News

By PHIL MONSON
On a recent evening in early August, Jerrod and Emily Lane reflected on the challenges they’ve faced over the past two years.
Career changes. A battle with cancer. Raising a young family and finally seeing their dream home become a reality.
Their new home, located at 2045 260th Street, southwest of Humboldt, features modern amenities, lots of living space and yet is nestled among the trees on a site that has been in the family for generations.
As they looked around their new home, it brought smiles to their faces. A sense of accomplishment and most of all, gratitude.

By KENT THOMPSON
The city of Humboldt has reached a settlement agreement with former police officer Susan Rutz. The action came after a 15-minute closed session at the conclusion of Monday night’s Humboldt City Council meeting.
Rutz was a Humboldt police officer for a period of three years and five months. She was placed on paid administrative leave on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. She was terminated on Friday, March 3, 2023, after an in-house investigation into Rutz’s actions and subsequent suspension.
Rutz, through Teamsters, Local 238 business agent Artie Jones, filed a letter of grievance following her dismissal, alleging that she was wrongfully terminated without just cause.
Under the settlement agreement, the city agrees to make a payroll check in the amount of $5,000, with all payroll taxes deducted to compensate Rutz for her alleged damages.

By PHIL MONSON
A new football playing surface on Mason Maach Field at Humboldt High School has been a topic of discussion for several years.
After action by the Humboldt School Board Monday night (Sept. 18), look for a new, natural grass turf field to become a reality for the 2024 season.
The board voted unanimously to hire Beck Engineering at a cost of $23,000 to provide the design and construction administration services for reconstructing the grass football field.
Construction work would take place during the months of April and May with the new turf grass to be in place by June 1 of next year.
“We will reduce the crown of the field so it is more suitable for playing soccer. It would also be re-centered,” Humboldt School Superintendent Jim Murray said.
Read more about building projects and school finances in this week's Humboldt Independent, your trusted source for local news and sports.

By APRIL KELLEY
The Reasoner Dam was once again the hot topic during the regular Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, Sept. 11 at the Humboldt County Courthouse.
Humboldt County Conservation Director, Todd Lee along with Board members Tate Satern, TC Loving, Mary Miner and Bob Rasmussen attended the meeting to present their proposal to the Board of Supervisors to attempt one more time to either repair or replace the Reasoner dam.
“It’s been four years since the Conservation Board started looking at options as far as what to do with the dam. On a personal note, I’ve been involved in different committees and groups that have been looking at what to do with that dam since 2004,” Lee continued.
“As you are aware the board has consulted with multiple different experts and engineers in the field and the board remains firm in their recommendation to you to pursue option two,” Lee said.

By KENT THOMPSON
Whether he’s in his combine or the voice on the other end of the line of an emergency call, Tim Terwilliger doesn’t get too excited.
As a dispatch supervisor for the Humboldt County Law Enforcement Center, he can’t.
As a farmer who is concerned about conservation and leaving a lasting legacy, he doesn’t want to.
The old adage of staying calm, cool and collected fits the Corinth Township farmer well.
Read about Terwilliger's life in farming and emergency services in this week's Humboldt Independent's salute to soybean farmers.

Special to the Independent
By Elaine Hood
Did you know that the Berkhimer Bridge, the oldest bridge in Humboldt County, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75336613)?
Two Humboldt brothers, Keith and John Berkhimer, are the lone namesake descendants of the Berkhimer family. The bridge, located west of Union Cemetery, was named in honor of their great grandfather Mathias Berkhimer.
It took Mathias Berkhimer six years and a seat on the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors before receiving a petition to have a bridge built over the West Fork of the Des Moines River in 1898. Read about the story in this week's Humboldt Independent.

By KENT THOMPSON
An Algona man is in custody today following the fatal shooting of an Algona police officer.
On Wednesday, Sept. 13, at approximately 7:53 p.m., Officer Kevin Cram, 33, of the Algona Police Department was on patrol duty in the city of Algona when he was made aware of an active arrest warrant for Kyle Ricke.
The arrest warrant was for harassment in Palo Alto County. Officer Cram knew of a possible location for Ricke and headed to that area. Officer Cram was in the 1100 block of S. Minnesota Street in Algona when he observed Kyle Lou Ricke, 43. After advising Ricke he was going to be placed under arrest, Ricke shot Officer Cram. Officer Cram was located by other officers and EMS, and taken to the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona where he was pronounced deceased.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office have received notice that the Gilmore City area may be experiencing 911 issues. If you are having trouble reaching emergency services, please use the administrative number (515) 332-2600 to contact the sheriff’s office. Notice sent 09-11-23, 3:24 p.m.

By APRIL KELLEY
When Kenzie Besch married her husband, Wernich Van Heerden, better known as Van, she chose to have the protea flower as her wedding flower.
Protea flowers only grow naturally in the southern hemisphere but most notably in South Africa. They range in size from a small shrub to a 25-foot tall tree. The flowers are showy, long lasting, and tough. They typically have bright beautiful colors.
Van Heerden has been busy getting ready for her grand opening Sept. 14 – 16. Thursday hours will be 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday hours 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The grand opening will feature a build your own bloom bar from Dibble and Bloom, charcuterie rom Monse Charcuterie and Grazing Boards as well as samples and giveaways.

The filing deadline for city offices and school board of education seats for the November general election is Thursday, Sept. 21, at 5 p.m. in the county auditor’s office. Friday, Sept. 22 is the final day for public measures to be put on the ballot to be submitted.
Tuesday, Nov. 7, will be the general election.
Below is a list of city offices that will be on the ballot.
Bradgate — Mayor and two at-large council seats
Dakota City — Mayor and three council seats, all at large.
Gilmore City — Mayor and three open council seats and one council seat to fill a vacancy.
Hardy — Mayor and three open council seats.
Humboldt — Mayor and council seats in wards 1, 2 and 3, and an at-large seat (currently held by Jeff Harklau) to fill a vacancy. Harklau is currently filling out the unexpired term created by Mike Worthington’s passing last fall. Harklau’s will be a two-year term, the ward council seats will be for four years.