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
Charles City Post, Floyd County1 Comment

Floyd County Board to consider more funding for communications position

Chris Baldus

The Floyd County Board of Supervisors on Monday plans to review and possibly vote on a communications and marketing partnership with the Charles City school district, municipal government and Area Development Corporation. The board will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31, in the Floyd County Courthouse Assembly Room. At the board’s Oct. 17 meeting, city and school district officials urged the county to join a 28E agreement to fund a community marketing and promotion liaison position. The new arrangement would replace lost funding that supports a Charles City Public Access Network position. Its funding source has been cable television … Continue reading Floyd County Board to consider more funding for communications position

Oelwein Post

Repairs to Viper Lanes likely to take months

Chris Baldus

It could take until February for repairs to get done at Viper Lanes in Oelwein, according to a social media post by the bowling alley’s ownership. Viper Lanes and P.J.s Bar and Grill closed “until further notice” earlier this week after Oelwein was soaked by an estimated 1.4 inches of rain overnight Monday. Prior to the rain event, the business had gotten a permit from the city to re-deck and coat a commercial roof. “The damage inside the business is extensive and will take an estimated 2 to 4 months or more to repair,” says a post put up Saturday … Continue reading Repairs to Viper Lanes likely to take months

Oelwein Post

Wapsie Valley football season ends in Britt

Chris Baldus

Defending state champion West Hancock held on Friday night to defeat Wapsie Valley, 16-9, in the second round of the Class A football playoffs. West Hancock led 16-3 at home in Britt, when Wapsie Valley opened the fourth quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run by Hunter Kane. The point after failed however, and the Eagles held the Warriors scoreless the rest of the way. West Hancock opened the scoring when Mitchell Smith ran in a touchdown from 3 yards out and then the 2-point conversion in the second quarter. Wapsie Valley’s Braden Knight kicked a 28-yard field goal at the … Continue reading Wapsie Valley football season ends in Britt

Oelwein Post

Seick takes 4th at State Cross Country meet

Chris Baldus

Starmont/West Central senior Charlie Seick placed fourth at the Iowa High School Class 2A Cross Country Championships today in Fort Dodge. He completed the first mile in 5:07.34 and was in eighth place, moving up to sixth by the end of the second mile. The top two finishers were from Des Moines Christian. Aaron Fynaardt was first with a time of 15:50.62, and freshman Caleb Ten Pasa was second at 16:06.33. Okoboji Milford sophomore Evan Osler took third at 16:18.10. Sieck was fourth at 16:24.88 followed by Danville/New London senior AJ Bonnesen in fifth at 16:29.37. Continue reading Seick takes 4th at State Cross Country meet

Oelwein Post

Oelwein boys cross country takes 5th at state

Chris Baldus

Conall Sauser finished 11th to lead the Oelwein boys cross country team to fifth place at the Iowa High School Class 2A Cross Country Championships today in Fort Dodge. Sauser’s time was 16:45.3. Aaron Fynaardt of Des Moines Christian won the race with a time of 15:50.62 Click here for full Oelwein results. Jacob Sullivan placed 23rd with a time of 17:12.28, follow by Ray Gearhart (29, 17:17.64), Benjamin Driscoll (36th, 17:24.56), Caleb Schunk (86th, 18:20.40), Gabe Driscoll (88, 18:23.47), and Keshaun Williams (128th, 20:06.73) Continue reading Oelwein boys cross country takes 5th at state

Charles City Post

Cambrex announces expansion in Charles City

Chris Baldus

NEWS RELEASE FROM CAMBREX East Rutherford, NJ – Cambrex on Thursday announced it is investing in a new, 21,000-square-foot research and development facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota, expanding its capacity for small molecule development and manufacturing. Strategically located near the Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport, the new facility will specialize in analytical and chemical development for pharmaceutical drug candidates and will operate as an extension of Cambrex’s flagship facility in Charles City, Iowa. Cambrex is expected to add approximately 40 new jobs over the next 2-3 years at the new site in Minneapolis. Cambrex will simultaneously launch a multi-phase, 9,000-square-foot expansion and 21,000-square-foot … Continue reading Cambrex announces expansion in Charles City

Nashua Post

N-P’s Huck finishes 10th at State Cross Country meet

Chris Baldus

Nashua-Plainfield’s Kadence Huck took 10th place in the Iowa High School Girls 1A Cross Country Championship this morning in Fort Dodge with a time of 19:27.1. Calamus-Wheatland’s Noelle Steines won with a time of 18:39.5, which beat her season best time of 18:58 on Oct.11. Huck passed the first mile mark at 6:07.2 in 13th place, a 10th of a second ahead of Alyssa Richmond, the Manson Northwest Webster sophomore who took first place at the Central Springs State Qualifying meet on Oct. 20. Huck took second with her season best time of 19:16.7. Mackenzie Harter of Ealham was in … Continue reading N-P’s Huck finishes 10th at State Cross Country meet

Nashua Post

Nashua morning update (Oct. 28)

Chris Baldus

Good morning, Nashua area readers. It’s championship Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. Here’s some local news for you. 1. Pleasant fall weather ahead — Sunny skies are ahead for today and Saturday with high temperatures between 59 and 62 and slight south winds. These next couple of nights will be clear and cool with low temperatures between 34 and 38. (Extended Forecast) 2. Husky racing at State Meet this morning — Nashua-Plainfied sophomore Kadence Huck will compete in the Class 1A girls state championship race will at 10:30 a.m., today at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge. (Click here for … Continue reading Nashua morning update (Oct. 28)

Nashua Post1 Comment

Join the Husky Music Club donors to support N-P programs

Chris Baldus

The Nashua-Plainfield Husky Music Club is recruiting members in its mission to support the Nashua-Plainfield Community Schools music programs. Donors join the club at a variety of levels to help the N-P Music Boosters. Money raised helps the music programs from kindergarten to grade 12 afford needed items beyond what the school district provides. money from this club helped purchase the choir shells, the new band uniforms, the redesign of the music trailer, and many instruments. Families, friends, community members and businesses are encouraged to donate at any of the following levels: • $200 and above • $150 (Beethoven) • … Continue reading Join the Husky Music Club donors to support N-P programs

Oelwein Post1 Comment

Oelwein’s 7 at 7 (Oct. 27)

Chris Baldus

Good morning, Oelwein area readers. Today is Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. This morning’s 7 at 7 update includes the Wellness Center saying farewell to a 20-year staff member, area volleyball teams getting to the State Tournament and more. Have a great day! 1. WEATHER — Today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Southeast wind 6 to 13 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. (Extended Forecast) 2. Wellness Center bidding farewell to an original employee — Claire Harrington will punch the … Continue reading Oelwein’s 7 at 7 (Oct. 27)

Oelwein Post1 Comment

Wapsie Valley volleyball returns to State

Chris Baldus

Wapsie Valley volleyball made quick work of Beckman Catholic tonight in the Class 2A Region 7 championship, returning to the State Tournament. The Warriors (41-4) defeated the Blazers (28-11) in three sets (25-20, 25-13, 25-15) at the neutral site in Manchester at West Delaware High. Last year, the Blazers defeated Wapsie Valley 3-2 in this title game to earn the State bid. The Warriors last made it to State in 2020, but had to pull out before the first game because COVID-19 was detected on the team. In 2019, Wapsie Valley took second in the Class 1A State Tournament. Sidney … Continue reading Wapsie Valley volleyball returns to State

Oelwein Post

Oelwein 7 at 7 a.m. update (Oct. 26)

Chris Baldus

Good morning, Oelwein area readers. Today is Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. Overnight Monday rain totals, the closing of Viper Lanes, a send off schedule for Oelwein’s runners heading to State and a West Central retirement are among the 7 local news updates at 7 a.m. for you. 1. TODAY’S FORECAST — Today will be sunny, with a high near 52 and a northwest wind of 7 to 10 mph. Tonight, clouds will roll in and the low will be around 34. Winds will be calm (Extended Forecast) 2. Oct. 24-25 rains soak Fayette most— The rain totals are in for … Continue reading Oelwein 7 at 7 a.m. update (Oct. 26)

Oelwein Post1 Comment

Oelwein bowling alley closed until further notice

Chris Baldus

Oelwein’s bowling alley and it’s restaurant are closed until further notice, according social media posts by its owner. “Okay here it is Viper Lanes and P.J.s Bar and Grill had major damage over the last couple days and is closed until further notice,” Dean Hendricks posted Tuesday on Facebook. “We currently have contractors here working on the issues and would appreciate if the public would not try to come in and look around. If you want your bowling equipment please contact me on Facebook to arrange a time to pick up. Please be patient with us we are going to … Continue reading Oelwein bowling alley closed until further notice

Charles City Post

Charles City home destroyed by fire Sunday night

Chris Baldus

Members of a Charles City family escaped injury when their home caught fire in the early morning hours on Sunday. Two adults were home at the time and they evacuated safely after being awakened by smoke detectors, said Charles City Fire Chief Eric Whipple. The Charles City Fire Department was dispatched at 1:35 a.m. Sunday and firefighters remained on scene until about 5:30 a.m. Approximately 40 firefighters were at the fire as Charles City was assisted by fire departments from Floyd, Colwell, Nashua, Ionia, Rudd and Marble Rock Fire Departments, as well as AMR Ambulance, the Charles City Police Department, … Continue reading Charles City home destroyed by fire Sunday night

Nashua Post

Nashua’s 7 at 7: Dam lawsuit, pumpkin winners, volleyball honors and more

Chris Baldus

Good morning, Nashua area readers. Today is Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, and the Nashua dam, pumpkins in the library and all-conference Huskies are in today’s 7 local news reports at 7 a.m. 1. WEATHER — Chickasaw County has been in a moderate drought, but the bit of rain recently is unlikely to change that. And don’t expect any more today. It will be mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind 6 to 13 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Northwest wind around 8 mph. (Extended Forecast) 2. City files lawsuit over dam damage … Continue reading Nashua’s 7 at 7: Dam lawsuit, pumpkin winners, volleyball honors and more

Nashua Post1 Comment

Captain Underpants wins pumpkin contest

Chris Baldus

Some pumpkins were just made to be super. The Kaci and Zach Sinwell family’s certainly was. The Nashua Public Library announced the winners of its Character Pumpkin Contest on Monday and the Sinwells’ Captain Underpants took first place. The library had asked patrons to decorate a pumpkin as their favorite book character. The rules were: Paint it, dress it, accessorize it, but no carving. A vote to choose the winner was held through Saturday. Votes could only be cast in the library. 1ST PLACE – Captain Underpants This Scholastic superhero and his talking toilet foe was created by the Sinnwell … Continue reading Captain Underpants wins pumpkin contest

Nashua Post1 Comment

N-P trio gets volleyball all-conference honors

Chris Baldus

Nashua-Plainfield seniors Paige Ripley and Bailey Fisher and sophomore Paige Franzen have received Top of Iowa All-Conference honors. 1ST TEAM — Paige Ripley Ripley was named to the first team. This season, she was third in the conference with 288 successful serves, fourth with 404 assists. she also had 185 digs and 42 aces. 2ND TEAM — Bailey Fisher Fisher was named to the second team. This season she had 120 kills, 151 digs, 172 successful serves and 25 aces HONORABLE MENTION — Paige Franzen Franzen received honorable mention. She had 133 digs, 90 kills, 216 successful serves and 22 … Continue reading N-P trio gets volleyball all-conference honors

Oelwein Post

Oelwein 7 at 7 (Oct. 24): Plaza demolition on the agenda, academics looking good at OCSD and more

Chris Baldus

Good morning, Oelwein area readers. It’s Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. Today’s 7 local news nuggets at 7 a.m. include demolition of the Plaza, good news about Huskies academics, concern about school bus seat belts and more. Remember, if you appreciate these concise, independent and free-access updates, please consider liking and following The Oelwein Post Facebook page. 1. WET WEATHER FINALLY — Today, rain is likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Under cloudy skies, the temperature will rise to around 70 by 11 a.m. before falling to around 61 during the remainder of the day. Breezy, with a south wind 16 to … Continue reading Oelwein 7 at 7 (Oct. 24): Plaza demolition on the agenda, academics looking good at OCSD and more

Charles City Post

Floyd County Board of Supervisors to get updates on carbon pipeline, jail project Monday

Chris Baldus

The Floyd County Board of Supervisors will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, in the Floyd County Courthouse Assembly Room. The agenda includes updates on the law enforcement center/courthouse project and the carbon pipeline activities. Supervisors will discuss the Conservation Dept insurance claim from May 2022 storm damage a Perry Novak Electric invoice, and a future budget amendment Other Sheriff’s Office items on the agenda include hiring a jailer and Taylor Isakson accepting the jail administration position with April Watenphul stepping down Continue reading Floyd County Board of Supervisors to get updates on carbon pipeline, jail project Monday

Oelwein Post1 Comment

Fayette County District Court update (Oct. 5-17)

Chris Baldus

Convictions Ethan Lee Palmer, 48, of Oelwein, pleaded guilty Oct. 5 to second-offense possession of methamphetamine (aggravated misdemeanor) and was placed on two years of formal probation on a suspended 10-year prison sentence. An $855 fine plus surcharge was also suspended. Ralph Deangelo Barron, 55, of New Hampton pleaded guilty to a Class C felony manufacture, delivery and possession of methamphetamine and on Oct. 17 received two to five years of probation on a suspended 10-year prison sentence. A $1,000 fine plus surcharge was also suspended. One count of possession of a controlled substance was dismissed. He was ordered to … Continue reading Fayette County District Court update (Oct. 5-17)