaming up to ensure that community members with specific needs are properly cared for. The Oelwein Police and Fire Departments, along with MercyOne Ambulance, will be distributing window decals that will provide first responders with immediate notification that an occupant of a residence or vehicle may have a specific need based on a previous diagnosis. “When our officers, fire members, and ambulance crews arrive at an incident, those moments are often times of high stress for the occupants. These window stickers will provide quick and effective information to responders at critical times,” said Public … Continue reading Window decals to assist community members and first responders

Hawkeye man arrested on sex abuse charge

On Feb. 21st, at about 2:25 p.m. Fayette County Deputies located and arrested 24-year-old Gustavo Macias Torres of Hawkeye on a valid Fayette County Warrant for sexual assault in the third degree and dissemination and exhibition of obscene Material to a Minor. The charges stem from a month-long investigation completed by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. Torres is being held on $12,000 cash only bond at the Fayette County Jail. Continue reading Hawkeye man arrested on sex abuse charge

From the Capitol to You

By Rep. Sharon Steckman D- House District 59 I was recently honored to help kick off Black History Month which occurs each year for the entire month of February. Representatives are asked to prepare and present a short speech honoring a black person, usually someone who has a connection to Iowa. I was pleased to honor George Washington Carver on February 1st. This date was also recently designated as “George Washington Carver Day” in Iowa, so it was a great way to begin the month! The son of a slave, Carver graduated high school in Kansas and was accepted to … Continue reading From the Capitol to You

Oelwein Police Reports — Jan. 30-Feb. 2

These reports are provided by the Oelwein Police Department. Monday, Jan. 30 At 10:14 a.m., Oelwein Police arrested Gary Leroy Cummings, 49, of Oelwein, on a charge of possession of marijuana (serious misdemeanor) following a traffic stop in the 10 block of 10th Street Southwest. Wednesday, Feb. 1 At 8:42 p.m., Oelwein Police arrested Meghan Renae Conrad, 23, of Oelwein, in the 900 block of 1st Avenue Northeast, on a Fayette County warrant for an original charge of domestic abuse assault. Continue reading Oelwein Police Reports — Jan. 30-Feb. 2

Catch-photo-release tournament encourages Iowa walleye anglers to report their catches

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is partnering for a second year with MyCatch by Angler’s Atlas to conduct a statewide walleye fishing challenge starting May 1 through June 30. The Iowa Chapter of the American Fisheries Society has joined as a research partner for the 2023 challenge. Anglers will have the chance to win weekly prizes while also contributing to fisheries research, helping improve walleye fishing in the state. The Iowa Walleye Challenge uses the MyCatch mobile app to record the length of a fish. Participating anglers take a picture of the fish on a measuring device using the app. … Continue reading Catch-photo-release tournament encourages Iowa walleye anglers to report their catches

Oelwein man gets 30 years for distributing methamphetamine and obstructing justice

News Release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Iowa A man who distributed methamphetamine out of his residence, conspired to have a government witness assaulted, and sexually abused multiple women was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. Justin Michael Buehler, age 39, from Oelwein, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 9, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The evidence at trial showed that Buehler distributed methamphetamine to an employee at his workplace.  In January 2019, law enforcement agents coordinated with the employee to set up two controlled purchases … Continue reading Oelwein man gets 30 years for distributing methamphetamine and obstructing justice

2023 hunting, fishing licenses on sale beginning Dec. 15

By the Iowa DNR Iowans can begin buying 2023 resident hunting, fishing and other licenses on Dec. 15. Licenses purchased for 2022 expire on Jan. 10, 2023. The menu of license options includes the popular Outdoor Combo annual resident hunting/fishing/habitat combo license for $55; the Angler’s Special three-year fishing license for $62; and the Hunter’s Special three-year hunting license with habitat included for $101. Also available is the Bonus Line option for $14 letting resident and nonresident anglers to fish with one more line in addition to the two lines allowed with the regular fishing license. Upgrade your paper license … Continue reading 2023 hunting, fishing licenses on sale beginning Dec. 15

Socioeconomic factor for IHSAA football classifications advances to membership vote

News Release from the IHSAA BOONE, Iowa – An amendment to the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Articles of Incorporation to include a socioeconomic factor into football classifications has advanced to a vote of the membership to begin next week. A recommendation from the IHSAA’s classification committee last week to adopt a classification model similar to one currently used by the Minnesota State High School League – reducing 40 percent of a school’s free or reduced lunch count from their annual enrollment to determine their final classification number – was approved by the Board of Control on Monday. Classifications in … Continue reading Socioeconomic factor for IHSAA football classifications advances to membership vote

DNR to host virtual meeting on chronic wasting disease Nov. 29

Iowa DNR News Release The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting a virtual public meeting on chronic wasting disease on Nov. 29, from 7-8 p.m. Staff will provide an update on the science of the disease, its status in Iowa, and current management efforts. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and staff will answer as many as time allows. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required in order to receive information prior to the meeting. Interested individuals can register to attend through the link https://bit.ly/3FIgc4G.   Continue reading DNR to host virtual meeting on chronic wasting disease Nov. 29

Oelwein man sentenced to 70 months in federal Prison

An Oelwein man who possessed eight loaded guns and fled from the police was sentenced on Oct. 19 to more than five years in federal prison. Justin James Gallmeyer, 39, of Oelwein, pleaded guilty on April 14 to possessing firearms as a felon. He has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing a firearm as a drug user. According to the news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern Iowa, evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Gallmeyer possessed a total of eight guns over the course of about one year. In August 2020, he fled from the police … Continue reading Oelwein man sentenced to 70 months in federal Prison

Iowa’s pheasant opener was busy, with lots of hunter success

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE IOWA DNR Hunters are home, the dogs are resting and Iowa’s opening weekend of pheasant season is in the rearview mirror. Reports from across the state varied from excellent up north to good in central and southwest Iowa, with the consensus that hunting will continue to improve once all the corn is harvested. According to reports, hunters turned out in good numbers, filling parking lots and field access lanes. “It’s the best bird numbers we’ve had since I’ve been in east-central Iowa. I’m still seeing hunters out today,” said Curt Kemmerer, wildlife biologist for the Iowa … Continue reading Iowa’s pheasant opener was busy, with lots of hunter success

Missing child’s body found in Buchanan County pond

IOWA DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS RELEASE from Oct. 29, 2022 FAIRBANK, Iowa – On October 28, 2022 at approximately 5:05 PM, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a missing four year old child. The child was reportedly last seen at approximately 3:45 PM in the front yard of his residence in the 1400 block of 145th Street Fairbank, IA. Multiple agencies responded to assist with the search. An extensive search was conducted of the residence, curtilage, surrounding fields, ditches, structures and ponds. At approximately 11:40 PM, the child was found deceased in a neighboring pond. The investigation … Continue reading Missing child’s body found in Buchanan County pond

Charles Theater to host free showing Oct. 16 of film about human trafficking in Iowa

CONTRIBUTED REPORT The North Iowa Coalition Against Human Trafficking will present the movie “Gridshock” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct 16 at the Charles Theater in Charles City. Admission is free. Join Floyd County in the “Learn Something, Do Something” initiative to raise awareness on the horrible crime of human trafficking. Trafficking primarily comes in the form of forced labor and sex trafficking. It is the third largest crime in the world and typically targets women and children.     This documentary exposes the reality behind human trafficking in Iowa. The filmmaker, Vanessa McNeal, is a survivor of sexual violence. She … Continue reading Charles Theater to host free showing Oct. 16 of film about human trafficking in Iowa

Duck season begins Oct. 1 in Iowa’s north zone

BY THE IOWA DNR Waterfowlers have waited all year for this: for the next three weekends in Iowa, there will be an opening day for duck and goose hunting. The north zone opens on Oct. 1, the central zone opens on Oct. 8 and the south zone opens on Oct. 15. Each zone is open seven days, then close for seven days, before re-opening. Hunter success, of course, depends on migration and Mother Nature’s cooperation. “We’re on track with our 10-year average for migration,” said Orrin Jones, state waterfowl biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “The low temperatures we had mid-week likely spurred … Continue reading Duck season begins Oct. 1 in Iowa’s north zone

Iowa DNR to host public meetings on Chronic Wasting Disease

By the IOWA DNR The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to host three meetings in October to provide an update to the public on chronic wasting disease surveillance and management efforts. Meetings are scheduled for: Tissue samples collected during the 2021-2022 surveillance season resulted in deer testing positive in both Fremont and Greene counties – the first time deer tested positive for the always fatal disease in these counties. In addition to Fremont and Greene counties, deer have tested positive in 10 other Iowa counties since 2013. “Hunters and landowners play vital roles in the successful management of … Continue reading Iowa DNR to host public meetings on Chronic Wasting Disease

Iowa DNR Fishing Report (Sept. 15)

NORTHEAST Cedar River (above Nashua)Water levels are stabilizing and low. Water clarity is good. Visit the USGS Water Dashboard for current water levels. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Try a hook loaded with a crawler, chub or chicken livers. Northern Pike – No Report: Find pike in shallow vegetated areas out of current. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Find smallies below the dams; use a hook tipped with a ringworm, twister tail or nightcrawler.  Walleye – Good: Try worms or minnows on a blade with enough weight to get your bait near the bottom. Yellow Perch – Good: Use a minnow or worm along the lake … Continue reading Iowa DNR Fishing Report (Sept. 15)

Lend a hand in a state park at Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 24

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE IOWA DNR Iowans are invited to lend a hand at the Department of Natural Resources’ sixth annual Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 24. Several parks across the state will be hosting volunteer events to help spruce up trails, buildings and other park amenities. “Iowa state parks are beloved places for many Iowans, and we greatly appreciate the help volunteers provide,” said Sherry Arntzen, chief of Iowa Parks, Forests and Preserves. Clean-up efforts at Statewide Volunteer Day will be unique for each park and may include litter pick-up, staining or painting buildings, planting trees, clearing trails and … Continue reading Lend a hand in a state park at Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 24

Nashua-Plainfield educator named Iowa History Teacher of the Year

Courtesy of the Iowa Department of Education: Monday, August 15, 2022 Suzan Turner, a social studies teacher at Nashua-Plainfield High School, has been named the 2022 Iowa History Teacher of the Year. Turner, who has taught in the Nashua-Plainfield Community School District for 18 years, received the award through the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, following a recommendation from an Iowa Department of Education committee. The Gilder Lehrman Institute promotes and celebrates accomplishments in American history education and scholarship, and every year honors one exemplary, elementary, middle, or high school history teacher from all 50 states, Department of Defense schools, … Continue reading Nashua-Plainfield educator named Iowa History Teacher of the Year