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Weather Conditions - National Weather Service Forecast for Oelwein
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Cleaning for Safety
Nature is undergoing a fresh start and so are homeowners who are ready to clean up the debris that has been accumulating in basements, storage sheds, and garages over the winter.
- -Household and pool chemicals, paints, and poisons should be properly marked and stored under lock and key, away from children’s reach. Dispose of any that are leaking, expired, or that look bad.
- -When cleaning up hazardous chemicals wear rubber gloves and follow the safety direction on the packaging. Never mix chemicals in the same container. If you don’t’ know how to dispose of them, seek outside advice. Never put them into the trash or pour down the drain.
- -Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and stored in a cool, dry place away from the house and out of the reach of children and pets. Use only approved containers for gasoline storage.
- -Never use gasoline to clean skin, clothes, auto parts, or floors.
- -Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches, or other work items away from children’s reach.
- -Check your barbecue grill for leaks and cracks, and be sure to store any propane tanks away from your house and garage.
- -Remove all fire hazards, including stacks of rags, newspapers, and magazines. Pay special attention to the spaces around your furnace, hot water tank, fireplace, space heaters, and dryer, as well as under the stairs.
Yardwork Safety
Itching to get the yard into shape for the summer? Here are ways to help ensure your spring spruce-up is disaster-free.
- -Limber up. Yard chores may seem easy, but they involve muscles you probably haven’t used in a while.
- -Always wear protective clothing when you handle pesticides and fertilizers.
- -More than 60,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for lawn-mower injuries.
- -Rake before you mow to prevent any stones and loose debris from launching into the air.
- -Never operate a mower in your bare feet and avoid wearing loose clothing.
- -Never start a mower indoors.
- -When refueling your mower, make sure the engine is off and cool. Don’t spill gasoline on a hot engine — and don’t smoke while pouring gasoline.
- -Never leave your mower operational while unattended.
- -Don’t use electrical mowers on wet grass.
- -At least 55,000 people each year sustain injuries from trimmers, lawn edgers, pruners and power saws.
- -Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the tools.
- -Inspect the product for damage and don’t use it if there are problems.
- -Use proper eye protection.
- -Make sure blade guards are in place on all cutting equipment.
- -Don’t let tools get wet unless they are labeled “immersible.”
- -Unplug all tools when not in use.
- -Make sure the tool is in the “off” position before you plug it in.
- -Store gasoline-powered equipment away from anything that uses a pilot light.
- -Make sure you use the right saw for the task, and always wait for the saw blade to stop before pulling away from a cut to avoid kickback.
- -When pruning trees, be careful not to let metal ladders or trimmers contact overhead wires.
- -Before you do any “hands on” weed removal, make sure you know how to identify poison ivy, sumac, oak and similar toxic plants. Find out ahead of time how to treat the rashes they cause to reduce the irritation.
Outdoor Safety
Ready for some outdoor exercise and adventure? Here are a few pointers.
- -Winter’s inactive muscles can take only so much strain. Don’t overdo it — build up slowly so you don’t have strains that can put you out of commission for some time.
- -It may look appealing, but don’t wander on frozen rivers and lakes in the spring. The ice is beginning to thaw, and you never know just how thin the ice really is.
- -Spring’s extra rain and thawing snow can cause normally safe rivers, streams, and creeks to turn treacherous. Even standing on banks can be risky as they can be undercut by rushing water and give in under your weight.
- -Springtime is also severe weather time. If the skies look threatening, check to see if a storm watch or warning has been issued before you initiate outdoor activities. If you’re already outside and thunderstorms threaten, go immediately into a building or enclosed vehicle. For tornadoes, go to the nearest safe structure, or the basement or interior first-floor room of your home. If there’s no time to follow these precautions, take cover in a ditch or depression in the ground.
Ladder Safety
Ready to do some home repairs? On average, about 145,000 people visit the emergency room each year, because of ladder mishaps. Here are a few safety tips:
- -Read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your ladder. They contain guidelines for weight and height limits as well as for the proper use of their product.
- -Inspect the ladder before using it to make sure there are no loose or broken rungs.
- -Make sure the ladder is the right height for the job. Many accidents happen when people overextend their reach because their ladders are too short.
- -Never stand on a ladder’s bucket shelf.
- -Make sure the ladder is completely open and that all of its feet are planted on a firm, level surface. Extension ladders should not be placed at an angle that is too extreme.
- -Avoid using a metal ladder near electrical sources.
- -Face the ladder when climbing down and make sure your weight is centered between the two sides.
Cycling Safety
The most common cycling accidents involve colliding with a car or another bicycle; loss of control; entangling hands, feet, or clothing in the bicycle, or feet slipping off the pedals. Bicycle riders of all age groups and levels of experience need to be concerned about safety. Most cycling accidents are the result of falls, and occur close to home.
Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce head injuries by 95 percent. Wearing a properly fitting helmet is the single most important thing a cyclist can to do prevent injuries. Parents should not buy a helmet that is too large for a child, thinking he/she will “grow into it.” The correct fit for cycling is snug, but comfortable on the head. It should have a chin strap and buckles that stay securely fastened.
To ensure injury-free cycling for everyone, please follow these bicycle safety tips:
- -Always wear an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved helmet. Make sure it fits snugly and does not obstruct your vision.
- -Make certain the bicycle is the proper size for the rider. Consider using training wheels for young and first-time riders.
- -Ensure your bicycle is properly adjusted and well maintained. Replace broken or missing parts.
- -Avoid plastic pedals that can be slippery when wet.
- -Wear bright fluorescent colors and avoid biking at night. If you have to ride your bike at night, make sure you have rear reflectors and a working headlight visible from 500 feet away.
- -Stay alert and watch for obstacles in your path.
- -Ride with traffic and be aware of traffic around you. Obey all rules of the road – bicycles are vehicles, too.
- -Don’t ride double, attempt stunts or go too fast.
- -Avoid loose clothing and wear appropriate footwear. Use pant leg clips to keep clothing grease free and out of the bicycle chain.
- -Wear knee, wrist and elbow pads to protect the bones and joints when falling.
- -Avoid riding on uneven or slippery surfaces. Handbrakes may not work as well when wheels are wet and require more distance to stop.
Off the Job Safety Tips
Gardening Safety Tips
Avoid overexposure to the sun.
- Limit the time that you spend working in direct sunlight by gardening during the early morning or late afternoon hours.
- Protect your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants instead of shorts, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat. When your skin is exposed, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
- Heat stress can be a risk. Remember to drink plenty of water or electrolyte replenishment drinks (Gatorade, Power Aid, etc.).
- Take frequent breaks by going indoors and relaxing in front of a fan.
Warm Up
- Remember to stretch before heading out.
Be careful with power equipment
Consider the following safety tips when operating power tools:
- Know how to operate the equipment. Read the manual and follow all of the instructions.
- Wear long pants, close-fitting clothes, sturdy shoes, safety glasses and ear protection. Don’t wear anything that could get caught in moving parts, such as loose jewelry. Tie back long hair.
- Clear your work area of rocks, twigs, toys and anything that could be thrown by mowing and weed-eating equipment.
- Always keep children and pets away from the area until you’re finished. Never carry a child as a passenger on a riding mower.
Personal Lightning Safety Tips
1. Plan in advance your evacuation and safety measures. When you first see lightning or hear thunder, activate your emergency plan. Now is the time to go to a building or a vehicle. Lightning often precedes rain, so don’t wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities.
2. If outdoors, avoid water. Avoid the high ground. Avoid open spaces. Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc. Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck, or a van with the windows completely shut. If lightning is striking nearby when you are outside, you should:
- Crouch down, put feet together, place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
- Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 ft.) to other people.
3. If indoors, avoid water. Stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Take off head sets. Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, and TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks in inside equipment.
4. Suspend activities for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.
5. Injured persons do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely. Apply first aid procedures to a lightning victim if you are qualified to do so. Call 911 or send for help immediately.
6. Know your emergency telephone numbers.
KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers parents the following Spring Cleaning Safety Tips:
Around the House
- -Choose nontoxic products for your spring cleaning. For example, vinegar and water is an inexpensive and effective window cleaning solution.
- -Time to move the furniture? Place cribs, playpens and other furniture away from the window and accessible drapery cords. Children can climb up on furniture and fall out of the window or get strangled in the cords.
- -Make sure window guards/bars are secure, and know how to open the window in case of fire. Screens do no prevent window falls.
- -Test all your smoke alarms to ensure they are working. Change the batteries at least once every year. Most smoke alarms also need "spring cleaning" maintenance - check your manual.
- -Develop and practice a family fire escape plan in case of emergency.
- -Consider installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
- -Make sure small parts, plastic bags, small toys, balloons or any other choking hazards are out of reach of young children, particularly those less than 36 months of age.
-Check your home for recalled and banned children's products. To find out about recalled products, go to http://www.recalls.gov
- -Keep traffic areas free of clutter, toys and rugs in order to avoid tripping with your child in your arms.
- -Doors that lead to the basement should have a self-latching lock to prevent children from falling down the stairs.
- -Post the Poison Help Line number (1-800-222-1222) and your pediatrician's number on all phones.
Garage
- -Discard toxic and flammable materials you no longer need. Place remaining materials high and out of reach. Keep toxic products in their original containers.
- -Check the garage for flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint thinner, paint and cleaners. Make sure safety caps are in place and they are not near any heat sources. Keep only the amount you need to use - don't stock up on extra cans.
- -Tidy loose papers, old rags, and debris in the garage that could contribute to a fire.
- -When washing the car, clean the car safety seat as well - sticky snacks, crumbs, and drinks can interfere with the crotch buckle and chest clip. Use the instructions to find out how to remove the cover and clean these parts. Take the time to weigh and measure your children to make sure they still fit in the seat. -Check that the shoulder straps are the right height. Be sure the seat is installed securely.
Yard
- -Choose nontoxic fertilizers, insecticides and gardening supplies.
- -Eliminate any standing water to prevent drowning (buckets, drums, baby pools). Remember that a young child can drown in only a few of inches of water.
- -Check the play area for sharp objects, poisonous plants, and tripping hazards.
- -Install surfacing under playground equipment. Check play equipment for loose or exposed hardware, broken parts, and stability. Go to http://www.cpsc.gov for more info.
- -If you have a pool or spa, it should be enclosed by a four-sided fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Learn CPR and have a phone and emergency equipment poolside.
- -Children must not be allowed to ride as passengers on lawn mowers or to be towed behind mowers in carts or trailers. They should not be permitted to play on or around the mower when it is in use or in storage.
- -Most yard cleanup tools (ladders, weed-eaters, pruning shears) are not safe for children. If your child wants to help in the yard, he or she should use tools designed for children, such as a small plastic rake, child's shovel, or broom.
The City of Oelwein takes pride in presenting accident-free employees with recognition of their efforts. (Below) City Council Member Duane Brandt presented the 2011 First Quarter Safety Awards to City Building Inspector Jim Prouty, Oelwein Fire Department Firemen Nathan Westendorf and City Hall Bookkeeper Nancy Meyer.
(Below) City Administrator Steve Kendall presented the 2011 Second Quarter Safety Award to Officer Bruce Barker with the Oelwein Police Department.
(Below) City Administrator Steve Kendall presented the 2011 Third Quarter Safety Awards to Utilities Superintendent Vic Kane, Jim Spence with the Street Department and Dennis Graves with the Parks Department.
(Below) City Administrator Steve Kendall presented the 2011 Fourth Quarter Safety Awards to Tom Schulmeister with the Street Department and Lt. Jay Tommasin with the Oelwein Police Department
(Below) Oelwein Mayor Larry Murphy presented the 2012 First Quarter Safety Award to Parks Superintendent Durango Steggall
The City of Oelwein recognizes the below City Departments in remaining "accident-free" from July 2010 until June 2011. Mayor Larry Murphy and City Council Members Duane Brandt and Paul Ryan presented certificates to these departments at the annual City Employee Safety Picnic.
Administrative
Cemetary
Library
Parks
Utilities
The City of Oelwein and the Oelwein Police Department reminds citizens to do their part on the streets of Oelwein. Barracades and warning lights reminds drivers to slow down, obey traffic signs or lights. Construction zones are needs to address traffic issues or repair city utilities. Your cooperation and safety awareness is greatly appreciated.
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Published: Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Oelwein Fire Department's aerial ladder unit was instrumental in battling the fire that broke out early Saturday morning in Gus and Tony's Townhouse Restaurant in downtown West Union. The tall ladder allowed firefighters to fight the blaze from the top of the building, without exposing them to the danger of having to climb to that level. (Union photo)
For the third time in five years, firefighters from the surrounding area battled to contain a blaze in downtown West Union. While the most recent fire destroyed a community landmark, the firemen once again prevented the flames from spreading to surrounding structures. West Union firefighters were paged to Gus and Tony’s Town House at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Saturday. The local fire department immediately called for the assistance of the Oelwein aerial ladder unit, and Clermont and Hawkeye fire departments. Minutes later, the Elgin and Fayette fire departments were paged to answer the call. According to West Union Fire Chief Roger Gamm, the flames were breaching the first and second floors of the popular restaurant upon the firemen’s arrival. Gamm was relieved to report Saturday morning that three tenants had escaped safely and no one was injured during the fire. While explaining that the fire was contained to the Town House, the local fire chief noted that the neighboring Department of Human Services building experienced smoke and water damage. Minimal smoke damage was reported by neighboring businesses.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Alexandra Bengston (center) is pictured with Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kimberly Reynolds at the Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony.
Alexandra Bengston, a recent graduate at Oelwein High School, was recognized by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kimberly Reynolds for outstanding academic achievement at the 10th Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony April 29 at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Assotiation (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 442 high school seniors from throughout Iowa. “Iowa Farm Bureau members believe that by investing in our youth and communities, we’re investing in the future of Iowa,” said IFBF President Craig Hill. “We are proud to honor such exceptional students and proud to be a leading contributor to educational programs and annual scholarships for our youth.”
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Oelwein Veterans Park Committee is seeking the public’s help. “We are looking for some appropriate inscriptions to be engraved on the new monument (obelisk), to be placed soon at Vets Park,” said Legion and Park Committee member Jake Blitsch. The new monument will honor World War I and World War II veterans. “The verbiage should reflect something that honors their sacrifice,” Blitsch explained. The front of the Monument will read, “In honor of our World War I and World War II Veterans.” “We are seeking ideas for the other three sides of this memorial,” Blitsch pointed out.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
2-year-old taken to plastic surgeon following attack
Published: Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The Oelwein City Council met for a vicious animal appeal hearing prior the regular session Monday, May 7. The hearing stemmed from an incident on April 8 when a loose dog, belonging to Daniel and Felicia Wilson of 715 Third Ave. S.W., showed up at the home of Louise Virden and Keith Dramstad, 110 Sixth Ave. S.W. According to the police report, the couple allowed the dog to stay hoping the owners would show up and avoid the necessity of taking it to the vet’s office. The couple and their 2-year-old daughter played with the dog and fed it some food as the day went on. Around suppertime as the parents were grilling and looked away momentarily, the little girl went up to the dog to give it a hug and it bit her on the face causing two deep cuts to the left side above her eye and ear, along with some scratches. The mother took the child to Oelwein Mercy Hospital where a police officer met them for a statement. The child was transferred to a different facility to be seen by a plastic surgeon.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Wednesday, May 2, 2012 11:05 AM
The Sacred Heart Board of Education voted Monday night at a special meeting to approve the contract for Sister Marilou Irons P.B.V.M. as the new principal/youth Faith Formation director for Sacred Heart School in Oelwein for the 2012-2013 year.
Sister Marilou will begin her duties on July 1. She comes to Sacred Heart with 26 years of experience as a Catholic School Principal in three different systems. Her most recent position has been principal at St. Patrick Catholic School in Cedar Falls, where she has been since 1999.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Local United Way Board announces funding for 2012
Published: Friday, April 20, 2012
The 2012 Oelwein Area United Way Board. Seated from left, Jeanna Lumbus, Ty Vandehaar, Carrie Gearhart, Callie Berryman and Paul Schmitz. Standing are Wanda Petersen, secretary, Jon King, Jean Logan, Pam Banke, Travis Bushaw, Mark Levin, Cathy Green and Melissa Brooks. Board members not available for the photo are Jessica Burkhart, Wendy Irvine, Anna Steil Kerns, Lyle Miller and Steve Westerberg. (Deb Kunkle photo)
Thirteen agencies will be funded through the Oelwein Area United Way 2012 Campaign. Members of the Board of Directors and Drive Co-Chairpersons met recently at the Oelwein Community Plaza to set the 2012 budget at $72,500. Agencies and the amount of funding they will receive include: Alternative Living Corporation, $6,300; Boy Scouts-Winnebago Council, $2,500; DARE, $1,250; Girl Scouts (GSEIWI), $2,500; Helping Services of NE Iowa, $5,500; Two x Two Kindhearted Kids, $2,400; Little Husky Learning Center, $5,500; Meals on Wheels, $6,000; NE Iowa Community Action, $8,000; Oelwein Community Plaza, $6,000; Parent Share & Support, $6,000; American Red Cross, $1,500; Volunteers for Youth/Kids of Promise, $4,000. Operating expenses were granted in the amount of $15,050.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Oelwein has been named a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation. It is the 15th year Oelwein has earned this national honor from the Arbor Day Foundation, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. “We all benefit when communities like Oelwein place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one our nations’s most beautiful resources,” said John Rosenow, chief ececutive and found of the Arbor Day Foudations. “We applaud Oelwein’s elected officials, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest.” To qualify as a Tree City USA community, a town or city must meet four standards established by The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Monday, April 16, 2012
Kneeling in front, Mitch Meyers, Tim Palmer, Captain Matt Weber, Jimmy Lindstrom and Travis Hanaway. Second row, Captain Mike Thoma, Nick Palmer, Nathan Westendorf, Mike Hillman and Mike Barker. Standing from left Deputy Chief Tim Weber, Jesse Paul, Jim Lindstrom, Randy Soll, Captain Mike Fauser II, Jay Melchert and Chris Kessell. (Courtesy photo)
Seventeen Oelwein Firefighters each purchased a new weather alert radio for their home recently. Weather alert radios provide an early warning for specific areas that announce severe weather conditions that may be moving into a specific area. Since firefighters provide emergency services at all times including times of severe weather the firefighters felt it was an important link for them to receive notice of severe weather conditions through this service, which is provided by the National Weather Service. The radios will also provide early notice for each firefighter’s family, as the weather alert radios will be installed for home use, as well.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Sunday, April 1, 2012
The 11th Annual KGLO Tractor Ride is July 23 thru July 25, 2012. Each day, the ride starts and ends in Oelwein. The public is encouraged to stop out each evening to view nearly 200 antique tractors parked next to the Oelwein Chamber of Commerce.
KGLO appreciates the support and cooperation of local officials, engineers, and businesses, as well as city, county, and state law enforcement. Day one, Monday, July 23, the riders will travel through Randalia, Fayette, Wadena, and Arlington. Day two, Tuesday, July 24, riders travel through Fairbank, Amish Country, and Independence.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Fayette County Board of Supervisors on Monday continued its discussion on tax-incremental financing (TIF) related to the proposed Viafield expansion near Oelwein. Viafield intends to build a new grain facility that would include rail facilities. Supervisors will work with the county bonding attorney to review and initiate the TIF, a 60 to 90-day process. Public hearings and meetings with property tax stakeholders and the public will be part of that process. Viafield CEO Kent Appler indicated there are still several steps required before final determination of the expansion. In the group’s discussion Monday, it was agreed to initiate a 15-year TIF. The first $220,000 in taxes would benefit Fayette County. As part of Viafield’s proposal to expand, the County has agreed to upgrade a quarter-mile of 50th Street, where it’s hoped the proposed 22-acre expansion can be built northwest of Oelwein. That cost is estimated at a quarter-million dollars.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
County Community Foundation announces recipients
Published: Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Grand Theatre Manager Mary Frisch is hoping this wont be a part of her daily routine in the near future. The Grand recently received word that they will get a Community Foundation grant for $18,050 to help pay for the conversion to digital operation, which will eliminate film. (Jack Swanson photo)
The Fayette County Community Foundation has announced the 2012 grant award winners and Oelwein’s Grand Theatre was the biggest winner. The Grand will get $18,050 to help pay for equipment that will allow the theater to show movies digitally, rather than on film.
“We are tremendously happy. We didn’t think we were actually going to get that much,” said Grand Theatre Board member Matt Vogel, who wrote the grant application. Vogel said that the estimated cost to convert the theater to digital will be $149,000.
“This is the first major grant for us. We are in the process of applying for a lot of other ones right now, but most of them are smaller. This is something we will be trying to finance for the next two years but we’re trying to get more than half of the estimated cost before we start the project,” Vogel pointed out.
He said that the Board of the community-owned theater is hoping to have the conversion process finished by the end of this summer or early fall. According to Vogel, it’s something that has to be done if the theater expects to continue operation in the future.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Tuesday, March 27, 2012
(Editor’s note: The following is Oelwein Mayor Larry Murphy’s summation of where Oelwein stands today in terms of jobs, business, population, quality of life and more. This article serves as an introduction to our special section “The Report...Pride, Progress, Possibilities” which appears in today’s Daily Register.)
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs...Workforce, Workforce, Workforce...!
Those two items have been the focus of the Oelwein City Council the past few years. They form the framework for all of the other efforts our City has pursued. Looking back the past 18 months, we have made substantial progress on both fronts. We have added 75-100 new jobs in the past 12 months in the Oelwein area community and have worked to create opportunities to recruit the young, working families or young professionals who may wish to purchase or locate businesses in our community, all providing job opportunities. In spite of the economy -- the worst Recession since the Great Depression -- we have been able to buck the trend of surrounding states and many communities in Iowa. For those Oelwein families adversely affected by the economy, it may seem like little good news, but Oelwein’s creation of nearly 500 jobs in the past 5 years has provided opportunities for re-employment or transition employment for not only Oelwein families but area families as they adjust to layoffs or businesses closures.
Read more of this story in the Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Monday, March 26, 2012
At right, Oelwein Fire Chief Wallace Rundle (left) presents Mike Hillman with the Firefighter of the Year Award. (Courtesy Photo Oelwein Daily Register)
The Oelwein Fire Department recently hosted its 2011 awards banquet. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Firefighter of the Year. This year’s recipient is Michael Hillman.
Michael grew up east of Hazleton and graduated from Oelwein Community High School in 1980. He joined and was active in Hazleton Fire Department until he moved out of the area. He was a member of the Denver (Iowa) Fire Department from January 1995 until 2009 when he moved back to Oelwein.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
 (Courtesy Photo)
Published: Thursday, March 15, 2012
Logan Worden, daughter of Dennis and Joan Worden of Oelwein, was named Iowa State Brown Swiss Dairy Princess on Friday. Worden was unable to attend the coronation ceremony, which was held in West Union. The 2010 Fayette County Dairy Princess has participated in Scott Hot Shots 4-H Club, Fayette County 4-H Council, Fayette County Dairy Club, Iowa Brown Swiss Association, and Iowa Junior Holstein Association.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Thursday, March 15, 2012
It appears that officials in charge of operations at Oelwein’s Mercy Hospital are taking action in the wake of problems that have surfaced in the structural support system within the radiology department. Last summer it was reported that some of the floor had become water damaged in the area where the CT scanner was housed and that some of the floor had actually given way. There were also reports of mold problems. Hospital officials have announced that construction will begin on the radiology department wing that houses the CT scanner on March 20. “A new one-story, 550-square foot building will be constructed from raw materials on a new foundation with a concrete floor,” said Director of Marketing Communications Andrea Barker.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Oelwein City Council ratified its budget for 2013 following a public hearing Monday night. The budget was set at $11,246,993, representing an increase of less than $70,000 from the re-estimated current year. Mayor Larry Murphy explained main points of the budget starting with an increase in the tax levy from $17.30 to $17.99 per $1,000 assessed property value. The employee benefits levy was marked for $7.92 per $1,000; an increase from $6.26. However, Murphy said $150,000 of existing fund balance was applied, which lowered the rate increase to $6.62. The increase is due to an increase in city employee pensions mandated from the state. Municipal Fire and Police Retirement increased 1.36% adding $.23 per thousand to the levy and IPERS increased .60% adding $.09 to the levy. Additionally, health insurance increased 14.66% adding $.67 per thousand to the levy and benefits for a new position added $.22 to the levy. Unemployment also increased .20%.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Mercy Hospital Emergency Department entrance (Courtesy Photo)
Hospital hires practice to staff doctors in emergency round the clock
Published: Tuesday, March 6, 2012
OELWEIN - Mercy Hospital has announced that an Iowa-based emergency medicine practice, Acute Care Inc., has been selected to provide emergency physicians who will staff the Emergency Department 24-hours-a-day, 365 days a year. “There has been some confusion about coverage of the emergency department. People need to know that they can depend on Mercy Hospital for their emergency care needs,” said Marketing Director Andrea Barker. Acute Care has provided weekend physician coverage since 2008, and now provides physician coverage around the clock. “Our partnership with Acute Care is being expanded to full time coverage,” said Terri Derflinger, Mercy Hospital Administrator. “To the community and patients, that means having a doctor ready to provide care for you, any time you need it. Our Emergency Department continues to be a great resource for our community and Acute Care has shown that it is dedicated to providing exceptional and compassionate health care services right here in Oelwein.”
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Thursday, March 1, 2012
Oelwein Community Healthcare Foundation legal counsel Maureen Kenney (left), chats with Foundation supporters Liz McMillan and Marilyn Rubner following Tuesdays public information meeting at the Middle School. (Photo courtesy Oelwein Daily Register)
Members of the Oelwein Community Healthcare Foundation and special guests held an informational update for the public at the Oelwein Middle School Auditorium Tuesday night. The more than 200 attending were anxious to learn where the Foundation was in its plans to purchase Oelwein Mercy Hospital, which is owned by Wheaton Health Systems. As most will recall, Wheaton offered the local hospital for sale in the Daily Register on Dec. 6. The offer held an $8M price tag and a 90-day deadline. Since that date, the Foundation’s attorney Maureen Kenney of the Bradley and Riley Law Firm in Cedar Rapids, has made numerous requests related to the possible purchase, to Wheaton CEO Jack Dusenbery and the corporate counsel. Among the requests was: a list of assets being sold in the $8M package, an appraisal of the property, an engineer’s inspection, a disclosure statement, and a financial statement.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
By DEB KUNKLE
City Editor
Published:Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Representatives from the Union Pacific Railroad presented the City of Oelwein with a special book on Oelweins railroad history. Pictured are (front, l-r) Brenda Mainwaring with Union Pacific, council members Peg Sherrets, Paul Ryan and Jim Petersen, Bill Mundt with the Railroad Museum, Mayor Larry Murphy, (back) Ed Raye with the Railroad Museum, City Administrator Steve Kendall, council members Rex Ericson, Kevin Stickel and Bruce Bearinger. (Deb Kunkle photo)
OELWEIN — The Oelwein City Council met in a special work session at 5 p.m. Monday to hear a status update on the local Union Pacific Railroad property. Union Pacific Director of Public Affairs – IA, NE, Brenda Mainwaring presented the update, which was broken down into four segments: demolition, environmental, future use and preliminary timeline. Mainwaring outlined the demolition update saying the building removal is complete and piles of debris are being removed. Building foundations will be removed to four feet below grade except in the power house to protect the area around the tanks. She said completion is expected in mid-March. There were a number of historical items the railroad museum and city had requested and those have been transferred and removed from the site. Mainwaring added that the metal cold storage building on the south end of the site is also being removed. She said the buildings that remain are not owned by the UP. Regarding the environmental update, Mainwaring said the tanks have been removed that were in the power house. Contaminated dirt in the power house area will be removed when the water table is low – July or August. She said the railroad would continue to monitor the site for two years or longer for free phase (surface) petroleum.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
By PAT TAYLOR
Feature writer
Published: Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Upper Explorerland Program Manager Karla Organist lists Oelwein strengths in the roundtable discussion, Thursday, as part of the “Iowa Smart Planning” meetings. (Photo Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register)
The Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) last Thursday continued its series of “Iowa Smart Planning” meetings. The meeting, facilitated by Karla Organist, program manager, and Jason Connor, community planning associate, had almost 20 participants examining community facilities, public infrastructure and utilities. Before beginning, Organist explained that Iowa Smart Planning was signed into law in April, 2010, as a tool for local comprehensive planning and resultant decision making. After breaking the group into smaller groups, the strengths of the three topics (community facilities, public infrastructure and utilities) were brainstormed and listed. The process then continued with the limitations or challenges faced in the same three areas.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Thursday, February 16, 2012
This is the site where the new Viafield grain facility will be constructed, near the intersection of County Road W4 (R Avenue) and 50th Street, north of Oelwein [Photo Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register]
Viafield CFO says producers, residents will both benefit from new grain facility
Local officials and producers attending Monday’s regular Fayette County Board of Supervisors Monday agreed that proposed plans for a new Viafield facility near Oelwein is a “win-win” opportunity for the entire county. The 22-acre property, located just north of Oelwein near 50th Street and County Road W4 (R Ave.), was rezoned by the Supervisors from Agricultural to Light Industrial in January.
During the Jan. 9 meeting, Kent Appler, Viafield chief executive officer, explained that plans are to initially construct a pair of grain bins and a dryer, which will make the facility immediately functional. Upon completion of the proper paperwork, Appler anticipated construction to begin in the spring, and the project would be completed by fall.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
[Below Article Published: Thursday, January 12, 2012]
WEST UNION - Viafield will continue to move forward with plans to construct a grain facility near Oelwein after the Fayette County Supervisors unanimously approved the local cooperative’s rezoning request for 22 acres in Jefferson Township. The Fayette County Planning and Zoning Commission similarly approved Viafield’s request to rezone the parcel of land from Agricultural to Light Industrial on Thursday, Jan. 5. Kent Appler, Viafield chief executive officer, explained that plans are to initially construct a pair of grain bins and a dryer, which will make the facility immediately functional. Upon completion of the proper paperwork, Appler anticipated construction to begin in the spring, and the project would be completed by fall. The cooperative official acknowledged that expansion could be expected on the site over the following two to three years. He anticipates one to five employees to work on-site. In addition, Appler noted that discussions are underway with railroad officials to construct two sets of railroad tracks on the site just northwest of Oelwein.
Courtesy of Oelwein Daily Register.
Published: Thursday, February 9, 2012
Community Bank VP Jim Mueller presents $400 bank donation to Capt. Mike Thoma for the Oelwein Weathercam Project. (Photo Courtesy of Oelwein Daily Register)
Local firefighter Capt. Mike Thoma says he is truly amazed and overwhelmed at the community support toward his city/weather camera project with KCRG TV in Cedar Rapids. In January, Thoma announced a fundraising project to purchase a weathercam through a program linked with KCRG that would get Oelwein included as a weather-reporting site on the nightly news weather segments. The day’s highs and lows along with precipitation in Oelwein would be listed among other area towns. Now, a little more than 30 days after the original announcement of the plan, Thoma reports the fund at Community Bank of Oelwein is just pennies away from $1,500, which exceeds his $1,250 goal.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register.
Posted: Sep 26, 2011
Written by Bob Waters, KWWL-TV Anchor
The city of Oelwein has been designated a "storm ready" community. The National Weather Service formally presented the city council with the designation at its meeting Monday night. Oelwein Fire Chief Wallace Rundle says the city stands ready when storms approach. He says it's come a long way since a devastating tornado in 1968. All firefighters in his department are storm spotters. They're in constant communication to make sure if storms go severe, people can react.
The city of 6400 has 5 sirens and a communications system that won't fail during in an emergency. "Our outdoor weather system is based on battery operation so it's radio-activated with battery so we can lose power and that will not affect the sirens going off. We could also lose phone communication to the sirens. That's no longer the case, it's directly from the transmitter," says Rundle. The city's severe weather preparedness plan has earned it the designation as "storm ready" from the National Weather Service.
"One of the criteria is having a weather radio in any school or public building so if a storm or flood situation occurs, they're notified. Also, having a person monitoring the weather and what's happening 24 hours a day so even in the middle of the night, they are prepared for severe weather coming," says Tim Halbach of the National Weather Service.
While the "Hub City" joins Edgewood as the only other eastern Iowa city to be certified "storm ready", city officials say they don't think it will be long before many others will join them. "We feel very proud of it but other communities are close. Once the word gets out of this designation, there will be a lot of other communities striving to do what we did so we hope it's contagious," says Rundle. Along with the cities of Oelwein and Edgewood, Buchanan, Benton and Johnson Counties, as well as the University of Dubuque, F. W. Kent Park in Oxford and Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation in Central City have also been deemed "storm ready" by the National Weather Service.
Courtesy KWWL-TV 7.
By DEB KUNKLE
Published:Wednesday, December 15, 2010
OELWEIN — City officials asked for it and they got it. The city council had previously approved a space needs assessment be done of the Oelwein Police Department to determine how much improvement is needed of the current cramped quarters. After hearing the assessment report from John Karrmann of FEH Associates Inc. of Des Moines, given at Monday night’s council meeting, to say the officers are working in cramped quarters is an understatement.
Karrmann told the council the police department occupies approximately 1800 gross square feet (gsf) of Oelwein City Hall’s main floor, plus about 975 gsf for a sally port. This is the garage area where prisoners are brought through on the way to processing.
Some of the department’s critical communications equipment, as well as mechanical and electrical equipment and computer servers are stored in the basement. The police chief’s office is a trailer parked on-site next to City Hall and the police captain’s office is at another location. The department also utilizes other off-site locations for record storage due to lack of available space on-site.
Karrmann told the council there are significant space issues that need to be addressed including how people are processed through the booking area, which is directly related to the public space, creating safety issues for both officers and prisoners. He explained there is no real area for the public separate from the staff and administration areas.
Courtesy Oelwein Daily Register
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