JONES COUNTY–Community leaders along the 151 Development Group, between Marion and Dubuque, gathered at Camp Courageous on January 21 to hear recommendations from the 151 Development Group’s executive committee on how to proceed with the project.

After reviewing surveys and exploring some options, the committee determined that two areas are of concern to all of the towns along the route: Economic Development and Tourism/Quality of Life issues. The committee would like to align with other groups to avoid duplication of efforts.
“We want to create traffic,” said Dave Heir, who represents the City of Dubuque on the executive committee.

Photos:Top; Karen Adams and Jennifer Fischer facilitate Economic development discussions at the 151 Development Group meeting, January 21; Dave Heir talks with Senator Tom Hancock. (Journal-Eureka Photos by Michelle Phillips)

FORT DODGE–After sending Anamosa State Penitentiary (ASP) Warden John Ault to Fort Madison in November, John Fayram became the acting warden at the facility. Now the Iowa Department of Corrections has named a permanent warden for Anamosa.

Jerry Burt, who now serves as the warden at Fort Dodge, has been appointed to the position, and will officially start at his new post February 15.

Burt said he is familiar with Anamosa because he worked as a trainer for the Iowa Department of Corrections and was based in Fort Madison at that time.

WYOMING — Students and their parents voiced their support of the Midland Ag Department at the Jan. 16 meeting of the Board of Education. Instructor Keith Kleis asked the board for clarification if there would be one or two instructors in the department during the next school year. Eric Schmit is the second instructor in the department.

Kleis stated that they had been told earlier this school year that one position would be terminated to save money. Superintendent Al Homandberg said that he had planned to make the recommendation to the board to terminate one position, but has now decided that a committee should make a recommendation for a one or two position department to the board.

A parent stated that there have been too many rumors and is has been very confusing.

Both students and parents stressed the leadership that students have gained in the Ag Department. Further support was shown in the comments that students are excited about classes that instruction is given in a wide variety of topics and teamwork is learned. One parent mentioned the advantages that students who are not going on to college have gained by being in the program and another parent said that the same could be said for students who are going on to college.
Both instructors give a lot of personal time to the students.

A workshop was set for Monday, Feb. 13 to discuss several high school topics and the calendar.
Parents and students were told that they can attend the workshop, but there will be no input from the audience.

Pat Dickman, Middle School Reading Instructor, gave handouts on how being raised with wealth, in a middle class family or in poverty effects the way a student learns. There are hidden class rules that show the difference students look at food, money and personalities. She said the key point is that often the emphasis is on good test reports and sometimes-individual students are forgotten. It is important to know if those in poverty have the needed resources for assignments.

The bid of $500 from Dana and Robin Ryan was accepted for the house that is on property recently purchased by the district. The house is to be removed or demolished by June 1. Board members suggested other items that should be included in the contract.

An In-Service Day scheduled for Feb. 22 has been changed to Feb. 24. This change will enable administration staff to be present for the In-Service.

Administration reports included:

-Curriculum Director Sharon Dickman presented the positive results of ITBS/ITED test scores in reading and math for 4th, 8th and 11th grades and reading, math and science for 8th and 11th grades.

-High School Principal Patti Pace-Tracy reported that staff would discuss different options on the taking of term tests. Because of the eight-block schedule, some students had several tests in one day.

The High School Leadership Team will attend the Summit Meeting at Des Moines next week, which is part of the High School Project Grant.

The Student Council is sponsoring several money-making projects to help pay for Operation Package Drop. Packages will be sent to service personal serving overseas.

The Spanish Club is sponsored a candy fundraiser.

-Elementary Principal Terri Selzer reported that a Family Fun Night would be held Feb. 20 from 6 to 7:30 pm.

Pre-School to Fourth Grade students will attend a musical performance at Maquoketa.

Students will write letters that will be taken to students living in Russia.

-Middle School Principal Lynn Olson reported that an Alcohol Awareness Night would be held Jan. 26. Parents will attend workshops of their choice, while students attend a dance.

Becca Dickman was the top student in both the spelling bee and geography bee.

Participants are now signing up for the Variety Show.

-Superintendent Al Homandberg reported that a school car hit a deer. Fixing the car may cost more than the car is worth. A bus needs a valve and ring job, so it may be traded. Bids for a bus will be presented at the next board meeting.

STAND Students are requesting a change in board policy dealing with tobacco. These changes will be discussed at the February board meeting.