Eyewitness testimony played a key role in the convictions of more than 70 percent of people later exonerated through DNA evidence. The 2022 high school mock trial case, “State of Iowa v. Kelley Engel” is about the ‘Credibility’ of eyewitness testimony.
An informational meeting was held at the Ida Grove country club on Tuesday, March 29. RAGBRAI committee members were on hand to present information specific to businesses and answer questions. The RAGBRAI overnight stay in Ida Grove will be on July 24.
The Ida County Board of Supervisors met on March 29 at 9 a.m. in the courthouse. Board members in attendance were Chair Raymond Drey, Creston Schubert, and Rhett Leonard. County Engineer Jeff Williams presented a recommendation to hire Tom Cooper as a temporary part-time mechanic effective March 14, at a rate of $24.03 per hour. The board approved the hiring. The board authorized the Chair to sign a contractor’s application for M31-IA39/IA175 payment from Croell, Inc. in the amount of $8,000.
Ida County’s first audit following the disruption of the initial spike of COVID paints a solid picture for Ida County with revenues up and expenses down.
The results of the 2021 findings by the state auditor’s office show revenues were up $1.3 million, a growth of 16.2 percent for Ida County.
Growth was due to increases in tax revenue, among other areas.
Property tax revenues were up $145,000 for the county while tax increment financing revenues climbed a quarter of a million dollars, at $252,000 over the previous year.
The first day of RAGBRAI will start in Sergeant Bluff and hit Bronson before venturing through Battle Creek before stopping for the night in Ida Grove.
Official announcement of the full route was made Sunday.
The first day will include 53.2 miles and climb 2,545 feet.
A theme of the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force has been announced along with a Mile of Silence. Anthon will be the day’s meeting town before the riders check out Ida Grove.
Northwest AEA’s mileage reimbursement will see a small increase as rising gas prices have staff eyeing pain at the pump.
Katie Naslund, a physical therapist, asked the board during its March 21 meeting for an increase in mileage reimbursement as gas prices have soared, averaging around $4 per gallon, up well over $1.50 per gallon in just over a year.
With the far-flung area served, that translates to some real costs for employees.
The board opted to approve a small increase from 39 cents per mile to 41 cents per mile.
Just one Ida County resident filed within the window for a seat on the Ida County Board of Supervisors.
Ida Grove Mayor Devlun Whiteing, a Republican, was the sole candidate to throw his hat in the ring for the seat for District 3 for supervisors.
Other county offices also saw limited filings with Recorder Julie Phillips and Ida County Treasurer Traci Riessen, both incumbents, file as Republicans for office.
County Attorney Meghann Whitmer, a Democratic incumbent, also has her seat up.
Whitmer filed her papers Friday, the final day for county office seekers.
A packed house of about 200 people greeted Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds as she visited Ida County Friday, among stops through the state as she hits the campaign trail ahead of November’s General Election.
Ida County and out-of-county residents alike turned out for the event at Cobblestone Inn & Suites with residents of at least four counties making it out for the event.
Things are continuing to shape up for the ballot as filing season has begun for county offices with another incumbent opting to run to retain office.
So far, Ida County voters now have three candidates running for county offices as Incumbent Recorder Julie Phillips (Republican) has officially filed.
She joins Ida County Treasurer Traci Riessen, a Republican incumbent, on the ballot and Ida Grove Mayor Devlun Whiteing, a Republican, seeking a seat on the Ida County Board of Supervisors.
