Volz challenges Bierschenk for District 3 seat

Bruce Volz is challenging incumbent Gary Bierschenk for the District 3 seat on the Benton County Board of Supervisors in the the June 4 primary election.

Bruce Volz

Volz grew up in Norway and graduated from high school in 1976. He worked at United Airlines for 26 years.

Volz started a commercial janitorial service in 2003 after United Airlines left the Cedar Rapids Airport. He sold that company in 2014 and is now working as an independent insurance broker selling auto, home, life and health insurance.

“I started the Prairie Creek Chapter of Pheasants Forever in Benton County and served as President for 35 years. I currently sit on the State Pheasants Forever Board,” Volz said.

Volz will turn 66 June 17 and has served on committees and board most of his adult life, he said.

“I sat on the Norway City Council for two years, and then ran for Mayor. I served as Mayor of Norway from January 2020 – 2024.”

Gary Bierschenk

Gary Bierschenk, Blairstown, is seeking his third term as Benton County Supervisor for District 3.

As a county supervisor, Bierschenk is involved in local and regional boards.

He is concerned about wind turbines and their impact on area farming. “I want to keep the towers for the power plants out of here … If they ever raise seed here again, I think it’s a three-mile radius where they can’t spray.”

Bierschenk also thinks that when the turbines are no longer in use, there not be enough money to take them out.

Companies are installing wind turbines in Tama County, and it’s not working out very well for a lot of people, Bierschenk said.

Iowa County also has wind turbines.