News

Fri
22
Sep

Lanes build dream home in Humboldt


The Jerrod and Emily Lane family is shown here enjoying a restful evening outside of their new home in rural Humboldt. Pictured, from left: Jerrod, Athena, Brady, James and Emily Lane. Humboldt Independent photo by Kent Thompson.

A view of the open area where the living room, dining room and kitchen are located in the Jerrod and Emily Lane home in rural Humboldt. Humboldt Independent photo by Phil Monson.

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.

Fri
22
Sep

City agrees to settlement with former officer


The city of Humboldt has reached a settlement with former Police Officer Susan Rutz after Rutz filed a grievance on being terminated last spring. Humboldt Independent file photo.

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.

Fri
22
Sep

New turf planned for Mason Maach Field


The Humboldt Wildcat football team runs onto the field prior to a game earlier this season. At this week's school board meeting it was reported that the district will be taking bids for new turf at the field before next season. The Wildcats will host Hampton-Dumont tonight (Friday, Sept. 22) for homecoming, game time is 7 p.m.

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.

Thu
14
Sep

Supervisors asked to consider option 2 on dam, again


The Joe Reasoner Dam on the Des Moines River in Humboldt was the subject of more discussion and debate Monday, Sept. 11, at the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors' meeting as Board members clashed with County Conservation Board members.

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.

Thu
14
Sep

Calm conservationist Tim Terwilliger, combines professions


Humboldt’s Tim Terwilliger is pictured in one of his bean fields west of Humboldt. His beans were planted later than some in the area and had not turned color in late August. He was holding out hope that some much needed rain would come to help fill out the bean pods. Humboldt Independent photo by Kent Thompson.

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.

Thu
14
Sep

Berkhimer Bridge stands the test of time


You may know the Berkhimer Bridge on the west side of Humboldt, but do you know that John Berkhimer (left) and Arthur “Keith” Berkhimer (right) are the lone name descendants of the Berkhimer family? John, lives in Springvale Independent Living and Keith lives in Humboldt and Elaine Hood is his caretaker. Keith is 93 and John is 90. Submitted photo by Elaine Hood.

The one-lane plank wood deck Berkhimer Bridge on 215th Street west of the Humboldt city limits, is still in use today and receives a fair number of travelers on a given day. Humboldt Independent photo by Kent Thompson.

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.

Thu
14
Sep

Algona man arrested in fatal police shooting


Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram

Algona murder suspect Kyle Ricke

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.

Mon
11
Sep

Sheriff notification on GC 911 calls

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.

Fri
08
Sep

Protea Collective is a new kind of store


Kenzie Van Heerden and her family have been busy updating the former Caribbean Coffee House at 1010 13th Street North in Humboldt in order to open her new shop, the Protea Collective. The store’s grand opening will be held Sept. 14 – 16.

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.

Fri
08
Sep

Offices open for city and school elections


The 2023 general election for school board and city government candidates is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Nomination papers to run for office must be signed and have the appropriate number of signatures. They are due by Thursday, Sept. 21, at 5 p.m.

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.

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