Coon Rapids
LATEST NEWS
Four Local Graduates Awarded IHCA Foundation Scholarships To Pursue Healthcare Careers
Four local high school seniors are among the 110 Iowans who received a scholarship from the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation to pursue a career working in a long-term care facility. Last week, the IHCA Foundation announced over $300,000 in scholarship funding to current long-term care employees seeking further education and training, along with high school students, veterans, and Iowa residents in rural communities looking to join the healthcare profession. Over 240 applications were received, with the IHCA Foundation Board of Directors reviewing the applicant’s experience, recommendations, and future education and career goals to determine the winners of scholarships. Brynn Bass, who works at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, and Eyon Steffensen, employed at Exira Care Center in Exira, are the recipients of the $4,000 John W. and Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship, to pursue an RN degree. A $2,000 MonilaCares High School Scholarship was awarded to Halie Rath, Kuemper Catholic High School, and Emma Meyers from the South Central Calhoun Community School District, who are both currently enrolled in some level of nursing degree, with interest in working in a long-term care facility. IHCA Foundation Program Director Natalie Thompson says, “We commend this year’s scholarship recipients for their dedication to this noble profession. Your work is truly invaluable, and we look forward to seeing the positive difference you will undoubtedly make in the lives of many.” Seven scholarship opportunities are available through the IHCA Foundation, all made possible through donors’ contributions.
Carroll City Council Approves Final Reading, Adopts Amended Fencing Materials Ordinance
The Carroll City Council formally adopted an ordinance amendment at its July 22 meeting that sets standards for permanent fence construction in city limits. The issue first came to the council’s attention last month after officials received complaints from residents about the use of wooden pallets as fencing materials. The adopted ordinance specifies that fences must be constructed using “traditional” materials with “a clean, finished appearance” and bars the use of pallets, scrap lumber, scrap metal, snow fencing, or any other materials not designed for fence construction. Fire Chief and Building Department Official Dan Hannasch says there has been little feedback from the public concerning this change.
Greene Co Historical Society to Explore Unique History of Russell Park in Jefferson
Following the Greene County Fair earlier this month, the Greene County Historical Society is picking up its normal monthly programs again. August’s program takes place Friday, August 2nd at Central Christian Church in Jefferson about the history of Russell Park in Jefferson. The presenter will be Mikki Schwartzkopf and she will talk about how the 20-lot land was a swamp before the landowner, Judge JJ Russell gave the property to the city in 1901. The swamp was drained in 1903 and an Omaha landscape architect did the design and planting of the then new park.
Jefferson Police Chief Grateful for Area Businesses Helping with an Alleged Theft Investigation
The Jefferson Police Department is currently investigating a theft case through the help of several area businesses. Police Chief Mark Clouse says on July 16th, Tri-County Lumber reported at least 150 bundles of shingles were missing. Officer Mark Wolterman tells Raccoon Valley Radio after his initial evidence collecting at the scene of Tri-County, he determined that the alleged truck that was used went past Fairview Veterinary Clinic.
Mannel hired as ISU Extension regional director
Lori Mannel of Jefferson has accepted the position of regional director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach serving Carroll, Greene, Boone and Guthrie counties in central Iowa. As regional director, Mannel will provide administrative leadership to county extension office staff and guidance to county extension councils. Mannel was most recently the county director for ISU Extension and Outreach Greene County. Mannel earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake.
With Less Than A Month Until School, New IKM-Manning Superintendent Excited To Be Serving The District
With the many projects scheduled for the IKM-Manning School District this summer, the new superintendent, Dr. Angela Huseman, has been busy ensuring everything is ready for the 2024-25 school year. Huseman was selected earlier this year as a shared superintendent between the IKM-Manning and Tri-Center School Districts, replacing former Superintendent Trevor Miller, who will now oversee the Exira-EHK and Audubon Community School District. Huesman, a Carroll native who graduated from Carroll High School in 1985, wasn’t thinking of pursuing a degree in education, but looking back, she realized it was her calling.
The Fourth Annual Bikers For Backpacks Ride Is Scheduled For This Weekend
This Saturday will mark the fourth annual Bikers for Backpacks ride, helping local students get new supplies before the start of the new school year. Amber Becker, owner of Amber the Barber/The Grooming Company, started this event after wanting to join a motorcycle fun run but thought instead of hosting one. Knowing that motorcycle rides were typically fundraisers, she decided to raise money to help students in the area get new school supplies and be successful in their academic careers. The event kept getting more popular throughout the years, with the first year starting with ten motorcycles, which increased to 40 bikes, 70 people total, the following year. Every year, Bikers for Backpacks raises around $1200, which purchases a dozen students with their complete school supply list, including a new backpack. Any extra donated funding goes to local schools to put towards lunch accounts or buy additional supplies for teachers to use in their classrooms. Becker hopes this year, even more individuals will come out to ride and help even more kids. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. at The Grooming Company/Amber the Barber shop at 201 W 4th St. in Carroll. Kickstands will be up at 11:30 a.m., with the route map given to riders during sign-up. The cost will be $20 for a driver, with an additional $5 for a passenger. There is a $200 cash prize drawing for all those who participate. Again, the fourth annual Bikers for Backpacks ride will be held this Saturday, departing at 11:30 a.m. at the Grooming Company/Amber the Barber shop.
Carroll City Council Considers Options For Fire-Damaged NW Park Shelter House
The Carroll City Council is working to determine how to proceed with restoration work after a fire destroyed the shelter house in Northwest Park last month. JEO Consulting examined the structure to determine if it could be salvaged, and the JEO engineer, William Murphy, says the damage was extensive. The...
Classic in Carroll: Remsen St. Mary’s outlasts Newman Catholic 7-4 in IHSAA Baseball State Tournament Record 14 innings
CARROLL, Iowa (KCAU) – The #3 Remsen St. Mary’s Hawks outlasted #2 Newman Catholic thanks to a trio of runs in the top of the 14th inning, moving on to the 1A State Championship game with a 7-4 victory in an IHSAA Baseball State Tournament record 14-inning game. Braxton Kneip totaled three hits in the […]
Randy Edeker rose from courtesy clerk to top of Hy-Vee. Now he's leaving after 43 years
In a career that took him from part-time courtesy clerk in the Chariton store in 1981 to CEO and chairman of the board of Iowa’s largest employer, Randy Edeker will officially retire from Hy-Vee on July 31 after 43 years with the company. Edeker was elected president of the company by stockholders in 2009 and named chairman of the board and CEO in 2012. In 2022, Edeker transitioned to executive chairman of the board, the position from...
Flanagan: Iowans seeking abortions are welcome in Minnesota
(Bloomington, MN) — Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan says Iowans who need an abortion should be aware that they are welcome in Minnesota. Flanagan took a tour of the Whole Women’s Health Alliance facility in Bloomington yesterday. After the tour, Flanagan extended the invitation to Iowans, saying their “good...
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