News

Second grader donates summer work to Clarion Rec Center

Published by editor on Tue, 11/23/2021 - 4:38pm

A Clarion second grader exemplified the season of giving last week, offering a donation to the city as a result of a summer of work.

Parker Gniadecki, son of Paul and Kim Gniadecki, always wanted to have summer lemonade stand and this summer his parents finally allowed him set one up.

Initially, Parker sought to raise funds to buy himself a Nintendo Switch. However his priorities changed when he grandfather, Mike Mechem, started having health issues. As his grandfather's health started to fail, Parker began to think about other ways the funds could be used.

Read more about Second grader donates summer work to Clarion Rec Center

Clarion council welcomes incoming council members

Published by editor on Tue, 11/23/2021 - 4:36pm

The Clarion City Council met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 16.

In regular business, the council heard a presentation from Bob Powers about changes to the city's employee health insurance plan for the coming year.

The council also approved the submission of the airport's capital improvement plan, approved a resolution to pay TIF debt, and reviewed the Fiscal Year 21 Annual Financial Report and Urban Renewal Annual Report.

The council also approved an option from First Bank Clarion to renew a city CD for 12 months at .5%.

Read more about Clarion council welcomes incoming council members

Heartland Museum announces new exhibits

Published by editor on Thu, 11/18/2021 - 12:00pm

Two of Heartland Museum’s admired donations sit in the Community Room – the ship “Old Ironsides” is one, and the other, measuring four feet long is the “Wapen of Hamburg”. Both of these stunning ships were made and donated by Dale Feller of Belmond.

Read more about Heartland Museum announces new exhibits

Iowa Specialty Hospital celebrates CEO Steve Simonin’s 25th anniversary

Published by editor on Thu, 11/18/2021 - 11:58am

It was November 4, 1996 when Steve Simonin began his duties as CEO of Clarion’s hospital. Community Memorial Hospital (the name at the time) had 130 employees with an annual income of $8 million. Today Iowa Specialty Hospital has 694 employees with an annual income of $200 million. Lots of changes have taken place in those 25 years with Simonin at the helm. While he recognizes that it takes a team to be successful, many of his health care providers, employees, and patients know that a good part can be attributed to Simonin’s vision and leadership.

Read more about Iowa Specialty Hospital celebrates CEO Steve Simonin’s 25th anniversary

Supervisors examine family farm tax credit applications

Published by editor on Thu, 11/18/2021 - 11:57am

The Wright County Board of Supervisors discussed family farm tax credits and boot reimbursement during their regular meeting on Monday, November 15.

At the meeting, Public Health Administrator Sandy McGrath updated the council about the latest developments in COVID-19 activity and vaccination progress.

Thirty-three new cases have been confirmed since last week, bringing the total number of positive cases to 2,614. The number of active cases is continuing to cause strain on the hospital system.

Read more about Supervisors examine family farm tax credit applications

C-G-D honors outgoing board member

Published by editor on Thu, 11/18/2021 - 11:56am

The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows school board held their regular meeting on Monday, November 8.

At the meeting, the district presented a special recognition to outgoing board member Beth Jackson, who is retiring from the school board after 14 years.

"Finding somebody that's willing to commit fourteen years to a school district is unheard of," said Superintendent Joe Nelson. "What Beth has done for our school district and school is commendable. I'm really proud of her."

Read more about C-G-D honors outgoing board member

CGD Honor Band

Published by admin on Wed, 11/10/2021 - 2:40pm

Five students from the CGD Middle School Band have been selected to perform in the 2022 Karl King Middle School Honor Band. The Karl King Honor Band Festival is for students in North-Central Iowa who excel in Band.

The Honor Band will take place on Saturday, January 15 at St. Edmond School in Fort Dodge. Students will gather in the morning to practice throughout the day and will present a concert late Saturday afternoon.

Students representing CGD Middle School are (l-r) Jillian Mewes, Matheu Solis, Junia Woodley, Logan Torsell, and Calder Creason.

Read more about CGD Honor Band

CGD TAG students visit Des Moines Art Center

Published by admin on Wed, 11/10/2021 - 2:32pm

CGD Middle School Tag Students took a trip to Des Moines on Friday, October 29. The field trip, as part of their English Language Arts curriculum, had them visit the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Des Moines Art Center to experience the art on display.

"My favorite part of the sculpture park was the human made of letters," said Calvin B. "My favorite part of the art center was Justin Favela's art."

Favela's tissue paper art was a highlight of the trip, with the students getting the opportunity to create their own tissue paper projects at the art center."

Read more about CGD TAG students visit Des Moines Art Center

Clarion renews auditing agreement.

Published by admin on Wed, 11/10/2021 - 2:31pm

The Clarion City Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 2.

In regular business, the council approved the renewal of a Perpetual Care CD with First Bank Clarion, running a 10-month special with a rate of .65%.

The council also approved a three year agreement with Larry Pump CPA to provide auditing services for the city. The city has shopped for other auditors in the past, but agreed that Pump's existing knowledge makes him the best candidate for the position.

"Larry has done a great job," said council member Dave Maxheimer. "No complaints there."

Read more about Clarion renews auditing agreement.

Little Pantry

Published by admin on Wed, 11/10/2021 - 2:29pm

Iowa Select Farms unveiled the Clarion Little Free Pantry in Fireman's Park on Thursday, October 28.

Funded by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and maintained by Iowa Select Farms employees, the weather proof box serves as a miniature food pantry where people can drop off or take non-perishable food and household items as needed.

This is the tenth Little Free Pantry that the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation has established in Iowa communities. Others are located in Ellsworth, Aplington, Parkersburg, Rockwell City, Afton, Lenox, Riceville, and two in Webster City.