Articles by Jeff Forward
Platte County Court Sentencings
On Thursday, Aug. 24, Platte County District Court Judge Jason M. Bergevin sentenced Angela J. Weatherford to 30 days in the Platte County Jail after Weatherford pleaded no contest to one count of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, a Class IV felony. Weatherford was given credit for 23 days she had already served while incarcerated in the Platte County Jail. Weatherford was also ordered to provide to state officials a sample of her DNA. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry
Faribault man charged with criminal sexual conduct
A Faribault man has been charged with third degree criminal sexual conduct after he allegedly engaged in an intimate relationship with a 15-year-old girl, despite being warned not to do so by her father.
Quality Roofing LLC in Charles City offers ‘honest’ work
Marshall Zimmerman opened his business Quality Roofing LLC five years ago, and he said he provides customers with excellent and “honest” work and noted that he specializes in metal roofs. Based in Charles City, Zimmerman said he has nine full-time employees on staff along with himself to do a range of roofing work, from totally new roof installation to assorted repairs. “We do mainly metal roofs, what is called standing seam roofs. It is when you don’t see any screws.
15 Waverly pastors express opposition to LGBTQ Pride event Original
A group of 15 Waverly-area pastors from 10 different churches in the city and wider Bremer County sent a message to officials from the city of Waverly on Monday, expressing their opposition to and asking the city to reconsider the LGBTQ Pride float parade being planned for an undetermined day in June.
• Pastor Doug Frazell, Grace Baptist • Pastor Josh Rouser, Grace Baptist • Dr. Jim Lee, Grace Baptist • Steve Kramer, Gospel Hall • Pastor Dan Ehlo, First Baptist • Pastor Glanzer, First Baptist • Pastor Jon Hennings, Heritage Global Methodist • Chris Dix, Heritage Global Methodist • Pastor Greg Gosnell, Horton Baptist • Pastor James Livingston, Horton Baptist • Pastor Matt Miller, Life Church • Erin Bird, Riverwood Church • Jake Epley, Riverwood Church • Pastor Jon Ellingsworth, St. John's...
W-SR's Lisa Phyfe named state speech teacher of the year
One of Waverly-Shell Rock’s most beloved educators was honored recently at a ceremony at her alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa, with a prestigious state award recognizing her dedication and commitment to students and speech education. Lisa Phyfe, Waverly-Shell Rock High School English and speech teacher, was awarded the 2025 Speech Educator of the Year award from the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Iowa High School Speech Association. “I’m very excited.
Shell Rock Mayor proclaims May 5 National Poppy Day
During a brief ceremony on April 18, Shell Rock Mayor Mike Klinefelter officially acknowledged May 5 as National Poppy Day in Shell Rock alongside Carol Ann Kruse, the National Poppy Day chairperson for the Shell Rock Avery-Sleight American Legion Auxiliary Unit 393. “It is just a patriotic thing,” Kruse said of Poppy Day. “We don’t sell them (poppies), but people can give a donation.
Tripoli man loses appeal of sentence; sent to state prison
A Tripoli man who had twice appealed his sentence for two criminal charges that he had pleaded guilty to in December 2023 lost his final appeal on Tuesday, April 15, and is now ordered to serve his original four-year state prison sentence. Bremer County Attorney Darius Robinson said Tracy Vern Buchholz, 54, of Tripoli turned himself in to the Bremer County Jail on Thursday, April 17, and was expected to be transferred to custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections on Friday, April 18.
Fairbank woman accused of confronting pipeline surveyors Original
Tensions over the CO2 pipeline project boiled over in the Bremer County community of Fairbank on Wednesday, April 9, when a local woman allegedly brandished a shotgun while confronting a surveying team working on behalf of Summit Carbon Solutions. Bremer County Sheriff Dan Pickett verified to the Waverly Newspapers that Caroline Joan Wilson, 63, of Fairbank, was issued a citation for suspicion of harassment in the third degree, a misdemeanor.
Fairbank woman accused of confronting pipeline surveyors
Tensions over the CO2 pipeline project boiled over in the community of Fairbank on Wednesday, April 9, when a local woman allegedly brandished a shotgun while confronting a surveying team working on behalf of Summit Carbon Solutions. kAmqC6>6C r@F?EJ $96C:77 s2? !:4<6EE G6C:7:65 E@ E96 (2G6C=J }6HDA2A6CD E92E r2C@=:?6 y@2? (:=D@?[ eb[ @7 u2:C32?<[ H2D :DDF65 2 4:E2E:@? 7@C DFDA:4:@? @7 92C2DD>6?E :? E96 E9:C5 568C66[ 2 >:D56>62?@C]k^Am kAm%96 :?4:56?E @44FCC65 :?
Waverly Homes, Waverly Manor complexes get boost
Changes are underway at Waverly’s low-income senior housing complex, with a new residential manager taking over in mid-March and members of the Municipal Housing Commission determined to modernize operations and best serve residents. Nearly 100 residents call the trio of complexes home, with two segments – Waverly Homes and Waverly Manor – being federally-subsidized HUD properties. The third and the newest complex is Red Cedar Place, which is not a federally-subsidized complex.
CO2 pipeline 'Protect Property Rights' meeting is April 27
Residents in Bremer County and the small community of Readlyn are hosting a seminar on Sunday, April 27, to continue efforts at stopping the proposed CO2 pipeline from being constructed. Billed as the “Protect Property Rights Community Informational Meeting,” the gathering is scheduled for 4 p.m., Sunday, April 27, at the Readlyn Elementary School, 200 E. Fourth St., in Readlyn.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR: April 15
The Waverly Newspapers accepts submissions to the Community Calendar via email. Please send in events to be listed at least three weeks in advance of the date of the event. Submissions should be typed into the body of an email and sent to editor@waverlynewspapers.com. Please do not capitalize every word. Do include date, time, location and a contact person for each event. If you wish to not have a phone number published in the newspaper, note that in the email.
Cheville, city of Waverly honored at Urban Forestry Awards
The city of Waverly is known for many things, but one area the city is especially special at is trees. In 1992, residents and city leaders created the organization Waverly Trees Forever in an effort to educate the public about trees and preserve Waverly’s forested areas. During a ceremony on Thursday, April 3, the city’s dedication to trees was recognized with numerous awards from the Urban Forestry Council on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Local author to talk Prohibition in Iowa at Waverly library
Local history buff and author Linda Betsinger-McCann will be discussing the Prohibition Era in northeast Iowa during a special book discussion on Tuesday, May 6, at the Waverly Public Library. Betsinger-McCann is well-known in the region, authoring 12 different books on various aspect of Iowa history, including the book under discussion on May 6, “Prohibition in Eastern Iowa,” a 128-page deep-dive into the era she says many younger people are unaware of.
Waverly Council approves city budget for fiscal year 2025-26
The Waverly City Council on Monday, April 7, unanimously approved the city’s 2025-2026 fiscal year proposed budget after a brief public hearing during which no members of the public spoke. The council also unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance that would change the city’s illegal parking fines structure. That ordinance requires three readings and three passing votes before it could go into effect.
Waverly residents host last-minute 'Hands Off' rally April 5
Several dozen Waverly residents gathered on Saturday, April 5, at the Waverly Public Library street-front in a planned-at-the-last-minute “Hands Off” rally protesting President Donald J. Trump and actions he has undertaken since taking office in January. Among the participants were current members of the Waverly City Council Jenn Wolff, Ann Rathe and Brian Birgen, as well as other local personalities including contributing columnists for the Waverly Newspapers Pat Coffie and Al Charlson.
Iowa AG Bird visits Waverly Health Center for special tour Original
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird visited the Waverly Health Center on Friday, April 4, touring the facility with numerous local law enforcement officials and a representative from the Bremer County Attorney’s Office. The tour was private and closed to the media, but afterward, Bird and her staff had a 15-minute press availability. The Waverly Newspapers was the only media outlet to attend the session and posed questions to Bird about numerous issues affecting Bremer County and Iowans.
Iowa AG Bird visits Waverly Health Center for special tour
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird visited the Waverly Health Center on Friday, April 4, touring the facility with numerous local law enforcement officials and a representative from the Bremer County Attorney’s Office. kAm%96 E@FC H2D AC:G2E6 2?5 4=@D65 E@ E96 >65:2[ 3FE 27E6CH2C5[ q:C5 2?5 96C DE277 925 2 `d\>:?FE6 AC6DD 2G2:=23:=:EJ] %96 (2G6C=J }6HDA2A6CD H2D E96 @?=J >65:2 @FE=6E E@ 2EE6?5 E96 D6DD:@?
Waverly City Hall interior is getting a new paint job
Workers with McNamara Painting and Custom Finishes paint the inside of a hallway at the Waverly City Hall on Thursday, April 3. Most of City Hall is getting a refreshed look with the paint job, which is expected to be completed in about two weeks.
Downtown businesses preparing for busy spring, summer season
With spring in full swing, businesses in the Downtown area of Waverly east of the still-closed Bremer Avenue bridge are getting ready for a hoped for exciting few months before the main artery in town reopens in early September. On Thursday, April 3, shoppers descended on the East Bremer Avenue corridor to check out new shops, visit long-tenured staple businesses and spend money at local businesses working hard to thrive despite the bridge closure.
Suspect in 2021 fatal Hwy 218 crash found guilty at trial Original
A Waterloo man was convicted by a Bremer County jury of vehicular homicide on Friday, March 28, following a four-day trial. He was also found guilty of two Counts of Serious Injury by Vehicle Bremer County Attorney Darius Robinson told the Waverly Newspapers that Willie Bob Walker, 40, of Waterloo, was convicted of the sole count of vehicular homicide and the two lesser charges. “A four-day jury trial is very rare in Bremer County,” Robinson said in a telephone interview.
Suspect in 2021 fatal Hwy 218 crash found guilty at trial
A Waterloo man was convicted by a Bremer County jury of vehicular homicide on Friday, March 28, following a four-day trial. He was also found guilty of two Counts of Serious Injury by Vehicle kAmqC6>6C r@F?EJ pEE@C?6J s2C:FD #@3:?D@? E@=5 E96 (2G6C=J }6HDA2A6CD E92E (:==:6 q@3 (2=<6C[ c_[ @7 (2E6C=@@[ H2D 4@?G:4E65 @7 E96 D@=6 4@F?E @7 G69:4F=2C 9@>:4:56 2?5 E96 EH@ =6DD6C 492C86D]k^Am kAm“p 7@FC\52J ;FCJ EC:2= :D G6CJ C2C6 :? qC6>6C r@F?EJ[” #@3:?D@? D2:5 :? 2 E6=6A9@?6 :?E6CG:6H]k^Am kAmx?
New Hampton man pleads not guilty to charges in chase case Original
A 56-year-old New Hampton man who is facing 15 separate criminal charges in relation to a March 2 incident that authorities allege was possibly a case of “road rage” pleaded not guilty to all 15 allegations during his arraignment on Tuesday, April 1. Bremer County Attorney Darius Robinson confirmed to the Waverly Newspapers that Scott Chris Kriener, 56, of New Hampton pleaded not guilty to all the charges on Tuesday.
WAVP officials hoping for large crowd for USS Iowa ceremony
Officials with the Waverly Area Veterans Post are hoping for a big crowd on Saturday, April 5, for the live-streamed commissioning ceremony of the new U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, the U.S.S. Iowa. The watch party at the WAVP is one of more than a dozen planned across the Hawkeye State on April 5 as excited and proud military veterans and others gather to watch the official commissioning of the U.S.S. Iowa.
New Hampton man pleads not guilty to charges in chase case
A 56-year-old New Hampton man who is facing 15 separate criminal charges in relation to a March 2 incident that authorities allege was possibly a case of “road rage” pleaded not guilty to all 15 allegations during his arraignment on Tuesday, April 1. kAmqC6>6C r@F?EJ pEE@C?6J s2C:FD #@3:?D@? 4@?7:C>65 E@ E96 (2G6C=J }6HDA2A6CD E92E $4@EE r9C:D zC:6?6C[ de[ @7 }6H w2>AE@? A=62565 ?@E 8F:=EJ E@ 2== E96 492C86D @? %F6D52J]k^Am kAmzC:6?6C DA@<6 H:E9 E96 (2G6C=J }6HDA2A6CD @?
Waverly Farmers Market to get refresh for looming season
The Waverly Farmers Market is a staple of downtown Waverly from late spring to early fall each year, and the 2025 edition of the popular event is once again set to return to its home south of the Waverly Fire Department station. This year, though, will be one of transition for the market as a new market manager takes over and additional food vendors and entertainment amenities are being sought and added in anticipation of the first weekend of the market, which is Saturday, May 3.
New Hampton man accused of multiple charges after accident
A New Hampton man is charged with a slew of criminal allegations in Bremer County Court after he was arrested and accused of chasing a carload of local young men for almost 14 miles in an alleged road rage incident in the night of March 2. According to a Bremer County Sheriff’s Office report, Scott Chris Kriener, 56, of New Hampton, was arrested following an investigation of a March 2 incident reportedly involving two other motor vehicles and five total alleged victims.
Thousands descend on Waverly for horse show, auction
The sounds and smells of hundreds of horses were in the air last week – along with the sharp voices of quick talking auctioneers — as the Waverly Sales Company hosted the annual spring Midwest Horse Sale from Wednesday through Friday. The March 26-28 event is the largest horse auction in the nation, and this year’s spring auction action was one of the biggest and best in several years, numerous attendees told the Waverly Newspapers.
PROGRESS: WHC gets new infant hearing testing device
Infants born or treated at the Waverly Health Center will be better able to be screened for hearing impairments with a new high-tech device designed to test and assess the hearing capabilities of newborns. Lindy Ibeling, community relations and foundation director for the Waverly Health Center, said the recent acquisition of the Maico easyScreen hearing testing device will enable doctors and nurses in the hospital’s Birthing Center to better test and assess the hearing capabilities of newborns.
WHC Pediatric Therapies Center in midst of expansion
The Center for Pediatric Therapies at the Waverly Health Center is in the middle of a remodeling and expansion as the center has seen a whopping 238% increase in the number of patient visits since it opened in October 2023. Lindy Ibeling, community relations and foundation director for the Waverly Health Center, said the Center for Pediatric Therapies serves as an important facility for patient care in the region and is a partnership between WHC and Taylor Physical Therapy.
Waverly Health Center announces new doctors, staffers
Officials with the Waverly Health Center have announced the following new staff members. Dr. Elizabeth Dupic, Christophel Clinic Dr. Elizabeth Dupic is a dedicated family practice physician who recently joined the Christophel Clinic team in Waverly. She completed her undergraduate degree at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake before attending the University of Iowa for medical school. She completed her residency at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines.
From the Editor's Desk: Check out our 2025 Progress edition
Inside the Thursday, March 27, issue of the Waverly Newspapers is the 2025 Progress section. The section is an annual tradition at the Waverly Newspapers and sibling publications in the region each spring. Inside this two-part special section, readers will find a wealth of content about Waverly, Bremer County and the wider region.
Waverly council continues to focus on housing needs in city
Housing was on the minds of the Waverly City Council once again on Monday, March 24. And like a housing report given to the council in late February, city leaders heard of the need for more affordable housing in Waverly as the city hopes to grow in the next decade.
KwikStar on east side of Waverly will have no gas for weeks
Drivers on the east side of the Cedar River and in downtown Waverly will need to find a new place to refuel their cars and trucks for the next three to four weeks. The KwikStar at 400 E. Bremer Ave. is undergoing a total gas pump system renewal project and no fuel will be able to be purchased for at least three weeks, possibly four, said store Manager Alana Berinobis. “Our pumps are being upgraded,” Berinobis said. “We will not have any fuel sales for three weeks to a month.
Waverly Area Veteran's Post hosting USS Iowa watch party
For U.S. Navy veteran and Waverly High School graduate David Farran the April 5 commissioning of the new U.S. Navy submarine, the U.S.S. Iowa, is a proud moment for not only himself, but all Iowans. Farran, a six-year Navy veteran who served a total of three years on a nuclear submarine in the 1960s, has been traveling around Waverly and Bremer County in recent weeks to promote and invite people to a watch party at the Waverly Area Veterans Post the morning of Saturday, April 5.
City council OKs 1st reading of parking fine increases
The Waverly City Council on Monday approved in a 4-0 vote the first reading of proposed changes to the city’s illegal parking fine fees. Three council members were absent from the March 17 meeting — Julie Meyers, Rodney Drenkow and Brent Jones. The meeting lasted only 28 minutes. The illegal parking fine fee changes need to be approved in three readings and votes before they could possibly go into effect, which Chief of Police Richard Pursell has said he hopes to have happen by June.
Waverly Public Library staff excited about new History Club
Officials at the Waverly Public Library are excited to kick off a newly formed History Club, which is hosting an informational meeting from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Librarian Lindsey Kuhlmann said the new club was created during digitization of the library’s historic photograph collection.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Worried about possible DEI ban
Worried about proposed ban of DEI offices, affect on tuition grants I am deeply concerned about House File 856, which aims to ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices at state entities, including private institutions receiving state tuition grants. This bill reminds me of the work of the Stasi, East German secret police. The bill allows any person to report perceived violations, leading to investigations by the attorney general.
Waverly city budget public hearing set for Monday, March 24
The Waverly City Council is scheduled to host a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 24, for a required presentation and possible discussion of the city’s 2025-2026 fiscal year proposed budget. Waverly Mayor Mark Anderson said he hopes members of the public and residents come to the public hearing and tell the council their thoughts on the proposed budget, good or bad. “We want to have residents come in to the (public) hearing and hear what they have to say,” Anderson said.
Bystanders in awe of relocation of school building Tuesday
Scores of curious onlookers watched in awe on Tuesday as an old school building was carefully relocated from its former home on Ninth Avenue NW to a new lot at St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School. Workers from the Goodwin House Moving Inc.
Waverly, Bremer Co. partner on unpaid city parking tickets Original
Illegal parking ticket fine scofflaws in the city of Waverly could see a hold placed on their Bremer County motor vehicle registration under a new policy approved by the Waverly City Council. During the March 3 meeting of the council, a 28E agreement between the city and Bremer County was approved in a 6-0 vote. At-large Council Member Julie Meyers was absent.
Waverly Senior Center to offer prom night dinner for W-SR
In an effort to help local students from Waverly-Shell Rock High School have a nice prom night dinner, officials from the Waverly Senior Center are offering a special dinner with the theme "Night of a Thousand Lights" on April 5. Jo Dorrance, the Waverly Senior Center's marketing director, said tickets are on sale now for the “Prom Night Under the Lights” W-SR Prom Dinner at the Waverly Senior Center.
Relocation of school house to cause traffic delays March 18
Officials with the Waverly Police Department are warning city residents to be aware and drive with extra caution on Tuesday, March 18, when a large house-like building will be relocated from the north side of the city to the vicinity of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School. According to a press release, workers from the Goodwin House Moving Inc. will be relocating a building from the old Carey Elementary School to St. Paul’s Lutheran School on Tuesday, March 18. Waverly Police Capt.
Waverly, Bremer Co. partner on unpaid city parking tickets
Illegal parking ticket fine scofflaws in the city of Waverly could see a hold placed on their Bremer County motor vehicle registration under a new policy approved by the Waverly City Council. kAmsFC:?8 E96 |2C49 b >66E:?8 @7 E96 4@F?4:=[ 2 agt 28C66>6?E 36EH66? E96 4:EJ 2?5 qC6>6C r@F?EJ H2D 2AAC@G65 :? 2 e\_ G@E6] pE\=2C86 r@F?4:= |6>36C yF=:6 |6J6CD H2D 23D6?E]k^Am kAm&?56C E96 ?6H A@=:4J[ 2?J A6CD@? H9@ 92D 2? @FEDE2?5:?8 2?5 56=:?BF6?E :==682= A2C<:?8 7:?6 E92E 92D ?@E 366?
Eagles championship stirs memories of W-SR star Rollie Arns
The Philadelphia Eagles’ upset victory over the Kansas City Chiefs hit home for one local football family, stirring up memories of the family patriarch who was drafted by the Eagles in 1953 — Roland “Rollie” Arns.
Bremer Co. treasurer explains new Tuesday closure to public
Changes at the Bremer County Treasurer's Office, including to the lunch hours as well as the closure to the public on Tuesdays, are all designed to help the staff at the county department be as efficient as possible. That was the message Bremer County Treasurer Adam Hoffman said he wanted to be sure that the wider public was aware of after questions arose from two social media posts his staff made detailing the changes. "We are not cutting service.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: 'Keep libraries un-censored!'
Editor’s note: Letters to the editor do not represent the views or beliefs of the Waverly Newspapers or the paper’s parent company, and they are strictly the opinions of the authors. Letters solely represent feelings and opinions of those who submit them. Letter submissions can be emailed to editor@waverlynewspapers.com. Please include full name, address—only city of residence will be published—and a valid telephone number. Submissions should be less than 600 words.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: March 6
Editor’s note: Letters to the editor do not represent the views or beliefs of the Waverly Newspapers or the paper’s parent company, and they are strictly the opinions of the authors. Letters solely represent feelings and opinions of those who submit them. Letter submissions can be emailed to editor@waverlynewspapers.com. Please include full name, address—only city of residence will be published—and a valid telephone number. Submissions should be less than 600 words.
Council takes first step in illegal parking fine increase Original
The Waverly City Council on Monday, March 3, took the first step in what could be a doubling of the city’s basic illegal parking fine and also increasing by tenfold the fine for a handicapped parking spot violation.
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