Author: Chris Baldus

Newspaperman, professionally, since 1991 Husband since 1992 Father since 2001, triplets plus two States I've lived in: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Idaho and Iowa Graduate of Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minn. An offensive lineman who dreamed big
Oelwein Post

Deer take out Fusion on V68

Chris Baldus

The driver of a 2019 Ford Fusion reported no injuries Monday morning when several deer raced across County Road V68. According to a Fayette County Sheriff’s Office news release, at 6:18 a.m. deputies were called to the area of V68 just south of County Road C33 regarding a report of deer carcasses obstructing both the north and south bound lanes of traffic. The car that struck the deer was driven by Molly Niewoehner, 20, of Hawkeye. She was traveling south when several deer jumped out of the ditch into the road. Her Fusion collided with two of them. Niewoehner’s vehicle … Continue reading Deer take out Fusion on V68

Oelwein Post

Oelwein AM Update (April 10): Of warmth, OHS sports, school administration and Prom

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Monday, April 10, 2023. WEATHER FORECAST Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. South wind 7 to 9 mph. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Breezy, with a southwest wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Source: National Weather Service • • • SPORTS TODAY Oelwein • • • Oelwein schools announce administrator shifts Derek Kuennen and Jamie Jacobs will have new positions in the Oelwein School District next year Kuennen will be the high … Continue reading Oelwein AM Update (April 10): Of warmth, OHS sports, school administration and Prom

Nashua Post

Nashua AM Update (April 10): Of nice weather, boys track, tennis and stuffed animals

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Monday, April 10, 2023. WEATHER FORECAST Today — Get outside! Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph. Tonight — Mostly clear, with a low around 49. South wind 6 to 8 mph. Tuesday — Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a southwest wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Source: National Weather Service SPORTS N-P boys tie for 3rd in Hudson The Nashua-Plainfield boys track and field team tied for 3rd out of 12 teams in Hudson on Thursday, April 6, at the … Continue reading Nashua AM Update (April 10): Of nice weather, boys track, tennis and stuffed animals

Nashua Post1 Comment

N-P boys track team takes 3rd in Hudson

Chris Baldus

The Nashua-Plainfield boys track and field team tied for 3rd out of 12 teams in Hudson on Thursday, April 6, at the Pirate Relays. The Huskies took 1st in two events. The team of Blaine Brannon, Aiden Gelner, Joel Winters and Jase Hansen won the 1600 medley relay with a time of 4:00.27. Aiden Lamborn won high jump with a 6 foot leap. Denver won the meet with 138 team points. Aplington-Parkersburg took 2nd at 136. Union Community and Nashua-Plainfield tied for 3rd with 81 points followed by North Butler (76), Hudson (62), Belle Plaine (58.5), East Marshall (46), Don … Continue reading N-P boys track team takes 3rd in Hudson

Oelwein Post

Train strikes truck near Oelwein

Chris Baldus

  Fayette County News Rekease On April 4 at 12:04 p.m. the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office took a 911 call of a Train vs Vehicle accident at 20th Street and T Ave just west of Oelwein. Once deputies arrived they had learned that a Farmer’s Union Produce Cooperative grain truck, driven by Todd R Scheidel, age 63 of Clermont had failed to yield at a Rail Road Crossing and struck Northern Iowa Railways train. Scheidel was cited for Fail to properly stop a rail road crossing. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by, Oelwein Police, Iowa Department of Motor … Continue reading Train strikes truck near Oelwein

Nashua Post1 Comment

City of Nashua sues dam contractor

Chris Baldus

APRIL 6, 2023, UPDATE: A jury trial in the City of Nashua v. Minnowa Construction Inc. and United Fire & Casualty Co. civil case is scheduled to begin May 15 at the Chickasaw County Courthouse in New Hampton. OCT. 24, 2022 REPORT: About a year after serious damage to the Cedar Lake dam was discovered, the city of Nashua has filed suit in Chickasaw County District Court against a Decorah construction company that worked on it in 2020. Visible evidence of a problem can be seen near the foot of the dam in the form of a large slab of … Continue reading City of Nashua sues dam contractor

Oelwein Post

Fayette County District Court Report

Chris Baldus

Nancy Sheree Latham, 43, of Oelwein, entered an Alford plea to first-offense possession of marijuana (serious misdemeanor) and was sentenced to two days in jail. Seven other counts, including four felonies, were dismissed. She was among multiple people arrested after authorities executed a search warrant on Sept. 17 at 107 7th Ave. NW, Oelwein. Joshua James Levendusky, 40, of Oelwein, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of first-offense possession of a controlled substance (serious misdemeanor) and was placed on one year of probation on a suspended sentence of two days in jail and a suspended fine of $430 plus a … Continue reading Fayette County District Court Report

Oelwein Post

Sexual abuse charge against WV grad dismissed without prejudice

Chris Baldus

One count of third-degree sexual abuse against Holten Taylor Robinson, 19, of Parkersburg, has been dismissed without prejudice at the request of prosecution, which also sought further investigation. “The Defendant has recently raised issues of fact that need to be addressed regardingcontact between the Defendant and the victim in this case regarding the underlyingrelationship and the incident itself,” says the March 7 motion by Assistant County Attorney Dustin Ludemann. “The State has been unable to perform a cell-briteextract to explore those issues and requests time to do. This issue was not known at thetime of the filing of the case.” … Continue reading Sexual abuse charge against WV grad dismissed without prejudice

Charles City Post

CC woman convicted of burglary

Chris Baldus

A Charles City woman was placed on probation after pleading guilty to a felony burglary charge in Chickasaw County District Court. Billy Jo Herman, 48, pleaded guilty on March 28 to third-degree burglary (Class D felony) and received a suspended prison sentence of up to 5 years. She was placed on two years of probation. She burglarized a residence in the 1800 block of North Linn Avenue, New Hampton, in November 2021. Continue reading CC woman convicted of burglary

Nashua Post

Nashua AM Update (April 5): Campground aims for April opening; temps heading down

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Wednesday, April 5, 2023. WEATHER Today: Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 37 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 27. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Source: National Weather Service • • • NASHUA CAMPGROUND MIGHT OPEN … Continue reading Nashua AM Update (April 5): Campground aims for April opening; temps heading down

Nashua Post

Nashua AM Update (April 3, 2023): Budget, nuisance properties and more on tonight’s Nashua Council meeting agenda

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Monday, April 3, 2023. WEATHER FORECAST Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Tonight: A 20% chance of showers between 8 p.m. and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Northeast wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Tuesday: A 90% chance of precipitation, with thunderstorms possible after 4 p.m. High near 63. Breezy, with an east wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth … Continue reading Nashua AM Update (April 3, 2023): Budget, nuisance properties and more on tonight’s Nashua Council meeting agenda

Nashua Post

Nashua Update (March 31): Schools closing early because of weather

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Friday, March 31, 2023. SCHOOL LETTING OUT EARLY Nashua-Plainfield schools are letting out early at 1 p.m. today because of pending dangerous weather. The National Weather Service is warning of a potent spring storm system that can bring a variety of weather including heavy rainfall, heavy snow and strong winds. WEATHER FORECAST FOR NASHUA AREA Today: Rain and thunderstorms likely to begin before 4 p.m. High near 69. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tonight: … Continue reading Nashua Update (March 31): Schools closing early because of weather

Nashua Post1 Comment

N-P girls track moves outside, places 4th in Saint Angar

Chris Baldus

The indoor track season is over, and on Tuesday the N-P girls track and field team competed in its first outdoor meet of the season, placing 4th. The Saints placed 1st with 137 points followed by Osage (130), West Fork (82), N-P (75), Northwood-Kensett (48), North Butler (40), Newman Catholic (25) and Riceville (20). N-P’s INDIVIDUAL RESULTS 100 dash — Emily Becker, 2nd, 14.61 (8 points). 200 dash — Liz Kruckenberg, 3rd, 29.97 (6 points). Amberly Gerholdt, 7th, 31.86. 400 dash — Kadence Huck, 1st, 59.18 (10 points). Emma O-Neill, 13th, 1:28.20 800 run — Kadence Huck, 1st, 2:40.57 (10 … Continue reading N-P girls track moves outside, places 4th in Saint Angar

Nashua Post

Nashua AM Update (March 30): Boys track wins meet; rain in forecast

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Thursday, March 30, 2023. WEATHER FORECAST Today: A 40% chance of rain, mainly before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Breezy, with a southeast wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Tonight; Rain and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m., then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 a.m. Low around 52. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Friday: A chance of rain and thunderstorms, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. … Continue reading Nashua AM Update (March 30): Boys track wins meet; rain in forecast

Nashua Post1 Comment

N-P boys win track meet in Saint Ansgar

Chris Baldus

Every point counts. Sure, first place gets 10 team points, but that single point from a 6th place finish could make all the difference. That’s the message Nashua-Plainfield boys track and field head coach Chase Sudol imparted on his squad prior to Tuesday’s meet in Saint Ansgar. The Huskies wound up winning the meet by 3 points over the second-place Saints. N-P scored 141 team points followed by Saint Ansgar (138), Osage (121), North Butler (76), Northwood-Kensett (64), West Fork (24), Riceville (16) and Newman Catholic (8). The Huskies placed first in seven events, second in three and third in … Continue reading N-P boys win track meet in Saint Ansgar

Oelwein Post

Fayette County Sheriff’s Report

Chris Baldus

Compiled from Fayette County Sheriff’s Office news releases TUESDAY The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was called at 10:29 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, to Washington Street in Elgin for a disturbance. After an investigation, deputies arrested Jayson Vazquez-Munoz, 37, of Elgin, on charges of domestic abuse assault causing injury (Class D felony), obstruct emergency communications (serious misdemeanor), and false imprisonment (serious misdemeanor). He was taken to the Fayette County Jail where he was held for an initial appearance and later bonded out on a $2,000 bond. Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Elgin Ambulance Service. WEDNESDAY The Fayette County … Continue reading Fayette County Sheriff’s Report

Oelwein Post

City petitions to take ownership of ‘deteriorating’ building downtown

Chris Baldus

A deteriorating building downtown should be declared abandoned, says a court filing by the city of Oelwein, which is seeking ownership. A court hearing in the years-long legal conflict involving the building at 27 S. Frederick — former home of Seams So Simple — is pending as court officials are trying to contact owner Gary Wright about setting a date. Wright took ownership of the building in the fall of 2021. He planned to repair and renovate it to operate a dog grooming business. He has not been able to bring the building up to code. The latest legal filing, … Continue reading City petitions to take ownership of ‘deteriorating’ building downtown

Nashua Post

Nashua AM Update (March 28): n

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, March 28, 2023. WEATHER FORECAST Today: Sunny, with a high near 45. North wind 5 to 14 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Tonight: Snow likely, mainly after 5 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 20. West wind 9 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Wednesday: Snow likely, mainly before 7 am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 35. North wind 8 to 15 mph. Chance … Continue reading Nashua AM Update (March 28): n

Oelwein Post

Two-vehicle crash southwest of Oelwein

Chris Baldus

NEWS RELEASE On March 23, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a two-vehicle accident southwest of Oelwein on 10th St. and Q Avenue. Once Deputies arrived it was learned that Nicole Reaves, 31 of Fairbank was driving on 10th St. east bound in a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado when she rear-ended a silver 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Aubrey Heinze, 28, of Oelwein. Heinze was attempting to turn northbound on Q Avenue when Reaves rear ended the Jeep. Reaves was cited for following too closely. Both vehicles are considered total losses. Only minor injuries were reported the Fayette … Continue reading Two-vehicle crash southwest of Oelwein

Charles City Post, Nashua Post

Trial scheduled in Floyd County family’s fight with CO2 pipeline company

Chris Baldus

A Floyd County family’s fight to keep pipeline surveyors off its property is scheduled to go to trial in August. Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC, which plans to construct a carbon capture pipeline through Iowa, filed suit on Dec. 20 against Gary L., John E., Sandra K. and Joshua Lee Marth and the Marth Family Revocable Trust. The company claims state law gives it the right to enter and survey private property for its project. Summit has tried and failed since last April to get permission from the Marths for a survey crew to access particular tracts of their property east … Continue reading Trial scheduled in Floyd County family’s fight with CO2 pipeline company