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.
Approximately 70 people attended the RAGBRAI community meeting held March 13 at the King Theatre in Ida Grove. Ida Grove will serve as an overnight host town Sunday, July 24 for the Des Moines Register’s annual event.
The local executive committee introduced themselves and gave highlights of the committees they serve. Those members are: Jared and Heather Bogue, Rhett and Kathy Leonard, Jeff and Geneva Miesner, Tonya Rehse, Amy Forbes and Kurtis Krager. Stephanie Konradi serves on the advisory board.
An area man is behind bars on a bond of $25,000 and faces the possibility of lengthy prison time as he faces attempted murder and assault while display a dangerous weapon charges with a Sunday incident in Battle Creek.
A preliminary hearing is set for March 31 at 9:30 a.m. after Derek Daniel Mefferd, 42, after he was arrested by the Ida County Sheriff’s Office.
His booking is listed as early Monday for the Ida County Jail with his hearing for an initial appearance already taking place.
Pheasants Forever is known as “the habitat organization.” Projects sponsored in partnership with NRCS comprise an extensive list: Over 300,000 trees and shrubs planted, 30,000 acres of habitat established to native grasses, and 1,600 acres of food plots established in the 33 years since the chapter began. Careful planning goes into each of these projects to insure longevity, such as providing weed mats for tree plantings. These projects not only improve pheasant habitat, but also habitat for other animals such as pollinating insects.
The Ida Grove City Hall and Community Hall were demolished last week, as well as the adjacent Iversen Radio and TV building. The city hall, which was built in 1906, will be replaced with a smaller building in the same location. The new building will contain offices and council chambers, but no event center. It will most likely be a one-story building. The Ida Grove City Council has been operating in a temporary office located at the Rec Center since February of 2021.
Organizers are holding off a final release of details, but multiple Ida County towns will see RAGBRAI XLIX.
The 2022 ride will enter Ida County and hit Battle Creek among its Ida County sites as riders head from Sergeant Bluff into the county and then follow Highway 175 to Ida Grove, an over night stop.
From Ida Grove, the plan is to take Highway 175 out of the city and then use M-25 to head to U.S. 20.
That will take riders through Galva as that community also looks set to have a chance to take part in this year’s fun as plans currently stand.
Governor Kim Reynolds will head for Holstein Friday, March 18 with Ida County Republican leadership thrilled at the chance to bring the state’s most prominent woman in political office to meet with residents.
Reaction from area residents is already proving enthusiastic.
OABCIG students had a chance to be legal eagles as they took part in Mock Trial competition recently.
Sioux City hosted competition this year.
Students donned their finest and had a chance to argue and present evidence according to the rules and procedures of the judicial system, an opportunity to understand the workings of the courts.
“We finished third in total scores among the teams that were there,” said Advisor Kurt Brown. “However we did not advance to state.”
With the details of RAGBRAI XLIX details being finalized, the route is shaping up as Battle Creek is joining the list of towns that will see RAGBRAI.
RAGBRAI kicks off July 23 with Sergeant Bluff and then heads to Ida Grove before moving to Pocahontas, then to Emmetsburg, on to Mason City, heading to Charles City, next to West Union and ending in Lansing.
As RAGBRAI works through Ida County, Ida Grove will not be alone in joining the fun.
“Yes, we will be a pass through town,” said Diane Lansink, city clerk for Battle Creek.
