News

Tue
23
Jan

Fayette native warms up to Antarctica

A heavily layered Michael Post stands next to the marker denoting the spot of the ceremonial pole marker along with flags of the original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty of the South Pole. The Fayette native started his job at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in January 2023. (Submitted photo)

Fayette native warms up to Antarctica

By Jerry Wadian

Contributing Writer

      After 9 1/2 years in the National Guard, Fayette native Michael Post was looking for something new to do.

      “I spent a year in both Kosovo and Iraq and was looking to return to the desert with a job with a civilian contractor,” the 2010 North Fayette graduate explained.

      He didn’t find an opening, but one firm had an interesting option – Antarctica.

     “It looked sort of cool, so I did some research and looked at several videos and pamphlets which led me to sign on for a 10-month stint,” he stated.

      So, in January 2023, Post flew from Minneapolis to his new job at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.

Tue
16
Jan

Council approves police union contract adjustments

Council approves police union contract adjustments

By Mike Van Sickle

      The West Union City Council approved union contract adjustments with the West Union Police Department during Monday’s regular council meeting. The adjustments become effective Thursday, Feb. 1, and during each individual officer’s anniversary hiring date moving forward.

Tue
16
Jan

Supervisors lower Compensation Board recommendation 45%

The Fayette County supervisors declared January 2024 as National Mentoring Month during Monday’s regular meeting. Participating in the proclamation ceremony were (seated, l-r) supervisors Jeff Bunn and Janell Bradley; (standing) school mentor Kay Havenstrite, North Fayette Valley Mentoring Advisory Board member Julie Creery, NFV Mentoring Program coordinator Jen Stolka, NFV Community Coalition board chair and mentor Christine Reierson, supervisor Bruce Lehmann, mentor Marcia Wiedenhoff, and NFV Community Coalition Youth Development coordinator Karissa Meitner. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

Supervisors lower Compensation Board recommendation 45%

By Union Echo Leader Staff

      The Fayette County Compensation Board's previously recommended salary increases of 9-25% for the county's eight elected officials were assessed and new figures agreed upon Monday by Fayette County Board of Supervisors Bruce Lehmann, Janell Bradley and Jeff Bunn.

      Taking into account the Compensation Board's recommendations and carefully considering the fiscal implications for the next year, the supervisors opted for a 45% reduction in the initially proposed salary amounts. This decision reflects a balance between acknowledging the responsibilities of elected officials and the county's financial constraints.

Tue
16
Jan

NFV reviews early retirement plan

NFV reviews early retirement plan

By Sharon Drahn          

      Superintendent Joe Griffith recommended Monday that the North Fayette Valley Board of Education make available for both certified and noncertified employees a voluntary early retirement plan with resignations being approved at the February meeting.   

      Among the parameters of the plan, but not limited to, would be full-time employees receiving compensation for unused sick leave. Payments would be a lump sum with the final paycheck as taxable income.

Tue
16
Jan

Holthaus calf receives Junior All-American nomination

Lily Holthaus is pictured exhibiting her Winter Milking Shorthorn Heifer Calf, Lazy M Gravity Bounty EXP, at one of the many dairy shows they competed in 2023. They recently capped off the year by receiving a Junior All-American nomination. (Photo submitted)

Holthaus calf receives Junior All-American nomination

      Lily Holthaus of West Union completed an amazing year showing her Winter Milking Shorthorn Heifer Calf in 2023, topping it off with a Junior All-American nomination.

      The All-American Program recognizes the outstanding animals exhibited during the calendar year. To be eligible for this prestigious honor, the animal must place first - sixth at a national, regional, and/or state show or fair.

Tue
16
Jan

Higher Learning Commission completes NICC review

Higher Learning Commission completes NICC review

       Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) received a report Tuesday, Jan. 9, from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) regarding a complaint filed on Nov. 15, 2023. The HLC determined that former NICC President Dr. Herbert H. J. Riedel’s complaints lack merit and the accreditation agency will not be proceeding with any further investigation.

Tue
16
Jan

Caucus Night 2024

It was a full house as Republicans from Fayette County’s Dover and Union Townships, and West Union Wards 1, 2, 3, attended the caucus held in the North Fayette Valley High School cafeteria Monday. Fayette County Republican voters followed the statewide trend in the support of former President Donald Trump. Complete local results will be published in next week’s Union Echo Leader. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

Caucus Night 2024

      The Iowa GOP reported early Tuesday that Donald Trump received 51% or 56,620 votes statewide to win Monday’s Iowa Caucus. Ron DeSantis edged Nikki Haley 21.2% (23,420) to 19.1% (21,085) to finish second in voter support.

      Rounding out the Republican candidates were Vivek Ramaswamy 7.7% (8,449 votes), Ryan Binkley 0.7% (774), Asa Hutchinson 0.2% (191), Other 0.1% (84) and Chris Christie 0% (35). 

      Unlike past years, the 2024 Democratic caucuses were held only to conduct administrative party business such as discussing and adopting proposed resolutions to be added to the county platform; electing unbound delegates and alternates to the Fayette County Convention; electing Precinct Committee members to the County Central Committee.

Tue
16
Jan

Winter makes its grand entrance

Mother Nature caused travel problems and other issues in West Union and throughout the county after two winter storms swept across Iowa over the past week. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported the resulting snow depth ranged from 10 inches in Oelwein to 17 inches in Fayette following the two storm fronts. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

Winter makes its grand entrance

By Mike Van Sickle

      After an unseasonably mild winter, two winter storms swept across Iowa over the past week. By the time the two storms passed through Fayette County Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported the snow depth ranged from 10 inches in Oelwein to 17 inches in Fayette.

      Despite the extreme weather, residents can be thankful Mother Nature didn’t decide to replicate the storm of March 6, 1959, which saw 21-inches of snow fall on Fayette County in one 24-hour period. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, an additional 1.5-inches accumulated over the next two days which still stands as a record today.

Tue
09
Jan

It’s a girl: GPLH delivers first baby of 2024

Auryana and James Davis are the proud parents of Ja’Leia Patricia Davis, who became the first baby born at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union in 2024. Ja’Leia was born at 7:11 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

It’s a girl: GPLH delivers first baby of 2024

By Mike Van Sickle

      The Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital (GPLH) OB unit in West Union delivered its first baby of the new year Wednesday, Jan. 3. Ja’Leia Patricia Davis, the first child of Auryana and James Davis of Fayette, was born at 7:11 p.m. The newborn weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and measured 20 inches. Awaiting the opportunity to personally meet their granddaughter are grandparents Kenneth and Jaunet Parlove of Michigan and Tracy Marshall of Ohio.

Tue
09
Jan

Veteran firefighter to serve as Fayette fire chief

New Fayette Fire Chief Kenny Schulmeister was recently sworn in to serve the local fire department. With over 30 years of firefighting experience, Schulmeister reports the biggest challenge the department faces is recruiting and training new volunteers. (Jerry Wadian photo)

Veteran firefighter to serve as Fayette fire chief

By Jan Bear

Contributing Writer

      “I’ve been with the Fayette Fire Department over 30 years and have been on over 1,000 fire or rescue calls, but I have never been the fire chief, so this will be a new experience,” new Fayette Fire Chief Kenny Schulmeister admits. “I’m happy to have had the experience of working with both Jason Rhode, the previous fire chief, as well as his brother Vincent for helping me receive my Firefighter I certification.

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