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

Police release name of man killed in CC

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — Police have released the identity of the man killed June 30 in the 2100 block of Clarkview. Charles City Police officers responding to a report of shots fired at 9:46 p.m. found Nathaniel Fleming, 36, whose last residence address was Mason City. He was transported by ambulance to the Floyd County Medical Center and pronounced dead. An arrest warrant for Antoine Williams, 36, accuses him of  1st degree murder. A post on the police department’s Facebook page on Tuesday says: “We had asked the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle, a red 2006 Chev Equinox. This vehicle … Continue reading Police release name of man killed in CC

Charles City

Family to donate organs of CCHS freshman after ATV crash

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — A vigil begins at 8:30 p.m. tonight at the Sunset Pond at 507 Sunset Place in memory of Logan Luft, who was terminally injured in an ATV accident on July 4. He has been declared brain dead and his family is donating his organs to save other lives. A boy who was beginning his high school career this fall has been declared brain dead after an ATV crash, according to an email sent out by the Charles City Community School District. His family is donating his organs to save others. “Logan Luft, a student who was entering the … Continue reading Family to donate organs of CCHS freshman after ATV crash

Charles City

10 things you should know about Monday’s Charles City Council meeting

Chris Baldus

The Charles City Council meets at 6 p.m. City Hall to vote on, among other things, banning use of consumer fireworks in city limits, but allow the sale. Here is a list of 10 things you should know about the council meeting. 1. The clock tower for McQuillen Place will be lifted into position around 9 a.m. Thursday, provided weather and the crane cooperate.  Developer Charley Thompson has requested the temporary closure of the Main and Clark Streets so a crane can be brought in to lift the tower in place. No date was included in the City Council documents … Continue reading 10 things you should know about Monday’s Charles City Council meeting

Obituaries

Matt Foxen, husband of 59 years Korean War vet, passes at age 84

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — Matthew “Matt” Foxen, 84, of Charles City, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City. A funeral Mass for Matt Foxen will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City with Reverend Gary Mayer celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday. Matthew Theodore Foxen, the son of Matthew and Agnes (Spoden) Foxen, was born August 11, 1932, in Osage, Iowa. He graduated from Osage High School in 1950 and enlisted into the … Continue reading Matt Foxen, husband of 59 years Korean War vet, passes at age 84

Charles City

Man wanted in Charles City killing

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — An arrest warrant has been issued in a fatal shooting Friday night for a 36-year-old man who is nearly 7 feet tall and was released on his own recognizance in May in a third-degree theft case. Antoine Williams is 6 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs 250 pounds and black. He’s considered armed and dangerous, a Facebook post from the Charles City Police says. A warrant has been issued for 1st degree murder for Williams. Williams is considered armed and dangerous and may be in a red 2006 Chevy Equinox with Iowa plate DOW568, police say. “Please do … Continue reading Man wanted in Charles City killing

Obituaries

Vivian Greenzweig, active community volunteer, passes at age 98

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — Vivian Greenzweig, 98, of Charles City, passed away Friday, June 30, 2017 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City. A funeral service for Vivian Greenzweig will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City with Pastor Wendy Johannesen from West St. Charles United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Thursday. Flora Vivian (Coyier) Greenzweig was born September 4, 1918 in Clear Lake, Iowa to Guy Andrew … Continue reading Vivian Greenzweig, active community volunteer, passes at age 98

Obituaries

Chief telephone operator Colleen Gebel, beloved grandmother passes at age 83

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — Colleen Welch Gebel, 83, of Charles City, died Thursday, June 29, 2017, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City. A funeral Mass for Colleen will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City with Father Gary Mayer celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Sunday, July 2, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City and continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Mary Colleen Welch was born on May … Continue reading Chief telephone operator Colleen Gebel, beloved grandmother passes at age 83

Comets

NEIC Softball Standings

Chris Baldus

Standings as of July 2 TEAM Results  – CONF   –    OVERALL W-L Pct.  ||. W-L Pct Charles City – 15-2 | 0.882  ||  29-6 | 0.829 Crestwood – 15-3 | 0.833  ||  22-8 | 0.733 Waverly-SR – 12-6 | 0.667  ||  22-16 | 0.579 New Hampton – 11-7 | 0.611  ||  24-14 | 0.632 Decorah – 5-12 | 0.294  ||  9-17 | 0.346 Waukon – 3-15 | 0.167  ||  7-24 | 0.226 Oelwein – 1-17 | 0.056  ||  4-25 | 0.138     Continue reading NEIC Softball Standings

Sports

NEIC BASEBALL STANDINGS & Scores

Chris Baldus

CONFERENCE STANDINGS (June 29) W-L    |  Pct. New Hampton  –  13-1   |  0.929 Waverly-SR      –   10-2   |  0.833 Decorah          –     10-4   |  0.714 Charles City     –     5-7   |  0.417 Oelwein            –     4-8   |  0.333 Crestwood       –     4-11  |  0.267 Waukon            –    0-13  |  0.000 OVERALL RECORDS (June 30) W-L   |  Pct. New Hampton  –  24-2   | 0.923 Waverly-SR       … Continue reading NEIC BASEBALL STANDINGS & Scores

Bearcats, Comets, Huskies, Sports, Warriors

High school softball postseason begins

Chris Baldus

District play for Iowa high school softball begins next week. Here are the matchups for area teams: Class 1A, Region 4 Nashua-­Plainfield travels Monday, July 3, for a 5:30 p.m. first-round game against host Dunkerton. The winner will play Clarksville on the Indians’ home field at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5. The Huskies could face Rockford or Riceville in round three. Rockford will host Riceville in the first round at 7 p.m. Monday, July 3. North Butler starts its play in the second round at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, at home. The Bearcats will play the winner of the … Continue reading High school softball postseason begins

Charles City

Fire damages Charles City home; two cats rescued

Chris Baldus

News release from the Charles City Fire Department: CHARLES CITY – The Charles City Fire Department (CCFD) responded to a report of a house fire at 902 E St. The fire was reported by a neighbor via 911, and the CCFD was dispatched at 10:43 on Wednesday morning.   On arrival, firefighters reported smoke coming from the exterior roof vents of the residence. Firefighters made an interior attack, and found fire near the ceiling in the kitchen and bathroom areas, making a quick knock down of the majority of the fire. It was found that some fire had spread up … Continue reading Fire damages Charles City home; two cats rescued

Calendar, Charles City

Charles City Independence day weekend events

Chris Baldus

Saturday, July 1 8 a.m. — Charles City Bike Ride Cost $5, meet at First Security Bank & Trust, 3 routes to choice: 26, 33, or 55 miles; (641) 330-9228/rjneal@myomnitel.com 9 a.m. —  Farmers Market in Central Park 11 a.m to 3 p.m. — Tennis Tournament at Sportsmen’s Park. Cost $10/team. Brian Parrott at (503) 963- 3203/gobonfire@aol.com 1 p.m. — 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at the Charles City new Middle School Competition Gym 1:30 p.m. — Dedication Ceremony of the Assembly of the Revival art piece. Public reception to follow at the Charles City Arts Center 7 p.m. — … Continue reading Charles City Independence day weekend events

Floyd County

Floyd County to discuss drone purchase

Chris Baldus

The Floyd County Board of Supervisors will meet in  a workshop meeting at 9 a.m. Monday  26, in the Floyd County Courthouse Board Room . The agenda includes a discussion regarding Emergency Management purchasing of a drone and camera . Also on the agenda are firework permit applications , a County Attorney appointment to the Civil Service Commission , an employee resignation and two new hirees , and the sale of the Hummel property. Continue reading Floyd County to discuss drone purchase

Charles City

PROPOSAL: RAGBRAI beverage garden to set up near Central Park

Chris Baldus

CHARLES CITY — A beverage garden will be in the alley behind Dean Jewelers and Radio Shack when RAGBRAI bicycle riders spend the night in Charles City on Wednesday, July 26, according to a proposal being presented at Monday’s Charles City Council meeting. This planning session begins at 6 p.m in City Hall. The proposal says the garden will serve beer and malt beverages in cans from noon July 26 to midnight. Live music in Central Park will begin at 1 p.m., ending at 11:30 p.m. Continue reading PROPOSAL: RAGBRAI beverage garden to set up near Central Park

Charles City Schools1 Comment

10 things you should know about Monday’s Charles City School Board meeting 

Chris Baldus

UPDATE (Tuesday, June 27): The School Board approved all items up for a vote Monday night. It took no action regarding the placemaker repurposing proposal from the city. From RAGBRAI emergency contingencies to the superintendent’s pay, here are 10 things to know about the Charles City School Board meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 26, in the 7th grade learning studio at the middle school. 1. All of the district’s schools and the North Grand Building will be emergency shelters for RAGBRAI visitors to Charles City in case of severe weather or other emergency on July 26 if … Continue reading 10 things you should know about Monday’s Charles City School Board meeting 

Nashua

Thunderstorms today, tonight

Chris Baldus

Today’s forecast in the Charles City area is warning about sketchy weather today. The National Weather Service says there will be periods of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 pm.  The predicted high temperature will be ear 83.  Then tonight showers and thunderstorms ate likely, mainly before 11 p.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 58.  North wind 6 to 11 mph becoming northwest after midnight.  Continue reading Thunderstorms today, tonight

Charles City

Law enforcement to send out additional patrols for July 4

Chris Baldus

The Charles City Police Department has posted this news release: Because the high fatality rate over recent Fourth of July holidays there will be additional law enforcement on Iowa’s roads as well as the entire nation. The most recent information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that nationally over the 2015 Fourth of July holiday (6 p.m. July 2 – 6 a.m. July 6) 146 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, and 92 people died in crashes involving at least one … Continue reading Law enforcement to send out additional patrols for July 4