09-23-2020 Story County SUN

• INSIDE: REAL ESTATE JULY 29, 2020 VOL. 13 NO. 24 STORYCOUNTYSUN.COM | INSIDE: REAL ESTATEWEEKLY WEEKLY • VOL. 13, IS. 17 | • WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

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AMES, IA 50010 PERMIT NO. 22

TEEN MAZE, a Signature Project of the Town and Country Kiwanis Club ChildServe welcomes native Colleen recently was awarded a Silver prizeNevada

by Kiwanis International

Rogers Messenger as director of gift planning Each of the Division’s experiences.

TEEN MAZE, a Signaclubs contribute funds to The program was develture Project of the Town Submitted ger said. “I am passionate about the support this service project and Country Kiwanis Club oped to serve seventhchildren In the nineofyears, these and recently was awarded a graders in Story,health Boone and well-being am excited the contributed opportunity to ChildServe announced Colleen Rog-counties. clubs have Silver prize by Kiwanis and Greene This about how ChildServe imers Messenger has joined its foundation $52,000 and provided 8,600 International. age was selectedshare for thewith donors of service.in Iowa.” pacts and families team director of gift planning.

Theasclub has presented reasonInither is a period of children tran- hours The Town and Country this program yearlywill theassist past with sitionChildfor teens whoMessenger often comes to ChildServe from role, Messenger Kiwanis Club nine years.

It was exposed of Biguse Brothers Big Sisters of submitted Central Iowa Serve’s major giftdeveloped initiatives,are grow com-to the thisas Teen Maze project for teen-agers withorganization’s 10 other alcohol, other drugs and where she served director of developmitments to the endowto Kiwanis International Kiwanis Clubs in District have self-esteemment. issues and ment and promote legacy giving. acknowledging its success Eleven thefundraising Nebraska- career, sexual She has nearly 15 years of fundraising “In of my I activity. have is the result thenonprofi t work Iowa District of Kiwanis. project requires experience, primarily in of the found meaning and connectionThe in partof many volunteers in The with awardchildren, was hundreds of volunteers and higher education sectors. Messennering young adults, famthe Clubs of the Kiwanis announced in the July 2020 and more than 2,500 hours ilies and donors. Based on the experi- ger’s position rounds out the ChildServe Family and the participatNebraska-Iowa District yearly for planning, setup ences of friends and family, I know Foundation team, as she joins colNewsletter. Teen Maze and leading teens through ing seventh-grade students leagues named ChildServe is to a special was developed provide place,” theMessenactivity stations and Erica Axiotis, years.executive Youth through the prevention services to evaluations. This Kiwanis and Shelter Services continyouth addressing relationFamily event is assisted by ues to furnish administraAKTION, Builders and Key tive services to support the ships, substance abuse, life Clubs in the local area. project. skills and mental health

director of the ChildServe Foundation earlier this year, and Sarah Mowery, director of development.

“It is our pleasure to welcome Colleen to the Foundation team at ChildServe,” Axiotis said. “This new position signifi es a commitment to the future growth of the organization and a renewed focus on planned giving. We are excited for what the future holds as we expand services, facilities and programs for children with special healthcare needs across the state.”

Messenger is a native of Nevada, Iowa, where she graduated from Nevada

High School.

She earned her bachelor’s degree at Central College and her master’s in environmental education at Trinity College in Carmarthen, Wales. Messenger is active in the community, currently a member of the Union Park Neighborhood Association in Des Moines, member and former community service chair for Rotary Club of Des Moines, board member and programming chair for the Association for Fundraising Professionals Central Iowa Chapter, and board member for the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines.

A “birds-eye view” of Teen Maze at the Boone Country Fairgrounds. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Hannah Huang visits with Town P.E.O. STAR Scholarship presented and Country to Ames High School’s Barkosky Kiwanis Club The prestigious Submitted P.E.O. STAR Scholarship for the 2020Hannah Huang recently visited a 2021 academic year virtual meeting of the Town and Counwas recently pretry Kiwanis Club. She described her sented to Vera Barkonumerous membership and leadersky, a graduating ship roles in the Ames High School Key senior at Ames High Club and currently in her leadership School. responsibilities for Iowa Key Clubs to Vera is the daughthe members and guests of the club. ter of Richard Barkosky and Anne Cooper, She expressed much credit for the and was recommended encouragement eff orts of faculty advifor this scholarship by sor Cynthia Gillette and club advisor Chapter HO of Ames.

Randy Griffi th, which enabled her conVera has been tinued work in Key Club service proaccepted and will jects and administrative work. This attend the Univercontinued activity led her to seek sity of Iowa where she higher offi ce leading to be the Goverplans to double major nor of NE-IA District. She proudly disin political science played the many plaques for leaderand sociology beginship positions and scholarships she ning this fall. has received.

Artist Andrew Maahs works on a mural on Main Street in downtown Ames. PHOTOS BY NIRMALENDU MAJUMDAR/AMES TRIBUNE The P.E.O. STAR Randy Griffi th described Hannah’S Scholarship is a work and accomplishments with the $2,500 scholarship following: “Hannah Huang embraced based on excellence in Key Club International service leaderleadership, extracurship opportunities. Her commitment ricular activities, comto Key Club requiredfor hours of travel, munity service, acaThe prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship the 2020-2021 demics, and potential academic year was recently presented to Vera both Barkosky, a preparation, and service locally for future success.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO graduating seniorand at Ames High School. in the entire Nebraska-Iowa Dis-

New mural off ers welcome to downtown Ames

trict. As NE-IA Key Club District Governor, Hannah exemplifi ed eloquence, maturity, and dedication. She is a thoughtful, reserved leader and tireless volunteer.”

Huang concluded her presentation with a quote from James Strock. i.e.

“The highest level of leadership is service, the highest level of service is leadership.”

She is headed for Yale University where she expects to remain active in Kiwanis at the university.

Aaron Zilber Mann, left, with his grandfather, J. Adin Mann Jr. Aaron graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, which is the school where his grandfather is a professor emeritus in chemical engineering. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Zilber shares college graduation with grandfather at Case Western Aaron Zilber Mann completed his bachelor of science in engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

He received the Craig J. Miller Memorial Award

Aaron’s grandfather, J. He also received the Adin Mann Jr., who got his Glenn Nicholls Character education at Iowa State Uniof Distinction Award from The downtownversity: mural is designed to welcome people to Ames.

Greek Life. bachelor’s degree Aaron is grateful for in chemical technology in the excellent education he 1954 and doctorate degree received in the Ames School in physical chemistry in

Hannah Huang and Randy Griffith SUBMITTED

2A | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | STORY COUNTY SUN

QUITE A CATCH

ANNOUNCEMENTS Submitted items

District 24 candidate forum The League of Women Voters of Ames & Story County and the American Association of University Women Ames are inviting the public to a virtual candidate forum at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24. The forum will feature the candidates running for Iowa Senate District 24. Invited candidates include Jesse Green, Republican and Cynthia Paschen, Democrat. Please submit questions in advance and/or request the meeting link to prez.lwv@gmail.com

American Legion Auxiliary lasagna dinner The American Legion Auxiliary will be serving a lasagna dinner on Friday, Sept. 25 from 5-7:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19, it will be take-out only with no dine-in. It will be order ahead on Sept.

23 for pickup on Sept. 25.

The dinner will be lasagna, green beans, garlic bread and frosted apple cake. The cost is $10. Please bring exact amount or check made out to American Legion Auxiliary #48.

To place an order please call Deb Thompson at 515-231-5412 on Sept. 23 between noon and 6 p.m. This is the only day to order. Pick up will be in the alley behind the American Legion Hall, 1331 Sixth St.

Gary Youngberg of Ames Silversmithing holds a flathead catfish he caught Aug. 21 at Lake Panorama. SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

Amy Taylor selected for President’s Leadership Class at Iowa State Submitted, ISU News Service

This fall, fi rst-year Iowa State University student Amy Taylor of Ames was invited by Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen to participate in the 2020-21 President's Leadership Class. Taylor majors in animal science and global resource systems.

Each fall, 30 fi rst-year students are selected for the class based on high school leadership experience, academic achievement, and involvement in school and community service. The President's Leadership Class builds on

these abilities and experiences, serving as an important training ground for students who will go on to become campus leaders; and ultimately, leaders in their professions and communities.

This fall, the class is meeting weekly in a hybrid format with some meetings online and others in person at The Knoll, the president's residence, to discuss a variety of topics related to leadership with President Wintersteen, Mr. Robert Waggoner and other key leaders.

Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Taylor is a graduate of Gilbert High School.

Amy Taylor, a Gilbert graduate, is participating in the President’s Leadership Class at Iowa State University. IOWA

Flu shots available at McFarland Clinic Flu shots are now available at McFarland Clinic in Ames. The fl u shot is off ered in a variety of ways for you and your family to get vaccinated this fall.

Designated fl u clinics in Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, and the Family Flu Clinics are available to schedule online. Talk to your provider at your next appointment to request the fl u shot vaccine. Information about the fl u shot, or to set an appointment online, visit mcfarlandclinic.com/fl u.

McFarland Clinic recommends everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated against infl uenza every year.

It is important to get the fl u vaccine, now more than ever. The fl u vaccine prevents infection with infl uenza, a contagious virus with many of the same symptoms such as COVID-19.

The vaccine helps maintain your health and safety. Lastly, getting your fl u shot will reduce a surge of illness in our communities and preserve healthcare resources.

storycountysun.com | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | 3A

The Bridge Home speaks to Ames Golden K Submitted

Jodi Stumbo, executive director of The Bridge Home, formerly Emergency Residence Project, was the guest speaker at a recent weekly Thursday meeting of the Ames Golden K Kiwanis — which continues to be held via ZOOM. The Bridge Home (TBH) serves the Two Rivers Area, which includes Story, Boone, Greene, Hardin and Marshall counties. They are more than just an emergency residence service. Stumbo reviewed the "Continuum of Care" outline, which clearly depicts the varied services off ered by TBH. A "point in time" census to identify homeless individuals is taken in January and July in all fi ve counties. There are currently more than 500 homeless people in Ames/Story County on any given day and a total of more than 700 in the entire fi ve county area. The Story County homeless count is higher due to a higher cost of living for individuals when compared to the other counties.

TBH works closely with Iowa State University to carry out the Story County homeless census.

There is a misconception the homeless are overwhelmingly male, however 40% of the homeless population served

by TBH is female and 20% children.

Funding for TBH includes 45% donations, 27% owned assets, 21% government, and 5% grants.

COVID has caused a funding challenge due to the need to shelter the

Stumbo reviewed the "Continuum of Care" outline which clearly depicts the varied services offered by TBH. SUBMITTED

homeless in local hotels/motels rather than in the normal group home setting.

The TBH budget is close to exhausted,

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO speaks to Ames Golden K Kiwanis From Staff Reports Ames Tribune USA TODAY NETWORK

Matt Deppe, CEO of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association was the guest speaker at a recent Thursday weekly Ames Golden K Kiwanis Meeting which continues to be held virtually.

The ICA is one of three organizations that work together at a single location.

The other two organizations are Cattlemen Care and the Iowa Beef Industry Council. The three organizations’ mission is to Protect, Promote, and Publicize Iowa’s beef industry. Mr. Deppe described how each organization is structured, funded, and their overall scope.

Iowa’s beef industry ranks fourth nationally for cattle “on feed”, and usually ranks in the top 10 nationally for the cow/calf industry. Iowa is also well known nationally as being the home of the “farmer/feeder” which accentuates Iowa’s beef industry diversity. The economic impact totals $6.3 Billion annually, with $4.09 Billion the result of di-

rect spending. Key beef export markets include Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Canada, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

ICA comprises 8,500 members with 97 Iowa county affi liates in 20 geographic districts and 4 regions. They work on issues on the “cattle” side of Iowa’s beef industry, which includes advocacy, education, and leadership. They work very closely with USDA, EPA, and Iowa’s DNR on issues and projects common to the industry, including enhancing the Beef Industry’s public image. An ongoing challenge is developing technology to tackle Animal Disease “Traceability” because of the inherent mobility of the cattle industry. There is also a need for better livestock analytics data to make decisions by acquiring and analyzing data from individual cattle operations.

Mr. Deppe’s presentation was followed by many questions from the 45 Golden K and 5 Nevada Kiwanis attendees — and a virtual standing ovation at its conclusion.

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Mark Your Calendar for Extra Fun in 2020:

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Sat/Sun, Sept. 19-20 Bring on the TRACTORS! Sunday, Sept. 27 - Super Hero Day; Homemade Ice Cream Saturday, October 3 - Sand Art ($2,$3,$5); Live Music 1-4:00 Sunday, October 4 - Pony Rides ($4) Sat/Sun, October 10-11 - Live Music (fiddlers); Grilling; Homemade Ice Cream; Pony Rides ($4) Saturday, October 17 – FOOD TRUCKS: come early for lunch, (may bring a lawn chair) and stay for LIVE MUSIC (EllieMae, a Voice contestant) 1-3:00 Sat/Sun, October 17-18 - Pony Rides ($4) Sunday, October 18 - Live Music (Brad & Kale) 1-4:00 (check our website & facebook for details & updates about events) FALL HOURS Monday thru Saturday 8:00 – 6:00 and SUNDAYS: 10:00 – 6:00

Events may be cancelled due to inclement weather or public health concerns. www.dealsorchard.com

(515) 386-8279

but additional state and federal dollars will hopefully be available soon.

All present readily noticed Stumbo is very passionate about seeking positive outcomes for the homeless. She is a

model for TBH's slogan "helping you navigate through life's hardships." For more information about Ames Golden K, visit www.amesgoldenk.org.

Jodi Stumbo, executive director of The Bridge Home, formerly Emergency Residence Project, was the guest speaker at a recent Ames Golden K Kiwanis meeting.

SUBMITTED

4A | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | STORY COUNTY SUN

Treasurer’s Offi ce provides property tax information Submitted Story County Treasurer's Office

The Story County Treasurer’s Offi ce wants to remind citizens that property taxes are due Wednesday, Sept. 30, with late penalty assessed on Oct. 1. Since the Story County Administration Building remains closed to the public due to COVID-19, the Treasurer’s Offi ce has added a more secure dropbox option that allows transactions to be dropped inside the building.

Property tax payments can be sent through the mail to P.O. Box 498, Nevada, IA 50201; paid online at www.iowatreasurers.org; or by using one of the dropboxes at the Story County Administration Building at 900 Sixth St. in Nevada – the drive-up dropbox in the northeast parking lot next to the orange fl ag or the walk-up dropbox directly east of the building’s entry doors. (At this time, access to the Administration Building front parking lot is from Sixth Street from the south due to the ongoing street closures of J Avenue and Sixth Street.) Online customers can pay by echeck for $0.25 or by credit card with a fee of 2.25% of the total transaction.

Online payments require a Receipt Number which may be found on the tax statement.

Property tax payments must be postmarked by Sept. 30, completed online by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30, or placed in one of the dropboxes by 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 30.

Unpaid taxes will be assessed a penalty of 1.5% on Oct. 1, 2020 and accrue an additional 1.5% fee for each month the payment is late. Customers wanting a receipt should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with their payment.

Story County Treasurer Ted Rasmusson issued the following statement: “We do not anticipate our offi ce being opened to the public prior to Sept. 30, so we are encouraging everyone to pay their property taxes by one of the options currently available. I am very pleased our Facilities team was able to quickly install the new dropbox for this tax season, providing an extra sense of security for citizens dropping off payments as those payments now come directly into our offi ce.

“I would like to ask for a small favor from the public. Our team is doing exceptional work during this pandemic, but it is much more time-consuming to process payments by phone and email than face to face. We are quite proud of our quick turnaround time, but between the pandemic and us being short staff ed right now; please allow us fi ve business days to process your transactions before contacting us to check in. Giving us this time will let us focus on the transactions at hand and keep moving as effi ciently as possible. Thank you all for your patience during this diffi cult time.”

Anyone with questions can call the Treasurer’s Offi ce at 515-382-7330 or visit www.storycountyiowa.gov.

Pictured rom left: Galen Wilke, RJ Gardner, Greg Vitale representing Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Rick Dietz, Art Barton and Kirk Russell.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Great Ames Adventure Race donates to Tedecso Connector Trail Enhancements Submitted

The Great Ames Adventure Race (GAAR) has donated $1,000 to the Outdoor Alliance of Story County for enhancements to the Tedesco Connector Trail. The funds are from a donation to GAAR from longtime race sponsor Friends of Central Iowa Biking, which is no longer active. Greg Vitale of the Outdoor Alliance was present to accept the GAAR donation.

The check presentation was made Sept. 13 at Ada Hayden lake, on the same date and time that this year's event would have been held. The popular paddle - bike - run event has been held the weekend after Labor Day for 14 years but was canceled this year out of concern for volunteer and participant safety.

The trail, recently opened, connects the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor with South Dakota Avenue via Cottonwood Road, a newly paved rail trail to 260th Street, and a new east west bike path. The paving is complete but there is still a need to plant trees and remediate the surrounding area to natural habitat.

Since 2012, the Outdoor Alliance has been working as an independent nonprofi t group supporting a shared vision with Story County Conservation: enhancing outdoor recreation, education, and conservation. These projects include fundraising and donations for trails, winter hike groups exploring on public lands, and land acquisition projects.

storycountysun.com | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | 5A

Pictured from the left, Golden K's John and Cheryl Abrams, ACCESS Development Coordinator Courtney Palmershein, and Golden K's Tom Baas. SUBMITTED

Ames Golden K Kiwanis donates $1,000 to ACCESS Submitted

Ames Golden K Kiwanis recently donated $1,000 to the Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS).

Their mission is to address the roots and impact of sexual and domestic violence with services that en-

hance safety, empower survivors, and promote social justice and understanding within the community.

There are four major ACCESS programs including sexual abuse, domestic abuse, violent crimes and housing. Trained advocates are ready to help discuss options for the victim’s immediate safety and well-being through the operation of a 24/7 crisis line.

They serve as an advocate for victims and provide support when needed for reporting crimes or when medical treatment and assistance is needed.

Golden K's donation will be used to support the operation of the ACCESS crisis line.

For more information about Ames Golden K, visit www.amesgoldenk.org.

6A | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | STORY COUNTY SUN

Industrial park project approved for Nevada nearby residential properties," Cole said.

Runge's employees are currently working on a water main along the Fifth Street corridor entry to the property. Once the infrastructure work is completed, the purchaser of lot 2 can proceed with his building.

Runge plans to expand his On Track business at Nevada's West Industrial Park, where he will be relocating his equipment and materials over the next couple of years.

"More about that project later," he said.

Marlys Barker, City of Nevada Special to Nevada Journal USA TODAY NETWORK

Nevada City Council gave the green light in mid-September for the Sixth Street Industrial Park project.

On Track Construction owner Matt Runge is pursuing the small industrial park to be located just north of the railroad tracks on Sixth Street's west side.

Presently, Runge uses the property as a staging area for On Track, an underground sewer and water contractor, with business offi ces just a few blocks south on Sixth Street.

His new venture will take a gravel lot storing equipment and construc-

Matt Runge, owner of On Track Construction, stands on the property that is presently a staging area for his business, but will become the Sixth Street Industrial Park. CITY OF NEVADA/SPECIAL TO THE NEVADA JOURNAL

tion materials and turn it into a paved, three-lot property with light industrial or personal-use buildings.

"Lot 2 we have a purchaser for," Runge said.

"He (the purchaser) plans to have a shop where he can work on classic cars."

Lots 1 and 2 will be located west of the Fifth Street corridor, which provides one access to the property. Both lots are

approximately a third of an acre. Lot 1 will be for sale.

On Lot 3, the 1.2-acrespace between Fifth and Sixth streets, Runge plans to erect a building with seven units, each measuring 36 feet wide by 50 feet deep.

"I haven't worked out whether these units will be sold or leased," he said.

The project is at least two to three years away. He plans on erecting "industrial condos," each with a big overhead door, a walk-in door, and a restroom.

"People could use these units for storing an RV or camper, or they could run a business from it. Or if someone wanted a nice little shop area to work in ... it will be a space with heating/cooling, which can be accessed from either Fifth or Sixth streets," he explained.

The plan is to improve access from Sixth Street by creating a new drive-

way just north of the median.

Runge is confi dent the Sixth Street Industrial Park will improve the appearance of the neighborhood.

"I'll be working on property covenants so people won't be allowed to park or leave stuff out overnight," he said.

City of Nevada Zoning and Building Administrator Shawn Cole said Runge's project fi ts in nicely with the zoning of the area. Cole reminisced about his former boss, Scott Harter, and how they worked on changes to the zoning of the railroad corridor through Nevada to be a place for light industrial projects and expansions.

"Having a place to transition to light industrial use, still allowed us to maintain the value of

Additional details about Runge and On Track Runge, 42, started On Track Construction, LLC, in 2017, after working for several construction companies during and after college.

A native of Keokuk, he came to central Iowa to attend Iowa State University and never left the area.

"I studied construction engineering and architecture at Iowa State," he said, and he got into water and sewer work because it interested him.

"Dirt work, you get rain one day and may not be able to work that day. But with water and sewer, you have a little more work opportunity."

Also, he noted, the underground was intriguing. "There are so many unknowns, which keeps things interesting. There are more moving pieces to it than some of the other trades."

And, he concluded, "there was obviously a need for an underground contractor in the area."

On Track's fi rst big project in 2017 was for the City of Nevada, doing the water, sewer work on Sixth and Eighth streets.

"Right off the bat I had six employees, and by the end of that (2017) season, I had almost 10." Now, On Track has 30 employees, and he off ers good-paying jobs and benefi ts. He wants to stay competitive to keep good employees.

"Employee retainage is everything," he said.

On Track works in Central Iowa, with most projects no more than an hour away from the Ames/Des Moines area.

On Track has continued to work with the City of Nevada as the contractor for sewer and water main replacement on the city's $9 million Downtown Construction Project.

Runge likes working in Nevada. "It has the smalltown feel ... people look out for each other, and it's easier to fi t in, in a small town and be a part of helping it grow."

When he's not working, Runge enjoys spending time with his family.

He also enjoys outdoor activities, ATV'g, and riding his motorcycle.

To fi nd out more about On Track Construction, visit the business online at www.ontrackconstructioniowa.com or contact Runge directly at 515-451-6719 or by email: ontrackconstruct@gmail.com.

The Fifth Street corridor in Nevada. CITY OF NEVADA/SPECIAL TO THE NEVADA JOURNA L

storycountysun.com | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | 7A

What you need to know about mail-in voting in Story County Danielle Gehr

Ames Tribune USA TODAY NETWORK

Story County Auditor Lucy Martin wants to calm election anxieties as hundreds of people have called into her offi ce worried about mailing in votes for November’s election.

This election cycle has been marked by concerns over mailed-in ballots. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized mail-in voting. Democrats have called recent changes to the United States Postal Service “sabotage” of the agency ahead of November.

Absentee ballot lawsuits in Iowa only added to these fears votes won’t be counted. In Story County, Martin said the auditor’s offi ce has mail-in voting under control.

“There’s a lot of fl oating anxiety and fear out there, between COVID-19 and people worried about the Post Offi ce, and it being a general election cycle,” Martin said. “That’s just a real stew of anxieties.”

Normally, Story County mails out about 4,000 ballots the fi rst day they are able to. This year, their offi ce already processed 14,000 requests as of Sept. 16, Martin said. Voters can expect their ballots after Oct. 5, the fi rst day the offi ce can send them out.

The idea of voter fraud via mail-in voting holds no validity, Martin said.

“It’s a very safe process,” she said. “We’ve always had a really robust system of absentee voting in Iowa for decades now. There are just so many horrible lies and bad information and disinformation being propagated out there.”

Many concerns come from people receiving multiple ballot request forms.

Martin said each year the Center for Voter Information, the Republican Party of Iowa and the Iowa Democratic Party all send out ballot request forms which leads to voters getting multiple forms.

Due to COVID-19, Secretary of State Paul Pate’s offi ce is sending out request forms.

The only time the Story County Auditor’s Offi ce sends out request forms is after a voter calls and requests one or the offi ce receives an incomplete form.

Receiving multiple forms is common, Martin said, and sending back multiple forms still results in receiving one ballot.

Voter concerns also spiked after lawsuits and temporary injunctions targeted Linn, Johnson and Woodbury Counties’ pre-populated forms. The only concern in those cases are the prepopulated voter identifi cation number which are not on Story County forms.

As far as the ballot getting back in time, Martin said they have been receiving mail at the usual rate via the Post Offi ce, but people can go to the Story County Auditor’s Offi ce to drop it off by hand. Like every year, Martin recommended returning the ballot as soon as possible, especially when mailing.

Voters should also remember to sign the affi davit, which is on the envelope, Martin said, and not to sign their spouse’s.

The sample ballot request form the Iowa Secretary of State's office mailed out requires a lot of personal information that will be visible when the postcard is mailed in. DES MOINES REGISTER

8A | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 | STORY COUNTY SUN

Ames Anglers founder visits Kiwanis Raymond A. Callahan, Town and Country Kiwanis Club Special to Ames Tribune USA TODAY NETWORK

Lee Huey, founder of the fi shing club "Ames Anglers" recently visited the virtual meeting of the Town and Country Kiwanis Club informing its members and quests of "Fishing in Iowa and the Midwest". The fi shing club was formed in 2007. It presently has 275 members interested in the fi shing avocation. The club's website is "amesanglers.org". Membership is free for all.

Typically, twenty to thirty members meet over coffee and share their stories, pictures and the joy of fi shing. Occasionally special speakers present topics of interest to the club members. The club sponsors outings to local, state, national and Canadian lakes with tours/

seminars. It also publishes a weekly internet newsletter.

A Club member requested Lee to list good fi shing locations and their attributes within two hour driving of Ames. They included: Ada Haden (Ames); Dakin's Lake Zearing); Dan Williams (Ogden); Brushy Creek (Duncombe); Big Creek (Polk City); Green Valley (Creston); Clear Lake (Clear Lake); Saylor Ville (Polk City); Red Rock (Pella); and Hickory Grove (Colo), when the

present conservation work is completed.

He fi nished his presentation showing an Eagle high in a tree watching them fi sh and it fl ying down to catch a fi sh thrown into the air. It was thrilling to watch. One of the members asked "the best time to fi sh before a storm or after". The answer was before, but some of our members have waited too long and experienced the fury of mother nature's weather. They all survived albeit wet.

Lee Huey, Founder of the fi shing club "Ames Anglers" recently visited the virtual meeting of the Town and Country Kiwanis Club. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO