Fire, Rescue and Enforcement - Salute to our Heroes

HAMPTON

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IOWA

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NEWSPAPER

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ASSOCIATION

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AWARD

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WINNING

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NEWSPAPER

SAY

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Thank You to our

true heroes FEATURING:

HAMPTON FIRE DEPARTMENT FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FRANKLIN GENERAL HOSPITAL EMS HAMPTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WEST FRANKLIN EMS BRADFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT COULTER FIRE DEPARTMENT LATIMER FIRE DEPARTMENT DUMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT DUMONT EMT’S HANSELL FIRE DEPARTMENT GENEVA FIRE DEPARTMENT AREDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT BRISTOW FIRE DEPARTMENT ACKLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT ACKLEY VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SHEFFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT SHEFFIELD EMT’S SHEFFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT ROCKWELL POLICE CHIEF ROCKWELL FIRE DEPARTMENT ROCKWELL-SWALEDALE EMT’S MESERVEY FIRE DEPARTMENT SWALEDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT THORNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT THORNTON EMT’S

firefighters and emergency crews

For your courage and dedication we salute you.

This Community Service Message Brought To You By:

FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

2

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

fire, rescue & enforcement

Hampton Chronicle • Sheffield Press • Pioneer Enterprise

Hampton FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Front rowt: Brent Hansen, Chief Kent Wilkinson, Chase Toedter, Craig Chaney, Eric Arenholz, Randy Grefe, Bryce Schimp, and Steve Sliter. Back row: Alex Hass, Kurt Wilkinson, Brandon Grefe, Keegan Murphy, Trev Murphy, Dan Schipper, Ryan Conlon, Clay Miller, Keith Minardi, and Rory Fender. Not pictured: Joel McKee, Doug Pralle, Mike Pralle, Scott Strother, and Jess Heeren.

(Photo by Ryan Harvey)

Franklin County SHERIFF’S OFFICE (L-R) First row: Deputy Adam Blau, Blue (retired), chief deputy Linn Larson, sheriff Larry Richtsmeier, reserve Bob Krause.

Back row: Reserve Don Campbell, reserve Matt Wharton, deputy Leon Root, Deputy Aaron Dodd, Deputy Rick Rieken. Not pictured: Deputy Stephen Bardole and reserves Dave Craighton, Ike Uribe, Joel McWilliams, Joel Roode and Jared Arbegast.

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Franklin General Hospital EMS (L-R): Jeremy Craighton, Kevin Siems, Mark Morrison, Lori Ward, Tom Craighton, Jennifer Weiler, Tim Olsen, Cheryl Craighton, Wyatt Brown, Darrell Dannen, Nancy Retz and manager Erran Miller. Not pictured: Matt Retz.

Hampton POLICE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Kneeling: Officers Tim Olsen and Dave Kelley. Standing: Reserve officer Rick Whitney, officer Al Brandt, reserve officer Jeremy Dodge, Chief Robert Schaefer, officer Robert Gitzen, officer Michael Halsne and Corporal Mark Morrison. Not pictured: Reserve officers Dave Hawver, Bryce Knutson, Eric Arenholz and Erran Miller.

Dispatchers Willy Mason, Jody Bardole, Nancy Rhodes, Kyle Arndt, Brett Dirksen, Nicole Bohner, April Sourahda and Bryce Knutson.

(Photo by Nick Pedley)

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fire, rescue & enforcement

Hampton Chronicle • Sheffield Press • Pioneer Enterprise

West Franklin EMS (L-R) Jennifer Weiler, Brett Dirksen, Chrysten Dohrmann, president Sue Symens, secretary Linda Wharton, Karen Zander and Carrie Fahrmann.

Not pictured: Vice president Alan Wharton, treasurer Doug Peter.

Bradford FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Front row: Mark Furman, Randy Sanders, Scott Filloon, Scott Cooper, Todd Blohm. Back row: Captain Jeff Hesnard, assistant chief Jerry Huisman, Josh Gorder, Joey Gorder, Jason Schoby, chief Bruce Gorder.

Not pictured: Brian Flack, John Forgy, Jesse Furman, Chris Meyer, Nick Meyer, Herbie Mittlestadt, Mark Norman, Seth Rickles, Jim Staley, Al Vanderpool, Chad Ziesman, Wyatt Ziesman.

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Coulter FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Nole Erikson, Mike Freie, Tanner Yakel, Blair Elphic, Alan Wharton, assistant chief Kevin Erickson, Jess J. Miller, chief Larry Erickson, Tom Davis.

Not pictured: Cory Campbell, Art Zewart, Thomas Craighton, Eli Dohrmann, Taylor Rapp, Jenn Weller.

Latimer FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Front row: Jason Craighton, Jeremy Craighton, Clayton Crawford, treasurer John Johansen, fire chief Mike Keehn, Kyle McCormick, Kelly Murray, junior firefighter Trevor Mollenbeck. Back row: Brian Folkerts, Tyler DeBour, Brett Dirksen, Kyle Pralle, Secretary, Justin Bobst, Randy DeBour, Hunter Schleisman, Rod Hamilton. Not pictured: Dan Chipp, assistant chief Brian Symens, Ben Symens, Bob Krause, Nate Johnson.

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

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Hampton Chronicle • Sheffield Press • Pioneer Enterprise

Dumont FIRE DEPARTMENT

(L-R) Jared Lupkes, Pam LaRue, Darren Freerks, Corey Hirsch, Juan Montalvo, Ried Menken, captain Chris Showalter, Shirley Bierman, chief Gary Bierman, assistant chief Dave Gronewold, lieutenant Jason Rieken. Not pictured: Tony Menning, Ricky Freerks, Josh Rieken.

Dumont EMT’S

(L-R) Pam LaRue, Denny Wiegmann, Verla Pecha, Doug Tharpe, Chris Showalter, Heather Rieken, Jason Rieken.

Not pictured: Jessica Freerks, Reid Menken.

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fire, rescue & enforcement

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Hansell FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Chief Michael Norman, Kohen Norman (Baby), assistant chief Joe Hanna, Tanner Miller, Logan Van Dyke, Colten Harper, Jaelynn Harper, Mike Benavidez Lieutenant, Danne Knoll, Brian Tegtmeyer, Jason Van Wert. Not pictured; Jason Harper, captain Jess Harlan, Brett Harlan, Logan Swartz, Christian Miller, Josh Bell, Daryl Norman, safety officer Thomas Craighton.

Geneva FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R): Sean Porter, chief Tom Viet, assistant chief Jesse Viet, Steve Love, Isaac Noelck, Robert Brekunitch, Adam Nolte. Not pictured: Kyle Mutschler, Ken Enslin.

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commitment to community

DAVE Kelley

By Nick Pedley

new

to the force

The Hampton Police Department is now fully staffed following the addition of new officer Dave Kelley.

Kelley has been getting familiar with the local unit since he started August 12. According to Police Chief Bob Schaefer, he filled the void left by Capt. Jim Hilton after he retired in September.

Kelley comes to Hampton with more than 15 years of law enforcement experience.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the community, the people in the community and growing with this department,” he said.

Kelley got his start in law enforcement in 1997 as a reserve deputy with the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department. He worked as a jailer for the county the following year, and later became Rockwell’s police chief for two years. In 2001, he joined the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department where he remained until taking the position here.

He said he’s looking for new residence in the Shef-

field area with his wife, Debbie. The couple have three grown children and five grandchildren.

“I grew up in the Sheffield-Chapin school district, so I’m familiar with the area. I still have family here, too,” he said.

Kelley expected a smooth transition into his new role at Hampton. He’s been busy getting acquainted with local operations and policies, which differ slightly between each department, he said. Kelley felt his duties with the local unit wouldn’t be too drastic of a change compared to his old job in Floyd County, but noted a few differences.

“At the county level, you spend a lot of time on things like court room security, assisting with the jail and serving papers,” he explained. “We’ll serve a few papers from the city every so often here, but not as much as I used to with the county.”

Kelley joins two other fresh faces at the Hampton Police Department. Full-time Officer Tim Olsen started in May and Reserve Officer Rick Whitney was hired in July and started late this summer. Olsen is currently in the certification process, however. He plans to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy to earn full accreditation in January, according to Schaefer.

“We’re fully staffed as far as people, but not as far experience,” he said.

Kelley comes fully certified and is ready to take on more duties once his orientation period was over. “It was a great job opportunity here,” he said. “Being a police officer gives you the opportunity to help people and there’s something different every day.”

TIM Olsen to the force

Despite being new to town, police officer Tim Olsen has felt right at home since joining the Hampton community.

“So far, it reminds me a lot of where I grew up, ” said the Atlantic, Iowa native. “It’s a mostly quiet town, and everyone has been very welcoming.”

Olsen joined the Hampton Police Department at the end of May and filled one of two vacant positions. He is a 2013 graduate of Simpson College, where he earned his degree in Criminal Justice. He recently moved to town with his wife, Megan, who also graduated from Simpson in May. Though his family’s background is in agriculture, Olsen said he knew he wanted to pursue law enforcement since he was in high school.

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By Nick Pedley Capt. James Hilton left over three decades of memories with the Hampton Police Department when he hung up his uniform for the final time Sept.

12.

Hilton turned 66 on Sept. 13. According to Iowa Law Enforcement Academy regulations, no officer can serve past that age. Even though his retirement is required, Hilton said he was ready to relax and enjoy the next stage of his life.

“The academy said that’s all I can serve. I’m looking forward to full retirement and being with my wife and family more,” he said. “This was pretty much my life.”

Hilton got his start in Hampton after Chief Bud Nelson hired him in November 1975. However, the Waterloo native didn’t always plan on pursing a career in law enforcement. Hilton enlisted in the Army in 1966 after graduating high school and served in France, Germany and Vietnam. He became an industrial foreman at a textile manufacturing company in Minnesota for six years after his discharge, but he still felt a desire to serve his community.

“My brother had joined the Iowa Falls Police Department, and after a few visits with him and riding along while he was on duty, I was more determined that law enforcement was my career of choice,” Hil-

ton wrote in a statement.

The spark was lit and the rest is history. Hilton spent almost 38 years with the Hampton Police Department and earned many achievements throughout his long career. He worked his way up from sergeant, to lieutenant and was named captain in July 2004.

“It was a good community and department to grow in,” said Hilton. “I’ve enjoyed working with all of the officers, reserves, dispatchers, secretaries, attorneys and other city, county and state employees.”

Hilton has seen many changes in law enforcement methods over his career, but said none have been as noticeable as the evolution of technology. He explained the job has become much more digitallybased than when he first started in the 1970s.

“There’s just been so many changes in communication, laws and technology,” explained Hilton.

“Now, you have your computer age, but before you didn’t have that. We’re constantly getting education and training now, too. You have to stay up-to-date – the more education you can get the better.”

Thirty-eight years on the job gave Hilton much to reflect upon as his retirement approached. However, he explained there’s no one case which stands out in his memory that he’s particularly fond of. He said each case is of it’s own particular importance, and playing favorites wouldn’t be fair.

vements throughout my career “My greatest achievements have been my service to the community, giving my ragement to others toward an best advice and encouragement ng their circumstances, and end result of improving lives saved because off my direct and indirect actions,” he wrote. hief Bob Schaefer, who’s Hampton Police Chief worked with Hilton forr over 25 years, said the department lost one of its best. king with him. He’s a “I’ve enjoyed working very good investigatorr – he’s gotten a lot ved a lot of cases. of confessions and solved id Schaefer.

He will be missed,” said pend more time Hilton plans to spend with his wife, Shelley,, and eight-yearold daughter, Katie. He has two grown daughters living nearr Minneapolis and m he hopes to visit six grandchildren whom more often. ment “I wish the department rote. the best,” Hilton wrote. ood “I feel the city is in good ert hands with Chief Robert her Schaefer and the other llmembers of this wellrttrained police department.”

Hampton police Capt. James Hilton shows off a gift badge he received during his retirement party on Sept. 11.

AT THE COULTER FIRE DEPARTMENT, it’s all in the family

By Nick Pedley

new

HILTON retires after nearly 38 years with HAMPTON POLICE DEPT.

“It’s a very dynamic field, and I really like helping my community out,” he said.

So far, Olsen has been in the training stages of his new job. Ride-alongs with fellow officers have been the daily routine, but it’s all part of the learning process of a new policeman. Olsen said most of his time early on, was dedicated to becoming familiar with his new territory and the large amounts of equipment associated with police work.

After completing and intensive training program with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, he will earn full certification as an officer of the law.

Olsen said the majority of his encounters on the job have been pretty run-of-the-mill thus far. However, tornadoes in June, provided some training not many new – or old – officers get to experience. The rookie accompanied other policemen and tracked the severe storm as it tore through rural Franklin County June 12.

“It was exciting, and I have never experienced something like that before,” he said.

Though he’s just getting settled in to his position at the Hampton Police Department, Olsen explained that he was ready and excited to dive head-first into his new role.

“I’ve alway been interested in law enforcement, you just never know what’s coming next. There’s something new every day,” he said.

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By Nick Pedley

Kevin, left, Nole, on truck, and Larry Erickson, right, are three generations on the Coulter Fire Department. Kevin and Larry’s experience combines for 77 years of service to the unit, while Nole joined the crew as a junior fireman in October 2012.

(Photo by Nick Pedley, Hampton Chronicle)

FIRST Gabrielson Agency

The commitment and loyalty of one father-son duo has sparked an interest in a third generation on the Coulter Fire Department.

Larry, 70, Kevin, 46, and Nole Erickson, 16, created quite a unique trio last October when Nole joined the CFD as a junior fireman. The position allows Nole to gain hands-on experience in battling fires from his father, grandfather and others on the squad. With the addition of Nole, almost one-fifth of the 16-member Coulter Fire Department is now comprised of Ericksons.

“Being around it my whole life pretty much had me interested,” said Nole.

“I’ve liked everything so far.”

Nole’s duties with the CFD are limited because he’s not 18, but that hasn’t stopped him from seeing some action.

He accompanied the CFD to a barn fire in January and also helped track the June 12 storm that dropped a handful of tornadoes throughout Franklin County.

“Basically, he’s a gofer,” said Larry.

“He can put out hose and other stuff when we go on calls, but he can’t actual-

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ly fight the fire because of insurance reasons. He can do pretty much everything except run into a burning building.”

He’s gaining experience, but it’s going to take Nole quite some time before he gets to the same level as his grandpa and dad. The father-son twosome have 77 years of combined service on the CFD. Larry started in 1964 after his father-in-law pursuaded him and Kevin started in 1985 following his father’s encouragement. Larry’s been the department’s chief since 1980.

“Back when I first started, all we pretty much wore was a rubber raincoat,” said Larry. “We couldn’t really even go into the fire, so we just fought it from the outside.”

Larry highlighted many other evolutions in equipment and training procedures that have happened during his tenure on the CFD. Helmets, respirators, air tanks, fire suits and other innovations have helped make the job much safer and effective in the modern age, he said.

“Now that I look back, it’s really kind of funny. We used to have a 150-gallon truck—which isn’t much—that Howard Brown used to operate when we’d go

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out on calls. If he thought you were using too much water, he’d cut you off,” Larry said with a chuckle. “Now imagine doing something like that today?”

The times have changed, but the mission remains the same. Kevin explained volunteers have to dedicate more time towards improving skills and staying informed of new firefighting methods.

“There’s a lot that goes into it that people probably don’t think about. We take a lot of training and certification, which takes up some time,” he said.

That dedication to serving the community has rubbed off on Nole. He said he was eager to get more experience under his belt and looked forward to earning his certification once he turns 18. According to Larry, the department thrives on the commitment of local volunteers.

“We do pretty good for a town our size. A lot of people, they might not originally be from here or they rent, so I don’t think they think about joining something like the fire department,” he said. “But it’s something that needs to be done, and there’s a little bit of pride in that, I think.”

Thank you everyday heroes!

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fire, rescue & enforcement

Hampton Chronicle • Sheffield Press • Pioneer Enterprise

Aredale FIRE DEPARTMENT

(L-R): Dan Ufford, assistant fire chief Mike Allen, Jered Lupkes, John Zimmerman, Jess Sprung, fire chief Keith Tranel, Mary Ellen Sprung, Donna Rowson, Dale Allen, Ricky Freerks. Not pictured: Dustin Cole, training officer Don Sprung, Tim Evans, Pete Johnson.

Bristow FIRE DEPARTMENT

(L-R) Front row: Wendy Terpstra, Brad Lewis, chief Shane Schipper, Cheryl Palmer, Justin Strickler. Back row: Jason Rieken, Mark Bangasser, Colby Bangasser, training officer Paul Reints, D.J. Palmer, Brad Rindels. Not pictured: Chad Hansen, Deana Hansen, assistant chief Gary Lewis, Jason Lewis, Curt Lewis, Vicky Rients, Josh Rieken, Deb Reuter.

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Ackley FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) First row, sitting: Adam Harms, Kendall Meyer, Tim Eichmeier, Nathan Kappel, Clarence Schipper, Steve Scallon. Second row, on a knee: Jesse Willms, Brandon Hofmeister, Dave Kappel, Galen Daniels, Kevin Meyer. Third row, standing: Dan Scallon, Jim Eichmeier, Jon Forgy, Joel Groenwald, Norbert Boyle, Jake Harms, Dean Willms, Brenda Ulfers, Joe Wessels, Dave Abbas, Jack Boelman, Kurt Meyer, Joe Hunt, Rick Krull, Mike Abbas, Kent Meyer, Mike Fistler. Not pictured: Joe Bonewitz. (Photo

by Photography by Kendall)

Ackley VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE

(L-R) Front Row: Rodney Diemer, Joan Frazier, Lorna Heetland, Beth Claussen, Chris Richtsmeier. Back row: Rick Heetland, John Humke, Kenny Reed, Cassie Heetland, Sandy Scallon, Theresa Scholte. Not pictured: Denise Richtsmeier. (Photo by Becky Schipper - AWJ)

Ackley Police Chief is Jeff Harnish

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

fire, rescue & enforcement

Hampton Chronicle • Sheffield Press • Pioneer Enterprise

Sheffield FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Front row: Chris Noss, JW Allen, J.C. McCaslin, Ira Deam, Calvin Primus, Dan Fields. Back row: Ben Moore, Jeff Rooney, Josh Showalter, Scott Conlon, Don Thorson, Dick Brown, David Levitt. Not pictured: Jason Arndt, Mike Barnes, Sean Cameron, Jerry Donnenwerth, Chris Janssen, Tony Laudner, James Robbins, Todd Shreckengost, Kyle Winter.

(Photo by Jill McCaslin)

(L-R) Sheffield Police Chief Ed Hanig, Deputy Jeremy Dodge.

Sheffield EMT’S (L-R) Front row: Doug Brady, Jim Hegarty, Beth Janssen, Nancy Retz, Patty Kothenbeutel. Back row: Erin Suntken, Judy Siems, Justin Verhalen, Cheryl Larson, Jamie Stanbrough, Doug Weiland.

Not Pictured: Lori Sprung.

Rockwell Police Chief Rick Whitney.

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Rockwell FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Front row: Rick Pearce, Mark Lowe, Brad Meyer, Tony Laudner, Spencer Nielsen and Dave Laudner. Back row: Dave Severin, chief Kenny Nielsen, Bill Ames, Ryan Hansen and Ryan Bonner.

Not pictured: Adam Wedmore, Jay Siefken, Gary Akins, Keven Swenson, Dan Hrubetz, Dave Sheriff, Jeremy Hitzhusen, Todd Henricks and Ben Gaffney. (Photo by Nick Pedley)

Rockwell - Swaledale EMT’S (L-R) Front row: Jim Reed, vice president Gary Akin and Tony Furbush. Back row: Angie Furbush, Lisa Schultz, Janelle Nuehring and Lori Sprung. Not pictured: Sue Adams, Carrie Brown, Jen Brown, Wyatt Brown, Tim Cahalan, Val Conklin, Chad Fessler, secretary/treasurer Jenny Grant, Brad Meyer, Nicole Meyer, Margaret Nash, Abbey Pitzenberger, Heidi Van Horn, service director Adam Wedmore and Marsha Wedmore.

(Photo by Nick Pedley)

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

fire, rescue & enforcement

Hampton Chronicle • Sheffield Press • Pioneer Enterprise

Meservey FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Front row: Assitant chief Ben Allbee, Ben Allbee Jr., chief Jon Kaduce, Chris Kaduce, training officer Jordan White, John Barker, Kalin Kuhlers.

Back row: Wayne Koehler, assistant chief Todd Lauen, Leon Wiemann, Keith Johnson, Chris Gatton, Matthew Koehler Not pictured: Kent Pals, Julie Kaduce, Tom Weide, Darwin Weide, Frank Uhde.

Swaledale FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Front row: Spencer Nielsen, Dustin Hanson, Dennis Hoppman, and Dan Anderson. Back row: Travis Highley, Chad Folkers, Ryan Bonner, Ben Gaffeney, And Chief Blain Wilson.

Not pictured: Adam Wedmore, Greg Meir, Chad Fessler, Alex Kirschbaum, and Ryan Hansen.

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

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Thornton FIRE DEPARTMENT (L-R) Front row: Training officer Richard Halsue, assistant chief Mike Younge, 1st assistant chief Shelby Steenhard, chief Mark Nelson. Back row: Rob Schmidt, Mike Jensen, secretary Brian Crowell, Aaron VanLaugen, training officer Matt Procter, Storm Holze, Bob Patten. Not pictured: Scott Engebretson, Chad Fessler, Alex Watt, Brian Mullenbruch.

Thornton EMT’S (L-R) Mike Jensen, president Wayne Koehler, Connie Stadtlander, Tracy Patten, Betty Jensen, vice president Tonya Uhde. Not pictured: Mark Nelson, Matt Proctor, Rhonda Younge, and Chad Fessler.

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fire, rescue & enforcement

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

FIRE FIGHTERS, city benefit from controlled burn

By Jeff Forward Hampton Chronicle

The fire served two purposes for the city – as a training exercise on a live fire for members of the fire department but also as a way for the city to destroy an “eye-sore” condemned property it had taken possession of.

“It’s probably about the best training you can get because it’s a real, live fire,” said Hampton Fire Chief Kent Wilkinson. “We get the older guys showing the younger guys what to do; it’s a lot of good training.”

A large crowd of fascinated Hampton residents gathered on July 29 in the south part of the city to watch local firefighters burn down an abandoned house as part of a training exercise.

The controlled burn fire was conducted by members of the Hampton Fire Department at an abandoned house in the 400 block of First Street Southwest.

Hampton Chronicle • Sheffield Press • Pioneer Enterprise

Wilkinson said fires such as the one on July 29 allow his firefighters to practice important techniques such as rescue in a burning structure, use of power saws and tools, and fire truck set-up and correct usage of water hoses to battle a residential blaze.

“We send the guys in there with their airpacks on and the thermal imaging,” Wilkinson added. “We have one of the firemen go in there and hide in the fire and we find him and drag him out.”

Wilkinson said about 20 of the department’s 23 volunteer firefighters took part in the practice burn. The fire was started at about 6 p.m. and the whole exercise was completed by about 8:15 p.m.

“They get to see how everything goes and how fast it burns,” Wilkinson added.

“Plus we have to run the trucks and the hoses and water.”

The burning down of the house also served another purpose – eliminating an “eye-sore” property that had been abandoned and been acquired by the city.

Hampton City Manager Ron Dunt said this isn’t the first time the city has burned down an abandoned

and condemned home and he wishes that the city had the money to do more.

“The city owns it. It was an abandoned property and needed to be destroyed,” Dunt said of the 400 First St. S.W. house. “It’s kind of a dual benefit. It gets rid of an eye-sore and the fire department gets training.”

Dunt said that the burning of the home was approved by the Hampton City Council. The property was a foreclosed home and the city pursued ownership under Chapter 657 (a) of the Iowa Code, which allows for abandoned properties to be acquired by local cities.

With an estimated 20 to 30 homes in similar condition, Dunt said he’d be happy to be able to burn all of them to the ground.

“It’d be nice in a fantasy world to burn down all these down,” Dunt said.

“Put in nice lawns and sell them. But in reality, it takes money. It costs money and it takes money away from the (city’s) general fund.

You have to do them as you can afford it.”

“We’d love to do what we can to remove these problem properties, but it does cost money,” Dunt added. “We just can’t afford to acquire these properties.”

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