August 26, 2025
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EMA prepares for Ver Meer’s arrival

By Nick Pauly
The Lorimor water tower, which EMA has installed radio equipment for Union County's communication network. This equipment will need to be removed when the tower is repainted in August.

The Lorimor water tower is receiving repainting during the month of August. Union County radio equipment attached to the tower is out of service during this process. (CNA photo by NICK PAULY)

With Creston Police Chief Paul Ver Meer soon to retire from his post, his next role as Union County EMA Coordinator is almost ready for him.

The Union County Emergency Management Commission met Aug. 20, with Ver Meer presenting items to navigate a few transition steps. Small differences such as certain report schedules and how claims will be distributed to the EMA commission were outlined.

Ver Meer’s last day with Creston Police will be Aug. 31, although he starts his time as coordinator officially on Aug. 29. In the meantime, Ver Meer has been hard at work preparing for his turn as coordinator.

Items for Ver Meer to take on coordinator roles were approved during Wednesday’s meeting, including the approval of a coordinator credit card for EMA expenses and managing items requiring previous coordinator Jo Duckworth’s assistance.

Wednesday’s meeting was the first meeting at EMA’s new 4:35 p.m. timeslot. Meetings will continue to take place on the third Wednesday of every month.

EMA shares the EMA building with Union County Environmental Health. Two copier machines are being operated, one for each division. Ver Meer committed to a plan to keep both copiers, but plans to continue with one when the other breaks.

A focus of Ver Meer’s time as coordinator has been moving EMA “closer to the county,” including more transparency and more outreach toward the Union County community. EMA will also plan to keep communication open with Union County residents through social media.

The EMA building will continue to be open for various trainings for county employees and law enforcement, with Ver Meer hoping the building can become a regional training center for Southwest Iowa.

In other EMA news...

Ver Meer gave updates on three radio towers in Union County. The Lorimor tower is out of service while undergoing a regular repainting. Union County Sheriff Brian Bolton said he hadn’t noticed a drop in service and will stay in contact with Lorimor for the month-long repainting window.

A cable for the Hartland tower was replaced by Motorola for free. A quote is expected to arrive soon for the Creston tower’s repainting, which will occur in 2027.

Tractor Supply donated an 8500W portable generator to EMA. The generator will be used for smaller communities in Union County during emergencies.

Creston

Nick Pauly

News Reporter for the Creston News Advertiser. Having seen all over the state of Iowa, Nick Pauly was born and raised in the Hawkeye State, and graduated a Hawkeye at the University of Iowa. With the latest stop in Creston, Nick continues showing his passion for storytelling.