Nevada Iowa Police Department

08/21/2026

Nevada Police Officer Skyler Koder will take over as the Student Resource Officer (SRO) in the Nevada Schools this fall.

Koder, who joined the NPSD in December of 2023, has experience working as both a teachers' aide and a long-term special education sub in other school districts. He's excited to be back in the school setting full-time.

"I've always liked the opportunity to be in the schools, creating bonds with students. I'm looking forward to developing relationships with the students and even their parents in this new role," he said.

The SRO position in the Nevada Schools was re-established last year after a long pause thanks, in part, to support from many in the community who wanted to improve school safety. Officer Lane Vanderhart became the first officer to serve in the re-established SRO position during the 2025-26 school year.

Police Chief Chris Brandes said Vanderhart and Koder mutually agreed to the transition of Koder to the role this year, with Vanderhart wanting to return to a patrol role in the Department, and Koder hoping to become a long-term fixture as SRO with the school district.

Koder has already worked with some students in the Nevada Schools as member of the wrestling and track coaching teams, mostly before he joined the Nevada Police Department where scheduling made it difficult to continue the coaching jobs.

Koder describes his personality as easy-going and laid-back. He wants students to know they don't need to be afraid to stop in and talk to him about anything that's on their mind. "I'll have an open-door policy," he said.

Koder and his wife, Tanner, have three daughters, and their oldest will start kindergarten this fall. "It will be unique to be working in the schools and be able to see my own daughter there from time to time," he said.

08/18/2026

Let's try this again...

For those wanting to read about the passage of Ordinance 1079 recently, which addresses E-bikes, E-scooters, and personal transportation devices, here's some reporting.

In summary, the new ordinance stipulates that everyone operating an e-device is required to follow traffic codes if they’re on the roadway. When on a roadway or in a bicycle lane along the roadway, e-device operators, just like regular bike riders, are to ride single-file, use hand signals for turning, follow other rules of the road (such as stop signs), and if operating after sunset, have reflectors and lights on their device.

E-devices, just like regular bicycles, can utilize city sidewalks and trails, but there are some exceptions. E-devices, like regular bicycles, cannot operate on the sidewalks in the Nevada business district on Sixth Street between I Avenue and N Avenue. You can, however, get off of the ride and walk your device to get to where you are going. E-devices will also not be allowed on the SCORE Park trails in areas near the ballfields, where many activities go on during spring, summer and fall months.

No e-ride can operate above 20 mph on the City’s sidewalk/trail system. This means those operating e-devices that can go faster than 20 mph must be cautious about lowering their speed. It also requires that drivers of devices be aware of areas where speed should be further reduced, such as going around curves.

There are new requirements about how old you must be to operate a Class 3 E-device (one that goes faster than 20 mph) ... you must be age 16 or older.

Public Safety Director and Police Chief Chris Brandes said the new ordinance basically requires riders “to be responsible for where they’re riding and the manner in which they’re riding so that at all times operators are protecting themselves and others.” One of the greatest concerns he and his officers have seen with e-devices this summer is two people riding a device made for one, especially on scooters. “This ‘double-riding’ is not allowed under the new ordinance rules.”

In addition, Ordinance 1079, Brandes said, “clearly establishes a response the Police Department can have if people are not acting in a safe manner.” The ordinance gives officers the ability to impound devices for 24 hours if a person has acted in a reckless manner.

“Our intent isn’t to take [people’s devices] away,” Brandes noted, “but to encourage operators to be safe and not operate devices in ways that could harm themselves or someone else.”

08/17/2026

Note: It appears we are having issues with the City website. We will look into this matter first thing Tuesday morning. Our apologies to those who cannot open the link.

Newly passed ordinance addresses electric bicycles and scooters, as well as personal transportation devices. Read more at this link:

The Nevada City Council has passed a new ordinance on bicycle regulations, adding guidelines for electric bicycles, electric scooters, and personal

07/21/2026

CORRECTION TO INFORMATION: The City will keep the east parking lot of SCORE open for those utilzing the pool and Field House. The WEST LOT of SCORE will be closed!

Tomorrow RAGBRAI will come through Nevada. Here are a few reminders about traffic considerations.

07/20/2026

RAGBRAI reserved the best weather day for Day 4.

In case we haven't said it yet: leave a few minutes early, avoid Lincoln Highway, understand the people at the intersections are volunteers - be nice to them, and most importantly enjoy the day.

07/17/2026

RAGBRAI countdown is at 5 days. Lincoln Highway will be overwhelmed with bicycles. Please consider using a different route to work in the morning. S14 coming into town will be closed as well as Lincoln Highway from S14 to 19th Street.

You may be able to get across at 2nd Street and 10th Street. We will have people there assisting you. If you can go a different way, please do.

Support vehicles for the riders will be parking at SCORE Park in the early morning. This will likely increase the traffic flow at 19th Street and South G Avenue early in the day.

07/16/2026

Tyler, Peyton, and Philip with SpartanX Solar will be going door to door for the next 3 days setting appointments for solar panel installation. They will be in a grey Mazda3 and a black Nissan Ultima with Nevada Plates. You may also notice their company flying droanes over residence homes who are looking into SpartanX installation.

07/15/2026

We are one week away from RAGBRAI Nevada. Please take a few extra minutes to get to work that morning. We have shared the route map, which is using pretty much all of Lincoln Highway. We will have people at 2nd Street and 10th Street helping vehicles cross north/south.

You will likely be able to get across Lincoln Highway at 10th Street earlier in the day, while we will encourage 2nd Street later in the day. Watch our page as well as the City of Nevada, IA page for updates.

07/08/2026

***Phone lines should be working again. Please use 515-382-4305 for any non-emergent needs***

The non-emergent phone line (515-382-4305) is not working currently. We will update this post when it is repaired.

Until then, calling 515-382-6566 will reach the communication center. 911 phone lines are still working.

06/29/2026

We address the topic of E-Rides (electronic scooters and bikes) in the July issue of Our Nevada, which will be delivered this week!

Interestingly, we just received this six-slide presentation on the topic from the Polk County Health Department. The slides contain more valuable information to keep everyone safe in the changing "rides" landscape!