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The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
April 5, 2007 |
Braley Makes Stop at AmVets to Talk with Veterans
by Michelle Phillips |
Iowa 1st District House Representative Bruce Braley made a stop at the AmVets in Anamosa on April 2.
Braley wanted to talk to veterans to explain some of the House resolutions designed to help the nation’s veterans.
The Fiscal Year 2007 resolution will increase funding for veterans’ healthcare. The resolution is $3.6 billion more than was appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2006 budget. A second budget resolution for Fiscal year 2008 will increase healthcare and services by $5.4 billion. This is the largest veterans’ healthcare increase in history.
The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act, which was unanimously passed on March 29, will institute several changes, including a single caseworker for each soldier, sometimes a soldier will have several.
“There are a lack of patient advocates that are solely responsible to the patient,” commented Braley.
Other items included in the bill are a toll free veterans hotline, standardized training for staff, and congressional notification when problems arise. The last item was prompted by the declining conditions at Walter Reed Hospital.
“Walter Reed was scheduled for closure, there is speculation that the poor upkeep is due to that closure,” Braley, said. “When we’re not in a conflict, it’s too easy to use that money for another program.”
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Left: Bruce Braley with the Anamosa Veteran’s group commanders, L-R: Becky DirksHaugsted, VFW, Braley, Jim Caswell, AmVets and Virgil Martin, American Legion; Right: Braley gets a tour of The Jones County Veterans’ Memorial Hall from DirksHaugsted and Caswell. The display is located at the south entrance of the Jones County Courthouse.
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He said the idea is to retool the GI Bill for the 21st Century, and added that facilities should be rewarded when they give top care to veterans.
The Joshua Omvig veteran’s Suicide Prevention Act is a bill that Braley co-sponsored. This act would give suicide screening and counseling to soldiers when they are discharged from the service.
“This act is named after a soldier who killed himself in his truck in his parents driveway, while his mother was standing next to the truck,” he explained.
The Coming Together for Guard and Reserve Families Act was a bill that Braley originally sponsored. This bill would give increased benefits to those in guard and reserve units.
Braley said the current amounts need to be increased because they are antiquated. “It goes back to the Weekend Warrior mentality that you aren’t sacrificing as much if you’re in the guard or reserve,” he told the group of about 20 veterans.
The US Troops Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act would require that soldiers receive proper training before they are deployed, extends time limits for soldiers signing up for benefits and provides $2.8 billion for Defense Healthcare.
The Military Retirees Healthcare Prevention Act, which Braley co-sponsored, blocks TRICARE premium increases. Reduces the cost of prescriptions and co-pays and reduces overall out of pocket expenses.
“We want to provide greater benefits and let you know that you shouldn’t have to pay more for reduced benefits,” Braley stated.
An additional bill was passed to extend the time frame in which guard and reserve members can use education benefits.
In addition to outlining these reforms for veterans, Braley also took a tour of the Jones County Veterans Memorial Hall. VFW Commander Becky DirksHaugsted and AmVets Commander Jim Caswell escorted Braley on the tour and explained the project to him. |
Downtown Group Looks at Sign, Flea Market
By Michelle Phillips |
 Downtown merchants met on March 28 to look for ways to draw businesses to downtown Anamosa.
The two main discusses of the group centered around an Anamosa sign on Highway 151 and a Flea Market/Farmer’s Market in Chamber Park.
The design is a cutout of Anamosa’s downtown buildings.
“KC (Kiner) went across the street (from the Chamber office) and sketched the buildings,” said Cecilia Hatcher, who attended the meeting. “I think the signage is going to be very good.
Kiner said that since the sign is a city sign, the Iowa Department of Transportation will put it up for free if it is completed by June 15. She is looking at different materials from which to make the sign.
“The really big thing that’s going on is the Flea Market. It’ll be once a month on the third Saturday of the month, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and run from April-October,” Kiner explained.
The event is called The Anamosa Flea and Farmer’s Market and would be in Chamber Park, under the Chamber tent. There is a capacity for 40 vendors. Kiner said she has already had some interest from vendors. Cost for a space will be $10 and the money will be used to advertise the market.
The group hopes to coordinate the market with other events, For example, it coincides with the Wine Trail in April and the J&P Cycles Open House and in June.
“I don’t thinks it has been fine-tuned yet,” said Hatcher.
Kiner said the Chamber was looking for ways to use Chamber Park, which would draw people to downtown.
“That’s why the Chamber Park was created, to bring people downtown,” Kiner added.
Everyone is welcome to attend the downtown merchants meetings and input is appreciated. The next meeting will be April 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber office. |
Eagles Looking to Start Anamosa Chapter
By Michelle Phillips |
Mike Duehr, Grand Worthy Conductor of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Anamosa resident Shannon Appleby are working to start a chapter of the Eagles in Anamosa. The men are planning two meetings on April 5 and April 19 at 7 p.m. at the AmVets building, 107 N. Division Street.
To begin a chapter the Eagles must have 50 men and 25 women for the Eagles Auxiliary. Duehr, who has been involved with the Eagles since 1963, and works to help new chapters get up and running.
“I have to communicate our message to other people to help it grow,” he explained.
“If we can get chartered by May, the National Eagles president will attend our affiliation,” added Appleby.
The Eagles club is dedicated to donating to local charities and 100% of all money raised by the group would go to local organizations. The Heart Fund is designated to help area law enforcement with research education, supplies, CPR grants and drug prevention. Other funds have been donated to medical centers, research funds and other medical groups. Eagles chapters, called Aeries, also donate to children’s programs and offer scholarships to children of deceased members.
Duehr said the Eagles would immediately donate to several Anamosa organizations once the group is formed.
“The home office will give a $1,000 CPR grant to the Anamosa Fire Department,” Duehr said.
The Eagles and Eagles Auxiliary groups can also apply for matching grants of $250 each for other groups in the area. They can also apply for grants trough other organizations like Wal-mart and RACI. Money raised through breakfast, dinners and other fundraising events is also used for grants.
“Many organizations need funds, but don’t have the means to raise money,” explained Appleby.
The groups typically meet twice a month. A one-time $20 charter fee is due at the first meeting, then yearly dues are set by the individual groups.
“We would also like to have everyone bring a can of food to each meeting, which we would donate to the local food bank,” included Appleby.
Men and women meet separately and come together once a month for a joint meeting Duehr explained. He said there are about 20 people who have shown interest so far.
The group elects its own officials and all members receive a newsletter to keep them abreast of activities. Counselors will be on hand at the first few months to help get the chapter off the ground.
Duehr said the Eagles began in 1898 in Seattle Washington, and currently have 1.1 million members and 1700 chapters nationwide. Currently there are 41 chapters in Iowa.
For more information on the Fraternal Order if Eagles, visit their website, www.FOE.com or call Duehr at 563-557-1098 or Appleby at 319-462-4757. |
Anamosa Community School District Approves FY 2007-2008 Budget
By Susan Yario |
Public hearings were held for the FY 2007 Budget Amendment and 2007-2008 Budget at the Anamosa School Board meeting on April 2. Both items were approved without public comment.
Superintendent Monroe stated “The good thing is that we can reduce taxes 3.3% to our patrons”.
Other items approved on Monday evening are as follows:
• First reading of revised board policy 403.11 new policy RP403.11 School Employee Injured by Student is in response to the Association Negotiation item.
• School Dining System Software; this will enable parents to utilize internet technology for adding funds into their student’s account for meals with credit card accounts or bank debit accounts. The system has the capability for other items including the possibility of making Raider Wear purchases from across the country. This system also allows the current standard system of cash and check.
• Special Education Delivery System Report with two additions in Career Connections and Project VITAL for 5th year Seniors. The mission statement and plan are available at http://www.anamosa.k12.ia.us/
• Hiring of Suzanne Scheef as the Head Softball Coach upon receipt of coaching license renewal. |
Above: Board President Jim Mitchel presents Sixth grader, Rebekah Bowers with a Certificate of Achievement. Sophia Corpstein (L) and Ashley Langenberg (R) also received certificates. The girls were honored for winning the Old Creamery Theatre writing contest. Below: Mitchel presents Anna Daily with a Certificate of Achievement for acceptance into the Captitol Project, which teaches students about government. Nile Price was also chosen, but unble to attend the school board meeting.
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In board celebrations, Board President Jim Mitchel presented West Middle School six graders with certificates of Achievement. These students have received a prize for their outstanding stories submitted in the annual Old Creamery Theater (OCT) story writing contest. Twenty six stories from across the state won with over 600 being submitted. Three of the winners were from West Middle School; Rebekah Bowers (“Elona Helps Out”), Sophia Corpstein (“The A-maze-ing Race”) and Ashley Langenberg (“Big Ben”).
Actors from OCT will be touring the state to present eight character building skits based on the content of many of the student stories. This show will be presented at Strawberry Hill Elementary on April 23.
Secondly, two Anamosa High School students; Anne Daily and Nile Price have been accepted to the Capitol Project 2007. The program is open to students across Iowa, and is selected based on their application and recommendations. The Capitol Project is a non-partisan program for high school students to learn first-hand about state government. During the 2007 project, students attend workshops, visit the State Capitol and Terrance Hill and meet statewide elected officials and legislators. They will also be enlightened in the legislative process by becoming educated in the drafting of bills and participate in a mock legislative debate.
Second grade teacher, Val Daily presented a Summer School report to the district regarding the Second Grade Summer Reading Academy. Daily gave general facts about the program, it’s evaluations, data analysis and what the data reveals to the district.
The data shows that more students are reading at or above grade level after attending the Summer Reading Academy. The district wants to be sure to catch the struggling readers as soon as possible with intense intervention. This summer the program will be offered to First and Second grade readers that meet the criteria; any child with an IEP in reading, any child with an intensive plan in the area of reading, any child meeting at least two: Fall BRI score below grade 2, Fall MAP reading score of below 178, January ITBS blow the 41st % rank (using NP in comp.), any child with a supplemental plan in the area of reading and any child that has been highly recommended.
Nancy Stout, Second grade Cornerstone teacher was also on hand to answer curriculum questions.
Superintendent Monroe updated the board on a few items:
The district continues to work with JRMC on a daycare program and the decisions involved in finding space for the program.
Last year’s student built home has been sold and will be occupied on May 8th. The second home may possibly be sold.
An architect firm has consulted the district in regards to not bidding on the construction building project but rather wishes to act as the “project manager” to ensure that all aspects of the project were met and coordinated properly. The board discussed the option and felt that it was too soon to bring aboard a project manager. No action was taken on this item as it was for discussion only.
The meeting adjourned following this discussion. |
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