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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 NUMBER 44, 155TH YEAR
Glandon seeks election for first full term Casey Hinnah runs
Sigourney Christian Church
A soup supper will be hosted at the Sigourney Christian Church on November 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sponsored by CWF. Free will offering.
Sigourney Health Care News
Thursday, Nov. 3 Christian Communion w/ Pastor Shannon 10 a.m. Public is invited. Thursday, Nov. 3 sing along Gospel Music w/ Alice Menne 2 p.m. Public is invited.
Fish Fry at Knights of Columbus Hall
A Fish Fry will be served at Knights of Columbus Hall in Harper on Friday, Nov. 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free will offering
Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa Enrollment Event
Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa (VNS of Iowa) will be hosting an enrollment event to provide assistance to individuals enrolling in the health insurance marketplace. The event will be held at Sigourney Public Library from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4. Call 515-2881516 to schedule an appointment. Walkins accepted, but may be rescheduled for a later date.
By CJ Eilers News Editor When Doug Glandon joined the Sigourney City Council at the behest of Terry Hollingsworth, Glandon knew he was on the same page as the former mayor on many issues. Both men wished to clean up the properties around Sigourney and to make the city a decent place to live and visit. They revised descriptions for positions within city employment and bracketed wages to keep good employees with the City. Spending taxes wisely was heavy on their minds. Glandon was selected Mayor Pro-Tempore by Hollingsworth for these reasons. When Hollingsworth passed away suddenly in December of last year, Glandon assumed the title and responsibilities of mayor of Sigourney. Even in a role he didn’t expect to take, Glandon believes the work hasn’t changed. “I have always believed everyone should take their turn in service, whether it be in government, community or leadership,” Glandon said. “Sure, there are times when the calls you get in a day may be rough and sometimes this
Mayor Doug Glandon is seeking his first full term as Mayor of Sigourney for the November 8 election. Photo submitted by Angie Alderson. job does take more than what you can fit in a week, but we’re fortunate to have great employees to help balance the work.” Since he was not elected as mayor, Glandon is required to run for office on November 8, despite not having an opponent on the ballot. Voters may write in names for the election. Although Glandon knows the mayor is a vital role in the community, he insists that the day-to-day operation of the city wouldn’t be possible without the employees and City Council playing their part.
“I don’t see this as me running everything,” Glandon said. “I make my opinion heard and hope to make the right decision for the city.” The issues relevant to Glandon two years ago still remain the same; especially keeping Sigourney clean for its residents and visitors. Street cleanings are done weekly on Mondays, funds generated from the Local Options Sales and Service Tax (LOSST) have continued to go to street projects, and more inspections of rental properties have taken place to ensure quality and cleanliness. Glandon and the Waste Water Committee raised sewer rates to collect funds for the new sewer lagoon improvements, which will include an underwater filter that measures 24 feet wide and 300 feet long. The decision to raise rates sooner rather than later was to build reserves an avoid an increase later. “We want us to be efficient with our dollars while trying to improve our city,” Glandon said. “People that come into town see our clean streets and are attracted to the look, and they want to bring business here.”
Morlan runs for city council
Sigourney Lions Club Pancake Supper
By CJ Eilers News Editor Jim Morlan will run to keep his At-Large seat with the Sigourney City Council on November 8, intent on making a positive difference in a community he feels at home in. Morlan joined the council in March of this year, taking Doug Glandon’s seat after he became Mayor of Sigourney in February. Months before taking a spot with the council, Morlan was familiarizing himself with the very people he’d work with by attending council meetings as a member of the public. “I wanted to be more involved in my community,” Morlan said. “I’m retired, so I had the time to listen and wanted to see for myself what was talked about at these meetings. Since I was the only member of the public at these meetings, I would give any suggestions I could, and the council came to know me.” The council encouraged Morlan to consider running for the empty At-Large council member seat, for which he wrote a letter to do so and was accepted as the newest councilmember. Morlan knew he would have to later be elected, but concentrated his time and effort into
Delta Neighbors Sports Night
Goldman seeks to be re-elected for County Recorder
Keswick American Legion Soup Supper
The Keswick American Legion will host a Soup Supper on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free will offering
Packwoood Christian Church Harvest Home Supper
Packwood Christian Church is having their annual Harvest Home Supper on Saturday Nov. 5, 2016, serving from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free will offering accepted.
Holy Trinity Harvest Dinner
Holy Trinity’s Parish in Keota will be serving a harvest dinner on Sunday, November 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free will offering.
The Sigourney Lions Club will host their annual pancake supper on election night on Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Center.
This event will take place at Delta Neighbors Gas and Grill. Nov. 12-Sports Night (wear your favorite team apparel) Continued on page 2
In This Issue Church Calendar............. Pg. 5 Classifieds.................. Pg. 6, 7 Obituaries........................... 3 Opinion/Editorial............ Pg. 4 Local........... Pg. 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13 Records........................ Pg. 8, 9 Sports.......... Pg. 13, 14, 15, 16 Tri County Tribune.........Pg. 12
Responses Submitted Tell us about yourself and your family. I am the daughter of Donna Paarman and the late Don Paarman, with strong family ties to the community. I am very proud to be almost a life-long resident of Keokuk County (except for a few years after high school) and feel privileged to have raised my family here. I am the proud mother of four children - Heather, Tyler, Bryce, Rylee, and a grandson, Jaden. How long have you been Recorder for Keokuk County? I was appointed as Keokuk County Recorder as of December 15, 2014, after Melissa Bird resigned. This was a very smooth transition, having held the position of Deputy Recorder for 8 years. I feel blessed to be part of a unified courthouse family. What accomplishments have
Jim Morlan of Sigourney learning about his new position. “I’m still new, so I still ask a lot questions, but I feel my opinion matters even if it might not be right at that time,” Morlan said. “I’ve been impressed about how well the council works together. Everyone is so level-headed and I enjoy working with them.” No opponent is listed against Morlan on the ballot, but he feels getting his voice and ear out to the public remains important. Since taking office, Morlan has attended community events to support local causes, attended conferences for city officials covering various topics, and talks with residents about city
Dawn Goldman, Keokuk County Recorder. Photo submitted. you made? 1) I have completed a 3-year certification course in 18 months to become a certified Recorder. 2) Our office is in the process of indexing and scanning Court Officer Deeds that are held in the Auditor’s office, as well as, indexing and scanning recorder office records (mortgages, deeds,
concerns. Most recently, Morlan attended Sigourney Fire Department’s annual breakfast to support the local firemen. “My goals are to serve the community, continue to educate myself on how to be a better councilman, and to be open minded to different ideas,” Morlan said. “I take my vows seriously. I want to help solve whatever issues that comes to my attention by listening to people and evaluating their situation.” Issues important to Morlan include keeping the streets of Sigourney properly maintained, continuing to work together as a city council, and addressing the needs of the new lagoon upgrades. He also wishes to continue attending events to listen to what people have to say, and encourages anyone to approach him about issues they find important. Morlan currently serves on the Water and Wastewater Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Public Safety Committee. He lives in Sigourney with his wife of 48 years, Nancy, and previously was a CAD Designer for Nielsen-Baumbert Engineering in Omaha, NE.
releases, etc...) back to 1976. This will greatly help with the preservation of the records and make them more accessible to researchers, surveyors and the general public. 3) I am very proud to have hired 2 new employees that have had to learn the broad spectrum of duties in the office and help me provide wonderful customer service. What are your plans for the future years? I will continue to attend (as well as other office personnel) the educational trainings that keeps the office up to date on new legislation and changes that affect our daily duties and responsibilities. We are also currently in the process of discussing an upgrade for the real estate software. We will always strive to provide knowledgeable, accurate, and friendly customer service.
unopposed for Keokuk County Sheriff
Article Submitted I am a lifelong resident of Keokuk County and live on the family farm with my wife, Morgan and our 4 children—Harpyr, Maddyn, Gunnyr and Kannyn. I have worked at the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office since 2000 holding the positions as Reserve Deputy, Deputy Sheriff and Chief Deputy prior to proudly serving as Sheriff the last 4 years. I am a graduate of Sigourney Schools and continued my education at Indian Hills Community College in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State in Sociology. I enjoy working on the family farm and spending time with my wife and children Since becoming Sheriff, the demand for changes in technology has changed and I have worked to equip each patrol vehicle with in-car cameras for better evidence in criminal prosecution and also to alleviate liability towards the department and county. Each patrol vehicle has a lap top computer, which allows the deputy to be able to work more from their patrol vehicle and be able to have access to a statewide network, which allows them to have instant communication to surrounding counties and Iowa State Patrol. The capabilities of the system provide a higher level of safety and awareness with the ability to communicate with these other agencies. Through the outpouring donation support of our community members, we have recently purchased a K-9 named “Hux” who is a big asset to our department. We have been monitoring the sex offenders in our county more closely with more compliance checks and training for staff.
Casey Hinnah, Keokuk County Sheriff. Photo submitted. We have been able to apply for and receive a grant in the last 2 years for help with the purchase of bullet-proof vests for our deputies. We have also applied and received grant money from the Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation the last 3 years for help with the purchase of new radio repeaters and our K-9, Hux. We are also involved with the sTEP program and Tobacco Compliance Program with the State of Iowa which helps us with purchasing equipment for the department. If elected, I will continue to keep updated with continual changes of technology in law enforcement within the means of our yearly budget and through any available grants. Keokuk County Jail is in early stages of implementing a program used widely in the State of Iowa called Jail Diversion, which helps keep individuals from reentering the criminal justice system, which can save money. I will also insure that our staff keeps up with all trainings and classes in all aspects of law enforcement.
Board of Supervisors vacate two properties during weekly meeting By CJ Eilers News Editor The Keokuk County Board of Supervisors met for their weekly meeting on Monday, Oct. 31, where they held two public meetings to vacate properties in the county. The first property is “a portion of road record No. 576 located in Section 1, Township 74N, range 11W, more particularly described as all that part of 275th Avenue from the South Skunk River north to the south right of way line of 280th street.” Landowners wished to set up a fence to keep out poachers and mud runners, which required the land be vacated. The Board approved vacating the land. The second property is located “in Section 36, Township 75N, range 11W and in Section 1, Township 74N, range 11W, more particularly described as all that part of road No. 386 from the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of the SW quarter of Section 36, T75N, R11W; thence east 1095’.”According to the Board, the land was already farmed and long considered vacated. It was brought to their attention that the property was actually considered county road, and the Board formally vacated the land. Keokuk County Engineer Andy McGuire met with the Board
to discuss moving up a bridge replacement project on 170th Street, east of What Cheer. Originally slated for replacement in 2018, McGuire felt the county had the time and material to do this project now. McGuire will search for a contract, and the beginning letting date is set at Nov. 14. After further discussion of the county offices adopting the Tyler 10 Software, a real estate software program, the Board vote two to one not to implement the system. The software would have cost $176,000 over two to three years. According to Supervisor Deke Wood, the system is too expensive for the county at the moment. The quote given to the Board will remain in effect for a year. Deputy Recorder Kristen Tool was approved for a wage increase of two and a half percent by the Board on the recommendation of County Recorder Dawn Goldman. The Board also met with Anna Bruen, the RC and D Director for Pathfinders. The organization is a 501(C)3 that connects community with resources for projects. Supervisor Deke Wood is a member of Pathfinders, which was why Bruen made her visit to the board meeting. Board members and Bruen discussed the possibility of using Pathfinders to search for grants for the Belva Deer Trail project.