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
Calendar, Charles City

CC’s Party in the Park celebrations begin June 1

Chris Baldus

Courtesy of the Charles City Community Revitalization CHARLES CITY — The arrival of spring is cause to celebrate, but the real party will be this summer with the return of Party in the Park in Charles City! A summertime tradition now in its 16th season, Party in the Park is a series of Friday night public gatherings in Central Park hosted by Community Revitalization. Enjoy free live music from 5-9 p.m., along with games and other activities, food vendors, a beer garden and a chance to sit back and socialize with friends, neighbors and visitors alike. The Party in the Park … Continue reading CC’s Party in the Park celebrations begin June 1

Calendar, New Hampton

Barrel race scheduled for June 9 in New Hampton

Chris Baldus

NEW HAMPTON — The Plum Creek Saddle Club is hosting a 4D barrel race on June 9, 2018, at the New Hampton Airport, 1879 Kenwood Ave. The start time for the Plum Crazy Barrel Event is 11 a.m. Warm-ups begin at 10 a.m.the arena opens at 9:30 a.m. There will be 60/40 payout with $1,500 added money, according to the posters around the area. The entry fee per horse is $40. Warm-ups are $3. The attire is basic and competitors can enter more than one horse. The 10 fastest times will qualify for the Chickasaw County Firefighters Association Extreme Bull … Continue reading Barrel race scheduled for June 9 in New Hampton

Charles City

Construction Update: Clark Street trail, Hildreth reconstruction and South Terrace window project scheduled

Chris Baldus

These are some of the construction projects that local governments are taking on. Check back for updates. Charles City CLARK STREET TRAIL EXTENSION DETAILS: This 10-foot wide paved recreation trail will extend from the end of the existing trail at Terrace Road to the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Clark Street. It will include ADA pedestrian ramps, signage and other incidental construction items, according to city documents. DATES: Construction must begin by Aug. 27 and be completed within 30 days CONTRACTOR: Heartland Asphalt, Inc. PRICE: Heartland’s winning bid for the project was $102,396 PRE-BID PRICE ESTIMATE: $180,000 by the city engineer … Continue reading Construction Update: Clark Street trail, Hildreth reconstruction and South Terrace window project scheduled

Outdoors

OUTDOORS NOTES: Turkey harvest could come short of last year

Chris Baldus

Iowa Department of Natural Resources news release Iowa’s 2018 reported spring turkey harvest is approaching 9,300 birds. Last year, hunters reported nearly 11,800 turkeys. Iowa’s spring turkey hunting season ends May 20. Annual spring night population survey of deer, skunks, badgers, opossum, red fox, coyotes and other furbearers is wrapping up. The data is used as one factor to estimate Iowa’s deer population and is important for guiding management decisions on furbearers. The survey began in the late 1970s. Two cooperative projects between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa State University are underway – one is evaluating … Continue reading OUTDOORS NOTES: Turkey harvest could come short of last year

Nashua-Plainfield

Nashua student to receive Presidential Scholar Award

Chris Baldus

NASHUA — Nashua-Plainfield student Caleb Lines has been selected as one of 161 seniors for the U.S. Presidential Scholar Award. He’ll travel to DC in June to receive his medallion from President Donald Trump, the school district announced Tuesday. Lines was chosen out of 10 Iowa semi-finalists. A news release from the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program says it was established in 1964 by presidential executive order to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. … Continue reading Nashua student to receive Presidential Scholar Award

Charles City Schools

CCHS principal resigning to take AEA job

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — Joshua Johnson’s final day as the Charles City High School principal will be June 30, according to the agenda for Thursday’s special meeting of the School Board. Johnson and Dean of Students Keith Reuter’s resignations are up for Board approval. Johnson accepted an administrative position with Central Rivers Area Education Agency, according to a news release from the district. Continue reading CCHS principal resigning to take AEA job

Charles City Schools

26 apply to be CC schools’ next superintendent

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — Twenty-three men and three women have applied to be the Charles City School District’s next superintendent. The School Board went into closed session to narrow the field Monday night at a special meeting at the North Iowa Area Community College building in Charles City. The board’s timeline to hire the replacement for departing Superintendent Dr. Dan Cox called for selecting semi-finalists on Monday, finalizing screening interview questions on May 10, and on May 21 settling on a formal interview schedule. Later, the board will also be choosing formal interview teams that will include “stakeholders,” such as school … Continue reading 26 apply to be CC schools’ next superintendent

Bearcats, Huskies, Warriors

Newman Catholic takes first in Top of Iowa East Division; N-P’s Trost named coach of the year

Chris Baldus

ST. ANSGAR — The Newman Catholic girls took first at the Top of Iowa Conference East Division Girls Golf Tournament held Monday, May 7, at Acorn Park in St. Ansgar. The meet medalist was Paige Walker of Newman Catholic with a 92. Abby Murray of Rockford was runner-up with a 95. Peyton Olson of Newman was named Player of the Year. The Coach of the Year is Nashua-Plainfield’s Jeff Trost. Team results: 1 Newman Catholic – 412 2 Osage – 428 3 Nashua-Plainfield – 437 4 Central Springs – 445 5 Rockford – 461 6 St. Ansgar – 469 7 … Continue reading Newman Catholic takes first in Top of Iowa East Division; N-P’s Trost named coach of the year

Bearcats, Huskies, Warriors

Osage boys win Top of Iowa East Division golf tournament

Chris Baldus

SHEFFIELD — The Osage boys golf team captured first Monday at the Top of Iowa Conference East Division Boys Golf Tournament held Monday, May 7, at Ridge Stone Golf Club in Sheffield. In individual action, Austin Eckenrod of Newman Catholic won a playoff against Drew Olson of Osage for medalist. They both shot 75. The final team standings are: Osage – 350 St. Ansgar – 363 West Fork – 365 Newman Catholic – 366 Rockford – 370 North Butler – 376 Nashua-Plainfield – 381 Central Springs – 438 Northwood-Kensett – 455 Individual (1st Team All-Conference) Medalist – Austin Eckenrod (Newman) … Continue reading Osage boys win Top of Iowa East Division golf tournament

Charles City

Cedar River to crest at 15.7 feet

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — The Cedar River is expected to crest early Saturday at nearly 4 feet above flood stage. The National Weather Service categorizes that as moderately severe. Area rivers are on the rise after the drenching rain Thursday night. Charles City recorded 2.87 inches at the airport. Nashua saw 3.45 inches, according to preliminary data. More important to area flooding is the 3 inches that fell upstream in Osage and less than an inch in Austin, Minn. The Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Cedar River in Charles City: The warning continues until Sunday afternoon. At 10:30 … Continue reading Cedar River to crest at 15.7 feet

Outdoors

Storms cause park flooding, closures

Chris Baldus

Heavy rains overnight have forced the closure of George Wyth State Park and portions News release Heavy rains overnight have forced the closure of George Wyth State Park and portions of Dolliver State Park. George Wyth State Park will be closed completely starting at 4:30pm, Friday, May 4. The Cedar River is projected to crest on Monday morning and park officials hope to be back open by mid-week next week. Park staff expect water across the roadways in the campground areas and throughout the park. The trails will also be underwater and closed for any use. At Dolliver State Park, … Continue reading Storms cause park flooding, closures

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Read the latest issue of the Post and try the local crossword puzzle

Chris Baldus

Click the image below for a full size pdf that you can read online or print out on your own. The recommended paper size is 11 by 17. To submit articles or calendar items, email Chris Baldus, publisher, at news@northcedarreports.com. Post 3 Click here for Crossword 1. This can be printed on regular letter-sized paper. Continue reading Read the latest issue of the Post and try the local crossword puzzle

Calendar, Floyd County

Snap-On grill raffle to benefit Sheriff’s Reserve Unit

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — A Snap-On grill and smoker is being raffled off to support the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office’s Reserve Unit. The winning ticket will be drawn Friday, May 11. Duane Kay, the area Snap-On dealer has donated this Snap-On grill and smoker ($900 value) with all proceeds benefiting the Reserve Unit. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Tickets are available from the Sheriff’s Office or Kay at Snap-On. Continue reading Snap-On grill raffle to benefit Sheriff’s Reserve Unit

Calendar, Nashua-Plainfield

N-P baccalaureate is May 16, graduation May 20

Chris Baldus

NASHUA — Soon-to-be graduates from Nashua-Plainfield High School are less than three weeks from graduation. On May 16, their Baccalaureate begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Senior Awards at 7:30 p.m. In the school gymnasium. Graduation is at 2:30 p.m. May 20 in the gymnasium. There is no school on May 28, Memorial Day. The last scheduled day of school is June 1. Continue reading N-P baccalaureate is May 16, graduation May 20

Comets

Connell, Marr compete at Drake Relays

Chris Baldus

DES MOINES — Charles City’s lone qualifier for this year’s Drake Relays placed 22nd in the finals of the high school girls 3,000-meter run. Her time was 11 minutes, 9.85 seconds. Connell’s season best so far is 10:43.53. Ellie Friesen, of Crestwood, took first in the 3000 with a time of 9:50.44. Riceville junior Abby Marr placed 13th in girls high school shot put. Her top throw was 37 feet, 9.25 inches, just short of her season best 38-11.05. Kat Moody, of Waukee, a sophomore, placed first with a long of 43-10. Marr — whose best throw so far this … Continue reading Connell, Marr compete at Drake Relays

Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Tuesday night storm kicks off stretch of wet weather

Chris Baldus

If you are reading this at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, you likely also are hearing the high winds, driving rain and thunder passing through the Floyd and Chickasaw county region. This is just the beginning of a wet stretch of days. Here is the National Weather Service forecast: Tonight (Tuesday) Periods of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 4 a.m, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 4 a.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Low around 58. South wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter … Continue reading Tuesday night storm kicks off stretch of wet weather

Floyd County

Floyd County jail, courthouse referendum passes

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — Floyd County voters on Tuesday approved a bond referendum to upgrade the courthouse and build a new jail and law enforcement center. The county can now borrow up to $13.5 million for the project. The unofficial results show the referendum passing by 68.72 percent. The county needed 60 percent. The Floyd County Sheriff’s Department posted this message on its Facebook page after learning of the election victory: “The unofficial votes are in and looks like our LEC and courthouse projects passes at over 68%. The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office wants to give a big THANK YOU to … Continue reading Floyd County jail, courthouse referendum passes

Rockford

Rockford city-wide garage sale begins May 4

Chris Baldus

ROCKFORD — Shop Rockford this weekend during its city-wide garage sale beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, May 5, to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 6. The individual sales will begin at a variety of times, such as the multi-family sale at 209 1st Street Southeast 1ST STREET SE. It’s hours are 5-8 p.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday. It will include furniture, household items, a unique clothes rack, an old store sales counter, stereo speakers, a trolling motor, new interior lights, pictures, rugs, a large metal star, wood ladders, lots of seasonal decor, a fireman flag collection and … Continue reading Rockford city-wide garage sale begins May 4