Tylor Nelson, right, the newly hired Poweshiek County Conservation Director, is joined by Mark Vavroch, left, the outgoing director and Amy Andrews, middle, the county naturalist, at a retirement event for Vavroch at the Foster Center on Dec. 12, 2023. Nelson took the reins as the county conservation director on Oct. 23, 2023. Vavroch first joined the county in 1987, taking over as director in 1990. He retired on Oct. 13, 2023. By J.O. Parker
Tylor Nelson, the new Poweshiek County Conservation Director, isn’t letting any grass grow under his feet since taking the reins of the organization late last year. Nelson began his duties as conservation director on Oct. 23, 2023, taking over from March Vavroch, who had been with Poweshiek County Conservation since 1987 and became director in 1990. A native of Ankeny, Nelson attended Hawkeye Community College and Upper Iowa University, graduating in 2014 with a degree in Conservation Management and Natural Resources. Nelson said from a young age, he learned the value of preserving our natural resources from wildlife to trees, water and soil. His interest in natural resources led him on his current career path. Nelson and staff oversee Diamond Lake Park, which encompasses 660 acres of land and features a 90-acre lake, a fish cleaning station, hiking trails, a playground, four shelter houses, paved bike trails, 100 plus electrical and tent campsites with grills, three shower houses, three restrooms and two dump stations. The park also has several miles of grass trails around the main lake and the 7-acre pond east of Diamond Lake. Diamond Lake is also the water source for the City of Montezuma. In addition, the county conservation board oversees 10 preserves and wildlife areas encompassing an additional 1,800 acres. Prior to coming to Poweshiek County, Nelson was the Natural Resource Manager for Guthrie County. He said opportunity and location led him to apply for the position. Joining Nelson in the conservation department is Cole Rozendaal, natural resources technician; Daniel Schreur, park technician and Amy Andrews, naturalist. The county conversation is under the direction of a board of directors. Currently, Nelson and staff are planning for wetland restoration at two locations north of Diamond Lake. Plans are in the winter of 2024, to drain and dig out the two wetlands that fed into Diamond Lake. “We also plan to install a pond on new land acquisition north of the Stagecoach Trail,” said Nelson. Nelson said his goal since coming to Montezuma is learning about the community and appreciating the area more each day. “This is a big project,” he said of the wetland restoration project. “People have asked me about my plans and I tell them it’s all about habitat and making quality improvements.” For more information on activities and events at Diamond Lake and the area preserves and wildlife areas, visit http://poweshiekcounty.org/conservation/events/ or contact Andrews at 319-213-5607 or aandrews@poweshiekcounty.org. Nelson can be reached at 641-623-5607 or at tnelson@poweshiekcounty.org.
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The new Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs Executive Director Chris Nolte, left, is shown with outgoing executive director Russ Schuck. Schuck is retiring on March 31 after 8 years of service to the county veteran’s organization with Nolte taking the helm on April 1. Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs Commission Chair Uwe Meyer announced that Russ Schuck has announced his retirement from the position as Executive Director as of March 31. Schuck has held the position for 8 years.
“We have been very fortunate to have had Russ’s service over the past 8 years,” noted Meyer. “He has done an excellent job helping Poweshiek County Veterans receive benefits that they deserve. He has been an excellent director and a true advocate for our veterans.” Meyer also announced the naming of a returning Poweshiek County resident to assume the position of Executive Director. Chris Nolte, who served the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director, and Grinnell Regional Medical Center as Director of Public Relations and Development has accepted the appointment. Nolte and his wife, Jean, recently retired to Grinnell after an absence of almost 22 years. Following their departure, Nolte served as Chamber and Development Corporation Director first in Storm Lake and then Winterset. In Winterset he also served for 12 years as Director of Public Relations and Development for Madison County Healthcare System. He also worked as Volunteer Coordinator for Everystep Hospice for Madison, Adair and Clarke Counties. “The Commission felt the timing of Nolte’s return to the area was a tremendous stroke of luck. Chris brings many years of experience in outreach and helping people,” said Meyer. “He also has experience working with the federal government and has a feel for the challenges that often accompany that task.” Nolte is a Vietnam era veteran of the U.S. Air Force and will officially begin his duties on April 1. EVERYONE! After several months of development working with a dozen volunteers, and tapping the mind of Scott Droessler and his Community of Artists and Veterans in Cedar Rapids, we're almost ready to open our Art & Music Therapy Solace program on the third floor of the Grinnell Masonic Lodge, 928 Main St. An open house is slated for Friday, March 29 from 6 - 8 p.m.
All wrestling fans and the general public are invited to join the BGM wrestling program in celebrating a remarkable milestone in the team's history - the 50th anniversary of the BGM Wrestling Team! Over the past five decades, the BGM wrestling program has seen countless dedicated athletes, passionate coaches, and unwavering supporters come together to create a legacy of excellence in the sport of wrestling. This event promises to be a memorable gathering where past and present wrestlers, coaches and supporters can reconnect, reminisce, and honor the rich tradition that they helped build.
The 50th-anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, April 6 at the Malcom American Legion Hall and will feature a series of exciting activities and events, including a nostalgic walk down memory lane with a display of team memorabilia, a chance to meet both past and current team members, and a gala dinner where those present can toast to the enduring spirit of BGM wrestling. "Your presence at this momentous occasion is of utmost importance to us, as your contributions to our team's history have left an indelible mark," noted BGM Wrestling Coach Wyatt Bauman. Please RSVP by March 22 to ensure your spot at this special event. We can't wait to welcome you back, reminisce about the good old days, and celebrate 50 years of BGM Wrestling excellence! Timeline 5 p.m. - Social Hour 6:15 p.m. - Introductions 6:30 p.m. - Dinner 7:30 p.m. - Raffles 7:45 p.m. - Speakers/Presentation Get ready to light up the night at Brooklyn’s Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at BGM Football Field on Wednesday, March 27, starting at 8:30 p.m. Teens in 7th-12th Grades, grab your flashlights and get ready for an egg-citing adventure. We kick things off promptly at 8:30 p.m., so don't be fashionably late or you'll miss out on all the cash and candy-filled eggs! Challenge your friends and classmates to see who can find the most eggs. Remember to bundle up to stay cozy, and don't forget your flashlights and Easter baskets for a night of fun under the stars! Brooklyn's Annual Easter Egg Hunt is slated for Saturday, March 30 at Landes Park. The event is open to all children Ages 2 to 6th Grade.The event kicks off promptly at 9:30 a.m. Don't be late and don't forget your basket!!
Poweshiek County Deputy Matt Maschmann, front, is joined by Poweshiek County Sheriff Tom Kriegel at BGM Elementary on Friday, March 15, where the two gave students high fives to begin their day. "Thank you to the BGM Elementary Staff for the opportunity to greet the kids and have a positive interaction with them," noted Maschmann, who is seeking election as county sheriff in November. Photo by Mary Sherwood. By J.O. Parker
Long-time Poweshiek County Deputy and K9 handler Matt Maschmann announced last week that he has filed papers with the county auditor’s office and is starting his campaign for the position of Poweshiek County Sheriff. Maschmann has been employed as a deputy with Poweshiek County for 19.5 years. “I began my law enforcement career as a reserve police officer with the Victor Police Department in 1997,” Maschmann said. “I became a reserve deputy and part-time dispatcher with Poweshiek County in 1998.” Maschmann was hired full-time with the Grinnell Police Department in 2001. After graduation from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, he became a certified peace officer with the GPD. In September 2004, Maschmann began working as a Poweshiek County Deputy where he has held several positions in the years since including serving as the K9 handler since 2005, a state certified firearms and rifle instructor, a certified ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, County and Evacuate) instructor and was assigned to the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. “I also served alongside Grinnell Police Officers when we had a joint tactical team,” noted Maschmann. “I have been very fortunate to work with some of the finest police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel in the state.” Maschmann believes that his hard work and dedication to the citizens of Poweshiek County has given him the knowledge and leadership skills to head the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office and lead our deputies and dispatcher/jailers in the years to come. “My family has a long history of community service and I am honored to continue that legacy,” said Maschmann. “My father is a 20-year retired Air Force veteran and my mother spent more than 48 years in the nursing field. My grandfather was also a WWII veteran and his service is honored by being selected to be on the display of the Poweshiek County Freedom Rock.” In addition, Maschmann also has numerous other family members who have served our great country and continue to be involved in the local communities. “My parents and family moved back to Poweshiek County once my father retired and I have been a resident ever since,” he said. “I graduated from BGM high school in 1995. I attended Indian Hills and Buena Vista University where I earned an AAS in Criminal Justice and BA in Political Science.” Following in the footsteps of his family, Maschmann remains active in the community through various organizations, including serving on the church council at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Malcom and serving as a member of the East Poweshiek County Ambulance Service. He currently serves on the Brooklyn Library Board, is a member of the Brooklyn Sons of the American Legion (SAL), has coached little league baseball and been a member of the BGM Cub Club Wrestling for years. “I am a strong supporter of community policing and I believe that it is important to volunteer and be leaders within the communities we serve,” he said. Maschmann said if elected as sheriff, he assures that the department will work collaboratively with the other law enforcement agencies, fire departments and emergency medical services in the county to ensure the best possible services to the citizens. “I will have an open-door policy for all citizens and employees and will make sure that everyone’s concerns and voices are heard,” he said. “I look forward to meeting and talking with county residents and working together to ensure Poweshiek County continues to be a safe place for all of us to call home and raise our families.” The Poweshiek Water Association (PWA) has issued a mandatory water conservation order in the Amana and Tama systems due to the reduced availability of ground water for immediate use. The order affects PWA customers in Benton, Iowa, Keokuk, Mahaska, Poweshiek, and Tama counties. Letters were sent out to all customers last week with notification of the mandatory order.
In June 2023, PWA issued a voluntary conserve water order for both the Amana and Tama systems after experiencing peak water usage and a decreasing water source supply. The volunteer order worked as water usage fell to a sustainable amount. Since that time, the water sources have continued to weaken due to drought, all the while PWA has been actively seeking new sources of water in both the Amana Treatment Plant and Tama Treatment Plant areas. The existing water source at Tama can now only produce 1,750 gallons per minute (gpm) compared to 2,000 gpm of a year ago. At the Amana facility, which is a much smaller plant and system than Tama, PWA will not be able to sustainably provide the 150,000-170,000 gallons each day as was the case last year. With work beginning last July at both treatment plant locations, three good water source areas were identified near the Tama Plant with three new wells scheduled to be operational by June 1, 2024. At the Amana Treatment Plant, ground water has remained elusive but PWA has continued studying the geological formation. PWA has already installed the 4,500 feet of raw water line to the future site of the three new wells near the Tama Treatment Plant. Cahoy Pump Service, the company drilling the wells, is scheduled to begin work sometime in April in order to meet the June 1 deadline. The 14 wells that currently are used at Tama have pumps sitting as low as possible, which is causing some taste issues with our water. The water is still tested daily and is safe to drink. The goal is to get sustainable flows back to near 2,000 gpm with the new and old wells combined before June 1, giving PWA customers in both systems some relief and hopefully a return to the voluntary water conservation order. Rain, at any time and more than just a sprinkle, would also help the situation. At the Amana Plant location PWA has been working with a hydrologist and Collier Geophysics, who uses high resolution electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to locate potential alluvial water sources, but the ground hasn’t given promising prospects to this point. The Amana Society worked with PWA to clear a path near the Iowa River this winter and Collier came to test that stretch of soil the week of Feb. 26. The hope is to find some good news from the data when PWA staff meet on March 21. A drill company is poised to drill test holes on anything that is promising. PWA also explored the option of purchasing some wells that were already existing, but there is some question on water quality from them. When PWA does find the necessary water, even while working at a rapid pace, it will take some time to get the correct design established, go through the proper channels to get the permits and then get the wells constructed along in addition to the raw water line to the treatment plant. PWA will keep seeking options until new water sources are established. After the wells are drilled at Tama some additional water may be supplemented to the Amana System if the existing wells at Tama don’t degrade further in the next 80 days. MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION ORDER To view the full Water Conservation Policy, go to www.poweshiekwater.com 1. Use private wells, if available, for livestock, outside and Ag use, and your home if the water is safe for human consumption. 2. Outdoor watering and irrigation is prohibited, except as follows: Watering or irrigation of flower and vegetable gardens, trees and shrubs less than 4-years old, and new seeding or sod is permitted once a week with an application not to exceed 1-inch. Watering shall only be done between the hours of 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. 3. Car washing is prohibited, except at commercial establishments that provide that service. 4. No rural water shall be used to fill private swimming pools, children's wading pools, reflecting pools or any other outdoor pool or pond. 5. No rural water shall be used to wash streets, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks or building exteriors. 6. No rural water shall be used for nonessential cleaning of commercial and industrial equipment, machinery, and interior spaces. 7. Water shall be served at restaurants only upon the request of the customer. 8. Agricultural Spraying using rural water may need to cease. Priority of usage if additional measures are needed will be: 1: Human Consumption 2: Livestock consumption 3: Ag use for spraying. *It is highly likely that Ag spraying in the Amana and/or Tama system will need to get water from a private well or a community that is not served by PWA near, on or after April 1 (We will be treating wells between now and then, but are not anticipating to give us sustainable increased flows) in order to insure that rural water is available to humans and livestock for drinking within these systems. Please start your planning now! This act will make the largest and most positive impact to keeping the system in order so all living things have drinkable water until at least June 1. Once the new wells are established at Tama, PWA will re-evaluate available water at that time. It is important that even those of you that use 10,000 gallons a month or less for spraying follow this order. We cannot have our water source or the treatment process overtaxed. **Surcharges and/or premium rates may apply to those that forgo the mandate. The full water conservation policy can be viewed at www.poweshiekwater.com. The Grinnell FFA Conduct of Meetings Team earned a Gold rating and a trip to state at the South Central FFA District Convention on Saturday, March 2 in Des Moines. Pictured are, from left: Jacob Thilges, Lauren Louden, Alyssa Peterson, Maggie Dayton, Owen Kaltsas, Easton Edelen and Zane Iverson. The Grinnell FFA chapter had an amazing day at the 2024 South Central FFA District Convention in Des Moines on Saturday, March 2. Two teams and one individual earned Gold ratings and a punched their ticket to state. Experience the Action Team - Gold Advance to State Conduct of Meetings Team - Gold Advance to State FFA Creed Speaking - Aden Wolfe - Gold Advance to State Congrats to Kyrie Chapman for competing the Greenhand Quiz - official results pending. Also, thank you to Kyrie and Abagail Hatcher for serving as official voting delegates. The Grinnell FFA Chapter Experience the Action Team earned a Gold rating and a trip to state at the South Central FFA District Convention on Saturday, March 2 in Des Moines. Pictured are, from left: Kai Gibson, Xavier Moyes, Carter Hansen, Carson Penyich, Dylan Heater, Andrew Peterson, Abby Spriggs, Wyatt Eaton, Tristan Graff and Brenton Hefflefinger. Sophia Louden is not pictured. Aden Wolfe with the Grinnell FFA Chapter earned a Gold rating and a trip to state in Creed Speaking event at the South Central FFA District Convention on Saturday, March 2 in Des Moines.
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