Schoon appointed to Veterans Affairs Commission

By Kim Brooks, Express Editor

During the Jones County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 19, the Board accepted the resignation of Paul Moeller, Olin, from the Veteran Affairs Commission. Moeller said he is retiring from his position after 12 years of service. The Board accepted the replacement of Penny Schoon, Monticello. The new Commission will then consist of Schoon, Jim Caswell, Anamosa, and Dennis Gray, Monticello.

Veteran Affairs Administrator Susan Yario said with the addition of Schoon, the Commission will now have equal representation, gender-wise. Schoon was a flight nurse during the Gulf War.

“We appreciate the county being behind us all these years,” remarked Moeller. “Susan has been great to have in the office as well.”

Supervisor Leo Cook commented, “There was a real improvement when we got a director on board.”

The Veteran Affairs Office is also giving away free one-day passes to the Jones County Fair to all local veterans. Yario said so far she’s given about 175 tickets away.

“They deserve it!” said Yario.

The Board approved three contract renewals with DECAT and CPPC (Community Partnerships for Protecting Children) services here in Jones County. Sarah Wickham is the DECAT coordinator. Kris Kilburg is the CPPC coordinator. Early Childhood Iowa Coordinator is Sherri Hunt.

The Board expressed their appreciation for what these organizations do for families in Jones County.

County Engineer Mike McClain said the work on Business Highway 151 in Monticello is nearly complete. He said the asphalt work was done, with shoulder and pavement markings remaining.

Work is needed to repair County Road X-44/Amber Road. McClain expected the letting to begin this fall for next year. He said the ballpark figure for this project could be around $550,000.

The Board approved confinement animal feeding operation construction permits for Lee and Lori Crock in Greenfield Township and for Scott Tenley in Oxford Township.

County Auditor Janine Sulzner said the county couldn’t move any faster when approving permits for confinements because the DNR sets the timeframe.

“The DNR sends us the draft permit after its been filed,” explained Sulzner. “On the county side, we’re moving as fast as we can.”

The Iowa DOT sent a notice of bridgework along Highway 151 outside of Anamosa. McClain said the Wapsi Bridge work should take roughly 60 working days, with work to begin on July 9.