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Wednesday, July 01, 2009 Top Stories WOMAN MURDERED; TWO INJURED WHILE TRYING TO AID STABBING VICTIM Dave Braga Madisonian News Editor Two Winterset residents are being hailed as heroes for their attempts to save a Winterset woman who was fatally stabbed by a Des Moines man last Friday evening. Alicia Miller, 30, and Jimmy Berry, 48, of Winterset were both injured in the attack on Ramona Jean Hunt, 43, also of Winterset. Hunt moved to Winterset from Des Moines and had been living in Winterset Park Apartments. Clarence R. Fenton, 49, of Des Moines arrived at Hunt’s ground floor apartment last Friday. Knife in hand, Fenton apparently broke in a window and began attacking Hunt, who was stabbed multiple times in the brutal attack. Miller, a neighbor in the apartment complex, heard the commotion and went to Hunt’s apartment to render assistance. Berry, who was at the complex to pick up his children for the weekend, also heard the altercation, and ran into the apartment complex, apparently confronting Fenton. Berry was slightly injured, and fled the apartment through the broken window, taunting his attacker all the way. Fenton apparently followed through the broken window and Berry subdued the attacker with ease. Berry had Fenton restrained, knocked out on the ground, when authorities arrived on the scene. The whole incident lasted just a matter of seconds, and authorities were on the scene within two minutes of getting the call, which came in around 6 p.m. Hunt was pronounced dead at the Madison County Memorial Hospital. Miller was taken to the Winterset hospital and later airlifted to Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Berry was treated at the scene and released. Fenton was taken to the Madison County Jail, and late Friday evening, was taken to the Madison County Memorial Hospital. He was arraigned on Sunday at the hospital and faces more than a half dozen charges, including first degree murder, attempted murder, burglary and willful injury. [read the entire article] WHISTLE STOP: EARLHAM When is the last time a sitting governor stopped in Earlham? Ok, then ... when is the last time a passenger rail car stopped in Earlham? You can mark June 24, 2009 in your journal, for both. In an effort to promote passenger rail service in Iowa, Governor Chet Culver took the train last Wednesday from Des Moines to Atlantic, with a brief whistle stop in Earlham. Culver was on his way to Atlantic, designated as the state 'Capitol for a Day.' He spent several hours there before continuing on to Council Bluffs for a community gathering at the old depot there. About 50 people awaited the governor in Earlham. Members of the Earlham American Legion Post 158 Color Guard were there to welcome the governor's entourage as it steamed into town. The train was scheduled for a 9:19 a.m. stop in Earlham, but the train was about 20 minutes late. A late afternoon storm Tuesday left debris on the tracks west of Booneville, and had to be cleared before the train arrived at 9:40 a.m. The train — a locomotive and two rail cars, a diner car and an observation car — left Des Moines at 8 a.m. The train was scheduled to pass through 11 communities on the way to Atlantic, with stops in Earlham and Menlo. Pass through communities on the event included West Des Moines, Booneville, Van Meter, DeSoto, Dexter, Stuart, Casey, Adair, and Anita. [read the entire article] COUNTY ASKED TO USE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER ON FUTURE CH JOBS Dave Braga Madisonian News Editor One of the contractors who helped with the county courthouse boiler project has indicated his company would be interested in becoming the construction manager for future Madison County courthouse projects. Officials with the Grimes-based Koester Construction — operated by brothers Paul and John — contacted county supervisors, inquiring if county officials would be open to considering a construction manager approach to future courthouse work. Supervisors have indicated the county will take a pay-as-you-go approach to renovating the courthouse — money would come from the county one-cent sales tax proceeds — which will take longer, and cost more money, than doing the project in one fell swoop. Officials had assembled a plan to renovate the courthouse over about 18 months, but that plan was rejected by county voters. "We would develop a budget for each individual site and do projects as budget allows," John Koester told county supervisors Tuesday. “I feel like we have a good [working] relationship and we can benefit each other,” Koester told supervisors. [read the entire article] BENEFIT RAISES $1,000 FOR SKATE PARK PROJECT Nearly $1,000 was raised Sunday in a fund raising effort for the recently formed Winterset Area Skate Park (WASP) association. The event was held in the parking lot south of the Winterset city tennis courts, adjacent to the site of the former swimming pool. The Joplin-Missouri based American Ramp Company, which produces skate ramps, arrived late Saturday to set up three demonstration skate ramps. After signing waivers and donning helmets, upwards of two dozen Winterset area enthusiasts skated from noon to 3:30 Many levels of talent were on display. About 200 people attended the event. Food was served and various games were played by both adults and youth. A drawing was held hourly, and many items were given away, including a grill and a number of new skate boards. The skate park club is in the process of establishing itself as a non-profit organization with the purpose of funding a Winterset skate park. There are 40 active members adults and youth working toward this goal. The group already had a design for the skate park. It is expected it will cost nearly $100,000 to build a skate park. Organizers say they will attempt to seek grants to help fund the effort. They invite anyone interested to join them. [read the entire article] WINTERSET NATIVE SELECTED AS NEXT MAGISTRATE Dave Braga Madisonian News Editor A 28-year-old Winterset native has been tapped as the next Madison County Magistrate. Adam Hanson will begin his duties as county magistrate August 1, succeeding the retiring Susan Chickering. Hanson, the son of Shawn and Nancy (Frank), and the grandson of Dale and Esther Frank of Winterset, was one of two candidates who sought the position, which is a part-time position. He currently is an attorney at the Clive-based Burdette Law Firm. Hanson says he plans to practice law on the side of his new duties, but will have his own office in Winterset. Hanson will be one of the youngest magistrates in the state of Iowa. There are 152 magistrates statewide. As Madison County Magistrate, Hanson can sub anywhere in the multi-county fifth judicial district. The magistrate term is a four-year term. The other candidate for the position was Winterset attorney Ron Kepford. Hanson is a 2000 WHS graduate. [read the entire article] FRANK RECEIVES RN SCHOLARSHIP Peter Kaspari Madisonian staff writer The Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation (IHERF) has awarded a $3,000 scholarship to Cindy Frank, RN, of Winterset. Frank, who works with Madison County Health Care System, and has been employed at Madison County Memorial Hospital for seven years, is currently participating in the RN to BSN [bachelor] program at Upper Iowa University. She is one of two dozen Iowa students to receive assistance from the IHERF Health Care Careers Scholarship Program. "I really appreciate the IHERF scholarship and am looking forward to graduation from the two-year accelerated program this fall," Frank said in a press release. "It's been a great program and I've learned a great deal. I really appreciate this opportunity to further my education." Madison County Health Care System CEO Marcia Harris, praised Frank, and other employees. "We congratulate Cindy for her success and know it has been an investment in the health care services we provide," she said. "We strongly encourage every employee to take advantage of opportunities to continue their education." [read the entire article] MOWING CRACKDOWN IN TRURO ON HORIZON Dave Braga Madisonian News Editor Live in Truro? Have an unkempt yard? Grass taller than six inches? You better mow, or the city will do it for you. And then they'll bill you, at $100 an hour. If the bill goes unpaid, expect to see it added to property taxes. Truro officials say a minority of property owners are behind in taking care of their lawns. Several properties have not had the grass mowed this season. In other area, people are just behind or haven't mowed recently. "There's not a whole bunch, but quite a few," said councilman and former mayor Robert Glasscock. "The trouble is those that just ignore." While lawns are an issue in some places around town, the trouble spots are city right-of-ways, places where property owners are supposed to maintain, but don't. [read the entire article] EARLHAM FREEDOM FEST IS THIS WEEKEND The annnual Earlham Fourth of July Freedom Fest celeebration is this weekend.  There are plenty of activities for all to enjoy including a Friday night street dance and beer tent, a plethora of Saturday events, including the 5K firecracker run, a varienty show, plenty of food, contests and fun, culminating with a fireworks display at dusk.  On Sunday, there’s an afternoon pool party.  Earlham seventh grade girls will be competing for the crown of Miss Earlham with the Saturday sales of raffle tickets.  A schedule of events may be found above. [read the entire article] OBJECTIVE ADVICE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE: FINANCIAL PLANNER MARY JOBST Jesseca Newton Madisonian staff writer There are many unknowns in today’s economy and Certified Financial Planner Mary Jobst is ready to help Madisonians get through the muddle and discover their best financial fit for the future. “I help empower everyday people, just like you and me, to build and maintain financial security. I do this by offering financial planning, consulting, and coaching services on an hourly, as-needed basis just like other professionals such as doctors, dentists, attorneys and CPAs,” explains the new business owner. Born and raised in Central Iowa, Mary and her husband Roy call the Jobst Family Century Farm near Earlham their home. In addition to her financial planning certification, Nancy has a background in nursing. “As a Registered Nurse, I understand the critical role that lifestyle choices have on our personal health. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the critical role that financial choices have on our financial ‘health.’” [read the entire article] A QUARTER MILLION AND COUNTING Over three dozen projects, receiving more than $90,400 in grants from the Greater Madison County Community Foundation, got their checks at a special ceremony on the Winterset square during the weekly Thursday Community Band concert. Groups receiving awards, and the amount included: Madison County Fair Association ($7,250); Winterset Area Soccer Club ($6,000); Winterset American Legion Post 184 ($6,000); Madison County Healthy Kids Initiative ($5,400); Middle River Hospice ($4,000); St. Charles Lions ($4,000); Madison County Conservation Board ($3,800); Wildwood Hills Ranch ($3,500); Winterset Presbyterian Church ($3,400); MATURA Action Corporation ($3,000); Truro Fire & Rescue ($3,000); Winterset VFW ($3,000); City of Macksburg ($3,000); Winterset Park & Recreation ($2,750); Winterset Art Center ($2,500); John Wayne Birthplace ($2,500); Truro Betterment Commission ($2,400); Family Directions of Iowa ($2,300); City of Bevington ($2,000); Madison County Genealogical Society ($2,000); Madison County Antique Association ($2,000); Earlham Community Center ($1,500); Earlham Partners in Education ($1,250); Interstate 35 Boosters ($1,200); Madison County Child Abuse Prevention Council ($1,154); Earlham Foundation Fund ($1,000); Earlham Partners ion Education ($1,000); MCFEE (Madison County Foundation for Environmental Ed.) ($1,000); Madison County Historical Society ($1,000); St. Charles Tourism Department ($1,000); St. Charles Manor Inc. ($1,000); Friends of St. Charles Library ($800); Truro Public Library (2) ($800 and $750); Earlham School District ($750); Earlham Historical Society ($557); Friends of Earlham Library ($500); Pioneer Place Apartments ($500); Earlham Public Library ($400); City of Earlham ($375); and, the Madison County 4-H ($150). Over a quarter million dollars in grants have been distributed in the last several year. The money comes from state-licensed gaming and casino operations. [read the entire article] PURCHASE OF TWO PATROL CARS MULLED  Madison County sheriff Craig Busch — who has enough money in his budget to purchase one new patrol car in the new fiscal year — says he’d like to purchase two vehicles, if possible.  He says the Kansas State patrol is selling some used vehicles and the county may be able to get two used vehicles for the price of one.  County supervisors Tuesday gave the okay to look into the idea. [read the entire article] IPTV STAR VISITS LIBRARY TO PROMOTE FUN WITHOUT TV Peter Kaspari Madisonian staff writer Last Tuesday, more than 100 children, tickets in hand, filled the Winterset Public Library with more than books on their mind. That afternoon, the library welcomed Dan Wardell of Iowa Public Television. The record-setting temperatures couldn't keep the kids away from Wardell. Dressed up in a superhero costume, Wardell told the guests that this summer, they shouldn't spend all their time in front of the TV or playing video games. Instead, he stressed the importance of reading and using one's imagination. To prove his point, Wardell claimed that giant squids were taking over the world, and asked the children to use their imagination and creativity to get rid of them. Wardell had the children get up and move around the room, help him design a robot, and taught dancing lessons. Even parents and librarians got involved in Wardell's show, with one librarian even dancing with Wardell. [read the entire article] DAN’S READING ROAD TRIP Combining humor, crowd interaction, and few a cappella vocals, Dan Wardell and his sidekick managed to get the children on their feet, using their imaginations, and (all together now) being creative! Opposite what you might expect from a television network, Dan’s Reading Road Trip actually encouraged the kids to turn off their TVs, to go outside and play, to use their imaginations, and to (say it again) be creative. So basically, here’s the set up: the U.S. is being invaded by giant alien squids. In fact, one of their space ships is hovering just above Winterset Gymnastics and Tumbling right across the street. Chasing them away and saving the planet is left to the children of Winterset. One plan of attack: attempt to “build” a giant robot to help with the situation by calling out shapes for Dan to blueprint on a giant sketch pad. “Circle!” “Triangle!” “Square!” “Cylinder!” Wait, cylinder? That was pretty much Dantastic’s reaction, but he reached back into his three-dimensional shapes memory and managed to include this unexpected crowd suggestion in his robot schematic. [read the entire article] THAT CIA SHINE Jesseca Newton Madisonian staff writer Madisonians might not be surfin’ like Californ-i-a, but we landlocked Midwesterners can still catch a glimpse of a beachcombing beauty to set our minds on salty ocean breezes and swaying palm trees. You need only stop by the Classic Car Show & Shine taking place each month out by the Sports Page restaurant in Winterset. Organized by members of the Central Iowa Auto (CIA) club, Ray and Jane Dawson, the late-afternoon classic car show always draws a crowd and a few motorized surprises. For instance, the maroon and wood-paneled retro-bus with a matching surfboard attached to the roof — not something you’d expect to see cruising through the cornfields of Iowa, which makes it a real Show & Shine treat. “We usually have between 20 and 30 cars,” notes Dawson, recognizing that last week’s draining heat wisely kept several auto owners at home. Still there are some who wouldn’t miss the chance to show off their glimmering rides no matter what the weather. And if you’re lucky enough to strike up a conversation with a local restoration expert, you might just find yourself in awe of the work that’s been done to transform a heap of rusty metal into a breathtakingly restored red ... Camero, for instance. [read the entire article] HEALTHY KIDS INITIATIVE GETS FINANCIAL BOOST Jesseca Newton Madisonian staff writer Last Thursday evening on the baking hot steps of the Madison County Courthouse, recipients of the Greater Madison County Community Foundation’s grant awards crowded together to collect their much-appreciated checks. While community band members took a pleasant break from entertaining the Lawn Chair Night crowd, Chris Nolte, Jim Mease and Dr. Doyle Scott passed white envelope after white envelope to representatives of organizations located throughout Madison County. One of those groups you’ve been reading a lot about lately — the Biggest Winners received a grant award of $5,400 to help jumpstart their Madison County Healthy Kids Initiative. Accepting on behalf of the weight-loss crew was local businessman, Bill Brookhart. [read the entire article]

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