December 2022

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29
Dec
Thu
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Dec

Humboldt County weathers the storm


A vehicle traveling north out of Humboldt on Highway 169 emerges from the blowing snow and reduced visibility by the blizzard conditions when this photo was taken on Dec. 23. Warmer weather this week will be welcomed by area residents weary from the cold snap which brought snow and sub-zero conditions. Independent photo by Phil Monson.

By KENT THOMPSON
Cold temperatures, blowing snow and strong winds blanketed the county Thursday into Saturday morning, creating dangerous wind chills and hazardous conditions, Humboldt County Emergency Management Director Kyle Bissell reported.
The good news is that no serious accidents or injuries were reported due to the storm.
“There really wasn’t much in the county that was weather-related beyond some cars in the ditches and some stranded motorists. There were a few families that lost heat and there were four residents in Renwick that lost power for a period,” Bissell said.
“Overall, we were very lucky. In talking to the cities, the county people and other local stakeholders, people were prepared and most used good judgement by staying home and staying safe,” the county emergency manager said.

Thu
29
Dec

Bacon retires from Farm Bureau Insurance and Financial Services


Doug Bacon is ready to sit back and take it easy, something he hasn’t been able to do too much for the past 37-plus years. Bacon retired from Humboldt County Farm Bureau this month. He was honored with a retirement reception on Dec. 16. Humboldt Independent photo.

By KENT THOMPSON
The story of hometown boy makes good warms the heart, but the behind-the-scenes story can reveal that it took a lot of sweat and hard work to make that happy ending.
Doug Bacon has been an insurance agent for most of his adult life. When he retires from Farm Bureau Insurance and Financial Services in Humboldt this month, it marks the end of a 37-year and 2-month career with the organization, helping families and customers, some of the same ones Doug grew up with.
Doug’s longtime partner in the agency, Kent Mueller, has had a parallel path.
“I’m five months older than him and he started two months after me with the Farm Bureau agency in Boone County,” Doug said. “Later he went to Fort Dodge and Kent came here in 1991, and we’ve been working together since.” Read the full story in this week's Humboldt Independent. Subscribe for digital or print editions by clicking the link at the top of this page.

Wed
28
Dec

Lohaus signs with South Dakota


Tayeton Lohaus made it official last week when he signed a letter of intent to attend the University of South Dakota and play football for the Coyotes. He is shown here on signing day with Humboldt defensive coach Cole Goodenow (left) and Humboldt head coach Derrick Elman. Independent photo by Phil Monson.

By PHIL MONSON

Humboldt High senior Tayeton Lohaus, who emerged into one of the top defensive players in the state of Iowa in Class 3A football, last week signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of South Dakota (Vermillion) and play football for the Coyotes.

Lohaus made it official in a signing ceremony on Dec. 21. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder helped Humboldt compile a won-loss record of 21-3 over the last two seasons and advance to the semifinals of the state playoffs in 2021 and 2022.

“This feels really good knowing that the recruiting process is over and I’m looking forward to getting over there and attend a good university,” Lohaus said.

See full story in The Humboldt Independent. Subscribe today for print/digital access by selecting the link on this page to get started.

Wed
28
Dec
Thu
22
Dec

City of Humboldt issues snow emergency


The city of Humboldt has issued a snow emergency until Friday, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m. No vehicles may be parked on any city streets with the exception of Sumner Avenue in the Central Business District. No person shall park any vehicle on any street between the hours of 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. of any day during the months of December, January, February, and March, under city ordinance 69.11.

The city of Humboldt has declared a snow emergency until Friday, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m. This means no parking on any street except Sumner Avenue.

Thu
22
Dec

Travel not advised in Humboldt County Friday


Humboldt County Emergency Management Director Kyle Bissell reports only minimal weather-related incidents in the county during the past 24 hours. Travel is not advised as blowing snow and sub-zero temperatures create problems. Anyone who has to travel should have a winter survival kit in their vehicle, he said.

Cold temperatures and winds blanketed the county. Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday morning, Dec. 23, Humboldt County Emergency Management Director Kyle Bissell reports.
Dangerous windchills were noted. High winds with peak gusts of 45 miles an hour are hitting the county. Travel advisories were announced and updates for roadway conditions can be found on 511ia.org.
Emergency responders reported minimal weather-related incidents through the overnight. EMS, Humboldt Police, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and local fire departments remained ready and reported no issues for the operational period. Any vehicle that was involved in an incident was marked as searched by the responding law enforcement agency.
Local law enforcement will continue to respond to calls as needed, but there may be delays due to weather conditions. There is currently no tow ban in effect for Humboldt County.

Thu
22
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Dec

School Board explores vocational offerings


Middle School Principal Cassie Smith is pictured with Griffin Groat, one of the eighth grade students recognized as a "Student of the Quarter." Qualifications for receiving the recognition include: 1) student must exemplify what it means to be a Humboldt Wildcat. 2) must display the PBIS/CATS expectations. Grace Harms and Levi Frerk both won honors in the fifth grade class while sixth grade students recognized include Zoe Wirtz and Thayden Brockman. In the seventh grade, Caleb Vinsand and Mia Sorensen were recognized. Eighth graders recognized include Adelyn Vinsand and Griffin Groat.

By PHIL MONSON
To help meet the demand for educating a skilled workforce, the Humboldt Community School District is looking at meeting those needs through expanded class offerings.
That was the message during an in-depth discussion at the board’s regular monthly meeting Monday night, Dec. 19.
Board member Shane Davis began the discussion after reporting on his trip to the Waterloo Career Center with Humboldt school officials last week.
“It was mind-blowing in what they have set up over there. They offer culinary, welding, electrical, plumbing, machining, general carpentry, graphic design, cyber security, emergency medical technician and nursing,” Davis said.
See what opportunities lie ahead for Humboldt students by reading the full article in this week's Humboldt Independent. Subscribe by clicking on the link at the top of this page and read when you are missing.

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