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The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
March 23, 2006 |
One Vehicle Accident at Hospital Takes Out Wall
by Michelle Phillips |
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The driver of this Ford Windstar minivan, Elaine Robinson, told her husband, Gerald, the throttle stuck on the vehicle, causing her to go through the grass and onto a retaining wall at Jones Regional Medical Center, the morning of March 21. The wall stopped the vehicle from going down the hill behind hospital. Anamosa Ambulance, Anamosa Police, Anamosa Fire Department and the Jones County Sheriff were all on the scene. The vehicle was first stabilized by two tow trucks and Elaine was helped to safety by Anamosa EMTs and firefighters. Elaine was treated at JRMC and released. Here the situation is assessed before the tow trucks arrived. (Journal-Eureka Photo by Michelle Phillips) |
Veteran’s Open House to be Held in Wyoming
by Michelle Phillips |
JONES COUNTY–The Jones County Veterans Affairs office will be holding their annual open house in Wyoming April 4 from 4-8pm at the Memorial Hall.
Representatives from Veterans Affairs will be on hand to help veterans file claims for health benefits, compensation and widows pensions. All honorably discharged veterans are eligible to apply and are encouraged to attend.
Those providing information and assistance include Veterans Affairs commissioners Paul Moeller, Gordon Thomas and Dennis Gray. Susan Yario of the Jones County Department of Veterans Affairs will also be available to assist soldiers. Speakers at the event will be Kirt Sickels, Public Affairs Specialist, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Bob Steben, Executive Officer, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and Daniel Steen, Commandant, Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.
“The Iraqi and Afghanistan vets aren’t coming in and they’re missing out on benefits they are entitled to,” said Yario.
Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans have two years to file a claim without disclosing income information.
After two years they are still eligible, but income must be claimed.
“Veterans get classified differently depending in where and when they served and their income level,” added Yario.
Yario said veterans often don’t realize the benefits that are available to them. For example, Vietnam Veterans with diabetes can collect disability benefits because the illness is considered a service connected illness. She said there are eight priority groups that are based on income and/or disability level.
“We can connect vets with benefits in ways they never thought possible,” she said. “Until you actually sit down with a veteran, you can’t determine benefits because you need to know their job in the military.”
Yario said the Jones County office does not determine benefits, but are the middleman. The job of the office is to help direct veterans and fill out paperwork. Between November 2004 and November 2005 the office assisted 115 area veterans.
For more information on the open house or available benefits, contact the Jones County Department of Veterans Affairs at 319-462-4457 or visit the office in the lower level of the Jones County Courthouse. |
School Board Hears District’s Community Survey Results
by Susan Yario |
ANAMOSA–Monday evening’s school board meeting began with home school associate teacher, Dixie Wiekoff updating the board on her current workload of 23 home schooled students. Wiekoff made a recommendation to the board for an additional teacher to help carry the increase of home schooled children/families. HSAP teachers evaluate the home school child’s education primarily through an activity and by meeting with the family approximately four hours per child.
Superintendent Carol Lensing summarized key findings of the 2006 Anamosa School Survey.
Surveys were sent to approximately 3500 addresses and 300 of those returned for wrong addresses. Of the 3,200 remaining surveys, 632 replies were received yielding a return rate of just under 20 percent.
The highest needs improvement went to “Parent Interest and Involvement” with 45% and “Qualities of Facilities” was second with 32% saying that they need improvement
Respondents were asked to identify up to two major issues facing the district. 26% marked “Student Discipline” and 25% marked “Facilities” The least marked issues were class size and Low Curriculum Standards. Overall, district grading by respondents was 62% at A or B level and 7% at D or F level.
Staci Edwards presented the final ITBS results to the board. Elementary and Middle school Iowa Basic test outcomes in reading, math, and science were discussed.
The 2005-2006 Iowa Tests of Basic Skills results for grades 2-8 were shared with the board. The scores were analyzed by the subgroups of gender, low socioeconomic status, and disabilities.
While the progress of the students overall is good, the district is focusing on gaps in the performance of students in the low socioeconomic status and disability subgroups as compared to their peers. We are also analyzing the data to see the trends of when students in each subgroup and overall are achieving in the high range (90-99th percentile).
Full summaries of the Survey and the ITBS results are available at the Superintendent’s office, 200 S. Garnavillo St., or phone 462-4321.
Strawberry Hill Elementary reported their “Good News” on the positive turnout at teacher/parent conferences and a successful third & fourth grade program.
Anamosa High detailed their “Good News” that much of the high school students are traveling for the week to Spain, France and Florida. Last week’s Academic Achievement Potluck dinner was a success with over 300 people attending.
Items of interest on the agenda that were approved are as follows:
• Resignation of Theresa Hawkins as a West Middle School guidance counselor
• Hiring of Casey Ditch as head 8th grade Basketball coach
• Resignation of Jack Leighty as Freshman Volleyball coach
• Resignation of Jean Cook as Elementary Library Associate- Jean has been with Anamosa School District for 36 years!
• Resignation of Candace Bruce as Anamosa High School dance sponsor
• Second year bargaining agreements and salary amounts for all employee groups along with a new TaxSaver plan for medical spending accounts.
• Process of hiring of an additional sixth grade teacher for West Middle School for one year
• Process of hiring of an additional part time HSAP teacher with secondary certification
• Hearing date for the purchase of ADCO lot for Construction Trades Class (FY07) was set for April 3, 2006 at 7:10 p.m. (Wayne Bohlken will be present to discuss the class and goal for the lot)
• A request for leave of absence was denied for Lindsay Kyker, high school Spanish teacher.
Jim Mitchel conveyed to board members thirty six applications have been received for the West Middle School Principal position. The closing date for applications is set for April 1. Interviews for qualified candidates will be held on April 11 and 12.
Superintendent Lensing reminded the board on two major upcoming items for the next school board meeting:
• Professional development update
• Three public hearings at the next meeting; budget, ADCO lot, and resolution regarding calling of the bonds. |
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Box 108, 208 W. Main Street, Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-3511,
FAX 319-462-4540
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