UPDATE (MAY 2026): Since this petition was originally drafted, another serious incident has occurred at the NEW Cooperative Inc.’s Port of Blencoe on the Missouri River. On May 13, 2026, emergency responders rescued a man who reportedly clung to ropes near a moored barge for approximately 90 minutes after a jet ski became trapped beneath the barge. (Source: KTIV.com)

We are grateful this individual survived what could easily have been a fatal incident, and we sincerely thank the first responders and rescue personnel who continually put their own lives on the line to save others.

Despite ongoing public safety concerns and prior incidents raised by community members, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and NEW Cooperative, Inc. have not responded with any meaningful safety measures to reduce the likelihood of another potential incident at this location. Following Cole’s accident last May, Monona County Conservation installed a sign and ring buoy on the shoreline.

This latest rescue further demonstrates the urgent need for immediate action to improve safety surrounding recreational activity and barge operations in this area of the Missouri River.

We encourage concerned citizens to contact members of Iowa’s congressional delegation and request immediate federal attention to ongoing safety concerns near NEW Cooperative, Inc.’s Port of Blencoe. Continued inaction places both members of the public and emergency responders at unnecessary risk.

Congressman Randy Feenstra: (202) 225-4426
Senator Chuck Grassley: (202) 224-3744
Senator Joni Ernst: (202) 224-3254 

Not sure what to say? Here’s a sample message you can share:
My name is _________, and I live in _______. I am requesting immediate attention to ongoing public safety concerns at NEW Cooperative’s Port of Blencoe on the Missouri River. In May 2025, Cole Boynton tragically lost his life in this area. More recently, on May 13, 2026, emergency responders rescued a man after a jet ski reportedly became trapped beneath a barge. 

Despite these incidents and concerns raised by more than 3,600 petition signers, there are still no meaningful safety measures in place to adequately protect the public or emergency responders.

These incidents demonstrate the urgent need for action to prevent future tragedies. Please urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, NEW Cooperative, Inc., and other responsible authorities to evaluate and implement effective safety protections at this site.

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NOTE : We recognize that the most recent incident did not involve use of the public boat ramp at the Huff-Warner Access Area, and we are not advocating for closure of the ramp. However, if NEW Cooperative, Inc. intends to continue commercial barge operations on the Missouri River, meaningful safety measures must be implemented to help prevent future tragedies and emergency incidents.

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Original Petition Below:

To: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and Monona County Conservation

Subject: Demand for Immediate Safety Action on the Missouri River near the Huff-Warner Access Area and NEW Cooperative Inc.'s Port of Blencoe

On the evening of Saturday, May 24, 2025, Cole Boynton, a skilled and experienced outdoorsman, entered the Missouri River at the Huff-Warner Access Area to check throw lines–something he had done safely many times before. Shortly after launching, his fishing boat motor failed. Under normal river conditions, this mechanical issue would not have been life-threatening.

However, approximately 200 yards downstream, barges were moored directly in the river’s path at NEW Cooperative Inc.'s Port of Blencoe. It appears there are currently no visible or sufficient safety barriers, warning systems, or mitigation measures in place for recreational users on the river. This stretch of river is known for its strong currents, and the proximity of moored barges may increase the risk of unsafe conditions. Moored barges in the river can create dangerous water currents and suction effects that may pose a risk to boaters. The risk is especially severe near public boat ramps where recreational users expect safe access to the water.

Cole’s disabled boat was rapidly pulled by the current toward the moored barges. Realizing the danger, he exited the boat into the water. In the time it takes to sit at a red light–less than 90 seconds–the boat was sucked under one barge and became wedged underneath the other. Cole has now been missing for over a month.

This incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures on the Missouri River near the Huff-Warner Access Area and NEW Cooperative Inc.'s Port of Blencoe.

His devastated family, friends, and community are determined to ensure no one else faces this kind of tragedy.

We are deeply grateful to all volunteers, first responders, and agencies for their ongoing recovery efforts. However, gratitude for recovery efforts should not replace the need for action to improve safety. At this time, families, anglers, and boaters can still launch there, many unaware of the risks.

We, the undersigned, urgently call on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and Monona County Conservation, and responsible authorities to:

• Temporarily close the Huff-Warner Access Area boat ramp to all public access.
• Conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of the site, focusing on industrial barge activity near recreational areas.
• Implement required safety infrastructure, such as:
  • Wing dams or dikes to deflect current
  • Floating safety barriers to prevent boat entry near barges
  • Clear, visible warning signage and hazard indicators
  • Reevaluation of permitted mooring locations near public access points.

This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and the need for proactive steps to protect everyone using the Missouri River for recreation. We believe that with thoughtful planning, communication, and appropriate safeguards, the river can be safely shared by both recreational users and commercial transportation interests. We believe that these actions will help prevent similar accidents in the future.

We respectfully urge you to act now to ensure public safety and prevent further tragedies.

If you would like to make a donation to support Cole Boynton's wife and two young daughters, please send contributions to:

BankFirst

902 10th St.

Onawa, IA 51040

Please direct your donation to the "Boynton Memorial" fund. Thank you.

NOTE: Donations on this petition website do not go to the Boynton family.