News

The chronology of those purchasing the historic Cherokee Lewis Hotel is courtesy of John Snapp of the Cherokee Historical Preservation Commission researching the archives and former Daily Times newspaper accounts. The downtown Cherokee landmark was recently purchased by Zoul Properties, LLC of Grand Island, Neb. Zachary Zoul plans on restoring the 3-story, 122 year-old building to its vintage glory, offering new commercial spaces and apartments for rent. Work has begun...

Former Alta-Aurelia School Supt. Lynn Evans is running for Iowa Senate in District 3. Evans, R-Aurelia, announced his run last week for the district that encompasses Cherokee, Buena Vista, O’Brien, Osceola and parts of Clay County. “During my career I have had the opportunity to lead school districts and serve communities in O’Brien, Osceola, Buena Vista and Cherokee counties,” Evans’s statement reads. “I care deeply for these communities and the future of our state.”...

Iowa regulators have agreed to keep secret the names of thousands of individual landowners in the path of Summit Carbon Solutions' proposed carbon sequestration pipeline, saying property owners' right to privacy outweighs the public's interest. The proposed pipeline would run through Cherokee County...

Cherokee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) representatives Gary Jordan, Melissa Cunningham and Judy Stowater discussed contracts and billing for ambulance, public health and medical investigator services provided to Cherokee County by CRMC. After a brief discussion and clarification from County Attorney Ryan Kolpin, contracts will be rephrased to reflect terms that are mutually agreeable to both Cherokee County and CRMC...

The dedicated volunteers of Depot Renovation, Inc., have created another new and enjoyable way to celebrate the 125th Anniversary Year of the restored, historic Cherokee Depot. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the stunning Grand Lighting of Cherokee’s most significant historical structure - the former Illinois Central Railroad Depot, beginning at 7PM this Saturday...

The results from the Sanford Museum and Planetarium Ideas Contest are in! There were 21 idea submissions, 5 of which were selected as winners by the public and community leaders who served as judges. The public was invited to cast a vote for their favorite idea. ...

•1st Place Judged Choice - Pollinator Pots. Donna Kohn. What is your purpose?  My purpose it to create small pollinator plots/habitat to help with the declining number of bees and butterflies (pollinators) in our area. Full description of your idea. ...

Zachary Z. Zoul, Owner and Managing Member of Zoul Properties LLC, liked what he sees in Cherokee, compelling him to purchase the Historic Lewis Hotel at 231 W. Main Street in Cherokee. The Lewis Hotel was constructed in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ...

At the Nov. 9 Cherokee County Board if Supervisors meeting, Chairman Gary Lundquist read the proposed Cherokee County Flood Plain Ordinance and asked for public comment. No written or verbal comments were received and the Board approve and adopted Ordinance #2021-05...

 WEST DES MOINES — Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that Chris Courtright from the Cherokee Distribution Center has reached the 2-million-mile mark for consecutive miles driven without a preventable accident. Courtright will become a member of the Hy-Vee Road of Gold Hall of Fame...

The popular Cherokee Lighted Christmas Parade through Main Street is scheduled for Thursday, December 2nd at 6:00PM! Check the Chamber of Commerce website to download the application and return to the Chamber Office by November 24th.

The Cherokee Police Department is doing Toys for Tots again this year. If anyone would like to donate toys there are trees set up at Bomgaars and the Cherokee Library that have cards on them that they can take and purchase a gift for a child. The gifts can be left under the trees at Bomgaars of the library and an officer will pick them up when the time comes. The gifts can also be dropped off at the Police station...

The Cherokee School Board conducted its annual reorganizational meeting at Monday’s regular monthly meeting, including naming new Board officers and members as elected in the Nov. 2 School Elections. Jodi Thomas was elected Board President, and Angie Anderson Vice President. ...

Nominations are being accepted for the 32nd Annual Citizen of the Year Award, which is presented by the Mayor of Cherokee to recognize an “individual who has made a significant contribution to the betterment of the entire community of Cherokee, outside their chosen trade or profession.”...

At the Nov. 9 Cherokee County Board of Supervisors meeting, Kaitlin Letsche, Election Manager, reviewed the November 2, 2021 City-School Election results and the Board certified the Canvass of 2021 City-School Election results. Cherokee County Election Turnout of 15.35% with 1,280 of 8,341 registered voters casting a ballot...

Zachary Z. Zoul, Owner and Managing Member, has announced that Zoul Properties LLC has acquired the Historic Lewis Hotel at 231 W. Main Street in Cherokee. The Lewis Hotel was constructed (completed) in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ...

Cherokee County Public Health officials informs the public that COVID-19 Booster vaccination shot are in Cherokee, ready to serve. The available varieties - all FDA and CDC approved include: •HyVee Pharmacy has Pfizer- adult, adolescent and pediatric (ages 5-11) in selected locations (pediatric not available at this time in Cherokee). Walk-ins welcome for age 12 and older. Need to make appointment for ages 5-11. Call 712-225-6121...

At last week’s Cherokee City Council meeting, Dan Feser, 305 Flint St., addressed the Council with some concerns he and other residents have with Mediacom internet service. Feser feels that Mediacom has a monopoly in Cherokee and asked that the City explore providing alternatives, specifically the local C-M-L fiber optics...

Representative Dennis Bush (R-Cleghorn) has announced his bid for re-election to the Iowa House. Bush currently represents House District 3. Under the newly confirmed redistricting maps, he currently lives in District 13, but will move to Cherokee and run for House District 5...

At the Nov. 2 Cherokee County Board of Supervisors special meting, the Board entered into closed session per Iowa Code to discuss pending litigation. The closed session was “To discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation.”...

The Friends of the Cherokee Public Library will be hosting the Chamber Coffee on Friday at the library as the kickoff to their 22nd annual Book Basket silent auction. There are over 40 baskets donated by various organizations, businesses, and individuals. Each basket is themed around a book and features a variety of items ranging from home décor and kitchen tools to candy and treats. ...

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s “Operation Round Up” recently presented the Cherokee Rotary “Backpack Buddies” program with a $2,000 grant. Each week a group of Rotary volunteers assemble weekend food packets for Cherokee Elementary students. The packets contain cereal, juice, fresh produce and other nutritious items...

Just 15% (1,279) of Cherokee County’s 8,341 eligible voters showed up at the polls for the Nov. 2 School/City elections, that included three candidates seeking two At-Large seats on the Cherokee School Board. Brian Freed and Ray Mullins Jr. claimed those two posts, with Freed receiving 382 of 981 total votes cast, and Mullins getting 361. Kelly Lundell received 230 votes. Freed served out Chuck Wulfsen’s term and ran again, and Mullins replaces Laura Jones who did not seek re-election...

Approximately 15.4 % (1,280) of the County’s 8,341 eligible voters showed up at the polls to cast ballots Nov. 2 for City/School elections, Terms for both are four years. In City elections in Cherokee, the Ward 2 Council seat was filled by write-in candidate Dave Wilberding, who launched a late campaign after no one filed for the post by the September deadline. ...

Veterans Day is fast approaching. It’s observed annually in the United States on November 11 to honor ALL military Veterans. Cherokee County has numerous Veterans who are serving or have served honorably in the U.S. Military. These Veterans are a humble bunch who continue to serve their community in government positions or the military Color Guard; some are teachers, health care providers, school bus drivers, pastors or even fellow students. ...

A first-of-its-kind study of rural Iowa creeks and rivers found traces of synthetic chemicals that are toxic and persist in the environment indefinitely at sites across the state. “They’re all over the place,” said Aurelia native Dana Kolpin, a research hydrologist for the U.S. Geological Survey who led the study, the results...

A bright red "Blessing Box" courtesy of inventive 4H-er Danika Ducommun has been installed at the Cherokee Elementary and Middle School buildings. Danika, the 13-year old daughter of Lisa and Daryl, is a member of the Cavaliers 4H Club and chose to build this project for the 2021 county fair. "I planned this project, called a 'Blessing Box,' in order to create a 24-hour-a-day accessible mini food pantry that has non-perishables and essentials,” explained Danika...

Rotary Student of the Month is Molly Pitts!  Molly is the daughter of Mike and Kelly Pitts and was nominated for this recognition by staff members.  Molly participates in FFA, group speech, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, track, JETS, Spanish club, Spanish Honor Society, and National Honor Society.  A quote from Molly's teachers, "Molly Pitts is active in many activities. She is welcoming, hard working, creative and a friend to all she meets. Molly is taking tough classes with a positive attitude."  Congratulations to Molly!. ...

At the Oct. 28 Cherokee County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved approve a $21.45 per hour wage authorization for Celeste Mohr, Part-Time Dispatcher, effective October 26, 2021. Supervisors approved an underground construction application on county right of way for WesTel Systems in Sections 29 and 32 of Tilden Township; and for CML Telephone in Sections 13 and 24 of Liberty Township...

Just 15% (1,279) of Cherokee County’s 8,341 eligible voters showed up at the polls to cast ballots for Tuesday’s School/City elections, that included three candidates seeking two At-Large seats on the Cherokee School Board. Brian Freed and Ray Mullins Jr. ...

At the Oct. 26 City Council meeting, the City unanimously approved the appointment of Casey Carpenter from Creston, IA to the position of Fire Chief/Building Inspector. He assumes his duties Dec. 1. The Council decided several months ago to combine the two positions and began accepting applications. Carpenter replaces Fire Chief Gregg Eaton...

DES MOINES – The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) issued a letter approving dates and locations for a series of public informational meetings to inform landowners in 36 Iowa counties about a proposed large-scale carbon capture pipeline by Midwest-based Navigator Heartland Greenway LLC...

Cherokee’s City Council last week approve the 3rd Reading of Ordinance #703, an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances Requirement for Stop Signs and ordered its publication. The adopted Ordinance will add a stop sign at the intersection of Greta Street and Centennial Drive, and one at Aspen Street and Sequoia Drive after requests from area residents citing safety dangers for motorists...

Three candidates - two new and an interim - have filed for two seats on the Cherokee School Board for the November 2 election. They are among several interesting races for Cherokee County area school districts after candidates gathered the required signatures and officially filed by the September 16 deadline...

Tomorrow is Election Day. It’s the day we, as United States citizens, exercise our right to choose the leaders of our government. Many people do not take advantage of the chance to voice their opinion in a way that’s peaceful, determining, and often historically significant to more people than those who reside in this country...

City mayoral and council posts in Cherokee County are up for election Nov. 2, with several cities facing just one candidate or no candidates filing by the September 16 deadline. In Cherokee, incumbent Mayo Craig Schmidt seeks re-election unopposed, and Quinn Black has filed for Council at-large vacated by Emily Johnson who is not seeking another term. ...

At last week’s Cherokee County Board of Supervisors meeting, Derek Scott, County Sheriff, presented a wage authorization for consideration and the Board approved an $18.79 per hour wage authorization for Blake Jenness, Full-Time Dispatcher, effective October 21, 2021...

Courtney Bruce and Denny Weathers are vying for the two-year term on the Aurelia City Council previously held by Bob Stroud. In addition, incumbents Brent Fassler, Sue Johnson and Roman Redig are running unopposed for their four-year seats. Mayor Gene Suhr is also running unopposed to retain his spot...

MMCRU Superintendent Dan Barkel joins area law enforcement and school district stakeholders who are very concerned about students’ safety when driving to and from school utilizing the Iowa Highway 3 and Highway 143 junction on the south edge of Marcus...

Cherokee School Board candidate Ray Mullins Jr., a proud 1991 Washington High School graduate, would like to see increased communication and involvement between school and community, and competitive pay for full-time, entry-level employees that would help limit turnover and keep valued members a part of the CSD team...

Kelly Lundell, a Cherokee mother and business owner, cites an invested interest in preserving and improving the quality of her school as a major tenant in her decision to run for the Cherokee School Board. Lundell is one of three candidates seeking two open seats in the Nov. 2 school election...

Tabbed by the School Board to replace former member Chuck Wulfsen who moved out of town, Brian Freed says the job’s not finished and is seeking re-election in the Nov. 2 school elections. Freed joins newcomers Ray Mullins Jr. and Kelly Lundell seeking one of the two at-large open seats. Board member Laura Jones is not seeking re-election after serving two terms...

I feel bad because I cannot write articles like this for everyone, but the Washington High School Class of 1956 was recently able to donate over $500 to the Cherokee Public Library (and please excuse the photo because I was answering emails for two hours and looked a little confused where I was in the world!) It is heartwarming to see community members come together and support their local library and resources for all in the community...

Drivers are advised to stay alert as they travel Iowa’s roadsides over the coming weeks. Autumn deer behavior, crop harvest and peak travel times for motorists combine to hike the risk of vehicle-deer collisions in Iowa. From the middle of October until the third week of November, Iowa bucks become more active in the pursuit of does during the breeding season. ...

DES MOINES: The Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has announced a water tower contest that challenges Iowa communities to show off their hometown pride in a short video for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind water tower design by Iowa artist Laura Palmer as well as design installation...

With no candidate filing by deadline to fill the Cherokee Ward 2 City Council position, resulting in no one to vote for on the ballot for the Nov. 2 City election, long-time Ward 2 resident Dave Wilberding has stepped to the fore. And he wants residents to know it and show up at the polls Nov. 2 so they can write him in to serve as Ward 2 Council member. He brings vast municipal and civic experience and a genuine caring for all things Cherokee...

Being relatively new to Cherokee has not detoured Quinn Black from steeping up to serve his community, as he has thrown his hat into the ring as the lone candidate for the at-large City Council post in the Nov. 2 City Election. Black, Curator of Archaeology at the Sanford Museum, seeks to fill the vacancy of former Council member Emily Johnson who is not seeking re-election...

SIOUX CENTER - It was easy to recognize by the looks on their faces that Cherokee seniors Lexi Pingel, Molly Pitts, Emma Good, Abbey Vandelune and Camille Zwiefel didn't want the season to end here Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the season did end, but it wasn't for lack of effort by the five seniors and the entire Cherokee roster. ...

Congratulations to Abby Glassmaker on being the October Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month! Abby is the daughter of Dave and Michelle Glassmaker of Cherokee. Volleyball, basketball, track and field, band, and choir keep Abby busy at Cherokee Middle School. Once in high school, she is hoping to add drama classes to her busy schedule...