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
Floyd County

Prichard: Success at 2018 Legislature requires cooperation

Chris Baldus

News Release DES MOINES — The 2018 legislative session opened on Monday at the State Capitol and State Representative Todd Prichard of Charles City said the session can be a success if lawmakers work together and keep focused on improving lives for Iowa families. “I look forward to working together with my colleagues in the House to get back to the basics and improve the lives of everyday Iowans.  That means staying focused on good jobs, great public schools, and access to health care,” said Prichard. Some of the issues lawmakers may be working on this year include funding for … Continue reading Prichard: Success at 2018 Legislature requires cooperation

Charles City

Broadband Commission to meet tonight

Chris Baldus

News Release The Charles City Telecommunications Broadband Commission will meet at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 105 Milwaukee Mall. Included among the agenda items is the annual Broadband Budget review and recommendation, renewal of 28E agreement and further discussion regarding the recent broadband feasibility study. This meeting is open to the public. Continue reading Broadband Commission to meet tonight

Outdoors

DNR fishing report for Cedar River: Ice is improving

Chris Baldus

The Iowa DNR has this to say about fishing the Cedar River north of Nashua this week: “Ice conditions are improving, but use caution. Check ice depths often. Backwaters have about 14 inches ice, but it varies in areas with current. “Bluegill – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm or spikes in 10 feet of water. “Black Crappie – Good: Try bright colored jigs or small spoons tipped with minnow heads in backwaters. “Walleye – Fair: Use small spoons tipped with a minnow head in deeper holes just out of current.” Continue reading DNR fishing report for Cedar River: Ice is improving

Calendar, Chickasaw County, Floyd County

Family Fun Day at Gilbert’s Sale Yard Jan. 20 to benefit adults and children with disabilities

Chris Baldus

FLOYD — A group that raises money to send adults and children to resident camp at Easter Seals/Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines is sponsoring a Family Fun Day fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 20. The Chickasaw County chapter of the Pony Express Riders’ event runs from 5-11 p.m. at Gilbert’s Sale Yard, in Floyd. Adult admission is $10. Children 12 and younger get in for $5. The evening will include games for all ages, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction.A free-will donation taco and potato bar will be open from 5-8 p.m. A dance with a live DJ will be from … Continue reading Family Fun Day at Gilbert’s Sale Yard Jan. 20 to benefit adults and children with disabilities

Calendar, Outdoors

Floyd County Turkey Trackers banquet is Saturday, Jan. 20

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — The 17th annual Floyd County Turkey Trackers Hunting Heritage Banquet will be Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Elks Lodge in Charles City. The doors will open at 5 p.m. With dinner served at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online (click here). Or you can call one of these contact phone numbers: 641-330-5642, 641-330-9513 or 641-330-4227. The evening will feature live and silent auctions, gun raffles and a free children’s auction. The Floyd County group is affiliated with the National Wild Turkey Federation that was founded in 1973. There were about 1.5 million wild turkeys in North … Continue reading Floyd County Turkey Trackers banquet is Saturday, Jan. 20

Calendar, Floyd County

Jan. 13 benefit to help 20-year-old after heart surgery

Chris Baldus

CLARKSVILLE — A benefit on Saturday, Jan.13 at a Clarksville tavern aims to help a 20-year-old man as he recovers from heart surgery. Grady Wayne of Clarksville, son of Gena Gallmeyer, had open heart surgery on Oct. 30 to fix several issues with his heart, according to event notices posted online. Resources will be limited until he is able to return to his job at Midwestern Manufacturing, and he needs help covering some medical costs. The benefit at Doc’s Tap, 221 N. Main St. Clarksville, begins at 6 p.m. with music by Cross Tie Walker, Mitch Laue and Hunter Gray … Continue reading Jan. 13 benefit to help 20-year-old after heart surgery

Comets

Charles City girls basketball season update

Chris Baldus

The Charles City girls basketball team has yet to notch a win this 2017-18 season. The Comets came close Dec. 15 at home against Oelwein, but fell 59-51.Charles City returned from the holiday break on Tuesday and fell at home against Waverly-Shell Rock. Next up is a road game at Waukon. varsity plays at 7:30 p.m. PHOTOS FROM TUESDAY’S GAME Schedule/Scoreboard L — Away, Nov. 21 — Comets 16, Clear Lake 57 L — Home, Nov. 27 — Comets 58, Garner-Hatfield/Ventura 67 L — Away — Comets 23, Algona 67 L — Away — Dec. 5: Comets 39, New Hampton … Continue reading Charles City girls basketball season update

Comets

Comet boys basketball defeats Waverly in OT

Chris Baldus

WAVERLY — Assistant Charles City High School boys basketball coach Brad Ritter was obviously excited Tuesday night in Waverly when he jumped on Twitter. “COMETS WIN IN OT!” Ritter tweeted. “Comets defeat the Waverly-Shell Rock Go-Hawks 65-61 in Waverly! Comets advance to 7-1 on the season. #WeAreCC #iahsbkb #ccbbkb #NEIC #EndedTheDrought.” The drought has persisted since 2012, according to Waverly Newspapers sports editor Tyler Poslosky. He tweeted: “Final/OT: #CharlesCity 65, @wsrhoops 61. Comets snap 13-game losing streak to the Go-Hawks, earn first win over NEIC rivals since Dec. 18, 2012. #iahsbkb” The Comets are 4-0 in the Northeast Iowa Conference. … Continue reading Comet boys basketball defeats Waverly in OT

Comets

Comet bowlers back in action Friday in Decorah

Chris Baldus

The Charles City High School bowling team is back in action Friday, Jan. 5, when they travel to Decorah. They’ll get started at 4 p.m. at Oneota Lanes, 400 Heivly St. Decorah.The Vikings girls team is 3-2 with a match score average of 1,963.8.The Comet girls are 4-0 with an average of 2,692.5.The Decorah boys are 5-0 with a match score average of 2,938.4.The Comet boys are 4-0 with an average of 2,878.5.Of high school girls bowling teams with at least four matches in, Charles City has the fifth best match average in Iowa. Cedar Rapids-Prairie leads the state at … Continue reading Comet bowlers back in action Friday in Decorah

Nashua

Happy New Year!

Chris Baldus

May you have a happy and prosperous 2018! — North Cedar Reports Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne? CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup; and surely I’ll buy mine! And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. We … Continue reading Happy New Year!

Outdoors

Cedar River fishing report: Fair with a bit of ice danger

Chris Baldus

The Iowa DNR fishing report for the Cedar River (above Nashua) is: Ice conditions are improving, but use caution. Check ice depths often, especially in areas with current. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm or spikes in 10 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Use bright colored jigs or small spoons tipped with minnow heads in backwaters. Continue reading Cedar River fishing report: Fair with a bit of ice danger

Charles City Schools

What do you think of the CCHS modernization plan?

Chris Baldus

The Charles City Board of Education received a first draft of a Charles City High School modernization plan on Tuesday, Dec. 19. It is asking parents to review the first draft and offer your thoughts for future drawings. See this link to review information and to complete offer your thoughts. http://www.charlescityschools.org/News/draft-one-feedback Feedback on Draft One plans is due Jan. 6. Continue reading What do you think of the CCHS modernization plan?

Calendar, Floyd County

Floyd County Extension and Outreach January 2018 Calendar

Chris Baldus

By ISU Extension Wednesday, January 3, 2018 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM  Pick A Better Snack – Washington   Charles City 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM  Rockford Fresh Conversations   Rockford 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM  Log on and Learn- Begin By Planning today – Winter Luncheon   Charles City Thursday, January 4, 2018 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Commercial Manure Applicator Training   Charles City Friday, January 5, 2018 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM  Pick A Better Snack – IC   Charles City Monday, January 8, 2018 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM  Clover Kids – Charles City   Charles City Tuesday, January 9, 2018 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM  Pick A Better Snack – NS   Nora Springs 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM  Clover Kids – … Continue reading Floyd County Extension and Outreach January 2018 Calendar

Outdoors

2018 hunting and fishing licenses on sale

Chris Baldus

Iowa hunting and By the Iowa DNR As of Friday, Dec. 15, you can purchase your Iowa 2018 hunting and fishing licenses! Find a nearby Iowa license vendor, or get your license on the DNR’s online sales site. A hunting or fishing license also makes a great gift for the holidays. You’ll just need the recipient’s social security number AND birthdate. Or you can call the DNR customer service desk at (515) 725-8200 for assistance looking up a person’s license information to make the purchase. Here’s a list of popular licenses from which to choose: • Angler’s Special 3-Year License: $53.00 … Continue reading 2018 hunting and fishing licenses on sale

Comets

Macy Ross rolls night’s highest series as Comets win at home

Chris Baldus

Charles City bowlers led by top scorers Macy Ross and Hunter Brockney defeated Sumner-Fredericksburg Friday night at the Comet Bowl. Ross led the Comet girls to a 2,777 to 2,046 match victory. Ross had a two-game series score of 470 by rolling two 235 games. She had the top score of all girls and boys at the match. Maddie Ross rolled a 364 series, followed by Baili Girkin (352), Katie Sickman (344), Sara Mitchell (338) and Aryah Nelson (305). Charles City won four of five baker games to take the round. The boys varsity squad won by a match total … Continue reading Macy Ross rolls night’s highest series as Comets win at home

Charles City

City plans wintertime demolition of Charley Western Trail Bridge

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — City leaders are working toward demolishing the crumbling Charley Western Trail Bridge this winter, while the wood turtles are hibernating. Corresponding repairs and improvements to the First Avenue bridge would be done in the summer after school is out for the summer. The City Council will discuss these projects Monday, Dec. 11, at its planning session that begins at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Below it the full text of the city administrator’s memo to the council on the topic: “We continue to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) in obtaining a permit to … Continue reading City plans wintertime demolition of Charley Western Trail Bridge

Outdoors

Cedar River fishing report: Ice is forming

Chris Baldus

Iowa DNR Ice is forming on the Cedar River above Nashua. Use caution if going out on early ice. Check ice depths often especially in areas with current. Walleye – Fair: Fish activity continues to be spotty. Use a jig tipped with a long piece of worm or minnow in deeper pools, eddies, and current breaks. Try also spinnerbaits with a slow retrieve. Northern Pike – Fair: Use dead chubs fished under a bobber or spoons. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: A few smallies are picked up while angling for walleye. Continue reading Cedar River fishing report: Ice is forming

Outdoors
Chris Baldus

The Iowa DNR has posted these fishing reports this week: Cedar River (above Nashua)The Cedar River continues to drop and water clarity is improving. Use this opportunity to get out and play before the cold weather sets in. Walleye – Good: Use a jig tipped with a long piece of worm or minnow in deeper pools and around brush piles near evening.  Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) There have been good to excellent reports of anglers catching walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass on the Cedar River. Target deeper pools or holes for walleye as they migrate to … Continue reading