by Amanda Rink, Editor
August 19, 2025 – The Clarion City Council met Tuesday night to discuss a new fire station, police shortages, and appointed a new member to the council.
Fire Department Pushes for New Station
A hot topic of the evening was the fire department’s push for a new station. Former firefighter Greg Littlejohn addressed the council, citing overcrowded and deteriorating facilities. The current station houses 22 firefighters but lacks space for equipment and adequate heating.
“We try to make do with what we have,” Littlejon shared with the council, “We’re about 30, maybe 35 years past due for [an upgrade].”
The department is seeking a facility with four bays to properly house trucks. The biggest issue comes when the weather turns cold, and a firetruck has to be stored in an unheated space, forcing it to be winterized and re-winterized. This risks damage to its newly installed water pump, along with “wasted time,” according to the department.
The proposed fire station was designed years ago and requires a new plan and cost estimate to move forward, but the city agreed on a plan at the meeting after discussing whether to pursue a reverse referendum, which could delay the project until November or even two years, or move forward with a traditional 26-day process to approve the plans.
The finance committee is expected to review the city’s options and budget and present a funding figure at the next council meeting.
Police Staffing Concerns
Council members also heard updates on law enforcement staffing shortages from Police Sergeant Ted Knutson. With the police chief recovering from surgery and two officers out for medical reasons, Clarion is currently relying on the Wright County Sheriff’s Office for coverage.
Middleton said the city is working on 28E agreements with Eagle Grove and Belmond to share officers temporarily.
“This is nothing out of the ordinary,” Middleton said. “We’ve supported each other in the past. It’s just an unfortunate time with multiple officers out at once.”
Nel Appointed to Council
The council ended the meeting by appointing Elmarie Nel, a local business owner, mother, and member of multiple Clarion boards and committees, to fill the seat left vacant by Shayne Hennigar. Nel will serve until the November election, when she and other candidates can run to complete the remaining two years of the term.
Nel shared:
“This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support, encouragement, and belief from my community, family, friends, and mentors. Thank you for walking this journey with me. As I step into this new role, I remain committed to serving with integrity, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility to our community’s needs and aspirations.
This is only the beginning, and I know that meaningful change requires collective effort. I humbly ask for your continued support, guidance, and engagement as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive city for all.”
A Push for New Housing
The council approved the establishment of a Housing Steering Committee as part of an HRRA grant application. If successful, the grant would allow Iowa State University to study Clarion’s housing needs and provide long-term recommendations. Matching funds may be required from the city or the Clarion Development Alliance.
Middleton shared that the data from Iowa State University wouldn’t provide an easy fix that provides new housing in town, but the data will be valuable for the demographics and housing trends in Clarion.
“When it comes down to it, more houses, more apartments, comes to people with money building more houses,” he stated.
In other business, the Council approved:
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Entering into a contract with Edmunds for accounting software.
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A liquor license for Casa Del Taco, Lucky Wife, a road closure for Chappy’s on Main, and a building permit for the Nels.
The council will meet again on Tuesday, September 2, 202,5, at 5:00 P.M. at the council chambers.
