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
Nashua Post

7 Huskies advance to Friday session of Class 1A State Wrestling Tournament

Chris Baldus

Seven Nashua-Plainfield wrestlers have survived the first two days of the State Tradition Tournament in Des Moines. Four remain in contention for first-place finishes. Huskies Jayden Rinken (106), Nic Brase (113), Garrett Rinken (126) and Titus Evans (170) have advanced to the semifinals on Friday. Huskies advancing to Friday in the consolation bracket are Kendrick Huck (132), Kaden Wilken (138) and Alden Sullivan (195). The tournament is over for Hayden Munn (120), Jackson Carey (152), Eli Kalainoff (160), Tate White (182), Jackson Zwanziger (220) and Landon Pratt (285). As a team, Nashua-Plainfield is in second with 74 points. Don Bosco … Continue reading 7 Huskies advance to Friday session of Class 1A State Wrestling Tournament

Nashua Post

Nashua AM Update (Feb. 16): Husky boys basketball in playoff action tonight, wrestlers chasing state championships

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST Today: A 60% chance of snow, mainly before noon.. Less than a 1/2 of accumulation possible Cloudy, with a high near 25. Blustery, with a north wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5. Wind chill values as low as -7. Blustery, with a north wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as -5. Northwest wind 6 to 13 mph … Continue reading Nashua AM Update (Feb. 16): Husky boys basketball in playoff action tonight, wrestlers chasing state championships

Charles City Post

Fans cheer on CC girls basketball in playoff loss

Chris Baldus

It began with the Comet families. “Let’s go Comets” Three claps with the chant. “Let’s go Comets!” More voices, more claps. It was the fourth quarter and the game was out of reach by more than 20 points. Waverly-She’ll Rock (16-6) went on to win the Class 4A Region 5 quarterfinal 62-25. Charles City’s season ended with a 2-19 record. But the Charles City student section joined in, and in that moment the game seemed much closer. The Comets continued to battle. When that chant quieted, the student section began a new one. “Thank you seniors!” The Comets will lose … Continue reading Fans cheer on CC girls basketball in playoff loss

Charles City Post

All 5 CC wrestlers still in contention for 3rd place at State

Chris Baldus

Five Charles City wrestlers are competing at the State Traditional Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines this week: Carter Haberkorn (106), Nathan Lopez (145), Talan Weber (152), Kayden Blunt (182) and Ethan Peterson (195). Each lost 1 match on Wednesday, the first day of the tournament. So, the highest finish possible for any of them is third place. The Class 2A tournament resumes at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Below are summaries of Wednesday’s action for each Comet. (Featured photo of the Comets warming up at State on Wednesday is courtesy of CCHS Wrestling.) Carter Haberkorn (0-1) CC junior Carter Haberkorn (19-12), was … Continue reading All 5 CC wrestlers still in contention for 3rd place at State

Nashua Post1 Comment

Huskies in 3rd after day 1 at the State Wrestling Tournament

Chris Baldus

Nashua-Plainfield is in third place as a team after Day 1 of Class 1A wrestling at the 2023 State Traditional Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines. Don Bosco has the team lead with 55 points, followed by Wilton with 43 and Nashua-Plainfield with 38. All 13 of Nashua-Plainfield’s wrestlers will return to action on Thursday. Five Huskies remain in contention for individual state championships: Jayden Rinken (106), Nic Brase (113), Garrett Rinken (126), Kaden Wilken (138), and Titus Evans (170). Eight others can still make it to the podium through wrestle backs. JAYDEN RINKEN (1-0, 4 pts) Sophomore Jayden Rinken (43-2), seeded no. … Continue reading Huskies in 3rd after day 1 at the State Wrestling Tournament

Nashua Post

Nashua AM Update (Feb. 15): State wrestling today, chance of snow, and playoff basketball tomorrow

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST a Today: Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 25 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Tonight: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 18. Blustery, with a north wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Thursday: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 9 a.m.. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. Blustery, with a north wind around … Continue reading Nashua AM Update (Feb. 15): State wrestling today, chance of snow, and playoff basketball tomorrow

Nashua Post1 Comment

First round matchups announced for N-P wrestlers at State

Chris Baldus

Thirteen Nashua-Plainfield wrestlers will begin their pursuit of state championships on Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The Class 1A first round begins at 9 a.m. Here are their opening matches: Sophomore Jayden Rinken (43-2), seeded no. 1 at 106, gets a bye in the first round. He then will take on no. 17 Kanaan Delagardelle (21-12), a sophomore at Don Bosco or no. 16 Caleb Wisecup (30-10), a junior from Ogden. Sophomore Nic Brase (40-6), no. 6 at 113, gets a first round bye. He then will face the winner of no. 11 Caleb Swedin (37-3), a … Continue reading First round matchups announced for N-P wrestlers at State

Oelwein Post

Oelwein FD fights second house fire within 24 hours

Chris Baldus

Oelwein firefighters were called back to action Monday (Feb. 13) to a second house fire within 24 hours. The 1 1/2 story house at 632 5th Ave. SW was destroyed by the fire, but no injuries were reported. The home was unoccupied, according to Oelwein Police. Gawkers, however, caused problems. “Our dedicated fire members responded to our second house fire in less than 24 hours” Public Safety Chief Jeremy Logan said in a news release issued Tuesday morning. “I am proud of their efforts and commitment for the safety of our community. To the contrary, I am again extremely disappointed … Continue reading Oelwein FD fights second house fire within 24 hours

Charles City Post

Charles City AM Update (Feb. 14): Band concert tonight

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST Today: Showers, mainly after 11 a.m. High near 47. Breezy, with a southeast wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 39 mph. Tonight: Showers, mainly before 11 p.m. Low around 26. Breezy, with a southeast wind 17 to 23 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Wednesday: Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 24 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 24 mph, with gusts as … Continue reading Charles City AM Update (Feb. 14): Band concert tonight

Oelwein Post1 Comment

Oelwein Police Reports (Feb. 9-13

Chris Baldus

Oelwein Police investigated a motor vehicle accident at East Charles and 1st Ave at 3:05 p.m. on Feb. 9. A Ford Edge driven by Dawn Ledesma collided with a Kenworth truck driven by Travis Michels. Initial estimates of damage were $1,500 to the vehicle driven by Ledesma and $1,500 to the vehicle driven by Michels. Michels was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device. The Oelwein Police were assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department and Mercy Oelwein Ambulance. At 5:08 p.m. on Feb. 9, Oelwein Police arrested Aaron David Elledge, 46, of Arlington, on charges of possession of … Continue reading Oelwein Police Reports (Feb. 9-13

Oelwein Post

Fayette County Sheriff’s Reports (Feb. 2, 12)

Chris Baldus

Sunday, Feb. 12 At about 2:10 a.m., a Fayette County Sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction at the intersection of 1st Avenue Northeast and 5th Street Northeast, Oelwein. Illegal substances were found and seized. Kashell Elexsis Allison, 29, of Oelwein, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense (Class D felony) and operating while intoxicated 2nd offense (aggravated misdemeanor). Tylor Andrew Richmond, 31 of West Union, was arrested on charges of first-offense possession of marijuana (serious misdemeanor) and possession of drug paraphernalia, (simple misdemeanor). Richmond and Allison were taken into custody and transported … Continue reading Fayette County Sheriff’s Reports (Feb. 2, 12)

Nashua Post

N-P and North Butler advance in Class 1A boys basketball playoffs

Chris Baldus

Nashua-Plainfield and North Butler are moving deeper into the postseason after first-round victories Monday night. The Huskies won 80-63 on the road over Waterloo Christian, setting up a showdown on Thursday in Fairbank. Nashua-Plainfield (12-10) will tip off at 7 p.m against Wapsie Valley (18-4). N-P senior Bo Harrington led his squad with 39 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Matthew Malven added 19 points followed by junior Tucker Franzen (8), senior Devin Johnson (6), senior Joel Winters (4). Winters collected 10 rebounds followed by Johnson (4), Malven (4), freshman Landon Foelske (3), Franzen (1) and freshman Jase Hansen (1). North … Continue reading N-P and North Butler advance in Class 1A boys basketball playoffs

Oelwein Post

Oelwein AM Update (Feb. 14): Huskies hoops season ends in Denver

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, Feb. 14. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST Today: Showers, mainly after 11 a.m. High near 46. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Tonight: Showers, mainly before 8 p.m. Low around 30. Breezy, with a southeast wind 21 to 25 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 27 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. (Extended Forecast) SPORTS Oelwein boys hoops … Continue reading Oelwein AM Update (Feb. 14): Huskies hoops season ends in Denver

Charles City Post1 Comment

Five Comets qualify for State Traditional Wrestling Tournament

Chris Baldus

Five Charles City wrestlers qualified on Saturday for the State Traditional Wrestling Tournament: Carter Haberkorn (106), Nathan Lopez (145), Talan Weber (152), Kayden Blunt (182) and Ethan Peterson (195). The State Tournament begins Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines Class 2A matches begin at 1:30 p.m. Click here to access Class 2A brackets. Haberkorn will face Mount Vernon junior Klayten Perreault (37-6) in the opening round at State. Lopez will face Glenwood sophomore Reese Fauble (21-9). Weber will face Okoboji/HMS senior Bryce Dodge (26-13). Blunt has a bye in the first round and will face either … Continue reading Five Comets qualify for State Traditional Wrestling Tournament

Nashua Post

Nashua AM Update (Feb. 13): Boys basketball playoffs begin this week

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST Today: Sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 6 to 9 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 31. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Tuesday: Rain likely, mainly after 9 a.m. High near 45. Windy, with a southeast wind 14 to 19 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. WEEKEND SPORTS RESULTS HUSKY WRESTLERS HEADING TO STATE Thirteen members of the Nashua-Plainfield boys … Continue reading Nashua AM Update (Feb. 13): Boys basketball playoffs begin this week

Oelwein Post

Oelwein AM Update (Feb. 13):

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST Today: Sunny, with a high near 44. West wind 7 to 9 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 31. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Tuesday: Rain likely, mainly after noon. High near 45. Windy, with a south wind 16 to 21 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 43 mph. WEEKEND SPORTS RESULTS THE ROAD TO STATE WRESTLING OELWEIN — Kale Berinobis placed third at … Continue reading Oelwein AM Update (Feb. 13):

Nashua Post1 Comment

N-P wins District tournament, sends 13 wrestlers to State

Chris Baldus

Thirteen Nashua-Plainfield boys wrestlers qualified on Saturday for the State Traditional Tournament as the Huskies won the Class 1A District 5 tournament at North Linn. Huskies going to State are Jaydan Rinken (106), Nic Brase (113), Hayden Munn (120), Garret Rinken (126), Kendrick Huck (132), Kaden Wilken (138), Jackson Carey (152), Eli Kalainoff (160), Titus Evans (170), Tate White (182), Aiden Sullivan (195), Jackson Zwanziger (220) and Landon Pratt (285). N-P scored 274.5 team points to take first in the District 5 tournament, followed by Lake Mills (173), Central Springs (129), Saint Ansgar (122.5), Newman Catholic (83), North Union (70.5), … Continue reading N-P wins District tournament, sends 13 wrestlers to State

Oelwein Post

West Central and Starmont choose new shared superintendent

Chris Baldus

The West Central and Starmont school districts have found a new leader in current Edgewood-Colesburg Superintendent Rob Busch. The local districts on Friday the hiring of Busch as their next shared superintendent. “I am honored and excited to serve as the next shared superintendent of Starmont and West Central!” Busch said in a news release from the districts. “Through my professional experience, I have become well-acquainted with the educational landscape of eastern Iowa, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve both districts.” He will officially begin his new job on July 1. He is succeeding Gary Benda, who … Continue reading West Central and Starmont choose new shared superintendent

Oelwein Post

Oelwein update (Feb. 10): Huskies hosting girls basketball playoff game on Saturday

Chris Baldus

Good afternoon, it’s Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST Today: Sunny, with a high near 29. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 17. South wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 40. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. UPCOMING GIRLS BASKETBALL POSTSEASON GAMES Class 3A, Region 3 — Saturday, Feb. 11, games Union (4-18) at Oelwein (11-11), 7 p.m. (Click here for bracket) Class 2A Region 1 — Saturday, Feb. 11, games Wapsie Valley … Continue reading Oelwein update (Feb. 10): Huskies hosting girls basketball playoff game on Saturday