News

Multiple catalytic converter thefts reported in Clarion

Published by editor on Wed, 01/12/2022 - 7:04am

               In the last few weeks, there have been two reports of catalytic converters being stolen around Clarion off of three vehicles.

               Clarion Chief of Police Steve TerHark said the thefts likely took place between Christmas and New Years. It is hard to pinpoint the dates precisely though as some of the vehicles had been sitting and had not been moved for a while.

175 new COVID cases since last week

Published by editor on Wed, 01/12/2022 - 7:02am

At the Wright County Supervisors meeting on Monday, County Public Health Director Sandy McGrath noted that the county saw 175 new COVID cases in the past week and now totals 3,158. The new cases more than doubled from the previous week. “When we more than double numbers, we’re in crisis mode. And we now run the risk of having to shut things down,” McGrath said. She said that the Omicron variant is taking over from Delta. She again implored people to get vaccinated and boosted.

Pay increases recommended for county employees

Published by editor on Wed, 01/12/2022 - 6:58am

The Wright County Compensation Commission has recommended large pay increases for elected county officials starting July 1, 2022.

The recommendations will be acted upon by the board of supervisors. The supervisors can vote to follow the recommendations, lower them all, but cannot vote to raise them.
 

Recommendations:

Supervisors
This year       $40,845
Next year      $46,971
Increase        15%
 

Sheriff
This year       $90,930
Next year      $123,665
Increase        36%
 

USDA offers disaster assistance to farmers and livestock producers in Iowa impacted by recent tornadoes

Published by editor on Wed, 01/12/2022 - 6:57am

 Iowa agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by recent tornadoes and severe storms that occurred in early December 2021. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover.  

Pork producers wait on court decision

Published by editor on Wed, 01/12/2022 - 6:55am

The loss of a substantial market for Iowa pork has farmers across the state on edge as the United States Supreme Court turned its attention Friday to whether to take up a challenge to legislation that could rob swine producers of a lucrative market.

California, which accounts for 15 percent of the country’s pork production, has legislation, Proposition 12, that took effect Jan. 1 requiring that pork sold in that sold be raised under strict guidelines.

Wright County Charitable Foundation conducts fall granting ceremony

Published by editor on Wed, 01/05/2022 - 9:19am

 

Wright County Charitable Foundation conducts fall granting ceremony

Grants awarded to 18 projects across the county totaling $50,000.

 

On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, Wright County Charitable Foundation (WCCF) held its Fall Granting Ceremony. Held at the Clarion Public Library at 6:00 p.m., the foundation awarded $50,000 to 18 projects county-wide. Since the first granting period in Spring 2006, the Wright County Charitable Foundation has granted $1,324,384.00 to 657 projects and causes across Wright County.

Prairie Energy duo give tips to save $ on energy bills

Published by editor on Wed, 01/05/2022 - 9:16am

At a Wright County Extension meeting the first part of December, Chad Chapman and Darren Johnson, Prairie Energy Member Service Advisors, gave those in attendance ‘tips’ on ways to save money on energy. While the two go to people’s homes to evaluate energy usage for Prairie Energy customers, they would be more than happy to provide the booklet “101 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money” to anyone who might request it. The office number is 515-532-2805.

2021 Year in Review

Published by editor on Wed, 01/05/2022 - 9:12am

2021 Year in Review

 

January

Amanda and Knute Severson, owner-operators of Grand View Beef, a Wright County grass-fed beef operation, were named as finalists for the Iowa Farm Bureau Grow Your Future Award.

Karl Helgevold and Rick Rasmussen were sworn in as county supervisors after winning reelection.

New Clarion Chamber Director Lydia Schroeder began work.

Iowa Specialty Hospital (ISH) honored Dr. Dan Gabrielson with the Innovators Award and Dr. Michael McLoughlin with the Helmsman Award. 

Clarion Mayor Asbe leads his final council meeting

Published by editor on Wed, 12/29/2021 - 9:13pm

At the Clarion City Council meeting last Tuesday, Mayor Duane Asbe rapped the gavel for the last time. Afterwards, everyone chuckled since the practice of striking a gavel isn’t really used anymore. Whatever the case, it was a fine ending to over 25 years of service to the City of Clarion.

This past year, Asbe decided to not seek re-election as his four-year mayoral term came to an end. (Rod Heiden will be taking over the position in January.) As Asbe moves out from behind the council table, he reflects back on almost three decades of service to Clarion.

Former Philadelphia Eagle featured in Disney movie to speak in Clarion

Published by editor on Wed, 12/29/2021 - 9:10pm

You know you’ve made it in this world when Mark Wahlberg plays you in the movies. This is the case for Vince Papale, former professional football player, who was the subject of the 2006 Disney movie “Invincible.” Papale will visit Clarion in January to speak at the school and a Sports Boosters Event that is open to the public.

Wright County Monitor

P.O. Box 153
Clarion, IA 50525
Phone: 515-532-2871
Email: news@wrightcountymonitor.com

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