Sibley, Iowa — The Sibley Fire Department was called out on Monday, April 24, 2023 for a call near Sibley.

According to Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls, at about 6:30 p.m., the Sibley Fire Department was called to the report of a shed fire at 1953 Pierce Avenue, about two miles southeast of Sibley.

The chief says when they arrived, it looked worse than it was. He says a passerby saw what they thought was a shed on fire, but as it turned out it was a burn pile and some surrounding items that were burning. He says in addition to the hay that was in the pit, some grass, tires, and old equipment burned. He tells us the fire had been smoldering for several days and in a gust of wind, rekindled and started the surrounding grass on fire.

Huls says no injuries were reported.

He tells us there was minimal damage to anything of significance.

He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about 20 minutes.

Sibley, Iowa — Because of population realignment, it looks like the Sibley-Ocheyeden Community School District is going to have to go through a re-districting process.

Superintendent James Craig tells us the Sibley-Ocheyedan Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, April 11, 2023, for a public hearing regarding redistricting. Following the census, which takes place every ten years, school districts must ensure their director districts have consistent populations. This process involves consulting with firms that follow districting laws and provide the school district with viable options according to those laws.

Sibley-Ocheyedan has five director districts. Each of those districts must have the same number of residents within 10% of the total district population divided by 5. After the 2020 census, Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District has a total of 4,528 residents. Divided by 5, the ideal director district population is 906. All director districts must be within 10% above or below 906.

District 1 is the southern and western parts of Sibley. District 2 is the northeastern part of Sibley. District 3 is the southeast portion of Sibley. District 4 includes Ocheyedan and approximately the eastern one-third of the district. District 5 includes the western two-thirds of the district, not including Districts 1, 2, and 3.

Craig says that because the current district map would not meet population requirements, Sibley-Ocheyedan is required to go through the redistricting process.

On April 11, the Board of Directors will consider the three plans. All three plans change enough that a director will be removed from their seat. Two of the three plans submitted for consideration change District 3, which would cause Jamie Arend to be removed because he would not live in the Director District. One option changes District 2, which would cause Kyle Grimes to be removed because he would not live in the Director District.

At the public hearing on April 11, community members can ask questions regarding the process and provide comments to the board regarding redistricting. The Board of Directors will consider approval of one of the redistricting options during the regular board meeting following the public hearing. The approved director District plan will be sent to the Iowa Secretary of State office by May 15 and goes into effect immediately. Questions prior to the hearing should be directed to Superintendent James Craig.

Sibley, Iowa — The Osceola County secondary roads shop and its contents sustained extensive damage in a fire on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Sibley.

According to Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls, at about 12:00 p.m., the Sibley Fire Department was called to the report of a structure fire at the county shop near the elevator in Sibley.

The chief says the fire department saw smoke coming from the garage doors as they approached the scene. He says they determined the fire started in the engine compartment of one of the trucks and spread to the ceiling, where there was blown-in insulation. He says they didn’t initially see any flame, but there was a large amount of smoke.

Huls tells us trucks had just returned from a run on the county’s roads that morning.

He says they ventilated the smoke so they could see what was happening, and pulled out the trucks that they could. He says two other trucks also sustained damage, each to the side nearest the truck on fire.

Huls says no injuries were reported.

The fire department was assisted by the Little Rock and Ashton fire departments.

He says the origin of the fire was under the hood of the truck and the cause of the fire appeared to be electrical or mechanical in nature.

Chief Huls estimates that the fire caused over a million dollars in damage. He says the truck on fire was totaled and the shop sustained extensive damage, but it is still structurally sound.

He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about four hours.

Sibley, Iowa — A Sibley-Ocheyedan graduate has been named the district’s new 7-12 principal, according to school officials.

They tell us that pending approval at the April board meeting, the Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District has hired Casey Hertz to be their new 7-12 Principal. They say Hertz has accepted the offer.

School officials say Hertz was one of four candidates who interviewed for the position. They say each candidate met with several different interview groups, and that Hertz “…was the clear choice in each group.”

They tell us Hertz is a Sibley-Ocheyedan graduate and is currently serving as the assistant principal at the middle school in Worthington, MN.

Officials say, “He comes highly recommended and he has started a variety of initiatives to support both students and staff at Worthington Middle School.”

We are told Hertz currently lives in Sibley with his wife, Michaela, and will begin his official duties with the Sibley-Ocheyedan CSD on August 1, 2023. Hertz will be taking over for the current principal, Stan De Zeeuw, who will be moving into the role of Superintendent of Sibley-Ocheyedan CSD starting on July 1, 2023.

Des Moines, Iowa — Numbers out this past week showed Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped below three percent in February.

Iowa Workforce Development director, Beth Townsend, says that’s one of the positives for the state.

She says the participation rate is important as they have been working to get more people back into the workforce.

Townsend says manufacturing added 700 jobs in February.

Townsend says leisure and hospitality jobs are up almost 45 hundred jobs over the course of the year, and the service industries had the biggest increase in jobs this past month.

The construction industry did lose 16 hundred jobs in February — which Townsend says is probably related to bad weather. She says they expect to see the industry gain back jobs as the weather improves and more projects get underway outside.

Closer to home, the latest numbers for county-by-county unemployment are the January figures. And for the first time in recent memory, Osceola County has the lowest unemployment in the state, beating out even Lyon and Sioux counties. January unemployment in Osceola County was a mere 1.8 percent. Unemployment was still pretty low in the other three counties in our coverage area, but many other counties elsewhere in the state had similar or lower figures. O’Brien County’s unemployment was at 2.9 percent, Sioux’s was at 2.7 percent, and Lyon’s was at 2.6 percent.

Sibley, Iowa — The Community Blood Bank bloodmobile is coming to the Osceola Regional Health Center in Sibley on Wednesday, March 22nd.

The Community Blood Bank’s Executive Director Ken Versteeg says this is an important blood drive because the blood bank is getting hit hard and they are the only supplier of blood for Osceola Regional Health.

He explains how much blood they lost out on because of having to cancel so many blood drives this winter.

Versteeg says one unit of blood can save roughly three lives, so 1,000 units could have saved roughly 3,000 lives. He says that when there is a blood drive at Osceola Regional Health they usually have 40 to 45 people sign up to give blood.

The goal, Versteeg says, is to have the average amount, if not more, people sign up to give blood. If you want to make an appointment, which is preferred, call the Osceola Regional Health Center at (712) 754-5358. Walk-ins are welcomed, though they may have to wait as appointments will be taken first. Versteeg says with warmer weather coming up he is hoping for more blood drives and more donors to come out.

Osceola Regional Health Blood Drive is on Wednesday, March 22nd from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Sheldon, Iowa — With the coming of spring we also prepare for severe weather season. If you’d like to know more about severe weather, there is a Storm Watch class scheduled for next week at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon.

Warning Coordination Meteorologist Peter Rogers with the National Weather Service’s Sioux Falls Office tells us about it.

Rogers says while many who attend are law enforcement, EMS personnel, firefighters, and plant safety managers, the class is open to the public.

He tells us what to expect if you go.

The class is free, thanks to the emergency management agencies of O’Brien, Sioux, Lyon, and Osceola counties, but the folks at NCC would like you to register. You can do that online by clicking here. For more information from NCC, you can call 800-352-4907 or 324-5061.

There are other classes scheduled around the wider area. For more information about those, click here.

Sanborn, Iowa — Congressman Randy Feenstra (Republican, from Hull) hosted a town hall with local farmers, producers, and constituents in Sanborn this Wednesday, March 15th, to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill and other issues.

Feenstra says he enjoyed meeting with Iowans — including “our hardworking farmers and producers — to hear their suggestions and priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill.”

The topics included everything from Feenstra’s work to reauthorize the successful 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and stop China from buying American farmland to what Feenstra calls “the unfair inheritance tax,” to biofuels production, and international trade.

He says, “Meeting with Iowans will always be a top priority for me as I travel all 36 counties in my district at least twice a year.”

Twenty-four people attended the event.

Feenstra also announced his Agriculture Advisory Board at the town hall. The board is comprised of 60 members of the greater agriculture community from all 36 counties in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District and represents a wide range of industries, including corn, soybeans, pork, beef, turkey, dairy, eggs, cattle, goat, seed, fertilizer, veterinary medicine, equipment manufacturing, FFA, conservation, agricultural lending, and research and development.

In our part of northwest Iowa, from Lyon County, Dean Meyer, Dwight Mogler, Doug Stensland, and Scott Schneidermann are on the board. From O’Brien County, the board members include Kelly Nieuwenhuis, Jeremy Van Ess, and Corey Rozenboom. There’s one board member from Osceola County, and that’s Rob Jacobs. Five members on the board are from Sioux County. They are Brad Kooima, Steve Rehder, Craig Moss, JT Dean, and Jeff Altena.

Additionally, Feenstra spoke to O’Brien County Sheriff’s deputies about the scourge of fentanyl in rural Iowa and the need to secure our border.

The other members of the Agriculture Advisory Board:

Dr. Calie Burgart, Audubon County
Former State Senator Jerry Behn, Boone County
Mitchell Sievers, Buena Vista County
Andy Kosky, Buena Vista County
Darcy Maulsby, Calhoun County
State Representative Mike Sexton, Calhoun County
Will Reever, Carroll County
Ramona Nitz, Cherokee County
Chad Tentinger, Cherokee County
Will Jones, Clay County
Ty Rosburg, Crawford County
Al Giese, Dickinson County
Jim Boyer, Emmet County
John Latham, Franklin County
State Representative Shannon Latham, Franklin County
Brian Borcherding, Franklin County
Don Latham, Franklin County
Leo Ettleman, Fremont County
Sam Martin, Fremont County
Jeff Jorgenson, Fremont County
Ben Slinger, Hamilton County
Jake Van Diest, Hamilton County
Darrin Kruger, Hancock County
Tony Smith, Harrison County
Nick Nielsen, Humboldt County
Jolene Riessen, Ida County
Sara Winkleman, Kossuth County
State Senator Jeff Edler, Marshall County
Wyatt Edler, Marshall County
State Representative David Sieck, Mills County
Dan Witten, Monona County
Eric Bruhn, Palo Alto County
Andy Schroeder, Plymouth County
Don Kass, Plymouth County
Darin Dykstra, Plymouth County
Grant Wells, Pocahontas County
Chris Perdue, Pottawattamie County
Chad Hansen, Sac County
Gabe Ferry, Shelby County
Bill Couser, Story County
Marty Chitty, Story County
John Fredrickson, Webster County
Gregg Hora, Webster County
Jacob West, Winnebago County
Barbara Sloniker, Woodbury County
Mark Nelson, Woodbury County
Ethan Lambert, Wright County

Sheldon, Iowa — We just don’t seem to be able to shake Old Man Winter for very long this year. Another storm system is set to strike northwest Iowa this Thursday, and forecasters may even use the “B” word — “blizzard” with this one.

We talked to meteorologist Andrew Kalin with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, and he tells us about it.

The “blizzard” word is not one that the Weather Service just kicks around. Kalin says it would take some specific conditions for them to call a storm a “blizzard.”

We asked him how much snow they’re expecting before it’s done.

And he says the snow will leave colder temps in its wake.

The forecast says it’s looking like it will take until at least Tuesday to get back into the 40’s.

Des Moines, Iowa — One project in our area and two nearby have received some money from the state.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority have announced $26.88 million in grant funding through the final round of Destination Iowa, a $100 million investment in quality-of-life and tourism attractions. In recognition of the high interest in the program, Gov. Reynolds also announced an additional investment of $15 million to fund Destination Iowa applications from rural communities that did not receive grants in previous rounds.

In all, Destination Iowa awards were granted to 46 projects totaling $115 million, which activated over $480 million in total investment.

Reynolds says that Destination Iowa has inspired communities in all corners of the state to dream big about projects that will bolster the quality of life and attract newcomers. She says the demand is high, especially in rural areas. So, “I’ve extended the program to help more rural communities realize those dreams.”

In our area, the Osceola County Conservation Board was awarded $200,000 to expand the Willow Creek Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $500,000.

The Dickinson County Conservation Board was awarded $3,500,000 to develop the new Sherwood Forest Park on the former site of The Inn at Okoboji resort. The award represents 35% of the total project investment of $10,013,197.

Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji was awarded $185,000 for the Art Smart Children’s Interactive Gallery project. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $749,303.

Funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. For more information on the Destination Iowa program, you can visit iowaeda.com/destination-iowa/. Funding for this program has been made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Other awards elsewhere in the state:

The Dubuque Art Museum was awarded $8,000,000 toward the construction of a new museum and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor sculpture garden. The award represents 20% of the total project investment of $39,931,512.

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines was awarded $3,280,000 for major upgrades including a new Big Cat Conservation exhibit and an expanded seal and sea lion facility. The award represents 18% of the total project investment of $18,000,000.

The City of Cedar Rapids was awarded $3,000,000 toward the LightLine Loop project in the Czech Village and NewBo District. The award represents 16% of the total project investment of $19,255,775.

The City of Dubuque was awarded $3,000,000 for the addition of an open-air amphitheater on Schmitt Island. The award represents 19% of the total project investment of $15,442,961.

The City of Marshalltown was awarded $2,000,000 for the Linn Creek District development and creative placemaking efforts. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $6,251,115.

Story County Conservation was awarded $1,500,000 to pave a portion of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail east of Ames, connecting to Nevada and Maxwell. This award represents 31% of the total project investment of $4,819,000.

The India Heritage & Cultural Center was awarded $900,000 toward expanding the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center near Madrid. The award represents 23%of the total project investment of $3,976,023.

The Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport was awarded $900,000 toward an expansion project. The award represents 23% of the total project investment of $3,965,449.

The African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids was awarded $800,000 toward major renovations at the museum and the reinstallation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-inspired “Trumpet” sculpture and garden. The award represents 17% of the total project investment of $4,827,339.

The Southeast Iowa Sports Commission was awarded $2,500,000 to develop the Ottumwa SportsPlex Development Project. The award represents 23% of the total project investment of $10,737,449.

The Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association was awarded $500,000 to improve and enhance existing campground facilities at the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association grounds. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $1,312,525.

Jasper County Conservation was awarded $550,000 for the Jasper County Conservation Environmental Education Center. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $2,204,509.

The City of Denison was awarded $4,500,000 for the Crawford County Wellness and Recreation Center. The award represents 24% of the total project investment of $18,643,000.

America’s First Great Dam Foundation was awarded $115,000 for the 1913 Hydro-Electric Turbine Visitor Center project in Keokuk. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $303,325.

Wapello County was awarded $500,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Pioneer Ridge Park Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $1,260,975.

The Clayton County Conservation Board was awarded $345,000 to modernize and enhance the Osborne Welcome Center and Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $862,500.

The City of Treynor was awarded $800,000 for a multi-phase park and recreation project. The award represents 31% of the total project investment of $2,577,455.

Jefferson County was awarded $450,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Jefferson County Prairie Ridge Campground. The award represents 39% of the total project investment of $1,166,430.

The City of Dayton and the Dayton Community Club were awarded $800,000 for improvements to the Dayton Oak Park Trails Rodeo and Events Center. The award represents 34% of the total project investment of $2,372,703.

The City of Keosauqua was awarded $300,000 for the Lower Des Moines Water Trail. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $950,249.

The Stanton Community Foundation and Montgomery County were awarded $850,000 for the Stanton Area Trail Project. The award represents 35% of the total project investment of $2,456,110.

The YMCA of Washington County was awarded $750,000 for an Indoor Aquatic Center. The award represents 10% of the total project investment of $7,689,975.

Marshall County Conservation was awarded $400,000 to improve and further develop the Green Castle Recreation Area Campground. The award represents 34% of the total project investment of $1,160,000.

The City of Muscatine was awarded $1,000,000 for the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $4,000,000.

The City of Fort Madison was awarded $250,000 for the Fort Madison River Landing project. The award represents 11% of the total project investment of $2,256,317.