News

At Tuesday’s Cherokee County Board of Supervisors meeting, County Engineer Sarah Tracy presented several employee wage and benefit adjustments for consideration, and sought adjustments to the County’s COVID-19 pandemic procedure. The Board approved the wage authorizations, each effective June 8, 2020...

Cherokee’s City Council Tuesday held a Public Hearing on the proposed Development Agreement with the City’s newest employer, Lopez Foods, scheduled to begin its meat processing operation here in early June. This Agreement includes the necessary incentives to meet the state required matching economic development incentives for Lopez Foods, and includes a 10 year, 50% TIF (Tax Increment Financing) rebate to Lopez, not to exceed $400,000. ...

On June 5, 2020, the Cherokee Event Center will be holding a blood drive. The blood drive will start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m. The Cherokee Event Center is located on 1450 N. 2nd St. If you or someone you know wants to give blood but are scared of catching the corona virus, do not be afraid. Blood donation sites are NOT considered mass public gatherings and are part of essential medical services. Here are some of the steps and procedures taking place:...

Each year, Buena Vista University celebrates students with the Student Recognition Celebration. This event symbolizes BVU's pride for student achievements and honors those who have shown leadership and academic excellence. Local students who were recognized include:...

There are so many false rumors floating around primarily due to the publicized paranoia of the President, like “absentee ballots don’t count unless the vote is close” or “there is voter fraud in absentee ballots.” This is simply untrue. Here are some facts supplied by Cherokee County Auditor/Commissioner of Elections Kris Glienke...

County Auditors around the State met in Mid-March with the Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s staff to determine how many polling places to have open, the best ways to keep election officials safe and how to get as many people as possible to stay in and vote absentee for the upcoming primary election...

Here are the following Memorial Day notices that have been released to the public:...

Effective today, swimming pools, movie theaters, zoos, aquariums, museums and wedding reception venues will be permitted to reopen, including high school baseball and softball, to resume on Monday, June 1. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the new proclamation on Wednesday and also announced that Thursday, May 28, bars and other alcohol-related establishments that have been limited to carryout and delivery, will be permitted to reopen for indoor and outdoor seating...

Like a ball rolling down an endless hill, the matter of naming the new PK-4 Elementary School was once again allowed to roll on without resolution at Monday’s School Board meeting. The Board held a Public Hearing and reviewed a recent stakeholder survey seeking an official name for the new school. ...

Graduation for Cherokee WHS senior class of 2020 is 2p.m. Saturday in the WHS parking lot, featuring seniors and their families. A parade through town will follow the ceremonies and be led by the Cherokee Police and Fire Departments.

In the June 2 Primary Election, Republicans Don Drefke of Marcus and Bryan Petersen of Cleghorn face off for the District 2 Cherokee County Board of Supervisors post, and Democrat Linda Bindner of Marcus awaits that winner in the Nov. 3 General Election...

In the June 2 Primary Election, Republicans Don Drefke of Marcus and Bryan Petersen of Cleghorn face off for the District 2 Cherokee County Board of Supervisors post, and Democrat Linda Bindner of Marcus awaits that winner in the Nov. 3 General Election...

In the June 2 Primary Election, Republicans Don Drefke of Marcus and Bryan Petersen of Cleghorn face off for the District 2 Cherokee County Board of Supervisors post, and Democrat Linda Bindner of Marcus awaits that winner in the Nov. 3 General Election...

Sending Driver’s License applicants to pandemic ‘hotbeds’

Washington High School in Cherokee would look to thank parents for their support, the community for their generosity, and the students for all their hard work and dedication. The following is a list of scholarships along with the names of those who have received them:...

At last week’s Cherokee County Board of Supervisors meeting, Chris Nelson representing the Cherokee Fair Board, read a prepared statement from the Fair Board Chairman stating that the 2020 County Fair has been postponed until July 21 – 25, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its recommended restrictions...

The 20th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cherokee Peace Pole in the Sanford Museum Park on East Main Street is May 23. The Peace Pole was dedicated in 2010 by Pastor Magrey deVega, who served the Cherokee United Methodist Church from 207-2015 and now serves in Florida...

Matt and Abby Harding are excited about their recent move of Noggin Water to Cherokee’s historic Main Street as they recently purchased the former Creative Cutters building at 102 E. Main. “We just moved to our forever home and have added some additional items for our customers,” said Abby Harding, co-owner of the Cherokee business with her husband, Matt...

Thanks to Cherokee Washington High School Principal Wade Riley and input and cooperation from dedicated staff, parents and students, plans have been finalized for the pandemic- beleaguered WHS Class of 2020 Commencement in the WHS parking lot at 2 p.m. Sunday...

"All 82 turbines will be commissioned by 12/31/2019, there is no material work planned for 2020," EDF Community Relations coordinator Jinnie Hall asserted for a Cherokee County Glaciers Edge Wind Project wrap-up story that was published in the CT on Jan 6, 2020...

STORM LAKE - The Buena Vista University Board of Trustees has accepted the resignation of Dr. Joshua Merchant, who will step down as President, effective immediately. Dr. Brian Lenzmeier, who, since 2018, has served as our Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, has been appointed by the Board to serve as Interim President. Dr. Lenzmeier joined BVU in 2003 as a Professor of Biology and has since become a widely respected member of the community...

Julie Hering Kent, Executive Director of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce has announced that she will be stepping down as Director of the organization.  Hering Kent has been with the chamber since November 1, 2008.   Hering Kent reflects that during her eleven and a half years, she has...

Thanks to a strenuous, tedious effort by Cherokee Washington High School Principal Wade Riley and input and cooperation from dedicated staff, parents and students, plans have been finalized for the pandemic- beleaguered WHS Class of 2020 Graduation Commencement in the WHS parking lot at 2 p.m. Sunday...

So far, about $150,000 has been pledged toward the estimated $960,000 price tag to turf the high school football field here. Due to the pandemic, some are suggesting it’s not the the right time to proceed with such an aggressive fund raising project...

The City of Cherokee is sponsoring a city-wide clean-up day on Thursday, May 28, 2020. In order for your items to be picked up, you MUST contact City Hall (225-5749) no later than Tuesday, May 26, by 4:30 p.m. to put your name and address on a list. You must contact us and give us your address in order for your items to be picked up!...

Whitney Webb of Cherokee, Iowa, graduated from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine on May 9, 2020, during a virtual commencement ceremony broadcast online. For Webb and her classmates, the ceremony recognized the completion of a four-year rigorous program of lectures, laboratories and clinical training; and it marked the first milestone of their professional careers as veterinarians...

Of the three Cherokee County Board of Supervisor seats up for re-election this year, two Republican incumbents are unopposed and the vacant seat in District 2 has three challengers seeking the post vacated by Dennis Bush. District 1 Supervisor Rick Mongan, and District 5 Supervisor Duane Mummert, both of Cherokee, are running unopposed. Republicans Don Drefke of Marcus and Bryan Petersen of Cleghorn, and Democrat Linda Bindner of Marcus are running for District 2...

For the 2020 General Election Nov. 3, Poll Hours 7:00am to 9:00pm and Candidate Filing Period is March 2 to March 20. Depending upon the continuing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, voting will be done by mail if the polls are unable to open due to the pandemic...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $78 million to the State of Iowa to help reimburse eligible expenses for emergency protective measures that the state has incurred as a result of its response to COVID-19. The grant funds, awarded by FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program, were made available Thursday, May 6, and are authorized under a major disaster declaration approved by President Trump on March 29 for the entire state. ...

Rotary Student of the Month for May 2020 is Kayden Waldner!  Kayden is the daughter of Korrie and Trent Coombs and Jeff Waldner.  Kayden was nominated for this recognition by staff members.  Kayden participates in basketball, student council, group speech, softball, volleyball, and is a member of the National Honor Society.  A quote from one of Kayden's teachers, " Kayden goes out of her way to help others and do what's best for the greater good.  She's a true teammate and friend to all she meets!"  Congratulations to Kayden! . ...

The Cherokee School Board approved hiring a new Elementary Principal and a 2.4% total package increase for administrators, directors, and support staff at a special Board meeting Monday night. Due to the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation which prohibits community gatherings of more than 10 people at venues, Board meetings are temporarily inaccessible to the public. The public had access to the meeting on Zoom...

Accomplished Archaeologist accepts State post

I'm not sure how many have read the press release by now, but the Cherokee Public Library was not able to open on the May 1 date we were given by the governor. There's a few reasons behind this, and this is by no means political. At the library, we have been working for well over the last year on various projects to help the library's long term plan of being a place in the community to gather, as well as learn. ...

At Superintendent Kim Lingenfelter’s urging, the Cherokee School Board seeks input from CSD stakeholders for school names for the new PK-4 Addition to Cherokee Middle School. A Google form is available on Cherokee School's Facebook, or you can email: tnaslund@ccsd.k12.ia.us with your response. Deadline for submission is May 13th...

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds allowed numerous businesses to begin reopening to the public on April 27. Library Staff are not considered essential staff per city handbook and do not have adequate access to PPE nor sanitation materials. Therefore, the Cherokee Public Library will remain closed to the public and continue to offer curbside pickup through May 31...

At last week’s Cherokee County Board of Supervisors meeting, Sarah Tracy, County Engineer, presented five quotes received for purchasing a new motor grader with trade in of a 2003 140H motor grader. Quotes with trade in value were: •2019 Caterpillar 12M3AWD (new unit) $357,060.00 less $54,000.00 trade in for $303,060.00 total...

It was a refreshing, pleasant experience composing today’s Page 1 stories for the three Republican June 2 Primary candidates for Cherokee County Sheriff. Primarily, all three stuck to the basics in submitting their biographical information, including family, education, experience, and qualifications for the job. ...

Cherokee County Deputy Sheriff Derek Scott is a Republican candidate for Sheriff in the 2020 June Primary. He is opposed by Republicans Steve Schuck and Mike McDonald. Schuck is former Police Chief in Cherokee, and McDonald a former County Deputy. Scott a lifelong resident of Cherokee County and he and wife Abby plan to remain in Cherokee, raising their family. ...

Former Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael McDonald is a Republican candidate for Cherokee County Sheriff, facing County Deputy Derek Scott and former Cherokee Police Chief Steve Schuck in the June 2 Primary. McDonald began his career in law enforcement with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department in 1997 as a Deputy. ...

Retired Cherokee Police Chief Steve Schuck is a Republican candidate for the 2020 Cherokee County Sheriff’s election. He opposes two Republican candidates, including County Deputy Derek Scott and former County Deputy Mike McDonald. In 2001 Schuck was named the Chief of Police with the City of Cherokee. ...

In Cherokee City Council action last week, City Administrator Eric List commented on Resolution 2020-14 Setting Wages for Regular Part-time Employees, noting that current pay for regular part-time employees is dissimilar for like jobs. He seeks to provide uniformity between departments and retain and attract experienced workers...

Samuel Onchonga has received the WITCC TRIO-Student Support Services Achiever of the Month Award for May. This award recognizes Western Iowa Tech TRIO students for demonstrating qualities of leadership and citizenship while  achieving collegiate academic success.  Originally from Kenya, Samuel moved to Cherokee to begin the Nursing program at WITCC in August 2018.  He has become an active member of the TRIO program, participating in many of the student activities and workshops.  Along with his studies, Samuel works at Accura HealthCare of Cherokee.  This month he will be graduating with his Practical Nursing Diploma.  He plans to continue on in WITCC’s Nursing program to become a Registered Nurse next year. ...

To date, 18 Cherokee County businesses have benefited from the Iowa Small Business Relief Program that provides financial assistance to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000 in addition to offering Iowa businesses a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest. The application window for this program is closed...

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds gave restaurants the option to re-open at 50% capacity effective today. Here is what local restaurants are doing starting today:...

Treptow Post No. 230 began with a meeting and an idea for starting a veteran’s club in the early part of 1919. The instigators of the first movement dropped their original plans and decided to apply for charter membership in the new national organization for veteran’s called American Legion. ...

The Cherokee Trails Committee is excited to announce a $10,000 grant award from the Cherokee County Legacy Foundation. This legacy grant award will help fund the development of trails in Cherokee’s new Magnetic Park. The park includes 50-acres of land on the east side of Cherokee that was acquired in 2019...

Little Sioux Corn Processors (LSCP) is in the process of installing a Fluid Quip Technologies’ (FQT) patented Maximized Stillage Co-Products™ (MSC) system at its Cherokee County ethanol plant near Marcus. This will be the 7th installation of this technology, worldwide, and the 3rd installation of the MSC™ system in Iowa. ...

John Patrick Lopez, President of Lopez Foods, said all contract labor at the Cherokee facility was suspended last Wednesday in lieu of a confirmed positive Covid-19 at the plant. “We’ve sent all contract laborers home to be with their families and quarantine,” said Lopez. “We want our facilities and our people to be safe. This is the right thing to do.”...

With schools closed for the rest of the year, many students will lose out on a chance at a meal. But this hasn’t stopped CSD Food Director Cara Jacobson, her team, and some of the school staff from helping the students out with the “Grab & Go” Food Program in effect...