The Denison Free Press

05/30/2025

The Denison Free Press reached out to discover more information about Job Corps.
A source close to the Denison Job Corps Center provided the following statistics about the performance of the center.
Currently, 204 students are enrolled at the Denison Job Corps Center.
Of those students, approximately 8% are considered homeless or unhoused, meaning they don’t have a stable home to go to.
As of May, the placement rate of Denison Job Corps Center students was 91%. That is for job placement, going on to higher education or entering the military.
The Denison Job Corps Center employs 124 staff, ranging from security and maintenance to academic instructors, vocational instructors and others.
The Denison Free Press is continuing to reach out to other sources to provide further information on Job Corps.

05/30/2025

News Release

US Department of Labor pauses Job Corps center operations
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today (May 29) announced it will begin a phased pause in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide, initiating an orderly transition for students, staff, and local communities. The decision follows an internal review of the program’s outcome and structure and will be carried out in accordance with available funding, the statutory framework established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and congressional notification requirements.

The pause of operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps centers will occur by June 30, 2025. As the transition begins, the department is collaborating with state and local workforce partners to assist current students in advancing their training and connecting them with education and employment opportunities.

The department’s decision aligns with the President’s FY 2026 budget proposal and reflects the Administration’s commitment to ensure federal workforce investments deliver meaningful results for both students and taxpayers.

“Job Corps was created to help young adults build a pathway to a better life through education, training, and community,” said Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “However, a startling number of serious incident reports and our in-depth fiscal analysis reveal the program is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve. We remain committed to ensuring all participants are supported through this transition and connected with the resources they need to succeed as we evaluate the program’s possibilities.”

The Job Corps program has faced significant financial challenges under its current operating structure. In PY 2024, the program operated at a $140 million deficit, requiring the Biden administration to implement a pause in center operations to complete the program year. The deficit is projected to reach $213 million in PY 2025.

On April 25, 2025, the department’s Employment and Training Administration released the first-ever Job Corps Transparency Report, which analyzed the financial performance and operational costs of the most recently available metrics of program year 2023. A summary of the overall findings:

Average Graduation Rate (WIOA Definition): 38.6%
Average Cost Per Student Per Year: $80,284.65
Average Total Cost Per Graduate (WIOA Definition): $155,600.74
Post separation, participants earn $16,695 annually on average.
The total number of Serious Incident Reports for program year 2023: 14,913 infractions.
Inappropriate Sexual Behavior and Sexual Assaults Reported: 372
Acts of Violence Reported: 1,764
Breaches of Safety or Security: 1,167
Reported Drug Use: 2,702
Total Hospital Visits: 1,808
Additional information can be found in the FAQs.
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/2025/05/OSEC20250929.pdf

Agency Office of the Secretary
Date May 29, 2025
Release Number 25-929-NAT

05/26/2025

Dedication of Oakland Cemetery Veterans Memorial at noon today

Memorial Day services on May 26 in Denison will include a dedication of the new Veterans Memorial at the southeast corner of Oakland Cemetery located along South Main Loop. The program will be presented by State Rep. Steven Holt with the closing by the Denison Legion and VFW rifle squad.
The memorial is part of an Oakland Cemetery master plan funded by the William and Noreen Johnson family.
William and Noreen were born in Denison and graduated from Denison High School. William died August 18, 2011, and Noreen lives in Omaha.
According to an article in the November 7, 2024, edition of The Denison Free Press, the new tribute to veterans features a 35-foot-tall flagpole for the display the U.S. flag and 12-by-12-inch granite squares each engraved with the emblem from the six branches of service, including the newest branch, the United States Space Force.
In the Free Press article, Ben Johnson, son of William and Noreen Johnson, explained that through the military memorial, the family wants to reinforce the community's respect for and dedication to service veterans. He added that many military veterans are buried at Oakland Cemetery.
Pictured, Scouts place flags around the memorial on Saturday in preparation for today's dedication.

05/23/2025

Each year on the last day of school, third graders at Denison Elementary School put on construction paper graduation caps and parade through the hallways, as they will be moving on to Broadway Elementary at the start of the new school year. This year the third graders were joined by the second graders, who will also be moving on to Broadway Elementary at the start of the new school year, with the completion of the Broadway addition. After they walked through the hallways, the students gathered outside the school.

05/23/2025

More chanting by students and a heartfelt response and thank you from Principal Dave Wiebers.

05/22/2025

NOTE THE CHANGE for the rain location for Memorial Day services in Denison. The rain location is now Denison Middle School instead of Denison High School.

05/22/2025

Reynolds announces approval of Presidential Disaster Declaration
Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced President Donald Trump has approved a Presidential Disaster Declaration request for four Western Iowa counties that sustained significant damage to public infrastructure and private property from severe weather that occurred on March 19, 2025.
This Presidential Disaster Declaration activates the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program for Crawford, Harrison, Monona, and Woodbury counties. The Public Assistance Program provides funds that can be used for the restoration of damaged utilities, debris removal, and other emergency protective measures, including but not limited to sheltering, essential needs, and movement of emergency supplies.

05/20/2025

SECOND REGULAR CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 ‒ 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers ‒ Denison, Iowa
Dial In: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 453 000 9887
Passcode: 2633143
Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/4530009887?pwd=eUJkeFMxZHJjZmxhdW1lbkxRZDhXZz09&omn=98994757224
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Roll Call ‒ Curnyn, Granzen, Logan, Miller, Zupp-Smith
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Motion to Approve Agenda
5. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda
a. approve and waive the reading of the minutes for May 5, 2025 special council meeting and May 6, 2025 regular council meeting
b. approve the bills as presented
c. approve cash & activity report-03/2025 and 04/2025
d. approve budget report-03/2025 and 04/2025
e. approve bank reconciliation-03/2025 and 04/2025
f. approve liquor licenses for: El Rey Mexican Grill LLC, La Cantina LLC, Hot summer Nights,
g. approve to***co permits for: Dollar General #3887, Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits
h. approve device retailer license for: R Smokes Plus
i. approve tax abatement for: 523 N 10th Street
j. approve the Special Event Permit and waive the application fees: Back the Blue BBQ
k. approve the Special Event Permit, waive the application fees, and be a City Sponsored Event: Immigrant Heritage Festival
l. approve re-appointment of Corey Curnyn to the Crawford County Area Solid Waste Agency Commission, term expiring 06/2027
m. Resolution for the Transfer of Funds from LOST to Debt Service
n. Resolution for the Transfer of Funds RUT to Debt Service
o. Resolution for the Transfer of Funds from TIF to Debt Service
6. Citizen Input – limit 5 minutes
7. Motion to allow the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Organization Certificate and Board of Trustees Certificate
8. Discussion and Possible Motion on Communication Center Policies
9. Motion to approve the quote from Western Iowa Networks for phone services at the Law Enforcement Center
10. Motion to approve Pay Application 7 from Jensen Builders for the Crawford County Wellness Center project, in the amount of $614,929.94
11. Aquatic Center
a. Discussion and possible motion to approve the estimate for the Aquatic Center Plunge Pool repairs
b. Discussion and possible motion to approve the estimate for Aquatic Center indoor pool overflow drains and grate repair
12. Motion to approve the Planned Equipment Maintenance Proposal with Cummings Sales and Service
13. Resolution making award of contract for the 2025 City of Denison Airport Street Seal Coat Project
14. Resolution Setting Public Hearing for Budget Amendment #3 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
15. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 68 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denison, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Parking Regulations
-Motion to adopt the 1st reading
-Motion to waive the 2nd and 3rd readings AND then motion to adopt
16. Discussion on Fireworks Ordinance update
17. Mayor Report
18. City Manager Report
19. Possible motion to enter closed session per IA Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session
20. Action after Closed Session
21. Adjournment

If accommodation is needed, please contact City Hall within 48 hours prior to the City Council meeting.

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05/19/2025

NOTICE OF DENISON MUNICIPAL UTILIITES MONTHLY PUBLIC MEETING

You are hereby notified that the Board of Trustees of Denison Municipal Utilities will meet in regular session at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, the 19th day of May 2025 in the Board Room at W. Broadway & 7th St.
At the meeting the agenda is as follows:
1. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Agenda
B. Approval of April 21st Regular Minutes
C. Approval of Monthly Bills
D. Monthly Finance Reports Acceptance for Filing
2. MRES Electric Rate Study
A. Receive MRES Rate Study
B. Consider MRES and Staff Recommendation
3. Municipal Electric Generation Capacity Addition
A. Consideration of DGR Task Order No. 11 to Authorize Moving Forward with the Installation of Additional Generation at our West Receiving Substation
4. Phase 1 Water System Improvement Project - $3,337,871.86 Water Revenue Capital Loan Notes, Series 2025 (2025 Loan Forgiveness)
A. Resolution approving and authorizing a Loan and Disbursement Agreement by and between the City of Denison and the Iowa Finance Authority, and authorizing and providing for the issuance of Water Revenue Capital Loan Notes, Series 2025 (reissuance
of the Water Revenue Capital Loan Notes, Series 2023) (2025 Loan Forgiveness).
B. Consider Bond Counsel Engagement Agreement with Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.
5. Water Rate Study
A. Consider Proposals Received to Conduct Water Rate Study
6. Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County
A. Document the Public Purpose and Approve the Payment of the Dues
7. DMU Depository Resolution
A. Consider Depository Resolution
8. Old Power Plant Water Pumping Station Building Demolition
A. Consider Pay Estimate No. 1 Final from Bedrock Gravel
9. Water Table and Drought Update
A. Receive Staff Update on Water Table Level
10. Any Old or New Business
11. Adjournment
Persons wishing to address the Board at this meeting should indicate their desire to do so with the
Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Denison Municipal Utilities not later than one-half hour prior to
the meeting, either by written request or by telephone request.

05/19/2025

Denison School Board Meeting
5:30 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2025
District Conference Room
Denison High School
Agenda
Regular meeting
Call meeting to order
Roll call
Guests, delegates, correspondence
Recognition of school board appreciation during the month of May
Consent items – approval of agenda, board minutes, bills (between sessions and payables), financial reports
Personnel report – resignations and appointments
Superintendent's report
A. Accept independent auditor's reports from Nolte, Cornman & Johnson P.C. for the 2023-2024 school year
B. Approve school fees for 2025-2026 school year
C. Approve 2025 Denison High School graduates
D. Approve 2025-2026 TLC staffing
E. Approve change order #011 in the amount of $5,085.88 for Broadway Elementary renovation and addition project
F. First reading of 503.6 Use of Personal Electronic Devices by Students of Denison CSD Board Policies
G. Administrator updates
H. Schedule June board meeting for noon on June 16, 2025
I. Closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1) for proposed sale of particular pieces of property
Adjournment

05/06/2025

REGULAR CALLED DENISON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 ‒ 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers ‒ Denison, Iowa
Dial In: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 453 000 9887 Passcode: 2633143
Meeting Link:
https://zoom.us/j/4530009887?pwd=eUJkeFMxZHJjZmxhdW1lbkxRZDhXZz09&omn=98994757224
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Roll Call ‒ Curnyn, Granzen, Logan, Miller, Zupp-Smith
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Motion to Approve Agenda
5. 5:00 p.m. Public Hearing on the Proposed Plans and Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of costs
for the 2025 City of Denison Airport Street Seal Coat Project
6. 5:00 p.m. Public Hearing for FY 2024-2025 Budget Amendment #2
7. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda
a. approve and waive the reading of the minutes for April 15, 2025 regular meeting and April 22, 2025
special meeting
b. approve the bills as presented
c. approve liquor licenses for: Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County
d. approve to***co permits for: Ampride Truck Plaza, Casey’s #2489, Fareway Stores #15, R Smokes
Plus, S & S Convenience Store LLC, Walmart Inc, DBA Walmart #1732
e. approve the Special Event Permit and waive the application fee: Crawford County Memorial Day Celebration
f. approve the Special Event Permit, waive the application fee/deposit, and be a City Sponsored Event for:
National Night Out, Hot Summer Nights 2025
g. approve State of Iowa GAX Claim #1 in the amount of $857,363.35 for the Destination Iowa reimbursement
h. approve appointment of Sherri Vaugh-Sebern to replace Seth Weis to Board of Adjustment, term expiring 06/2028
8. Citizen Input – limit 5 minutes
9. Department Director Reports
10. Discussion on City Infrastructure – Jim Allen
11. Motion to approve tax abatement for 811 Wild Rose Drive effective 04/26/2024
12. Engineering Update:
a. 2nd Avenue South
b. 20th Street Storm Sewer
i. Motion to approve Change Order #1 from OnTrack Construction, LLC in the amount of $1,500.00
c. Airport Street
i. Motion to Award the Notice of Award Contract for the 2025 City of Denison Airport Street Seal Coat Project
d. North 24th Street
i. Discussion and possible motion to approve the estimate for N 24th Street Storm Sewer repair
e. 1st Avenue South
i. Discussion and possible motion to approve the estimate for the 1st Ave South Storm Sewer repair
13. Discussion and possible motion on Communication Center Policies
14. Discussion and possible motion to approve The Standard renewal policy
15. Discussion and possible motion to approve the Boyer Fields Sublease Agreement
16. Discussion and possible motion on changes to the Sidewalk Inspection Program
17. Aquatic Center
a. Discussion and possible motion to approve the estimate for the Aquatic Center Plunge Pool repairs
b. Discussion and possible motion to approve the estimate for the Aquatic Center lighting options
c. Discussion and possible motion to approve the estimate for Aquatic Center indoor pool overflow drains and grate repair
18. Discussion and possible motion to allow the Mayor to sign the Release of Reserve request at 2002 Ridgeway Drive
19. Motion to approve the Boulders Conference Center – Venue Management Services Agreement
20. Motion to approve the Planned Equipment Maintenance Proposal with Cummings Sales and Service
21. Review of, and possible action to remand, Board of Adjustment decision – 103 South 27th Street
22. Discussion and possible motion to approve the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to approve additional street parking stalls for The Bakeshop
23. Discussion and possible motion to approve the Senior Center Lease
24. Discussion and possible motion on Title Sponsor Rights Agreement with Monogram Food Solutions, LLC
25. Discussion and possible motion on State of Iowa Community Catalyst Program
26. Resolution Amending the Current Budget for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025
27. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 68 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denison, Iowa, by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Parking Regulations
-Motion to adopt the 1st reading
-Motion to waive the 2nd and 3rd readings AND then motion to adopt
28. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 55 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denison, Iowa, to Allow for the Limited Keeping of Backyard Poultry for Personal Use
-Motion to adopt the 1st reading
-Motion to waive the 2nd and 3rd readings AND then motion to adopt
29. Mayor Report
30. City Manager Report
31. Possible motion to enter closed session per IA Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session
32. Action after Closed Session
33. Adjournment
If accommodation is needed, please contact City Hall within 48 hours prior to the City Council meeting

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