News

The Humboldt Area Arts Council’s (HAAC) annual Sumner Sip & Stroll event will take place on Wednesday, May 30 this year.
It will be held from 5-8 p.m. rain or shine. People can register at the Humboldt Arts Center at 906 Sumner Avenue. Cost is $25 per person.
Participants will receive an engraved wine glass and a Sumner Stroll Card. They can then visit the downtown Humboldt locations listed on the Stroll Card to sample various wines and beer and have some snacks. Participants can watch for clues at each location and match the clues to the locations on the card. The completed Stroll Card can then be turned in back at the Arts Center by 8 p.m. to be entered to win a grand prize gift basket.

By KENT THOMPSON
The city of Humboldt, the mayor and members of the Humboldt City Council are receiving some public backlash following an action by Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl on Thursday, May 10, vetoing Council action on public funds being used for the establishment of an animal shelter in the city.
Scholl vetoed Humboldt Council action from its May 7 meeting, which approved a $4,250 expenditure toward the purchase of property north of the NEW Cooperative Elevator on 1st Avenue North for the purposes of an animal shelter. The property is in an open field and is heavily wooded on the north and east sides. The property at 305 1st Ave. N., is about 75-100 feet west of a portion of the Three Rivers Trail.
Mayor Scholl and Humboldt City Administrator Travis Goedken reported that they have received phone calls and e-mails objecting to the location, and city council members have also.

Saint Mary’s Parish and School hosted its 15th annual spring Gala fundraising event on Saturday, April 14. Gala 2018: A Masquerade Ball is an annual fundraiser for Saint Mary School, a preschool through grade six Catholic school in Humboldt. The Gala was held at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds featuring dinner, a live auction and a silent auction.
A mid-April blizzard hit the day of the Gala and despite winter weather, over 175 people attended and more than $100,100 was raised. The 2018 Gala was one of the most successful in the 15-year history.
The Rev. Dan Guenther remarked, “I was extremely pleased at the attendance on such a terrible weather day, and was very pleased with the true generosity of the people attending. I was very pleased with the great spirit of everyone, and the weather did not dampen the celebration within!” Read the full story and see more photos in this week's Humboldt Independent.

By KENT THOMPSON
Following more than one hour of discussion from many of the two dozen county residents in attendance, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved on first reading an ordinance that would regulate commercial/utility grade wind energy conversion systems (WECS), more commonly known as wind energy turbines.
The approval was the first step in the adoption of the ordinance, with a second reading scheduled for next Monday, probably toward the end of the agenda items to allow additional public input.
Nearly half of the 24 county residents at Monday’s meeting spoke on the matter. Several were opposed or wanted further setback distances or lower noise decibel levels. Others voiced support for the structures, seeing the possible development as a benefit to current landowners and future generations.

By KENT THOMPSON
Following action by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and the Humboldt City Council on Monday, it looked like the city and county would be one step closer to having a licensed animal shelter for stray or unwanted pets.
Both government entities agreed to a $4,250 expenditure ($8,500 total), in order to purchase property north of the NEW Cooperative elevator in Humboldt, for the location of an animal shelter facility.
The property is located at 305 1st Ave. N. in Humboldt, and is owned by Kelly and Larry Gonder.

By KENT THOMPSON
It used to be that the stoplights at the intersection of 5th Street and Sumner Avenue went into flashing amber or red mode overnight into the morning hours.
Now, the lights could be flashing just about any time of day.
There is also a problem with the stoplights at Taft Street North and 10th Avenue North. Those have also been on the fritz.
Humboldt City Administrator Travis Goedken said the issue with the lights at 5th Street and Sumner Avenue is an issue of timing sensors not “talking” to one another.
“The city street department has been working on the matter, but the lights are more than 30 years old and we can no longer get replacement parts,” Goedken said.
“We have priced out new equipment and it would cost $7,000 for each intersection. That doesn’t include the cost for new lights or a post, just the silver box (on the pole),” the city administrator said.

By Phil Monson
When Sadie Carver was a student at Humboldt High School, a series of injuries put a frustrating, early end to her athletic career.
But the talented, 2014 HHS graduate turned her focus to other areas and she has blossomed at Iowa State University in Ames studying in the Industrial Design program.
Carver, who will graduate next December, recently received honorable mention in the school’s Design Achievement Awards ceremony. She was one of six individual students to receive such honors.
She received her award for designing a knee brace that is being marketed by McDavid, a company which produces equipment for athletes dealing with injuries.
“I had a lot of injuries as an athlete in middle school and high school. I had my share of ACL knee injuries that cut my career short in sports,” Carver said. “Making that product was really close to home for me when I look back at my experience dealing with multiple knee injuries.”

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Sunday afternoon for a family who will have a new home later this summer or early fall.
Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity is building a home at 211 1st Avenue South in Humboldt (southeast of the Humboldt Family Aquatic Center). The homeowner will be Tracy Monson and her family.
Howard Hartman, Executive Director of Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity introduced Tracy and her children, Colton, Karson and MaKinley. He also introduced several people in attendance including State Representative Mike Sexton, Humboldt Mayor Dan Scholl as well as several board members of Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, there was a fundraiser pasta dinner served at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

By KENT THOMPSON
More than six months in the making, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved language changes in a commercial/utility grade wind tower ordinance and agreed to have the first reading of the ordinance at its Monday, May 7 meeting.
Citizens who would like to read the full 7.5-page ordinance are encouraged to do so. They may obtain a copy by contacting the Humboldt County Auditor’s Office on the main floor of the Humboldt County Courthouse, 203 Main St., Dakota City. People can also view the ordinance online at www.humboldtcountyia.org.
Applications for permits are to be filed with the Humboldt County zoning administrator, who will have 30 days to review the application and provide comment.

Effective Thursday, April 19 at 2:59 p.m., until further notice, a boil order has been issued for the city of Livermore in Humboldt County.
Residents are advised to bring all water to a boil, let it boil vigorously for at least one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.
Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Residents should also follow these helpful tips when a boil water advisory is issued:
• Throw away any ice made during a Boil Water Advisory. Freezing does not kill bacteria.
• Adults and teens can use water for bathing, but should be careful not to swallow water.
• Wash clothes as you normally do.
• Only use your dishwasher if there is a high temperature cycle.