01/06/22: Area Happenings & Accomplishments
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40 units of blood collected at drive
For over 15 years, Hartley and surrounding communities have supported LifeServe Blood Center at drives sponsored by Audrey Schmidt. The most recent was held Wednesday, Dec. 29, at which 40 units of blood were collected, helping to save up to 120 local lives.
Those reaching donor milestones were Charla Pearce, 2 gallons; Aaron Hoftyzer, 3 gallons; Cynthia Hoaglund, 4 gallons; and Terry Thomsen, 5 gallons.
Black Hills Energy gas rates to rise
The Iowa Utilities Board on Dec. 28 issued its final decision order regarding the request from Black Hills Energy to increase its customer natural gas rates.
On June 1, 2021, Black Hills filed with the IUB an application seeking an increase in its Iowa retail natural gas customer rates and approval of proposed tariff rate revisions. Black Hills requested an overall permanent annual revenue increase of approximately $10.5 million.
The parties in the case entered into and filed a settlement agreement with the IUB on Nov. 8 that proposes an overall annual revenue increase of $5.9 million and a typical monthly increase to the residential base rates of $1.45 for customers. Black Hills requested that new rates go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
The IUB order found the settlement to be reasonable in light of the whole record, consistent with law and in the public interest. The order approved the settlement, revised compliance tariff filed by Black Hills on Nov. 19 and the new rates effective Jan. 1.
As part of the proceedings in this rate case, the IUB received written public comments and held eight public customer comment meetings in September and October throughout Black Hills’ Iowa service territory.
All filings regarding this rate case can be reviewed in the IUB’s electronic filing system in Docket No. RPU-2021-0002. Black Hills serves approximately 160,000 customers in Iowa, including those residing in Royal.
Winter aeration systems in use at 3 NWI lakes
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has turned on the winter aeration systems at Center Lake and Silver Lake in Dickinson County, and Ingham Lake in Emmet County.
The aerators are designed to reduce the chance of a winter fish kill due to low dissolved oxygen levels in the lake. Oxygen is not injected into the water with the aeration system, but there is an exchange of oxygen when the air hits the open water. The aerators create open areas where fish can go when oxygen levels start to decline.
Aeration holes are marked with thin ice perimeter signs. Lake users should avoid the open water around the aerators. Unsafe ice will vary depending on the weather. Always check the ice conditions before you venture away from the shoreline.
Rowley announces candidacy for Iowa Senate District 5
Dave Rowley, the newly-elected Iowa senator for District 1, this week announced his candidacy for the redistricted Senate District 5 in the upcoming November 2022 election. District 5 includes all of Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago and Palo Alto counties, as well as northern portions of Clay County including Everly.
Rowley was elected in District 1 during a special election on Dec. 14 following the resignation of Zach Whiting. He will be taking his oath of office on Jan. 10.
“The district I live in will shift from District 1 to the newly created District 5. I plan to run for District 5,” Rowley said in a news release. “I look forward to serving my constituents in the current Senate District 1 for the remainder of Senator Whiting’s term then carry my senate experience forward to the new District 5 if elected in this year’s general election.”
NWI fishing report
Staring Jan. 1, the protective walleye slot limit will change to 19-25 inches at Big Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji Lakes, Upper Gar Lake, Minnewashta Lake, Lower Gar Lake and Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day.
The majority of area lakes are fully iced over and have safe enough ice for foot traffic. There are a lot of holes and seams that have more recently frozen over. Make sure you have flotation, ice picks and check ice thickness often.
East Okoboji Lake: The lake is fully iced with an average of 8 inches in most areas. Black crappie, fair. Bluegill, fair.
Scharnberg Pond: Trout were stocked unannounced this fall. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Silver Lake (Dickinson): The lake is fully iced with an average thickness of 10 inches. Be weary of holes that have frozen over more recently on the main basin. Walleye, fair.
Spirit Lake: The lake is fully iced, but conditions can vary in areas that had open holes until recently. Ice thickness is 7-8 inches in most places.
