News

After talking to Cherokee County Auditor Kris Glienke recently to speculate that a significant issue of some sort existed with turbines in the recently commissioned 200 megawatt (MW) Glaciers Edge Wind Project in western Cherokee County, Glienke shockingly reported, “I'm hearing that all the blades might need to be repaired or replaced.”...

NOVEMBER 1959 —Interview with Ron Witcombe from the school newspaper POW WOW. Ron Witcombe is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Witcombe. He has two older brothers, Donnie and Tiny. This junior boy is 5-8 tall, weighs 144 pounds and has gray eyes and brown hair (yes, he had hair). ...

The Chronicle Times continues working closely with the Cherokee Regional Medical Center and Public Health to keep citizens well-informed of the latest updates as the pandemic situation develops further. Additionally, CRMC and Public Health communicate regularly with area hospitals and health care providers to stay abreast of the COVID-19 outbreak as a coalition of providers and facilities preparing to assist each other when and where needed as the pandemic plays out...

The 15th annual Cherokee Education Foundation Dinner and Auction was held March 7th at the Little Sioux Event Center in Cherokee. The CEF is proud to host this event that provides our schools, teachers and students with many “extras”. Regular attendee of the event, and Kindergarten teacher, Gail Kremer, states, “We are so incredibly grateful to the Education Foundation. ...

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...

I’ve wondered a few times what life would be like as a library consultant where I focus on pedagogy and helping other libraries implement programming based on community interest. Now, I’m thinking it would be insufferably boring. Lately, the staff here at the library have been held up in the building working on much needed projects like replacing old barcodes which do not read properly and a much-needed inventory to see what precisely is missing from the collection and how we can make our online catalog better reflect what’s on the shelves. ...

Stephanie Abeyie has received the WITCC TRIO-Student Support Services Achiever of the Month Award for April. This award recognizes Western Iowa Tech TRIO students for demonstrating qualities of leadership and citizenship while achieving collegiate academic success.  Stephanie began in the Nursing program on the Cherokee WIT Campus in the Fall of 2019 while also finishing up general coursework towards an Associate of Arts Degree.  Stephanie has maintained an excellent GPA and serves as a TRIO Peer Mentor in the program. ...

At last week’s City Council meeting, City Attorney Alyssa Herbold joined the meeting by phone, and explained a document she has provided the City outlining the new federal regulations pertaining to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Herbold has incorporated these regulations into an action plan for the City providing guidance in the use of accrued sick leave (FMLA) and emergency sick leave (FLSA) in the wake of this pandemic, as well as appropriate employee and employer policies and response. ...

According to national health care industry reports, Iowa has the 14th-highest rates of hospital beds in the nation at 3.04 per 1,000 people. As officials urge Americans to self-isolate, the fear of overwhelming hospitals is becoming more of a reality as Americans attempt to “flatten the curve.”...

During the Governer's press conference yesterday she announced: We are currently waiting to see the actual written declaration from the Governor's office that will address questions some of you may have right now. We encourage you to call the department of public health with any questions you may have as to how these changes effect your individual business...

With political signs popping up all over town, the Cherokee City Council last week tweaked the Sign Ordinance to reflect an amendment regarding the time frame of such signs in residents’ yards. City Administrator Eric List explained that in the past the City Code has regulated the period of time that political signs can be displayed, referencing Iowa Code Section 306.C10(20). ...

DES MOINES - The Iowa Restaurant Association has shared its preliminary assessment of the devastating toll the temporary suspension of on-premise food and beverage service has taken on Iowa's hospitality industry.  The Association surveyed operators of all sizes and concept types from across the state including restaurants, bars and other food and beverage establishments, with  670 operators, or approximately 10% of the industry, participated in the survey...

Congratulations to Harper Benson for being the March Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month! She is the daughter of Todd and Melanie Benson of Cherokee. Harper is involved in many activities. She plays basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, softball, and track. ...

Previously offered at the Cherokee County Conservation Board (CCCB) office on a monthly basis, the Jr. Naturalist program now excels in the classroom. Once a month Laura Jones, CCCB Naturalist, visits multiple classrooms, going to Cherokee, Alta-Aurelia, and MMCRU school districts...

Cherokee gas retailers continue price gouging

COVID-19 has a lot of us freaked out. I had written this column earlier on to assure everyone the library had a plan to address concerns about the illness and steps we had been taking to minimize transmission. Some of the steps we had taken were to remove toys and begin sanitizing surfaces as they were used by patrons. ...

On Monday, March 23, Governor Reynolds announced a new Iowa Small Business Relief Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses and tax deferrals to any Iowa businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be available on this website on Tuesday, March 24, at 8 a.m. Application deadline is Tuesday, March 31, at 12 p.m. http://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/our-agency-detail-resources/6710...

Students at WHS competed in their last Speech competition in Cherokee just in the nick of time.  Speechletes performed in a contest for three qualified IHSSA judges in Cherokee on March 14 in lieu of their regular contest.  The students did an amazing job. 37 students competed and 28 straight ones were earned, 7 mixed ones were earned, and 2 twos were earned.  ...

Business Owners, Managers, and Friends, these are unprecedented times, and I know that many of you worry about the long term impact COVID-19 is going to have on your business and you personally. Nobody has all of the answers right now, but we continue to work on it...

The Chronicle Times office will be closed to walk-in-business, until further notice. We are still at work every weekday, and communication is encouraged by phone, fax, and email. We can also receive payments, press releases, and other communications at our drop slot near the front door. Please contact us by phone at 712-225-5111. Our fax number is 712-225-2910. Our individual emails are found at www.chronicletimes.com under the tab Contact Us found at the bottom of the page...

The Cherokee Community School District would like to invite everyone to the Cherokee CSD Staff Car Parade. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. from the WHS parking lot. The miss the students and their families, and they can't wait to share some waves, smiles, and a bunch of fun with everyone...

It is recommended that Iowans self-isolate for 14 days in the following situations: What does self-isolation mean? What should I be watching for during self-isolation? What about the people I live with? What should I do if I develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing?...

Cherokee Regional Medical Center Public Health, in conjunction with the Cherokee County Healthcare Coalition, has a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit within Cherokee County and are seeking volunteers. The MRC is seeking medically and non-medically trained volunteers for Cherokee County unit of the national disaster relief organization. Judy Stowater, CRMC Public Health Supervisor, spearheads the project. Call Public Health at 225-2129...

These are scary times for many small businesses, particularly restaurants, bars, retailers and service businesses that have had to temporarily close or reduce hours.  Many business owners are worried about the long-term impact this is going to have on their business and on them personally...

At last week’s meeting, the Cherokee County Board of Supervisors heard a report from the Cherokee Regional Medical Center and Public Health staff to provide information to County departments related to COVID-19 Community Spread Mitigation Guidance. As a public entity, Cherokee County’s objective is to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus by encouraging citizens to conduct business by phone, mail or online when possible...

With the COVID-19 running around in Iowa, churches in the state of Iowa have begun to take preemptive measures to help their communities stay safe. Here are the list of churches in Cherokee, Iowa and what they plan to do:...

CHEROKEE, Iowa – The Cherokee County office of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is closed to the public until further notice; however, staff will still be working remotely to serve the area.   All ISU Extension and Outreach programming has also been cancelled or postponed through Saturday, April 4. To contact staff, call the office at 712-225-6196 or email the staff member you need directly. Staff email addresses can be located at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cherokee/staff. ...

The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) on March 13, 2020, issued an emergency order directing all electric and natural gas utilities in the state to cease disconnection of residential service due to nonpayment. The emergency order, issued in Docket No. SPU-2020-0003, comes in response to a statewide disaster proclamation of public health emergency issued on March 9, 2020, by Gov. Kim Reynolds to enhance the state’s response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19)...

The following is a message from Julie Hering Kent, from the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce: "These are unprecedented times, and I know that many of you worry about the long term impact this is going to have on your business and you personally. Nobody has all of the answers right now, but we continue to work on it."...

The Cherokee School Board Monday night accepted two resignations and approved two internal transfers, and seven contract extensions as recommended by Superintendent Kim Lingenfelter. On a 4-1 vote with member Chuck Wulfsen voting Nay, the Board approved an estimated $29,200 expenditure for electrical work associated with the Cherokee Youth Summer Ball Association (CYSBA) new ball field north of the tennis courts in the Sam Doupe Complex off Indian Street...

A group of private individuals say now is the right time for a “common sense” approach to renovating the Cherokee high school football field. That common sense answer is yes if you ask school officials. The Cherokee School Board has already approved monies for a new track and road/parking lot resurfacing on the Washington High School campus here, and resurfaced and repaired tennis courts in the Sam Doupe Complex off Indian Street...

The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage everyone to check out their Facebook page, Cherokee County Unite, it is updated by the local business on their hours and closings. The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce is working on other ways to help support local business, be sure to check out Monday's CT for more information!...

CRMC forming volunteer medical corps

Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency. All Iowa restaurants and bars must suspend on premise service as of noon Tuesday. Carry out and delivery will be allowed. All Restaurants and Bars are hereby closed to the general public except that to the extent permitted by applicable law, and in accordance with any recommendations of the Iowa Department of Public Health, food and beverages may be sold if such food or beverages are promptly taken from the premises, such as on a carry-out or drive-through basis, or if the food or beverage is delivered to customers off the premises.. ...

Cherokee Schools COVID-19 statement: With the Iowa Governor’s recommendation to close school for the next four weeks, and after continuing to closely monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the earliest we would potentially resume school is Tuesday, April 14.  It is possible this closure could last longer. Future communication about the start of school will be sent at a later date. ...

Cherokee Landfill Closed to the Public Out of an abundance of caution, effective Immediately the Cherokee County Landfill will be closed to the General Public.  The landfill will still be open for all regular haulers and customers who have charge accounts.  For those regular haulers and customers there will be no need to come into the office and sign your tickets.  This will in no way affect your residential or commercial pickup by your local haulers...

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing another upcoming action by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide $6,347,828 in funding to Iowa in support of their response efforts to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)...

$6 million F Avenue project questioned

Global situation U.S. Situation Cases in the U.S. continue to increase and include: Regional Situation: The Iowa State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to allow for coordination and information sharing among state agencies and partners...

Special Olympics Iowa has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Mid-Winter Tournament scheduled for March 13 - 14 in Iowa City due to concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).    “The health and safety of the Special Olympics Iowa community, including our athletes, volunteers, and employees, are our top priority,” shared John Kliegl, Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO...

A single bid approximately $120,000 over the engineer’s preliminary estimate has forced Cherokee’s City Council to forego plans to repair the East Main Street bridge at this time. The proposed project will be re-bid at a future date. At the March 10 Council meeting, Jason Eygabroad with Beck Engineering stated that he was not surprised that there was only one bid for the repairs to the bridge. ...

Lopez Foods annexation process begins

The Cherokee City Council conducted Public Hearings on the Water Main Improvements Project, and the South 1st Street Reconstruction Project. 
Jason Eygabroad with Beck Engineering reported that three bids were received for the Water Main Improvements Project that consists of increasing the size of the water main on Hillcrest Drive and looping the water main near the National Guard Armory along Industrial Road, which is now a dead-end line...

Students at River Valley Elementary School in Washta enjoyed a multi-age activity on Monday, March 2. The monthly program, called Pillar Pods, is signaled with playing Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” over the intercom. Grades kindergarten through five spread across the school, going to assigned rooms where there is a blend of age groups led by teachers and staff members. The groups have similar lessons and activities, forming strong bonds of friendship and learning the true value of teamwork. ...

After continuing prior public hearings pending further review, the Cherokee County Board of Supervisors last week held a third hearing for the proposed 2020 Courthouse Sidewalk/Retaining Wall Improvements project. Tyler Hahn and Jason Eygabroad of Beck Engineering, reviewed bid details received from two contractors. The Supervisors analyzed line items from both bids and compared them to engineer estimates...

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