December 2025

By PHIL MONSON
HUMBOLDT - At their regular meeting Monday night, Dec. 15, the Humboldt City Council discussed the idea of ending its 28E agreement for the Public Safety Commission and the Humboldt County Law Enforcement Center.

“We’ve had conversations in the past about how the public safety commission functions and the overall environment over there,” Humboldt City Administrator Cole Bockelmann said.

“What spurred this specific discussion was really some things that have taken place over the last month or two. We’ve had some city employees come to me with issues over the work environment over there (law enforcement center). Mainly because of things that aren’t from our employees. They are from county employees,” Bockelmann said.

“What I hope to give to you guys tonight is a high-level overview and start the conversation on what our next steps are going to be. I’m not here to bash on anybody in particular,” Bockelmann said.

Rich Shimon, age 59, of Livermore, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at his home in Livermore.
Richard Charles Shimon was born on Oct. 3, 1966, in Fort Dodge. He was the son of John and Bonnie (Flaherty) Shimon. Rich was raised in the Rolfe area and graduated from Rolfe High School in 1985. He went on to attend Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, where he earned a degree in Diesel Mechanics.
In 1987, Rich married Tammy Panbecker in Pocahontas. Though their marriage later ended, they were blessed with three children: Caleb, Kim and Cassie. Rich and Tammy moved to Texas, where he worked as both a mechanic and farm hand. In 1991, they returned to Iowa and settled in the Woodward area, where Rich was employed at Van Wall Equipment. They later moved to Humboldt in 1993, and Rich worked as a diesel mechanic at K.C. Nielsen for several years.

Bret Lee Davis, 67, of Humboldt, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 11 after a short illness. A funeral service was held on Monday, Dec. 15 at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel.
Bret was born in Iowa City, on Nov. 3, 1958, to Marvin Lee and Sonia (Anderson) Davis. He grew up attending Manson School and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1978. He then attended Iowa Central Community College where he received a degree in electronics. Bret was a mechanic at Silgan for 27 years and retired in 2014.
On April 1, 2011, Bret married the love of his life Deb Trammell. Together they built a life based on love, laughter and many adventures.
Bret’s hobbies were a true reflection of his personality which included spending time at the lake, boating, fishing, woodworking, feeding birds and attending classic car shows. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Humboldt County EMA Coordinator Kyle Bissell has released the following statement for immediate release regarding the severe cold forecast.

HUMBOLDT - The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Winter Weather Statement for our area due to the extreme cold temperatures forecasted starting tonight (12/12) at 5 p.m. and lasting through early next week.

Windchills will be below zero with a low of -29 on Sunday, the 14th, at midnight. It is advised that persons stay inside as even short periods of exposure could cause life-threatening conditions. Humboldt County Emergency Management Agency has implemented its Extreme Temperatures Plan for this period. Warming Centers have been notified through the county. Those in need of these services should contact their city offices for more information.