Category: Oelwein Post

Oelwein Post

Oelwein AM Update (March 3)

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Friday, March 3, 2023. FORECAST FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Tonight; Increasing clouds, with a low around 26. Northwest wind around 7 mph. Saturday: A chance of flurries before 11 a.m., then a chance of sprinkles between 11 a.m. and noon, then a chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. West wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. AG NEWS: Pipeline company seeks do-over in stray voltage lawsuit A Fayette County jury ruled in January … Continue reading Oelwein AM Update (March 3)

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Pipeline company seeks new trial in dairy farm stray voltage lawsuit

Chris Baldus

Northern Natural Gas claims there are multiple reasons it should get a new trial over the stray voltage lawsuit brought by a West Union dairy farm, including “unreliable expert testimony and impermissible legal theories.” A Fayette County jury ruled in January that the pipeline company created a nuisance that caused significant harm to Vagts Dairy Farm and awarded the family business $475 million in damages. An online hearing on the post-trial motion by NNG asking for a new trial is scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m. Monday, March 6, before District 5 Judge David Nelmark. At the heart of the … Continue reading Pipeline company seeks new trial in dairy farm stray voltage lawsuit

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Oelwein archers qualify for State Tournaments

Chris Baldus

Members of three archery teams from Oelwein have qualified for state tournaments this weekend — Wings Park, the high school and the middle school teams. The 3D State Tournament and the Bullseye State Tournament will be will be March 4-5, in the 4-H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. State qualifiers by team are listed below: Wings Park Elementary Bullseye Tournament — Cassandra Acuff, Colton Arnold, Meah Denny,Jameson Folsom,Maverick Hall, Emmit Ricchio, Kellen Smith, Mia Trumblee and William Weig. 3D Tournament — Cassandra Acuff, Colton Arnold, LeiLyn Bush, Meah Denny, Jameson Folsom, Maverick Hall, Elyjah Pruitt, Nevaeh … Continue reading Oelwein archers qualify for State Tournaments

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Oelwein AM Update (March 2): Oelwein students qualify for state in archery and speech

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Thursday, March 2, 2023. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. East wind 3 to 7 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. East wind 7 to 10 mph. Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Breezy, with an east wind 11 to 16 mph becoming north in the afternoon. OELWEIN ARCHERS QUALIFY FOR STATE Members of three archery teams from Oelwein have qualified for state tournaments this weekend — Wings Park, the high school and the middle school teams. The 3D State Tournament and the Bullseye State Tournament … Continue reading Oelwein AM Update (March 2): Oelwein students qualify for state in archery and speech

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Oelwein AM Update (Feb. 27):

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST FOR OELWEIN Today: 90% chance of rain, mainly before noon. Temperature falling to around 37 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with an east wind 13 to 18 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Blustery, with a northwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 5 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as … Continue reading Oelwein AM Update (Feb. 27):

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Wednesday morning fire damages Oelwein house

Chris Baldus

An Oelwein house was damaged by fire Wednesday morning. According to a news release, at 7:11 a.m., Feb. 22, 2023,the Oelwein Fire and Police Departments responded to a report of a house fire at a 501 5th Ave SE. Upon arrival, the smoke was seen coming from the residence with flames visible in the interior. Fire crews were able to suppress the fire with minimal structural damage. The preliminary investigation suggests an electrical failure could potentially be the cause. The Oelwein Departments were assisted by Mercy One Ambulance and crews from Alliant Energy. Continue reading Wednesday morning fire damages Oelwein house

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Oelwein teen charged in Feb. 13 house fire

Chris Baldus

Oelwein Police have made a second arson arrest within two weeks, this time a 16-year-old boy. The police and fire departments have completed their investigation into a Monday, Feb. 13, house fire at 632 5th Ave. SW, according to a police news release. One count of second-degree arson (Class C felony) has been filed against the teen, who is from Oelwein. “The matter is being referred to Juvenile Court Services for processing,” says the release. “The structure is considered a total loss with damage extending to a neighboring property.” The fire on 5th Ave. SW came on the heels of … Continue reading Oelwein teen charged in Feb. 13 house fire

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West Union man makes Alford plea in sexual abuse case

Chris Baldus

A West Union man accused fondling a 16-year-old girl beneath her clothing has entered an Alford plea and is scheduled for sentencing later this month. Kyle Lee Wurzer, 35, of West Union, in his plea agrees that a jury could reasonably find him guilty of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. He reached a plea deal with prosecution that includes dismissal of a Class C felony count of third-degree sexual abuse. Prosecution also will recommend a suspended sentence and up to one year of probation. Wurzer’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 20 at the county courthouse in West … Continue reading West Union man makes Alford plea in sexual abuse case

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Hawkeye man arrested on sex abuse charge

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On Feb. 21st, at about 2:25 p.m. Fayette County Deputies located and arrested 24-year-old Gustavo Macias Torres of Hawkeye on a valid Fayette County Warrant for sexual assault in the third degree and dissemination and exhibition of obscene Material to a Minor. The charges stem from a month-long investigation completed by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. Torres is being held on $12,000 cash only bond at the Fayette County Jail. Continue reading Hawkeye man arrested on sex abuse charge

Oelwein Post

Oelwein AM Update (Feb. 21): Eagles tribute show at Williams on Saturday

Chris Baldus

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, Feb. 21. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 5 to 13 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Tonight: A 20% chance of snow before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 29. East wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Wednesday: A 90% chance of freezing rain and sleet, possibly mixed with sleet. High near 32. Windy, with a northeast wind 16 to 21 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 43 … Continue reading Oelwein AM Update (Feb. 21): Eagles tribute show at Williams on Saturday

Oelwein Post

Updated: Oelwein man facing arson charge

Chris Baldus

APRIL 6, 2023, UPDATE: Chris Westendorf, of Oelwein, who is charged with second-degree arson, has changed attorneys. He is now represented by Gregory Schiller, of Monona. FEB. 16, 2023, REPORT: An Oelwein man is facing an arson charge over a fire at a house owned by his siblings where he resided. Chris Edward Westendorf, 57, is charged with second-degree arson, a Class C felony, in Fayette County District Court. According to the criminal complaint filed on Tuesday, Feb. 14, Westendorf told an officer at the scene of the fire — 420 4 1/2 St. SW — on Sunday, Feb. 12, … Continue reading Updated: Oelwein man facing arson charge

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

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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

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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)

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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

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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):

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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

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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

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Duffield sentenced over fairgrounds damage

Chris Baldus

Isaiah Cecil Hakeem Duffield, 20, of Ridgeway, pleaded guilty to the amended charge of third-degree criminal mischief (aggravated misdemeanor) and was sentenced to 270 days in jail with credit for time served. An $855 fine and surcharge were suspended. He was ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution. He was originally charged with second-degree criminal mischief (Class D felony). According to the criminal complaint, Duffield and four others, including three juveniles, caused more than $9,000 damage to freestanding bathrooms and fencing at the Fayette County Fairgrounds on June 20, 2021. Continue reading Duffield sentenced over fairgrounds damage

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Fayette man accused of Sumner thefts

Chris Baldus

A Fayette man is facing multiple charges, including a felony count, after allegedly breaking into at least 10 vehicles at a Sumner business. Following a search of his Chevrolet K1500 extended cab pickup, Justin Troy Steinbronn, 33, was arrested and charged with second-degree theft (Class D felony), and 10 counts of vehicle burglary (aggravated misdemeanors), says a news release from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office received a report on Tuesday, Feb. 7, about multiple vehicles being broken into at Meyer Custom Chevy.  At about 2:30 a.m., a search warrant was executed on Steinbronn’s vehicle in Fayette and numerous … Continue reading Fayette man accused of Sumner thefts