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(2/9)* Combining Zoning/Fire Chief Duties & Closing Pool Among Budget Proposals
The City of Fairfield Ways & Means Committee met on Thursday, February 9th, to discuss the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year Budget.  A 3% wage increase has been proposed for city employees, 2% being an across the board increase and 1% would be based on merit.  One of the proposals is to combine the full-time position of Zoning Officer and the part-time Fire Chief into one position, a position

(2/9)* Fairfield Disqualified For Blue Zone Contention Due To Size
A change in the Blue Zone selection process at the eleventh hour is leaving Fairfield out in the cold.  Today Fairfield City Administrator Jeff Clawson received a phone call from the Blue Zone selection group on the afternoon of Thursday, February 9th, explaining that the group’s philosophy for small communities has changed.  On Friday, February 10th, they will announce eleven

(2/9)* Representative Curt Hanson - Week 5
Iowa’s economy continues to recover from the recession according to two reports released in the last month.  The Mid-American States Index and the Iowa Leading Indicators Index both show continued growth in Iowa’s economy.  The positive economic reports come as Iowa has seen its unemployment levels drop to its lowest levels since June 2009, and nationally, unemployment has

(2/9)* Ottumwa Middle School Charged With Harassment Of Students
A middle school student in Ottumwa was recently arrested for harassing nearly two dozen students at their school.  On Wednesday, February 8th, an unnamed 12-year-old Evans Middle School student was taken into custody by the Ottumwa Police Department amidst harassment complaints of at least 21 students.  Iowa state law defines harassment as a person who purposefully and without

(2/9)* Van Buren County Board Of Supervisors Meeting Agenda
The Van Buren County Board of Supervisors will hold a meeting of the Board on:
 Monday, February 13, 2012, beginning at 1PM
 at the Van Buren County Courthouse, Board Room, Keosauqua, IA.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
1.      1:00PM-Public forum/committee reports.
2.      Following item #1-Meet with county

(2/9) Fire Files
The Fairfield Fire Department has nothing to report at this time. 

(2/9) Discounted Pet Spaying And Neuterings Available In February
A local spay and neutering program is offering discounts for their services here in southeast Iowa through the end of the month.  The Caring Community Spay Neuter Assistance Program is co-sponsoring  the 12th annual February Spay Neuter Promotion.  The Fairfield Animal Hospital and the Veterinary Clinic in Fairfield are among the participating clinics that are willing to offer

(2/9) Police Files
Christopher Allan Shute, 23, of the 1700 block of Hwy. 34 W. was arrested and charged with OWI 1st Offense. 
There was a theft reported at the 1900 block of Burlington Ave. in Fairfield on Wednesday, February 8th. 
A theft was reported that took place on Monday, February 6th, at the 600 block of S. 5th St. in Fairfield. 

(2/9) Board Of Supervisors Designate E. Plesant Plain Property A Nusiance
At the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, February 6th, a nuisance property case was brought up.  The property in question was the Boyd property in the 1100 block of Raspberry Ave. in E. Pleasant Plain and there have been complaints of several items being left out in the yard, making the area unsightly.  The issue was especially upsetting as there have been

(2/9) County Employees Looking Into Corporate Membership For Parks And Rec
Jefferson County Public Health’s Chris Estle-Tedrow was at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, February 6th, and spoke about a previous proposal of having county employees band together for a corporate membership to Fairfield Parks and Recreation facilities.  Currently it costs $240 for an annual membership to either the pool or the exercise equipment, but corporate

(2/8)* Wapello County Home Takes Extensive Fire Damage
A fire broke out in a rural Wapello County home on Wednesday, February 8th.  Joe Parker’s home on Bladensburg Rd. northeast of Ottumwa caught fire on Wednesday afternoon that did considerable damage.  Wapello County Rural Fire Chief Wes Woten says that the fire is currently under investigation and the state fire marshal will be on-scene investigating on Thursday, February

(2/8)* Jefferson County Will See New Sheriff In Next Election
Jefferson County Sheriff Jerry Droz has announced that he will not seek re-election for another term as sheriff.  All law enforcement officials are required to retire at the age of 65 with the exception of sheriff, but Droz, who will turn 65 shortly after his current term ends, feels that he should play by the same rules and so he will be retiring.  At this time Chief Deputy Gregg Morton is the only person who has

(2/8) Fire Station Remodeling Among Topics At Ottumwa City Council
The Ottumwa City Council covered the North Fire Station Remodeling Project at their meeting on Tuesday, February 7th.  Some of the issues brought up by Fire Chief Tony Miller included children not being able to get inside on field trips due to the station not being handicap accessible and a leak in the second floor bathroom.  Council Member John Richards suggested saving money by

(2/8) Police Files
The Jefferson County Law Center has nothing to report at this time. 

(2/8) Fire Files
On Tuesday, February 7th, the Fairfield Fire Department responded to an automatic alarm at approximately 8:55 PM at the Fairfield Middle School.  The investigation lead to the conclusion that the alarm was accidentally set off. 
At approximately 3:40 PM on Tuesday, February 7th, the Fairfield Fire Department responded to an automatic alarm located at the 900 block of W. Harrison.

(2/9) Fire Files
The Fairfield Fire Department has nothing to report at this time. 

(2/8) AARP Tax Support Comes Highly Recommended
Every year AARP helps thousands of Iowa seniors prepare their tax returns for free. Volunteers like state coordinator Elmer Neussendorfer staff 80 tax-aide locations statewide through April 17th. He says returns are filed electronically, which means people can get their tax refunds in as little as two weeks. Neussendorfer says many taxpayers fall for a "refund anticipation loan." He

(2/8) Stolen ATV Reported In Salem Over The Weekend
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen vehicle over the weekend.  On Monday, February 6th, Daniel Pidgeon of Salem reported the theft of his red Honda Rancher 420 ATV that was stolen from a barn lot in the 3000 block of Benton Ave on Sunday, February 5th.  Anyone with information regarding the theft is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s

(2/8) Organization Helps Families Of Fallen Police Officers Cope
Melisa Wissink said that it took more than a year to find some solace after her husband Sean Wissink, a Des Moines police officer, died in a car crash in February of 2007.  It is coming up on a year ago that Keokuk County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Stein was shot and killed last April while questioning a suspect and Wissink wants to help the Stein family.  Wissink is the spokeswoman

(2/8) AmericInn Hotel In Fairfield Nearing Grand Opening
The Fairfield AmericInn is just a month and a half away from opening its doors to the public.  Paul McHenry, Regional Manager with Three Rivers Hospitality says that the general manager has been hired and is the process of relocating to Fairfield.  Next Wednesday the 15th there will be a Job Fair and they will be interviewing for all the positions available for the hotel. 

(2/7)* Emergency Generator Discussed At Jefferson County Board Of Supervisors
At the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, February 6th, an on-site emergency generator was discussed for the county.  Fairfield City Administrator Jeff Clawson was at the meeting and said that it would run $147,000 and that there would probably need to be about a 20% match with the city and county going together.  The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center has

(2/7)* Cardinal Elementary School Receives Scholastic Books Award
On Tuesday, February 7th, Cardinal Elementary School held an assembly to present an award through Scholastic Book Fair.  In December the Cardinal Parent Teacher Organization entered the contest on behalf of Cardinal Elementary and they were notified that they had been awarded one of Presidential Awards, winning it for principal/faculty involvement in activities.  The faculty

(2/7) Thank you from 1st Friday's Art Walk
Fairfield 1st Fridays Art Walk is incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the February Film Festival of Iowan Shorts. This year’s film festival was different than previous festivals as it focused mainly on Iowan short films. These films were screened at six different locations around and near the Fairfield town square. Further, the films ran in continual loops so that

(2/7) Despite Good Grade, Iowa Has Financial Secutiy Issues To Focus On
According to the 2012 "Assets and Opportunities Scorecard," Iowa ranks 12th amongst states when it comes to its residents' financial security.  There are certainly some positive things to report from the findings, as the nonprofit Corporation for Enterprise Development gives the state the letter grade of an “A.” However, there are some things to concern the state,

(2/7) Police Files
On Monday, February 6th, Avni Demir, 44, of the 400 block of N. B St. in Fairfield was arrested on warrant(s) for driving while suspended, revoked, cancelled or denied and no SR-22 insurance on file. 
Paul Michael Wheeler, 30, of the 2000 block of Libertyville Rd. # 3 in Fairfield was arrested on warrant(s) for violation of a no contact order and disorderly conduct on Monday, February

(2/7) Ottumwa Man On Iowa's Most Wanted Sex Offenders List
An Ottumwa man is on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry’s most wanted list.  46-year-old Miguel Elias Ornealas-Soto was convicted of Indecent Contact with a Child and Lascivious Conduct with a Minor in Buena Vista County in 2010.  The most wanted list website is operated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety and sex offenders are placed on the most wanted page when they are not

(2/7) Mt. Pleasant Man Found With Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

A man was discovered outside of the Henry County Health Center yesterday with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  At approximately 4:30 PM the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a subject outside of the HCHC emergency room.  The man was identified as 59-year-old Ronald Oge of Mt. Pleasant.  Oge was transported to the University of Iowa Hospital for treatment. 

(2/7) Fairfield Parks And Recreation Meeting Recap
On Monday, February 6th, at the City Hall Council Chambers the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department held a meeting at 5:15 PM.  On the recreation side of the meeting there was a reminder that the Polar Plunge is taking place this Saturday with registration at 10:30 AM and the plunge to commence at 11 AM.  It was also announced that the swim team has had a decrease in their number of

(2/6)* FEDA Requests Economic Funds From Jefferson County Board Of Supervisors
At the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, February 6th, Tracy Vance with the Fairfield Economic Development Association made a request on the group’s behalf for economic development funding.  FEDA is asking for $7,500 for the current fiscal year and $10,000 for the next fiscal year in order to help cement the achievements they’ve helped orchestrate in

(2/6)* Ottumwa To Hold Goal-Setting Meeting
On Wednesday, February 8th, the Ottumwa City Council will be setting some goals at a special meeting.  The purpose of the meeting is to look at what the city has accomplished since their last goal-setting session, such as the south side’s sewer separation project’s progress and the repaving and reconstruction of four miles of streets, then assess the current issues, and also plan for

(2/6)* Jefferson County Board Of Supervisors Meeting Recap
At the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, February 6th, County Engineer Tom Goff announced that the county has reclaimed a fire truck from Vaughn Automotive.  On Monday, February 13th, there will be a joint public hearing at the Fairfield City Council meeting regarding a resolution on necessity of special assessment on 227th St. E. and W. with both the City Council and Board of

(2/6) Police Files
On Monday, February 6th, Larry Wayne Mooney was arrested and charged with failure to appear. 
An investigation into a theft at the 700 block of S. 3rd St. in Fairfield was initiated on Sunday, February 5th.   

(2/6) Fire Files
The Fairfield Fire Department investigated an odd smell at the 400 block of N. F St. on Monday, February 6th, but in their investigation nothing was found. 

(2/6) Cambridge Promotion/Licensing Announcements - December 2011 and January 20
We are pleased to announce recent promotions at Cambridge’s headquarters in Fairfield, Iowa:
 
Mary Arnold has been promoted to transition consultant on the advisor services transition team. Arnold joined Cambridge in March 2007 as a Pershing operations coordinator.  In March 2008, she joined the transition team as an associate regional consultant and was promoted to senior

(2/6) Congressman Loebsack Speaks Out Against Making $ On Non-Public Info
Recently it was announced that the House Majority would allow a vote on legislation preventing members of Congress from making a profit from non-public information.  Iowa’s 2nd District Congressman Dave Loebsack said that it is past time for this legislation to both be brought to the floor and voted on.  Loebsack hopes that passing it quickly will help begin the rebuilding

(2/6) League Of Women Voters Forum Takes Place In Ottumwa
State Representatives from Fairfield, Ottumwa and Bloomfield and an Ottumwa State Senator all were present for the League of Women Voters’ forum held at Ottumwa's Bridge View Center on Saturday, February 4th. The forum was an opportunity for constituents to ask their representatives any questions they might have, particularly about the current session.  Included were State

(2/6) Oskaloosa Man Arrested For Sexual Abuse
An Oskaloosa man was arrested Sunday, February 5th, for sexual abuse.  The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 20-year-old Joseph Smith on two counts of sexual abuse in the 3rd degree, a class C felony.  Smith currently is in the Wapello County Jail on a $20,000 bond. 

(2/6) Ottumwa Iowa National Guard Armory Engineer Company Under New Leadership
Over the weekend the 833rd Engineer Company of the Iowa National Guard Armory in Ottumwa had a change in command.  Captain Kiel C. Archer has taken the reigns over from Captain Randy E. Hartley with the ceremony taking place on Saturday, February 4th.  Archer and Hartley both currently work for the Director of Military Support Office for the Department of Homeland Security's

(2/3) Police and Fire Files
There are no police files to report on Friday.

The Fairfield Fire Department responded to a small grass fire Thursday just north of Fairfield on Hwy 1. The fire was result of a controlled burn that got out of hand.

(2/3) Art Walk to Highlight Films
The First 1st Fridays art walk is tonight in downtown Fairfield. This years event is highlighting the art of film, with a number of short films, many from Iowa film makers featured.  Art Walk Coordinator Dania De Bortoli says that this year’s Film Festival will feature short films running ona loop at 6 locations around downtown.  There will be a $3 admission ticket which will

(2/3) County Joins Master Matrix
Jefferson County Supervisors have notified the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that it will be 1 of 88 counties in Iowa to adopt the Master Matrix scoring scale. The Master Matrix is used to evaluate construction permit applications and proposed locations for animal confinements. Animal producers in counties who apply the Master Matrix must meet higher standards than other confinement

(2/3) Free AARP Tax Help Available
Free tax help is once again being made available at the Fairfield Public Library through a volunteer program put in place by the IRS and AARP. There are no income or age guidelines to receive the service; however Ritzanna Seaton who provides the service in Fairfield says there are limitations to the types of returns that can be done, and that is determined by the complexity of the return. In

(1/31)* Jefferson County Jailer's Union Makes First Offer In Contract Negotiatio
On Monday, January 30th, the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors received the initial proposal from the Jailer’s Union for their 2012-2013 contracts.  The Jailer’s Union said the only negotiating that would take place would be on wages and insurance, and they are asking for a 3% wage increase and for the County to pay 75% of the difference between single and family premiums

(1/28) Rollover Involving Washington HS Students On Pleasant Plain Road
At approximately 9:17 AM on Saturday, January 28th, there was an accident involving a vehicle transporting Washington High School students in Fairfield.  A 2002 Ford Excursion southbound on Pleasant Plain Rd. driven by cheer coach Amanda Kay Shelman lost control due to slick conditions in the 1400 block of Pleasant Plain Rd. four miles north of Fairfield.  The vehicle hit a mailbox on

(1/27) Quickbooks Training Classes Being Offered At Extension Office In Fairfiel
Agriculture QuickBooks training will be held on Tuesday, February 14th, and Tuesday, February 21st, at the Jefferson County Extension Office in Fairfield.  Bryan Ziegler of the Small Business Development Center will instruct the two-session program.  The class will show how to set up QuickBooks, how to view and understand statements, how to make corrections, how to pay employees and

*(1-23) Supervisors Decline KK Finisher Request
The Jefferson County Supervisors voted to not approve the request from the KK Finisher site during their weekly meeting this morning. After a review of the Master Matrix scoring, the site didn’t meet the minimum requirements and was turned down. The board will still accept public comments on proposed CAFO at a public hearing at a later date.  Supervisors also agreed to abate what have

(1-23) Legislative Breakfast Host Nearly 40
The 1st of three Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfasts was held Saturday with all three of area Sate Legislators on hand to discuss the first 10 days of the 2012 session and get input from citizens. Representative Curt Hanson who represents Iowa House District 90 says that events like the Legislative Breakfast are a great opportunity for both the citizens and those who

(1-23) Area Meetings Scheduled
The Jefferson County Supervisors will meet in regular session today at 9 in the 1st floor meeting room in the Jefferson County Court House. Agenda items include a meeting with the county attorney’s office and county engineer. The supervisors will also consider Consider Final Plat of Rude Subdivision, a resolution providing for the final financial support of Area 15 Regional Planning

(1-20) Police/Fire Files
There are no new reports.

(1/12)* 1st Friday Youth Art Exhiit Draws Big Crowd
Fairfield 1st Fridays Artwalk Coordinator Dania De Bortoli said that the turnout for the Youth Art exhibit at the Fairfield Public Library was fantastic, especially as January Art Walks do not tend to be among the highest attended Art Walks.  The art teachers involved said they’d never seen such a turnout for an art show, and the library was pleased too, as they counted over 300 that

(1/10) Fairfield City Council Meeting Recap
At the Fairfield City Council meeting on Monday, January 9th, Steve Beeman spoke on behalf of street closure for the entire Fairfield Square for Collector Cars Unlimited.  City Administrator Jeff Clawson said that downtown businesses requested that if the entirety of the downtown is not needed that it not be entirely shut down and it was decided that that decision, mostly based on weather,

(1/4)* Fairfield To Raise Money With ENF Breakfast On Saturday, January 7th
On Saturday, January 7th, the Fairfield Elks Lodge will be hosting their Elks National Foundation Breakfast.  The Elks National Foundation is the charitable branch of the Benevolent and Protected Order of the Elks, and Fairfield Lodge #1192 Elks National Foundation Chairperson Doug Bagby says that the Elks have awarded $1,000 projects in Jefferson County for such projects as the county

(12/28) Iowans Prepare Vehicles For Upcoming Winter Weather
Although thus far it’s been one of the mildest winters to this point in decades, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be preparing your vehicle for worse conditions on the way.  AAA’s Pam Moen says that car batteries and tires are the two things that get people in the most trouble over the winter months and to make sure yours are both ready for the colder weather.