Kingsland School Board held a “work session” on February 1. All members were present. The board reviewed, but did not yet act upon, a draft of Kingsland’s academic calendar for the next school year. Superintendent Hecimovich pointed out that, by slightly shortening the spring break and winter break, the calendar draft has a first student day of September 7, and a final … [Read more...]
Rich Wicks
Reporter
rich@fillmorecountyjournal.com
What's an Iowegian doing writing for the Journal? That's a mystery. All
we really know is that Rich lives in Cresco (Iowa), and when he's not
working, he can often be spotted chasing his wife and kids around the
neighborhood, hollering, "Uff da, slow down!"
Kingsland opts to not pay $2,500 “COVID fee”
On January 20, the Kingsland School Board held a regular meeting, with all board members in attendance (Natasha Howard, Maranda Emig, Kyle Rader, Jackie Horsman, Gwen Howard, Pamela Freet). Also in attendance were Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott Klavetter, Athletic Director Mark Fitzpatrick, and Business Manager Amber Herbrand. No members of the general public … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton to stay in hybrid model for now
During the Mabel-Canton School Board meeting on January 19, the board discussed the plans for which learning model to use, based on current and expected COVID-19 trends. Superintendent Kuphal stated, “We’re back in hybrid, as of yesterday (January 18). Colton (student representative Colton Heintz-Kuderer) alluded that he thought things were going fairly well.” Kuphal said … [Read more...]
Wykoff parking rule discussed
The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on January 11. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, and new member Ryan Breckenridge. New council member Barbara Fate was absent. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. Lynn Kidd addressed the council, saying, “I’m here to protest the sign downtown, … [Read more...]
Mabel cuts grace period to five days
Mabel’s City Council met on January 13. Terry Torkelson was absent, but the rest of the council was in attendance (Mayor James Westby, Adam Wilder, Kirsten Wyffels, and new member Cory Wilson). Also participating were City Clerk Karen Larson, Brooke Harmening, and Jeff Rein. Wilson took the oath of office, as he replaces Gary Morken on the council. One agenda item that … [Read more...]
Kingsland addresses COVID challenges
Kingsland School Board held a “work session” on January 4. New board members Pamela Freet and Gwen Howard were sworn in. The meeting began with the board’s annual organizational meeting. Jackie Horsman will continue as board chair, Maranda Emig will be vice chair, Kyle Rader well serve as clerk, and Natasha Howard will be treasurer. The board also voted on a slate of … [Read more...]
Ostrander ponders “Freedom County” suggestion
On January 5, the Ostrander City Council met in regular session, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Immediately following the open meeting, the council went into a special closed session to conduct yearly employee reviews. During the open meeting, Brincks brought up some … [Read more...]
Kingsland discusses gym practice times
December 21, the Kingsland School Board held their annual “Truth in Taxation” public hearing, immediately followed by the regular board meeting. All board members were in attendance (via Zoom meeting), including Jackie Horsman, Noella Lund, Tiffany Mundfrom, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard and Kyle Rader. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott … [Read more...]
Wykoff Community Center access mulled
On December 16, the Wykoff City Council met in regular session. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, and Mary Tjepkes. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. Mary Sackett was absent. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held via remote technology (Zoom meeting). One item that generated … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council hears EDA report
On December 14, the Spring Valley City Council held the annual Truth in Taxation public hearing immediately prior to their regular council meeting. All members were present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was city clerk/administrator Deb Zimmer. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, masks and social distancing … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton eyes possible COVID surge
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on December 15. Most members were present in person, although Business Manager Aimee Lake participated via remote technology. Superintendent Gary Kuphal spoke to the board regarding the COVID-19 trends in the local area, and throughout the county. He stated that although numbers have been increasing in Fillmore County, … [Read more...]
Kingsland Distance Learning “Plus”
On December 7, the Kingsland School Board held their monthly “work session” meeting. Members in attendance included Jackie Horsman, Noella Lund, Tiffany Mundfrom, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader. Natasha Howard was absent. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott Klavetter, Athletic Director Mark Fitzpatrick, Building & Grounds Director Jason … [Read more...]
Ostrander infrastructure final payment discussed
The Ostrander City Council met December 1, with all members present (Stephanie Start, Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Vernon Thompson, Mayor Pam Kunert, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks). Brian Malm, from the engineering firm of Bolton & Menk, addressed the council regarding the status of the city’s final payment offer to A1 Excavating for the infrastructure project that company did … [Read more...]
Kingsland dealing with staff shortage
On November 17, the Kingsland School Board held a regular meeting. All board members were in attendance (Jackie Horsman, Noella Lund, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader), as well as Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott Klavetter, Athletic Director Mark Fitzpatrick, and Business Manager Amber Herbrand. Superintendent Hecimovich shared … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton mulls uncertainties of the winter ahead
Although many topics were discussed during the Mabel-Canton School Board meeting on November 17, the common theme running through nearly the entire meeting was the upcoming winter and the challenges it will bring, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Mabel-Canton is in a “hybrid” learning model called Scenario 2, Plan A. This model is four days in-person … [Read more...]