The Denison Free Press

08/17/2026

Denison Community School Board Meeting
Monday, August 17, 2026, 12 p.m.
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Guests, Delegates, Correspondence
4. Consent Items
A. Agenda
B. Board Minutes
C. Bills (Between Sessions and Payables)
D. Financial Reports
5. Personnel Report
A. Resignations
B. Appointments
6. Superintendent's Report
A. Approve 2026-2027 Consortium Agreement with CHILD Savings Institute and Heartland Family Service
B. Approve Broadway Elementary Playground Plan
C. Approve Alternate Bus Routes for the 2026-2027 School Year
D. Readopt Denison Community School District’s District Developed Service Delivery Plan
E. Update on Broadway Elementary Renovation Project
F. First Reading of 103 Long-Range Needs Assessment, 505.08 Parent and Family Engagement Districtwide Policy, 505.08R1 Parent and Family Engagement Districtwide Regulation, 506.1 Education Records Access, 506.1R1 Use of Education Records Regulation, 506.1E1 Request of Nonparent for Examination or Copies of Education Records, 506.1E2 Authorization for Release of Education Records, 506.1E3 Request for Hearing on Correction of Education Records, 506.1E4 Request for Examination of Education Records, 506.1E5 Notification of Transfer of Education Records, 506.1E6 Letter to Parent Regarding Receipt of Subpoena, 506.1E7 Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement, 506.1E8 Annual Notice, 506.2 Student Directory Information, 506.2R1 Use of Directory Information, 506.2E1 Authorization for Releasing Student Directory Information, 506.4 Student Library Circulation Records of Denison CSD Board Policies
G. First Reading of 503.11 Disruptive Behavior (NEW), 503.11R1 Disruptive Behavior- Building Level Policy Procedures (NEW), 503.11R2 Disruptive Behavior-Students with an IEP (NEW), 605.04 Technology and Instructional Materials, 605.04 E1 Technology and Instructional Materials-One-to-One Digital Device Program Technology Adoption Checklist (NEW) of Denison CSD Board Policies
H. Second Reading of 401.13 Staff Technology Use/Social Networking (RESCIND), 401.13 R(1) Staff Technology Use/Social Networking Regulation (RESCIND), 401.14 Employee Expression, 402.01 Release of Credit Information, 402.02 Child Abuse Reporting, 402.03 Abuse of Students by School District Employees, 402.04 Gifts to Employees, 402.06 Employee Outside Employment, 402.07 Public Complaints about Employees (RESCIND), 403.01 Employee Physical Examinations, 403.02 Employee Injury on the Job, 403.03 Communicable Diseases - Employees, 403.03 R1 Communicable Diseases-Employees-Universal Precautions Regulation, 403.03 E1 Communicable Diseases-Employees-Hepatitis B Vaccine Information and Record, 403.04 Hazardous Chemical Disclosure, 403.05 Substance-Free Workplace, 403.05 E1 Substance-Free Workplace-Notice to Employees, 504.06 Student Activity Program of Denison CSD Board Policies
7. Adjournment

08/17/2026

AGENDA
Crawford County Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 9 a.m.
Board Members: Craig Dozark, Chair | Kyle Schultz, Vice Chair | Ty Rosburg | Jean Heiden | Dave Muhlbauer
9:00 a.m. Call to Order by Chair
Opening Ceremony
Review Agenda
a. Conflicts of Interest
b. Approve the Agenda
Reading and Approval of Minutes
Report of Supervisors and their Standing Committees, followed by Special Committee Reports
Approval of Claims
-Clerk of Court Fees for June 2026
Notification of Manure Management Plans
Personnel Changes
9:45 a.m. Ben Schaben – County Engineer
10:00 a.m. Public Hearing – Re-Zoning of Property from Agriculture to Residential.
Discuss/Take Action – Second Reading
Discuss/Take Action – Wave Third Reading of the Re-Zoning of Property from Agriculture to Residential.
Discuss/Take Action – Resolution 2026-33 Certifying Taxes Payable 2026-2027.
Taya Vonnahme and Michelle Anderson - Manning Regional Healthcare Center – Opioid Grant Update.
Discuss/Take Action – AllRise Conference follow-up report with Martha and Nate
Discuss/Take Action - Jessica Garcia, Denison City Manager-Issue with the City of Denison Broadway project
Discuss/Take Action – Budget Amendment Evaluation Guidelines Policy
Discuss/Take Action – Hazard Mitigation Planning
Discuss/Take Action – JP Turf Estimate to re-seed Courthouse Lawn
Citizen’s Input
Adjourn
All those seeking to petition the Board will be granted "5 minutes" of time to state their petition. Petitioners will also be granted an additional "2 minutes" of response time to each question asked by a member of the board.
Zoom Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82264890377?pwd=plGXfHrxFWNkxMIHhPiUwg90CK4kAL.1
Passcode - 738081
Phone – 1 312 626 6799 – (meeting-822 6489 0377)

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08/17/2026

SECOND REGULAR CALLED DENISON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 ‒ 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers ‒ Denison, Iowa
Dial In: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 453 000 9887 Passcode: 2633143
Meeting Link:
https://zoom.us/j/4530009887?pwd=eUJkeFMxZHJjZmxhdW1lbkxRZDhXZz09&omn=98994757224
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Roll Call ‒ Crawford, Granzen, Jones, Peterson, Zupp-Smith
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Motion to Approve Agenda
5. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda
a. approve and waive the reading of the minutes for 08/04/2026 regular meeting
b. approve the bills as presented
c. approve wellness center financials: 07/2026
d. approve liquor licenses for: The Pub, Ampride, Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County
e. approve Resolution Transfer of Funds - Various
6. Citizen Input – limit 5 minutes
7. Discussion and possible motion on the invoice for Roldan – 100 Morningview Street
8. Discussion and possible Motion on a Zoning Request Change for Lots 1, 2, 3 in Boysen Addition from R170 to C2
9. Engineering Update
a. 2nd Ave South Reconstruction Project
1. Motion to approve Pay Application #5 for Bluffs Paving & Paving Company, Inc, in the amount of $273,901.03
b. Broadway HMA
1. Motion to approve Pay Application #2 for OMG Midwest, Inc, in the amount of $68,668.90
c. Street Tour
10. 7th Street Corridor Presentation
11. Motion to approve the agreement between the Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Denison Police
Department for the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB)
12. Motion to approve the estimate from Team Ford for vehicle repairs for the Police Department, in the amount of $3,947.17
13. Discussion and possible motion on the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement Between the City of Denison and Crawford County
14. Motion to approve the proposal from Phil’s Lawn, Landscaping & Nursery, for Installation and Removal of Uptown Christmas Lights, in the amount of $6,650.00
15. Motion to approve the General Christmas Light Installation and Removal Contract
16. Discussion on Ordinance 76 - Bicycle Regulations
17. Mayor Report
18. City Manager Report
19. Adjournment
If accommodation is needed, please contact City Hall within 48 hours prior to the City Council meeting.

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08/17/2026

Accident in Greene County takes life of Denison woman
An accident that happened at the intersection of Highway 30 and 210th Street near Ralston in Greene County on Friday, August 14, claimed the life of Marcia Lucile Bachmann, age 75, of Denison.
According to the Iowa State Patrol report, a 2019 Ford Escape being driven by Frizabel Anwi Waki, 27, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was traveling west on 210th Street, east of Highway 30. Bachmann was driving a 2018 Toyota Prius and was traveling southeast on Highway 30, northwest of 210th Street. Waki’s vehicle pulled out from the stop sign at the intersection and was struck by Bachmann’s vehicle. Bachmann was pronounced deceased at the scene. Waki and a passenger, Mbachokieng Claudine Ngum, 27, of West Des Moines, were transported to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines with serious injuries. Waki was transported by Life Flight and Ngum was transported by Carroll EMS. Occupants of both vehicles were wearing seatbelts.
The accident happened at 12:55 p.m.
The accident remains under investigation.

08/14/2026

Ready to take your 4-H experience to the NEXT LEVEL?! 🙌💚

County Council applications are OPEN! 🎉 If you’re in grades 9–12, this is your chance to:
✨ Build your leadership skills
✨ Help plan and lead 4-H events
✨ Share your ideas and make a difference

Your voice matters, and we want YOU on County Council! 💚🍀

📅 Applications are due October 1!

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply!

08/14/2026

Another local act advances to Bill Riley semi-finals
The tap quintet act with performers Ava Skarin, 16; Lauryn Jorgensen, 18; Ady Sporrer, 17; Bailee Arkfeld, 17; Cassidy Halbur, 17; Denison, has advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley’s 66th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search.
The tap quintet was among seven Senior division acts (ages 13-21) and four Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) that advanced today (August 14, 2026).
An area Sprout team that advanced to the semi-finals today was a tap dance duet featuring Riley Oster and Schalee Schrader from Woodbine.
The acts will perform again on Thursday, August 20, Friday, August 21 or Saturday, August 22.
Bill Riley’s Iowa State Fair Talent Search features seven days of preliminary competition for Sprouts and Seniors, followed by the semi-finals and, ultimately, the selection of one Senior champion. The Sprouts do not compete beyond the semi-finals but perform in the championship show as Sprout champions. The championship show will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

08/14/2026

The current edition of The Denison Free Press is available at stores

08/14/2026

Gracen Plagge’s steer in Governor’s Charity Steer Show on Saturday
Lt. Gov. Chris Gearhart Cournoyer to be celebrity show person
Gracen Plagge, of Denison, was selected to join the Governor’s Charity Steer Show lineup of exceptional youth to show her steer at the August 15 event at this year’s Iowa State Fair.
Each steer is exhibited by a youth representative and a guest celebrity chosen by the steer's sponsor.
A total of 25 steers will be shown this year, with Gov. Reynolds showing for a final time as the governor of Iowa.
Gracen’s steer, named King Rosco, was the champion county-born steer and the reserve champion steer at the Crawford County Fair.
The show is hosted by Gov. Kim Reynolds and coordinated by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC). All proceeds from the event go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.
“The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show highlights the good nature of the beef cattle industry and brings together a valuable collaboration between producers, industry supporters, youth, and community namesakes for an important cause,” said Jenna Bailey, ICA member services and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair. “It is an honor to serve the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, which provides a crucial service to families in need. The youth participants of the Governor’s Charity Steer Show showcase the giving nature of our industry and offer a local connection to support this meaningful event.”
The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has taken place since 1983 and has raised over $6 million since its inception. Last year, the show raised more than $569,000, setting yet another new record for money raised. Funds are raised through online donations, sponsorships, and an auction of steers following the show.
All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, too.
“The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa is a worthwhile charity and great partner,” said Casey Anderson, IBIC director of industry relations and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair. “The houses provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill or hospitalized children. It isn’t hard to imagine the burden lifted during an already difficult time, knowing you have a place to stay near your child, thanks to Ronald McDonald Houses.”
Gracen the daughter of Brian and Erin Plagge. She graduated from Denison High School in May and will be attending Northwest Missouri State University in the fall. She has been showing cattle for nine years. In high school, she was involved in wrestling, track, and softball. She was the manager for the Monarchs football team, a member of National Honor Society, and participated in FFA.
Gracen and her steer, King Rosco, are sponsored by the Crawford County Cattlemen & Nor-AM Cold Storage. They will be joined in the ring by celebrity showman Lt. Gov. Chris Gearhart Cournoyer.
Those interested in supporting Gracen Plagge, are asked to consider donating online or attending the show/auction.
The Governor’s Charity Steer Show will take place in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 15, at 4:30 p.m. The live auction will follow the show. For additional information about the Governor’s Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.

08/14/2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
The Board of Trustees of Denison Municipal Utilities will hold a regular meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, in the Board Room at W. Broadway & 7th St., Denison, Iowa.
At the meeting, the agenda is as follows:
1. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Agenda
B. Approval of July 20,2026, Regular Minutes
C. Approval of Monthly Bills
D. Monthly Finance Reports Acceptance for Filing
2. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)
A. Consider Acceptance of FY2026 OPEB Valuation Report
3. Electric Department – New Dump Truck
A. Consider Approval of Quote for New Dump Truck
4. Electric Department – New Digger Derrick Truck
A. Consider Approval of Quote for New Digger Derrick Truck
5. Water Main Replacement Project
A. Consider Pay Request No. 5 for the 2nd Ave. S. Water Main Replacement Project
6. Truck Radio Upgrades
A. Consider Approval of Quote for Truck Radio Upgrades
7. Wastewater Department – Chamberlain Lift Station Pump Replacement
A. Consider Approval of Pump Replacement at the Chamberlain Lift Station
8. Wastewater Department – Manhole Rehabilitation
A. Consider approval of Manhole Rehabilitation Quote from Hydro-Klean, LLC
9. Wastewater Treatment Plant
A. Consider Approval of Concrete Replacement Project
10. Water Table and Drought Update
A. Receive Staff Update on Water Table Level
11. Any Old or New Business
12. Adjournment
Public Participation: Anyone wishing to address the Board should notify the Secretary of the Board of Trustees at Denison Municipal Utilities at least 30 minutes before the meeting, by phone or in writing.
Denison Municipal Utilities
W. Broadway & 7th St., Denison, Iowa 51442
Phone: (712) 263-4154
By: Carla Wessel, Board Secretary

08/13/2026

Local performers among three Spout division acts to advance to Bill Riley semi-finals
The tap dance quartet of Harper Schrader, 8; Viviani Hernandez, 8; Jemma Freshe, 8; and Blair Haupts, 8; Denison, was among three acts in the Sprout Division (2-12) to advance to the semi-final round in Bill Riley’s 66th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search.
The Sprout and the four Senior division acts (13-21) that advanced will perform again on Thursday, August 20, Friday, August 21, or Saturday, August 22.
The State Fair competition features seven days of preliminary competition for Sprouts and Seniors followed by semi-finals and, ultimately, the selection on one Senior champion. The Sprouts do not compete beyond the semi-finals but perform in the championship show as Sprout champions. The championship show will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at the Iowa State Fair.