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The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
June 1, 2006 |
Anamosa Honors Veterans on Memorial Day
by Susan Yario |
A hot and humid Monday morning welcomed parade watchers and veterans alike. This Memorial Day events included a dedication at the Jones County Courthouse with Pastor Laurie Riley giving the invocation. A twenty one gun salute was followed by the laying of the wreath by Nathan Hollett, son of Tim and Shelby Hollett of Anamosa. Becky Dirks, Commander of Anamosa VFW shared her thoughts for a moment on the solemn dedication and quiet reflection for those who served to ensure our freedom. Memorial Hall at the courthouse would be open for viewing the plaques from noon until six.
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Madyson Koob, daughter of Wesley and Dawn Koob of Anamosa, places a wreath on a cross representing unknown soldiers, with help from Al DeRosia. (Journal-Eureka Photo by Susan Yario) |
A Veterans Wagon was a new addition to the parade this year. The wheeled wagon was created by Gerald Robinson and his grandson J.W. Robinson. Construction took a couple hours a day for about a month. Next year the creators are hoping to be able to pull Veterans in the parade with two horses instead of a truck.
People were gathered in groups along the parade route down Main Street from Huber Street. The mild breeze gave folks something extra to smile about as they waited for the Veterans, Scouts and the Anamosa High School Band and Color Guard to make their way to Riverside Cemetery.
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Members of Jones County military organizations gave a 21-gun salute at the Memorial Day Festivities. The event started at the courthouse and included a parade and guest speakers. (Journal-Eureka Photos by Susan Yario) |
Shortly before 10 a.m., Nick Nassif, Master of Ceremonies, began the event asking for a moment of silence for those who did not return from wars and those serving now.
Pastor LaVerne Beener gave an invocation remarking that all of Anamosa should be present at this ceremony honoring veterans and that Memorial Day is a solemn day to honor the dead of all wars.
Anamosa High School marching band performed America The Beautiful and Eagle Scout, Michael Nassif recited the legendary Memorial Day poem, Flanders Field.
Vietnam War Army Veteran Ron Dirks, who grew up in Anamosa addressed the crowd on the history of Memorial Day. “Memorial Day is not about division, but about reconciliation”.
Dirks read an excerpt from the original order written by General John A. Logan Commander–in-Chief of the Grand Army of The Republic. The first time the order was made public was May 5, 1868. General Logan wrote this order establishing May 30th as a day decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion (Civil War). In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit….
“Let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan”.
America did not establish Memorial Day officially until 1971.
Dirks shared his thoughts on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) also called “shell shock”.
“Whatever you call it, it is a deep wound, difficult to comprehend and even more difficult to overcome”. He remarked that it takes more than counseling, while addressing returning veterans from OEF and OIF “I know, I’ve been there, it took twenty six years to open up, please don’t wait that long”.
Veteran Dirks appropriately ended his speech in each one of us can make a difference for the returning soldiers, “Welcome them with open arms and respect. We need to love them, encourage them and support them and to let them know that while we can’t understand, we’ll try the best we can to help them live a normal life in the best country in the world.” The crowd was overwhelmed and gave their guest speaker a standing ovation.
Nassif returned to the podium and introduced Madyson Koob who placed the wreath on a white cross representing unknown soldiers.
A twenty-one gun salutes was fired. Taps was performed by Adam Andreesen from the band
Pastor Beener invited all veterans to sign up for a service organization prior to his closing prayer and the band closed the event with our national anthem the Star-Spangled Banner. |
Bringing on the Biodiesel in Farley
by Michelle Phillips |
Many people know the health benefits of soybean food products, but far fewer know the potential of beans to produce fuel.
Biodiesel, a fuel produced from plant oil or animal fat, will soon have new meaning for residents of Farley because the renewable fuel will be produced in the small Northeast Iowa town.
“People in Farley are very excited about it,” said George Davis, who serves as treasurer on the board of directors of Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC.
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This artist’s rendition of a biodiesel plant is similar to how the new Western Dubuque Biodiesel facility in Farley will look. The group will start offering investments June 6. (Graphic submitted) |
Biodiesel is produced with soybean oil, which is extracted by crushing dried beans, but biodiesel can be made with nearly any form of vegetable oil. It can replace petroleum-based diesel in any diesel-burning engine, and current demand is high for the soy alternative because it is seen as renewable and sustainable.
The plant in Farley is expected to produce about 100,000 gallons of biodiesel a day, seven days a week, for a total output of around 30 million gallons a year.
Ed Raker, project coordinator, said the group is trying to raise money to fund the plant, and received $3.1 million in investments in February.
“We’ve received a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development,” he added, and said Western Dubuque Biodiesel is applying for more grants.
The group is also looking for more investors to help cover the cost of the $50 million facility. Davis explained that half of the money for the plant would come from bank financing and the other half from investors.
On June 6 Western Dubuque Biodiesel will offer shares to investors. Each share will be $1,000 and a minimum of 25 shares is required to invest.
“I’m confident that we’ll be able to raise the money in a small period of time,” said Davis.
“Newton sold their $20 million out in 10 days,” Raker included.
E3ven though the group has planned stops in 11 cities over a 15 day period, Davis and Raker said that interested parties should inquire as soon as possible.
Western Dubuque Biodiesel also has the support of Iowa Senator Tom Hancock, who has consistently shown support of the renewable energy industry.
“I don’t see fuel prices going down, and it’s all supply and demand,” he said, and added that people are ready to use biodiesel.
Who will use biodiesel? It’s already being used by many bus fleets in Iowa, including Dubuque Community Schools and Five Seasons Transportation in Cedar Rapids. Individuals can purchase the fuel at random locations around the state as well as three large truck stops.
Hancock stated that federal grants and tax cuts are available to production facilities and retailers in addition to state funds. Legislatiors passed a bill that would have 25% of Iowa’s fuel consumption be renewable by 2020.
So, Western Dubuque Biodiesel is going full speed ahead. A deposit has been made with the builder and a spot on the edge of town has been chosen for the location. The plant will rest on a 30-acre site near railroad and highway access.
The facility will employ about 30 people according to Raker. There will be a variety of positions, and about half will pay $20 an hour or more.
“I’ve already had people in wanting to leave resumes,” he commented.
Renewable Energy Group (REG) will construct the plant, and groundbreaking is expected in July. The facility should open in June 2007. This will be the fifth plant built by REG.
The process of making biodiesel is much more environmentally friendly than producing ethanol, and there are fewer byproducts. The production method takes the soybean oil and combines it with a catalyst, in this case methanol. The mixture is then neutralized with acid and solids are separated from liquid. From that point the solids are neutralized again and the methanol is recovered for reuse. The liquid is purified, addition methanol is recovered and the end result is biodiesel. It takes about three-fourths of a bushel of beans to produce one gallon of fuel.
“The environmentalists are for it, farmers are for it, republicans are for it, democrats are for it–everybody seems to be on board with supporting renewable energy products,” Davis concluded.
For more information on investing in Western Dubuque Biodiesel call Ed Raker at 563-744-3554. |
Fallon Visits Anamosa, J&P Cycles
by Michelle Phillips |
Ed Fallon wants to be Iowa Governor, and the Iowa Legislator from Des Moines has been hitting the pavement in Eastern Iowa, including a stop in Anamosa on May 22.
Fallon toured J&P Cycles and praised the business for its growth as well as staying in a small Iowa town.
“I was extremely impressed that this is family owned business that chose to stay in Anamosa. He said the size an expanse of J&P Cycles’ business is also impressive.
Fallon also stopped by the Grant Wood Gallery, where he met Anamosa Mayor Jon Hatcher as well as a handful of other people.
He then went to see Andy McKean, a friend he met while serving in the legislature.
Fallon said he had been to Anamosa on at least a dozen occasions, including RAGBRAI.
“I’m very impressed with Anamosa,” he said.
Along the way Fallon discussed his platform with people he met. Issues at the forefront of his campaign include: Economy, Education, Environment and Economic Development. He specifically spoke on the environment and economic development.
Fallon said he would like to begin an Environmental Protection Committee to oversee Iowa.
“It’s important to improve the state’s role in clean water, control of urban sprawl and regulate hog confinement operations,” he said.
Fallon said he feels the Iowa Values Fund is the wrong approach to spurring economic development in the state. He calls the fund trickledown economics.
“We need to build the economy from the bottom up, not the top down. We should offer incentives that allow small businesses to get started and grow,” he stated, and said the Main Street program should also be reinstated.
Fallon prides himself on running a clean campaign by not arguing with or degrading the other gubernatorial candidates.
“I’m an ethical person and I believe in running a campaign that is clean, ethical and focused on the issues,” Fallon said. “I don’t accept any money from PAC–all of my money comes from individuals.”
Fallon said he will do most of his campaigning in Eastern Iowa, leading up to the June 6 Primary.
“I’ve voted my conscious for the past 14 years in the legislature, and I’m asking the people to vote their conscious at the primaries,” he concluded. |
New York Governor Comes to Anamosa
by Michelle Phillips |
New York Governor George Pataki speaks to Anamosa residents at Wild Thyme Tearoom last week. Pataki was on a three-day trip to Eastern Iowa. (Journal-Eureka Photo by Michelle Phillips) |
New York Governor George Pataki made a stop at Wild Thyme Tearoom in Anamosa on May 26, but denied speculation that he was making an early campaign stop for the 2008 presidential race.
“The most important election right now is in Eastern Iowa,” Pataki said, referring to Jim Nussle’s congressional seat.
He told Anamosans to concentrate on the gubernatorial and legislative elections and added that Nussle is “running an excellent campaign. He had no input on the congressional race and said, “I’ll let the people of Iowa decide that at the polls.”
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Pataki’s address to the two-dozen people who attended had the feel of a campaign stop as he told the crowd what need to be done to turn around the country and discussed his experience in turning around New York State as well as New York City after September 11.
He gave his opinion on immigration, and said America needs to take back the borders. Pataki said that nearly half of those who are here illegally never returned home after coming to the U.S. on Visas. He added that the U.S. must find out who the illegal immigrants are, what they’re doing and send them home, if appropriate.
On gas prices, he said, “We should have seen it coming. We’re dependent on oil and the Middle East dictates the price of oil.”
He touted renewable fuels as a way to alleviate this problem.
“We can literally grow our way out of dependency on oil.”
When asked of his position on homosexuality and abortion, Pataki said, “The essence of this country is family. Whenever you undermine values, you’re undermining family. Marriage should be between a man and a woman.”
“The decision should be made by the woman and her family. I am Catholic and personally opposed to abortion,” he expressed.
Pataki told of how New York had turned around from being the highest in crime, with millions on welfare and a $5 billion deficit to a safe place to live, with jobs and government funded programs down.
Crime: Targeted the root causes of violent crime, and New York is now the sixth safest state in the union.
Welfare: Provided Childcare and healthcare initiatives, as a result 1,000,050 less people receive welfare.
Spending: Reduced the size of the New York government through in a $110 billion in cuts.
He said the plan for New York could also work for the country.
Pataki’s Anamosa stop was part of a three-day trip to Eastern Iowa. He is the longest serving governor in the country. |
Anamosa gets New Chiropractor
by Michelle Phillips |
Dr. Travis Robertson has signed on as Anamosa’s newest Chiropractor at Midland Chiropractic.
Robertson said he liked Anamosa’s location because it is close to family and friends in Cedar Rapids and Marion.
“I’ve always liked the idea of practicing in a small town,”
Robertson explained.
He was also drawn to Anamosa because he liked the style of chiropractic care as Midland Chiropractic.
“I’m more interested in chiropractic practices that are less dramatic or traumatic,” he added.
“Dr. Bauer is only here a few days a week so this will allow us to have a doctor here five days a week,” said Melody Atwood, office manager.
Robertson is a 2004 graduate of Palmer College and ran a private practice in Cedar Rapids before coming to Anamosa. |
Dr. Travis Robertson demonstrates his chiropractic skills on Melody Atwood. (Journal-Eureka Photo by Michelle Phillips) |
“One of the biggest things I like about Anamosa is being able to help people,” he said, and added that he spent a lot of time running the office when in his own practice.
He is currently looking for a home for his family, wife Carrie and three kids. Robertson is also looking forward to becoming involved in the community.
Midland Chiropractic is planning an open house to introduce Robertson to the community. The event will be held June 8 from 1-6 p.m. and will include refreshments, door prizes and special rates for chiropractic services. |
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Box 108, 208 W. Main Street, Anamosa, IA 52205
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