The city of Sioux City and the owner of a popular summer hangout are working together to try and come up with a resolution over a camp ground.
Recently, the Ickey Nickel received notice that camping on the property isn’t allowed according to city zoning laws.
Several supporters of the Ickey Nickel appeared at yesterday’s City Council meeting to keep the campsite open.
City Council Member Rhonda Capron is one of them.
“I’m on the Ickey Nickels’ side. I know they deserve to have that camp ground. And, we all know for years it’s been a camp ground. We all realized. Then we have person or organization that decided to make it an issue. I believe we need to do the right thing.”
City officials say a couple of weeks ago they received a complaint about people camping at the Ickey Nickel. That’s when they discovered the property isn’t zoned for camping.
Owner Mick Verzani.
“It’s a great summer time venue to keep going. But, the winter is rough. Without the big events it’s hard to keep it going. In the summer I employ 40 people.”
Verzani says camping is usually only done during big events to help attract people from out of town.
Mayor Bob Scott says the city could even allow a temporary permit for camping to still happen until a zoning change is officially approved.
The Sioux City Superintendent of schools is getting a raise. The school board last night approved a three-year contract extension with a boost of almost two-percent. Dr. Paul Gausman will be making more than $243,000.
The latest crop report from the USDA shows all corn and soybean crops are in the ground in Iowa.
All but 1% of the soybean crop have emerged.
Last week only 63% of the soybean crop had emerged.
Both crops are a couple of weeks behind schedule and not rated as high as other years.
Fifty-five percent of soybeans in Iowa are in good condition and 32% f air.
For corn, it’s 30% fair, 52% good and 10% excellent.
A big boost for Camp High Hopes over the weekend.
Officials with the charity say Rib Fest at Battery Park raised more than $75,000 and attracted more than 2,700 people.