| | 
The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
February 2, 2006 |
Police Department Holds Open House
by Michelle Phillips |
|
The Anamosa Police Department held an open house to show off the work they have done to the former Anamosa Library.
Refreshments were offered along with pencils and stickers for children. Officers were also on hand to give tours and fingerprint children. Photo: Noah and Ian Stivers pick out pencils and stickers at the Anamosa Police Department open house on January 24. (Journal-Eureka Photo by Michelle Phillips) |
Techau Outlines Iowa KYDS Initiative
by Michelle Phillips |
Iowa Department of Safety Commissioner Kevin Techau discusses the Iowa KYDS Initiative at the Anamosa Library and Learning Center. (Journal-Eureka Photo by Michelle Phillips) |
ANAMOSA–Armed with statistics and handouts, Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Techau spoke to a group of 50 Jones County residents about the Iowa KYDS (Keep Young Drivers Safe) initiative at the Anamosa Library and Learning Center on January 25. The audience included members of Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA) and STAND (Students Together Against Negative Decisions), a group from Midland High School.
Iowa KYDS is also known as Nick’s Law, which is named after Des Moines resident Nick Bisignano, son of former Iowa Senator Tony Bisignano.
|
Nick was killed in an alcohol related car accident in 2004 and since that time lawmakers have worked to figure out ways to help keep young drivers safe.
Techau told the audience, “Teen drivers or being a passenger in the car is by far the number one cause of death and injuries among teens.”
Iowa KYDS is proposing several ways to limit those accidents. In September 2005 a summit was held to pinpoint things that should be addressed. The summit included input from law enforcement, insurance companies, safety commissioners, local government officials and emergency personnel. A report was then given to Governor Tom Vilsack, and he then made recommendations to the Iowa Legislature.
The following initiatives were based on the findings of studies and evaluations of young people and driving:
• Passenger Restrictions– This would allow only one passenger other than a family member or adult over 21 for intermediate license holders. The National Safety Council reports that the risk of an accident is three to five times more likely than driving alone, especially if the passengers are other teens.
• Nighttime Driving Restrictions–This would restrict driving from 11pm-5am for intermediate license holders. Previously restricted times were 12:30-5 am. There would be exceptions for work or school functions past 11 pm. The chance of an accident from 10pm-12am increases by 86% for teen drivers.
• Number of Supervised Driving Hours–The initiative would require 30 hours of supervision during the permit phase and 20 hours for the intermediate phase of licensing. Statistics show that accidents decrease as driving experience and hours behind the wheel increases,
• Restricted Use of Cell Phones–Prohibits use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices while driving. Teens are four times more distracted by cell phone use than adult drivers.
• Seatbelt Requirements–All backseat passengers under 18 years of age would be required to be restrained by a seatbelt or other restraint system. Passengers who use seatbelts are less likely to be killed or ejected from a vehicle involved in an accident.
• Keg Registration–Kegs of beer would be required to have an identification number to help trace the purchase of keg beer. Alcohol is reported as “very easy” or “fairly easy” to acquire according to 76% of Iowa 11th graders.
• Criminal Offense for Permitting Consumption of Alcohol– Expanding the criminal offense for adults who permit teens to consume or possess alcohol. About 26% of all alcohol consumed in Iowa is by minors.
• Civil Liability–This measure would expand the liability of an adult who provides alcohol to a minor, causing damages to people or property. Current law makes it difficult to prosecute a person for liability.
Techau said much of the evidence compiled for the Iowa KYDS initiative is, “based on evidence and practice in other states.”
According to Techau, parents must participate in the initiative for it to work.
“I commend you for your willingness to address this in your area,” he told the group.
After presenting the information, Techau opened the discussion up for questions.
He was asked about opposition to the expanded laws and restrictions.
“I compare it to the Seatbelt Law of the 80s, when only 17% of Iowans were wearing seatbelts,” he said and added that people thought the seatbelt law was infringing on their rights or too hard to enforce.
Techau said those in support of Iowa KYDS become involved in prevention of alcohol consumption by minors. He included that those with concerns should contact their state legislators; share personal stories and write letters o the editors of their local papers.
To learn more about Iowa KYDS visit www.iowakyds.org. |
Superintendent Candidates Chosen
|
ANAMOSA–The Anamosa Community Schools Board of Education is pleased to announce that they have selected four candidates to interview for their superintendent vacancy. The candidates selected for interview include:
- Mr. John Dotson; Supt., Louisa-Muscatine CSD, Letts, Iowa
- Dr Fred Maharry; Supt., Alta CSD, Alta, Iowa
- Dr. Dale Monroe; Asst Supt, Waterloo CSD, Waterloo, Iowa
- Mr Vince Smith; Supt., Mineral Point District, Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Interviews are scheduled to be conducted February 7 – 10. The board intends to make their selection by mid-February. Current Superintendent Carol Lensing will be retiring on June 30, 2006 with the new superintendent assuming duties beginning July 1, 2006.
Anamosa Community Schools retained the services of McPherson & Jacobson L.L.C. in collaboration with the Iowa Association of School Boards to assist in conducting their search. The consultants reviewed, screened, and conducted extensive background checks on 26 applicants.
On Friday January 27th the consultants presented the applicants to the board of education and provided them with the detailed background information on each applicant. The board selected the above named candidates as those who most closely match the selection criteria established by the board and community.
The consultants from McPherson & Jacobson L.L.C. will continue working with the Anamosa Board of Education and the new superintendent during the next year. |
Gable Speaks at Chamber Meeting
by Michelle Phillips |
ANAMOSA–Business owners and community leaders made their way to City Limits on January 26 for the Anamosa Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.
The evening began with social hour, followed by the Chamber’s business meeting. During the meeting Kris Shada, Susan Hutchinson and Doug Edel were the new members elected to the board.
Chamber Director KC Kiner took the podium and presented Raven Hollow with the 2005 Business of the Year Award. Kiner commended the business for remodeling the old Freese Auto building and spurring economic growth in the community. |
Anamosa Chamber President Doug Edel presented former Anamosa Police Chief Dick Stivers with the Chamber President’s Award |
Doug Edel, Chamber President then presented former Anamosa Police Chief Dick Stivers with the President’s award, telling the crowd Stivers served the community well in his 33 years with the Anamosa Police Department.
“Dick became the interim police chief in 1971, and remained in that position for 32 years until a replacement was found,” Edel joked.
Stivers then spoke and relayed stories of his time with the APD and his work with the city after retiring from his post.
“I tried to clean up the town for 33 years–now it only takes me a few minutes each morning,” he quipped, referring to picking trash up off the street.
Keynote speaker Dan Gable, 1972 Olympic Champion, NCAA Champion and former University of Iowa wrestling coach, addressed the crowd and spoke on the subject of being a competitor. |
Dan Gable speaks to Chamber members at the group’s annual meeting. (Journal-Eureka Photos by Michelle Phillips) |
He began by talking about the things that have influenced his life, including the book Heart of Champions and an article on the 24 hour Principle.
“Right when you think you’re maxed out and you can’t do it anymore, you go to the 24 hour guideline. There is only one person who is there 24 hours a day and that’s you,” he said.
Gable went on to tell the group that he also carries around a booklet by the wrestling assistant at Waterloo when he was there, and said it talks of getting old and the importance of the past, present and current. He told them to learn from the past for the future.
“It’s not always about the past and the future, it’s about what’s in between,” Gable reminded the audience, and added if the current is not good you must go back and make changes for the future.
Gable went on to tell of his victories and defeats, both on the mat and in life. He said from a management standpoint it’s important to put your ego aside.
He told of major markers in his life, saying that everyone has them, including himself. He then said the three major markers in his life, or things that influenced him were as follows;
1. the first wrestling match he lost in college.
2. The murder of his sister in his family’s home.
3. Going to for his 10th NCAA championship in 1987, marketing it before the match and then the team getting beat.
Gable said all of those things could’ve been prevented, and he tends to go overboard with prevention because it is important to his life. He added that it often takes unbelievable things to make people go to new heights.
Gable concluded by telling the group, “If you like what you do in life that’s a plus, but when you get involved with your family to the point where you can get more motivated, that can take you to new heights.” |
PO
Box 108, 208 W. Main Street, Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-3511,
FAX 319-462-4540
Copyright
Anamosa Publications
Anamosa Journal-Eureka / Town Crier 2005
Thede Web
Works - Website
Questions |