[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6611273,"mediaKeyId","2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca","parentId",2898484,"title","County supervisors debate who should pay for Winnebago River cleanup after trees and silt block channel","audioSeconds",322,"startMs",1788000,"endMs",2110000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca&start=1788&end=2110","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca/thumbnail_1788000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611273/Winnebago-County/Iowa/County-supervisors-debate-who-should-pay-for-Winnebago-River-cleanup-after-trees-and-silt-block-channel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611273-8ec0996c3232216733408eaae2a317b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172339&Signature=HoMKHuNdF4cDU-S6OkZmG3GYL4cxlV0rOqVGmCFPGK~rM8x7k8hmxCJssHjitxhwQR7pzESfNqU461irCHhL6nhilc244yJ2lmAwWm77-GoWMyxHi7S5IKBAtyM~3JYLDUs~nDhUihkVKqhs~1P8YI7oDGEqbqdXwDH~hrhv5EcB54RkM19t-B2k5kHAFfiIAh6mc7yuv-2YB9CECNNb~HYfHqAKsr9R3nWkqKF6VKeBTwWbNP97OA~fgZovsxkMHNPWVE4ohs0375gOMfFoOm6lfBxRytA7IMEl-kw7X0luplIL9sHHvalraHfMlU2ihVWr16A-C3wTr5mAmcCLVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Winnebago County","date","2025-04-08T16:04:07.66Z","article","The Winnebago County board discussed a request to clear trees and silt from a constrained section of the Winnebago River, receiving an initial contractor estimate and a legal/process overview but taking no final funding action.

County staff told the board the estimate to clear a cluster of downed trees and a sandbar in a tight stretch of the river was about $30,500, including roughly $3,000 for mobilization of equipment. Speakers described multiple isolated log jams and downed trees across a short stretch—estimates described the primary obstruction as less than a quarter-mile and, in one exchange, closer to 100 yards.

Board members and attendees debated who should pay. The item was framed as a repair versus an improvement; staff said the area was downstream of one drainage district’s outlet, raising questions about whether the work fell within a particular drainage district’s responsibility. Several supervisors said cleaning only one short section could set a precedent and that many other reaches in the watershed also need attention.

Suggestions included: conducting a benefit analysis tied to drainage-district boundaries, sending informational notices to affected district landowners, inviting the watershed group and conservation staff to a future meeting, and contacting state or federal partners such as the Department of Natural Resources or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for funding assistance. One board member suggested starting with the district that requested the work and gathering remonstrance input rather than undertaking a countywide program immediately.

Why this matters: River obstructions can alter flow, cause localized flooding and impair recreational access; however, costs for cleanup can be large and raising assessments across many parcels or districts has legal and political implications.

The board decided to gather additional information: check the precise outlet location, confirm which drainage districts and parcels contribute to the affected reach, solicit opinion from the watershed authority and conservation staff, and notify impacted landowners for input. The item was tabled for at least a week to allow staff to prepare a scoped plan and to consider a hearing process required by county code if assessments were to be levied.

During the discussion, participants named local landowners and watershed stakeholders to involve and emphasized that removing trees without further downstream work could cause re-silting. No funding decision was made at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-04-08 Winnebago County Supervisors","oneSentenceSummary","County supervisors debated whether to authorize a clean-out of a short, obstructed section of the Winnebago River after receiving an estimate of about $30,500 for removal and mobilization costs.","taxTitle","Winnebago County, Iowa","taxId",73035,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611277,"Winnebago County veterans services reports higher claims and increased benefits payments",283,1262000,1545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca&start=1262&end=1545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca/thumbnail_1262000.jpg","/articles/6611277/Winnebago-County/Iowa/Winnebago-County-veterans-services-reports-higher-claims-and-increased-benefits-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611277-f749f3d9079ebcaaa2014f7005923677/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172339&Signature=kBoyJx8JQfX-Lkh7H8lYoapKBG1wtS6VoF-l9oRY0zzQYI~qNvFv-NTE41KQiOwkKNZJ0IXZzbd4Kt7T2VBVMeR~qxtoyHhROZcQgP4wXBU7trDxoT2Zg0WPUwUUK~~UhMYr3Q9RFDANBDA2j60eZ9jTJiKFYE0W9IxrtBaP59elxneOBA7t-iC8Y4b-cN0tjKFeVP8ZJKCF0iOsFSWvmpt86rb5VHwGEfXy8nOOiZ0Yaqlx-t~-GaU4koDB5KtoskJOzdHhlgu~bVYwFVmYRm2E7Ms0CKpgAvizYnMZjQZ5e9MTHil0kfiqKOYxfO2RN3XICNVwB~uVfv95LYEgjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mary Lou Cleaver, director of Winnebago County Veterans Affairs, told the county board her office closed a higher-than-usual number of claims this quarter and saw a substantial increase in compensation dollars entering the county.

Cleaver said the office submitted 17 claims during the quarter, compared with an average of about six per month previously, and attributed the rise to outreach and media efforts that encouraged veterans to seek benefits. The county’s local financial assistance caseload also rose, which Cleaver attributed to broader economic pressures.

Cleaver highlighted training and partnership efforts: monthly virtual training offered through the Iowa Association of County Veterans Services, a national online training she attended in March that can be charged to a $3,000 national training grant, and outreach to municipal partners to recruit communities into the Homebase Iowa program. She said Rake and Thompson are the only local communities left to join Homebase Iowa.

Cleaver told the board the county received $357,214 in pension and compensation payments to veterans in February, an increase of more than $75,000 compared with February 2024. She also described recent individual back-pay awards obtained through claims work, identifying examples of veterans who received back-pay notices of roughly $50,000 and $53,000.

Cleaver raised concern about delays and uncertainty at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly around proposed changes to tinnitus and hearing-loss ratings. She said the office had prepared outreach on anticipated rules but had received no confirmation from the VA that the change would occur.

Why this matters: Increased compensation and back-pay flow directly to veterans and often to county economies; delays and policy uncertainty at the federal level affect claim outcomes and caseworker workload.

Cleaver said she currently has about 12 appeals pending and described 2024 as “the most challenging year” she has experienced in the office because of processing delays for pension and compensation claims. She urged continued outreach to veterans, particularly Vietnam-era and Gulf War/ post-9/11 veterans with presumptive exposures and secondary conditions that emerge over time.

Cleaver closed by noting the “joy” of serving veterans and the life-changing impact of successful claims for older veterans and their dependents.

No formal board action was taken on the report; board members offered thanks and comments.","The county Veterans Affairs office reported increased claims and higher benefit payments this quarter, citing training, outreach and ongoing delays at federal agencies that have produced back pay for some veterans.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611282,"Winnebago County board approves use of courthouse grounds for July bike event",1615,3190000,4805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca&start=3190&end=4805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca/thumbnail_3190000.jpg","/articles/6611282/Winnebago-County/Iowa/Winnebago-County-board-approves-use-of-courthouse-grounds-for-July-bike-event","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611282-16324c0af3df0d4604831bfb825f5b84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172339&Signature=gNw3ocExwERBni7twEk7dLsUo~e0-vFDdVnCFe9oTlH24VlzrdjVxkTQwjRN6UgzjlYWt8dnJqbjR-XJbOdGoU9mk5NH9mltRXmhE~~UM1b7fyvaJ25n1-RyVt7yxMu8~ebip2B7eKjXTTPzrcRsQsjbXNlkprHXoW557mnQwM3KwT3-2LDMZdjSZWvbp-I3qMOTsL4~HHpT59SfLqYitXgB5HiQ4vhesR25v0e3ke8MJofJvajNNBjT5QVO1BNl31bSBg0ZKm-z1qNoGsL2h5srOPham8Ks-ugNa~2Om01DPVdyksmwYDr791HSNQy7cx6~Xq-VEU7n9HtdhLEFqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Winnebago County supervisors on an affirmative voice vote approved a request to use the county courthouse grounds, nearby parking and adjacent streets for a bicycling event planned for July 22.

Organizers told the board the event will place vendors on East and South streets, position a stage “kitty-corner” to the courthouse, and operate a beer garden and entertainment area. They said vendors would begin setting up early on July 22, with a vendor curfew of 6 p.m.; some event infrastructure would remain overnight and be cleared by 10 a.m. the following day.

The request drew questions about courthouse operations, court access and public safety. Board members asked whether the courthouse would remain open, whether the clerk of court would have access for payments or filings, and how porta-potties, trash and cleanup would be handled the morning after the event. Organizers said they have discussed staging and cleanup plans with city staff and state troopers and plan to provide additional trash barrels, portable restrooms and a volunteer cleanup crew the morning after the event.

Why this matters: The courthouse lawn and adjacent public streets are commonly used for community events; using them for a large, multi-vendor event affects courthouse accessibility, parking and nearby residents. Board approval creates a formal path for organizers to proceed while requiring coordination with courts, law enforcement and city crews.

Details presented to the board included: vendors staging on East and South streets to avoid occupying courthouse parking; a proposed stage angled toward the courthouse lawn; a beer garden to be fenced and supervised; shuttle and transportation plans; and arrangements for showers and additional services at school facilities and nearby campgrounds. Organizers said the main campground and rally grounds will host many attendees and that shuttles will move participants between sites.

Board members emphasized the need to coordinate courthouse hours with the clerk of court and other officeholders and to confirm whether the courthouse should remain open full-time or be closed at noon as it had been during prior events. Organizers said they would confirm hours with the clerk and related staff and return to the board if a separate closure decision was required.

The board recorded the motion and approved the request by voice vote. The county asked organizers to finalize coordination with court staff and law enforcement and to provide any additional vendor, parking and cleanup details in writing.

The board did not set fines or special conditions in the motion; any required permits, insurance or formal agreements will be handled through the county’s standard special-event paperwork.

Organizers and staff said they will continue to provide updates to the board on logistics and cleanup planning prior to the event.","The Winnebago County board approved a request to use the courthouse lawn and adjacent streets for a multi-day bicycling event in late July after hearing organizers outline logistics for vendors, a stage, a beer garden, cleanup and coordination with law enforcement and courts.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":92,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611268,"Board approves several routine administrative items, moves some matters for more information",1745,3060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca&start=3060&end=4805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898484-6e0171dbdbe467e4c51c1f56806f8cca/thumbnail_3060000.jpg","/articles/6611268/Winnebago-County/Iowa/Board-approves-several-routine-administrative-items-moves-some-matters-for-more-information","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611268-4a09c645a15eb9f13614ee250fe76225/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172339&Signature=Uxb~WM1trr9GaAI7PD044PRFCyt8ol4lxdzz~7~DIlJmtse7-JYqXHQeL5y3ymRWH7-MTD-B0AIDBpyhAecMQoffqaV9SMXWhHx71JW-chf-dt7p5z8uDDqQvdvk4Q-U~i5pkNdHwXiUTvithgjCHJy93yqUGT~0wbStOP1HToL8HgTjj7wgtYjGtknfKN9urDHFTsCJB0~GOU1im2bojDVRAKTxG7yrrEkdsN1P2gYH5l7l0M4V3949z7o2q0~mOYDFAOlxlNtNgo83Y1Q980FhA0M635zWNVKguqfU3b3CixrG0R6c8tU3vfVP-Fhyl0pDBzum0AsAR1PKFikDNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the meeting the Winnebago County supervisors recorded approvals on a set of routine administrative items and directed staff to gather additional information on operational questions.

Notable approvals and outcomes

- Use of courthouse grounds for a July 22 bicycling event: Motion approved by voice vote (mover: Derby; second: Genswold). Organizers must complete standard special-event paperwork and coordinate courthouse access with clerk of court. (See separate article for discussion.)

- Health insurance package transfer to ISAT group: Board approved the transfer of the county’s health insurance administration to the ISAT group and maintained existing dental and vision and wellness policies. Motion carried by voice vote.

- Final voucher for bridge replacement project BROS-CO9586-8J95: Supervisors approved release of retainage ($5,229.59) for a bridge replacement project north of Lake Mills (Rogers, contractor). Motion passed by voice vote.

- Liquor license for The Barns: Board approved the liquor license. Motion carried by voice vote.

- Recorder’s, auditor’s and sheriff’s quarterly reports: Board approved each quarter’s report by motion and voice vote.

- Payroll and county claims: Supervisors approved payroll and county claims by motion and voice vote.

- Appointment to magistrate nominating committee: Mark Peterson was appointed to the committee (motion approved by voice vote; appointment placed on the agenda and seconded).

Tabled or returned for more information

- Winnebago River clean-out: No funding decision was made. Board asked staff to confirm drainage-district boundaries, affected parcels and outlet locations; to involve watershed and conservation representatives; and to provide options for notice and a hearing process before any assessments are considered.

- Treasurer’s window/garage-door repair: Board discussed options to repair a motorized treasurer’s window/door and agreed to obtain additional quotes and technical information before proceeding.

Other operational items

- Discussion about the county medical examiner structure: Supervisors discussed options for establishing a local medical examiner arrangement, including training, investigator scheduling and possible regional cooperation; staff will reach out to neighboring counties and potential physician candidates and report back.

Why this matters: The approvals clear a range of administrative business so county departments can continue operations; tabled items — primarily infrastructure and drainage questions — involve higher cost and legal complexity and therefore require further study.","Winnebago County supervisors approved a series of administrative items — including a courthouse-use permit, health insurance changes, a final bridge voucher and various quarterly reports — and tabled or requested more information on several operational items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County supervisors debate who should pay for Winnebago River cleanup after trees and silt block channel

Winnebago County veterans services reports higher claims and increased benefits payments

Winnebago County board approves use of courthouse grounds for July bike event

Board approves several routine administrative items, moves some matters for more information