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Calhoun County supervisors appoint Ben Smith as county attorney, approve snowmobile permit and direct nuisance action
Summary
At a Sept. 16 meeting in Rockwell City, the Calhoun County Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Ben Smith as county attorney effective Sept. 17, approved a 2025–2026 snowmobile trail grooming permit, tabled an opioid-funds request, and directed legal action on parcel 893233301012 under Iowa Code 657A.
The Calhoun County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously appointed Ben Smith to fill the vacancy of Calhoun County Attorney and took a series of other routine actions, including approving a snowmobile trail grooming permit and directing legal action on a nuisance property.
Dave George, chairman of the Calhoun County Board of Supervisors, opened the meeting at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Rockwell City; the board recited the Pledge of Allegiance and approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Cory Ridgely, seconded by Scott Jacobs. The board also approved the minutes of its previous meeting on a subsequent unanimous vote.
On the personnel motion, Ridgely moved and Jacobs seconded a motion “to employ Ben Smith effective September 17, 2025 to fill the vacancy of the Calhoun County Attorney by appointment pursuant to Iowa Code §69.14A(2)(a) or employment pursuant to Iowa Code §69.14A(3).” The motion carried with all members voting in favor.
Nick Buse, Calhoun/Sac County Engineer, presented department updates. Following his report, the board approved a Snowmobile Trail Grooming Permit authorizing grooming activity within Calhoun County secondary road right of way for the 2025–2026 snowmobile season; the approval was made on a motion by Scott Jacobs, seconded by Ridgely, and passed unanimously.
A funding request from Community and Family Resources for opioid-related funds was tabled “for more information,” according to the minutes; the request was not approved and no dollar amount or funding breakdown was recorded in the meeting text.
The board and the County Attorney discussed possible action against a nuisance property in an unincorporated area of Calhoun County. On a motion by Cory Ridgely seconded by Scott Jacobs, the board directed the County Attorney to proceed with legal action pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 657A concerning parcel number 893233301012. The vote was unanimous.
No additional drainage business was presented. The board adjourned and scheduled its next regular meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Robin D. Batz, Calhoun County Auditor, is listed on the meeting record as the auditor.
