Campbell, Carlson close out supervisor careers
ICCC ag program showcases county farmland
Webster County Supervisors Mark Campbell and Nick Carlson have served county residents and interests for years. On Tuesday, Campbell and Carlson participated in their final supervisors meeting.
“These folks have not only represented Webster County here locally, but also statewide and nationwide,” said Webster County Supervisor Niki Conrad. “They’ve traveled to DC and spoken with our legislators and served on a variety of boards and committees and have done so with class and dignity. Personally, I want to thank the two of you for all of your time on this board.”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank the citizens of Webster County for the privilege of serving you over the past 12 years,” said Campbell. “It’s truly been an honor. We have built an incredible foundation for our future and our county. Thank you for your trust, your support, and allowing me to be part of this amazing journey.”
“These last eight years have definitely been a growth period for myself and I cherish every moment,” added Carlson. “Thank you.”
Republicans Nathan Montgomery and John Cochrane were elected last month to the supervisor seats currently held by Democrats Campbell and Carlson.
Montgomery will replace Campbell in District 2, while Cochrane will replace Carlson in District 5
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the Board accepted resignations from Dr. David Ilceski, Linda Opheim, Campbell, and Carlson from the Public Health Board. New appointments for the board will be made at the Jan. 2, 2025, meeting.
The board purchased a 2016 Dodge Durango from Sheila Cole and the late Dr. Dan Cole in the amount of $17,600. The vehicle was previously used by Dan Cole for his calls as county medical examiner and is outfitted with lights and emergency equipment. The vehicle will be used by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.
Four Mack dump truck chassis were purchased from Rees Truck and Trailer, of Fort Dodge, for $643,735.36 along with upfitting by Hiway Truck and Equipment, of Fort Dodge, for $632,804.
According to Webster County Engineer Jamie Johll, the county replaces two trucks annually and was able to secure four trucks at the contracted price with two being delivered in Fiscal Year 2025 and two in Fiscal Year 2026. The trucks leaving the county’s fleet are re-sold.
“This also helps by locking down the price so in two years when the price of everything goes up, we’ll be locked in,” said Supervisor Bob Thode. “Thank you for doing this work up front.”
The supervisors also heard from eight Iowa Central Community College students who are majoring in agriculture and utilize farmland leased from the county.
Iowa Central instructor Terry Coleman, along with students Logan Ozmun, Carson Werning, Kyler Mattson, Jackson Quade, Jacob Gerdes, Michael Illg, Peyton Lenz, and Tess Nolan explained how their program leased 229 acres from the county for corn and soybean production. Coleman said the students are given the opportunity to learn hands-on in the field and make many of the day-to-day operating decisions after learning in the classroom about seed, agronomy, custom farming, and insurance.
“Thank you for your continued support,” said Coleman. “We can’t express enough how much it helps our program and helps our students get out of the classroom and onto the farm to learn.”