The landscape of Iowa education changed considerably this past week after the Iowa legislature quickly voted to pass the Students First Act, a long awaited piece of legislation sought after by Gov. Kim Reynolds, who promptly signed it on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The law creates Educational ...

1. As part of the consent agenda, the retirement of two veteran teachers — K-12 vocal teacher Terry Shay and elementary counselor Teresa O’Meara — was approved effective at the end of the school year. Following the motion to approve, board member David Calderwood spoke briefly about ...

For the first time in recent memory, the Tama Co. Conservation Board received a ‘ding’ on its annual audit due to granting a board member preferential treatment as it relates to camping fees. During the Thursday, Jan. 5 regular board meeting – rescheduled by a day due to both weather ...

-Bill Faircloth was nominated and approved as Chairman of the Board. -Curt Hilmer was nominated and approved as Vice Chairman of the Board. -The Board approved the authorization for the County Auditor to pay postage, express freight, wages, and salaries prior to being audited by the Board of ...

The Iowa Capitol Press Association announced Tuesday, Jan. 3, it would cancel its 2023 legislative preview forum as state Republican leaders declined to participate in the event, which had been held annually for more than 20 years. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Republican Senate Majority Leader Jack ...

After winning seven consecutive elections to the office of District 1 Tama Co. Supervisor – one of the longest county supervisor tenures in Iowa history – Larry Vest made the decision in early 2022 to forgo another run and retire. And last Wednesday, with his wife Anna by his side, he ...

The Tama Co. Board of Supervisors began the New Year with new appointments. On Monday, January 2, retired supervisor Larry Vest performed his last duty of office, swearing in his successor, Curt Hilmer. “Wait, it’s not over. We still have the passing of the ceremonial keys,” said Vest ...

A Vision Dysart downtown pocket park project in the works since April of 2021 overcame its seemingly final hurdle during last Wednesday’s city council meeting and is now slated to break ground in the spring. Vision Dysart members including president Mary Behrens and secretary Janet Wilson ...

At its Monday meeting, the North Tama County Board of Education approved a bond issue question that will appear on the ballot Tuesday, March 7, 2023. If voters approve the bond, the district will move forward on a series of projects to address our most significant facility needs. These ...

The matter of loose and/or dangerous dogs allegedly unleashing havoc on the neighborhood in the far east end of Traer’s Second Street was the primary topic of discussion at the most recent city council meeting. According to Holly Atkins and Mike Hemenway – 31-year residents of Traer at 917 ...