Month: September 2024

An anonymous threat was made on social media targeting WACO schools for Wednesday, September 18^th. An investigation into this claim was done by the school administration and local law enforcement ensured the safety of the staff and students. This threat follows an ongoing trend in the United States where people attempt to instill an uneasy sense in a school district, typically by sending a vague text message. They then choose a different district the next day. According to the superintendent of WACO CSD, Ken Crawford, WACO is a safe environment, and all involved in investigating and keeping students safe should be commended.

All claims against Jefferson County treasurer, Mark Myers, as well as the claims alleged against State Senator Adrian Dickey have been dismissed as of September 16^th.

The claims, which were filed civil court in Jefferson County, involved allegations of failing to perfect a security interest on a vehicle. Previous allegations of civil conspiracy had previously been dismissed by the Court. The case rested on allegations by the daughter of Iowa State Senator Adrian Dickey, as well as her mother and stepfather, that claimed improper action on the part of the Treasurer and State Senator during the registration process of a vehicle the Senator purchased for his daughter. The pending action against Mr. Dickey has also been dismissed.

With the resolution of all pending claims against the Treasurer, Myers had this comment:

“Unfortunately, arrogant incompetence and dishonesty created a colossal waste of time and energy. However, Attorney Skylar Limkemann and Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding worked hard to mitigate the damage created by the baseless claim. I’m glad this is over, I can put it behind me, and Mr. Moulding and I can now put that effort into the Jefferson County citizens.”

Below is the response from the plaintiffs.

Dickey v. Dickey, CVEQ004601 – Statement from Plaintiffs Shawna Husted and Allen Husted

“We filed this lawsuit against Adrian Dickey and the Jefferson County Treasurer’s Office because Korynn was unaware that her biological father put a lien on the car he gave her until just a few weeks before the car was totaled in an accident. In 2020, just before he gave her the car, Adrian offered in text messages to give Korynn the car “no strings attached,” “out of love for” his daughter, and just because he wanted “to do something kind for her.” He sent her papers to sign so he could register the car while she was in California. The papers had a section Adrian could have filled out to show that he would be the lienholder, but he didn’t fill that section out until after Korynn had signed the papers and returned to him.

When Korynn’s car was totaled, Adrian refused to agree to release the insurance proceeds so we could apply them to purchase a new car for Korynn. We didn’t believe Adrian had any right to put the lien on the car in the first place, and we thought it would be a relatively straightforward matter to demand that he release the lien.

But Adrian claimed that he sent Korynn an email and a letter in July 2020 containing his expectations for her if she accepted his gift of a car. Korynn did not receive either one. In discovery, we asked Adrian to produce the original electronic file of the email he claimed he sent, and he couldn’t produce it. Instead, he produced an email dated July 7, 2023, two days after the lawsuit was filed, that he claimed was the original “native” file of the email. No one has ever seen the letter Adrian claims he sent Korynn—which, very strangely, he kept a copy of.

He then filed a counterclaim against Korynn—his own biological daughter—for defamation, because she posted a few things on Instagram when she was a teenager and in her early twenties. After months of dealing with Adrian’s counterclaims, the case had become about everything but Adrian Dickey’s security interest in Korynn’s car, and Korynn was having a very hard time with it. So, we chose to dismiss our claims against Adrian and Jefferson County. We thought that would be the end of it.

Unfortunately, after we dismissed our claims, the judge asked Adrian’s attorney to draft the order to wrap up the case. This is not stated in the Order that was filed. We objected to the order proposed by Adrian’s attorney, but the judge ended up adopting it word-for-word, even though most of what was in the order wasn’t even necessary to resolve the case. We had already agreed that Adrian should receive the insurance proceeds (the $23,686.75) and $1 for his ridiculous defamation claim. We did not believe it was necessary to write an order that made one side look good and the other side look bad.

Nonetheless, we are happy to put this case and our interactions with Adrian behind us. We will not be filing an appeal. We have more fulfilling things to focus on, including supporting Korynn and her new baby, and we are looking forward to a rewarding and happy future for our family.”

*Updated as of 3:42pm 09/19*

The following route is open to thru traffic immediately: 85th Avenue Midway between Stony Hollow Rd & 145th Street.

*Original post*

The Des Moines County Engineer has announced a temporary road closure that may affect driver’s commute. 85^th Avenue Midway between Stony Hollow Road and 145^th Street will be closed for a culvert replacement beginning at 8:00am on Thursday, September 19^th, and will remain closed until 3:00pm on Friday, September 20^th, weather permitting.

Although we are hopefully a couple months out from cold weather, it’s hard to prepare for winter in Iowa. Unfortunately, some don’t have access to coats that will keep them warm. Chapter DD of Tri-T is putting on a coat drive beginning tomorrow, with boxes placed at Hy-Vee, the Old Threshers gift shop, and the Fellowship Cup. These boxes will be around until October 25^th, so if you have a coat to donate, this is a great way to do so. They don’t just need coats, as they are also accepting donations of children’s mittens, gloves, hats, snow boots, snow masks, snow pants, and of course new or gently used coats. Again, get your donations in now through October 25^th.

“Fall is almost here, and if you’re one of those people looking forward to the gorgeous displays of color Mother Nature is going to put on, Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT has an even more colorful idea.

Head on over to the Public Library for a stunning art show display of color by Mount Pleasant’s own Annie Guldberg.

Annie, a well-known local artist, is featured at the Arts IMPACT mini gallery for the months of September and October. The theme of the show is “Spreading Joy through COLOR”, and visitors to the gallery will not be disappointed.

Guldberg says that her main passion is “vibrant oil paintings that have been swirling in my mind and studio since I was in high school.” Flowers are an obvious choice for subjects, but visitors will be surprised at the dramatic use of color in landscapes and simple outdoor scenes portrayed in rich and dramatic hues.

Annie has shown her work locally and throughout the Midwest. In addition to her own professional work and commissions, she fulfills her commitment to passing on her love of art by teaching a full schedule of one-on-one art lessons in her studio.

When she’s not out and about working on several local murals, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.

Annie’s “Spreading Joy Through Color” show is available for viewing free during regular hours at the Mount Pleasant Public Library: Monday thru Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.

When the fall colors fade, Annie’s amazing display at the library will continue to be on display until November. And you can purchase your own sample of Annie’s work to take home and enjoy by contacting her at OilPainterAnnie.com.”

The Henry County Planning and Zoning Commission met for a packed public hearing on Tuesday evening. With residents from all over the county, as well as RWE Representatives, politicians, and of course the board, discussion lasted late into the night.

Many concerns were raised about the potential wind turbine project.  One citizen voiced their concern about the next generations and leaving a positive legacy, instead of (in her words) selling our farmland to the highest bidder. Another said that those against the potential project are not the “silent minority” but are in fact the majority of citizens in this county. He referenced a map that was continually updated until the moratorium was placed on this alternative energy discussion earlier this year. The map shows landowners who are against the project, which far outnumber those who are in support.

Multiple people spoke about how these proposed turbines would affect air travel for agriculture, medical, and personal reasons. One constituent, a crop duster, made the claim that the turbines may interfere with radars and would certainly cause unnecessary danger for pilots in this area. He also believes that the cost for insurance will skyrocket, referencing a friend in a different county who now pays 15% more for insurance, which means he must charge the customers more to spray pesticides.

Not everyone at the meeting was against the project, however. One citizen who owns land in the northern part of the county believes that citizens sometimes have to put up with things that they don’t want. He referenced a hog confinement placed close to his house a few years ago, which he now deals with the smell every day. His main concern is the right of the individual to do what they want with their land. An RWE representative spoke at the meeting, stating that they have over 6,000 turbines in Iowa alone that are between 350ft and 600ft tall. She then said that a setback length of 1/3^rd of a mile for these proposed turbines sounds appropriate.

Another said that people should be able to build what they want with their land, and that is an American idea. He was thankful that we live in a country where we are able to discuss these issues. He also brought up the financial aspect of the project, naming WACO CSD as benefiting $250,000 if this project were to pass. He believes that this money could be used for new staff, buildings, or raises to existing staff. He also said that property tax in the county would decrease. Some citizens have proposed much longer setbacks than what the ordinance currently says. This citizen says that a setback any further than 1/3^rd of a mile would “kill the project”.

The Planning and Zoning Commission received a document from the Board of Supervisors with their recommended changes to the existing alternative energy ordinance. The commission discussed the document and ultimately voted 4-0 against adopting the proposed changes. Instead, a document provided by “Henry County Watchmen LLC” was discussed and the board will take a week to review it. The document proposes taking out title 6-2-11-2 section 2-6, and having separate standalone ordinances for those.

There will be a work session next week, which allows the public time to review the document and proposed changes. The next meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 25^th, at 6:00pm at the Henry County Courthouse Courtroom.

Continue reading “Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing for Alternate Energy Ordinance”

Yesterday afternoon, the Fort Madison Police Department apprehended a suspect after a manhunt. Dakota William Burgund (34) of Fort Madison was apprehended at a residence southwest of the city limits. Burgund was the subject of a Crime Stoppers posting concerning a previous apprehension attempt a week earlier. 

Burgund had been sought by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force on drug charges when spotted by Fort Madison Officers, leading them on a high-speed chase before abandoning his car in rural Lee County. A manhunt ensued, with the subject successfully evading deputies, a police K-9 unit, and a drone.

This arrest was successfully culminated with the assistance of the US Marshall’s Service, Fort Madison Police Detectives, and the Lee County Narcotics Task Force.

Dakota Burgund is charged with multiple felonies to include controlled substance violations; a drug tax stamp violation; felony eluding; reckless driving; possession of drug paraphernalia; and numerous traffic violations. He is currently held pending arraignment at the Lee County Jail.

The public is reminded that charges are an accusation of a criminal act, and that persons arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.