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The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
April 26, 2007 |
Romney Visits Anamosa
by Michelle Phillips |
Republican Presidential Candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney made a stop at McOtto’s in Anamosa on April 20. Romney, who held a “coffee and conversation” event spoke to a group of about 50 Jones County residents on a variety of topics including cutting government spending, energy independence and immigration.
Romney opened his speech by congratulating Mary and Jerry Chafee of Anamosa, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary that day.
Romney reflected on his marriage to a woman he has known since elementary school. He then stated that the institution of marriage needed to be restored in the US, which recived cheers form the audience.
“We can strengthen the American people by strengthening the American home,” he included.
He told the group that as Massachusetts Governor he walked into a spending nightmare. He didn’t want to raise taxes in the state or make cutbacks in programs.
“I decided to cut government spending,” he said. “We need to do that in Washington, too.”
One of the examples Romney gave was a program that purchased hotel rooms for homeless people when shelters were full. Those who got to the shelters late were given the rooms. He said the Massachusetts was spending $599 each night to the tune of $20 million annually.
Romney decided to change the policy and when there was no room at a shelter, the new person would stay at the shelter and the person who had been at the shelter the longest would get the hotel room.
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Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney talks with Jerry Chafee (L) and Dave Ortgies, both of Anaomsa, during a stop at McOtto’s April 20.
Above: Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney addresses about 50 people at McOtto’s on April 20; Right: These campaign signs were scattered around the McOtto’s dining room.
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“Last year our hotel spending was zero,” he added.
Romney said this is the type of cutbacks that need to take place on a federal level. He feels that reassessment and change are vital for the government, as is competition.
“You have to learn to do things better each year,” he told the crowd, and said he feels someone from outside Washington needs to be brought in to help fix the problems.
Energy independence was Romney’s next topic.
“There are a whole series of sources that we can develop to reach energy independence,” Romney stated, listing off ethanol, biodiesel, liquid coal and other biomass options.
When asked about illegal immigration, Romney said he supports the idea of building a wall between the US and Mexico. He did not mention that a contractor hired to build the wall was indicted on charges of hiring illegal immigrants and fined over $4.5 million dollars earlier this month.
Romney said he, and Americans, value legal immigration and feels that it should be encouraged.
He said that the US should look at the education and skills of a person before granting that person citizenship.
He added that those who come to the US to receive higher education should be encouraged to stay, not sent back to their home country upon graduation.
“I say, let’s staple a green card to their diploma and keep them here,” Romney commented.
Romney said there needs to be an improvement in regulation of hiring illegal immigrants and businesses should be fined for hiring illegals. He suggested hiring migrant and seasonal workers on a temporary basis, solely for that season.
Romney included that he would not be opposed to implementing an executive order to achieve immigration reform.
When asked if he had settled on a running mate, Romney laughed, “I haven’t even begun to think of who would be on my list,” he concluded. |
Bedenbender’s Body Found in Wapsi River
By Michelle Phillips |
A Scott County family was enjoying a day on the Wapsipinicon River when they discovered the badly decomposed body of Moneca Bedenbender, 44, of Olin in the water. The identity of the body was not immediately known due to decomposition. She was later identified through dental records.
“As high as the river has been, it didn’t really surprise me,” said Jones County Sheriff Mark Denniston. “The river was bank full from December to about a week ago, so there was a lot of water moving through there.”
Bedenbender went missing on December 22, 2006. Her car was found in the water at an Olin boat ramp. Dive teams from Cedar Rapids search the area near the boat ramp to Catfish Creek at that time, but turned up nothing. At the time Denniston said there had been an altercation at Bedenbender’s home, but no foul play was evident.
There is still no evidence of foul play and on April 24, Denniston said there was no apparent trauma to the body. Crews had begun searching the river just a few weeks ago when the water temperature rose above 40 degrees.
Denniston commented that he was glad to see closure in the case. “I’m glad it’s been solved, for everybody that’s been looking for her and for her family.”
An autopsy is currently underway in Scott County. |
Council Votes to Change Munroe Park Alcohol Restrictions
By Michelle Phillips |
Bruce Miell, Men’s Softball League present the Anamosa City Council with a request to allow the consumption of beer by adults on the playing field and in the dugout at Munroe park during the April 23 Anamosa City Council meeting.
This request was met with several opposing opinions from visitors. Jennifer Husmann of the CMCA cited safety reasons, alcohol indifference and community tolerance as reasons not to allow alcohol at city parks. Husmann encouraged the council to help change the attitude in the community towards sports and alcohol.
Amy Halverson spoke up saying “As adults we need to be better role models” and this would set a terrible example for the community.
Angie Vargas of J.E.L. and S.O.D.A. asked the question, “Isn’t softball fun enough without drinking?”
Miell suggested that the league would leave Anamosa if they were not allowed to drink beer at their games.
Warren Spurgeon, Director of Parks and Recreation noted for the record that there have been no alcohol related instances of trouble at league games in the past 20 years.
Resident, Gloria Lea questioned why couldn’t the players wait until the game was over to drink beer.
After much discussion from the public and within the council, Danny Young made a motion to approve an ordinance amendment to Chapter 47 Park Regulations of the Anamosa City Code. This refers to paragraph four removing the restriction for drinking alcohol in the Munroe park dugout. No alcohol will be allowed in the playing field and also no glass bottles are allowed onsite. The contentious item was approved 5:1 with Councilman Bill Feldmann opposing the change.
Other items approved on Monday night are as follows:
• A Memorial Day Ceremony by The Sons of The Union Veterans of The Civil War. Members were on hand to request permission to “fire a volley” of black powder only after the drill team fires during the event.
• Resolution annexing Old Cass Second Addition.
• First reading of ordinance zoning Old Cass Second Addition.
• The site plan and landscape plan for Lot 5 of the Anamosa Commercial Park First Addition. Council voted to waive the sidewalk with the city reserving the right to insist on such an addition if the necessity arises. This is also to be added to the covenant of the development.
• The final plat of Ross Ridge Estates.
• The first reading of ordinance amending Chapter 29 Local Access Commission of the City Code of Ordinances.
• Renewal of Class C liquor license and outdoor service with Sunday sales privileges for Daly Creek Winery.
• Renewal of Class C beer permit and Sunday sales privileges for Murphy Oil, USA.
• The purchase of a vehicle (canine car) for the police Department for Fiscal year 2007-2008, State bid of $21,265.00 or $22,650.00 depending on if the Hemi engine option is selected.
• Reduction of speed limit on Iowa Highway 64 from Chamber Drive to 115th Street form 45 mph to 35 mph.
• Tentative timetable for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Phase II improvements projects.
• Securing permanent easements for Central Area Detention Basin Project from four property owners abutting the city ROW.
• 2007 Street asphalt overlay for Oak Street.
• Hiring of part time seasonal employees for the Public Works Department at $7 per hour.
• Payment of city bills for the month of April 2007.
• Resolution on hiring and setting wages of part time seasonal employees for the Anamosa Aqua Court for the 2007 pool season.
• Purchase of Sidwell Arial photo maps of the City.
• The independent auditors report and bank financial statements for the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 as prepared by Clifton Dunderson, CPA. Discussion on the specifics of this report to be had on May 14.
• Asphalt surface repairs at the Lawrence Community Center in the amount of $15,890, using Local Option Sales Tax dollars.
• Public Hearing set for May 14 concerning the taking of bids for the WWTP Phase II Improvement and for sludge hauling/digestor improvements.
Two items were tabled for the next regular city council meeting on May 14, 2007:
• Resolution addressing the preliminary and final plat of Old Cass Road Second Addition and granting of waivers to the city subdivision ordinance, as not enough information was available on retention and drainage for the proposed property.
• First reading of ordinance amending section 71.06 of the Anamosa City Code by adding a new section restricting the use of engine brakes and compressive brakes on certain roads in city limits.
This was tabled for additional discussion with Police Chief Matt Menard at the next regular scheduled council meeting.
A request by the Anamosa Community Schools for a speed limit reduction on Third Street from 35 mph to 25 mph was heard with a motion made to leave the limit as it stands and pursue other options in reducing speed where pedestrians are likely to be walking or crossing the street.
Superintendent Dr. Dale Monroe stated that four or five students now cross Third Street to attend Strawberry High Elementary School.
A public hearing was held regarding proposed improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. No comments either written or oral, were submitted to the city council and no public were present with any concerns.
A public forum was held regarding the proposed cleanup of Stallion Creek. Property owners were present curious as to who was responsible for what portion of the creek. The city responded if your property did not connect with the creek than you need not clean up whereas they offered to pick up any brush left at the curbside from property owners along the creek on May 14.
A second public hearing was held on the subject of the proposed annexation of property owned by Randy and Roseanne Casters and the zoning of the parcel as R-1 Single family residential. No written or oral comments have been received by the city nor was anyone present at the hearing to voice concern.
Andrew Marsh of Howard R. Green Company gave an overview of the proposed improvements to the WWTP including history, options and processes up to this point.
A special City Council work session is scheduled for May 5 at 6 p.m.
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Plans for Grant Wood Art Festival Continue
By Michelle Phillips |
The Grant Wood Art Festival (GWAF) is fast approaching and the GWAF committee is working to offer new things at the festival.
This year residents and business owners will have the opportunity to enter an American Gothic cutout contest. The wooden cutouts are $20 each or $40 a pair for non Chamber members and $10 each or $20 a pair for those in the Chamber.
Jon Hatcher, with the help of Alan Rush, has been cutting out the figures in his spare time, but he said his wife Cecilia and Anamosa Chamber Director KC Kiner came up with the idea for the cutouts.
“They’re leaving it up to the individual to decorate it however they like,’ said Hatcher.
Prizes for the contest are as follows: First Place Prize: $25 Chamber Checks, Second Place Prize: $15 Chamber Checks and Third Place Prize: $10 Chamber Checks.
For more information on the contest, contact Kiner at the Anamosa Chamber office by calling 319-462-4879.
A bicycle and helmet have been donated to the GWAF by Jones Regional Medical Center again this year, the bike and helmet will be first prize in the annual Badge Design Contest, which is open to middle school students.
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 Photos: Above: One lucky middle school student will win this bike in the Grant Wood Art Festival Badge contest; left: Wooden cutouts of American Gothic are available for businesses and individuals to decorate. There will be a contest for the three best cutouts. This cutout was painted by KC Kiner in the likeness of herself. |
So far the GWAF has 25 artists lined up to show and sell their wares on Main Street. Most of the artists are from Iowa, but one is from Wisconsin and two from Illinois.
Those slated for the festival work in a variety of mediums including watercolors, oils, metal sculpture, glass and pottery.
The festival is scheduled for June 10 and will feature a juried art competition, poster contest, original grant Wood works and art activities for children.
The GWAF was moved from its Stone City location to Anamosa’s Main Street last year.
Badges will be required for the festival and will be available at the Anamosa Chamber office and from committee members at a later time. The cost of the badges is $5 for adults and children 12 and under get in free.
For more information about the festival visit www.anamosachamber.org or call 319-462-4879. |
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Box 108, 208 W. Main Street, Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-3511,
FAX 319-462-4540
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