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The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
August 16, 2007 |
Third ASP Guard Assault Puts Pen on Lockdown
by Michelle Phillips |
The Anamosa State Penitentiary (ASP) was put on indefinite lockdown on August 6 after a third assault on guards in little more than two weeks.
At approximately 7:50 a.m., ASP staff observed an altercation between inmates, Victor Delgado and Christian Munoz, in an open exercise area near the ball field. When additional staff arrived, both inmates were restrained and escorted to health services for medical treatment. Munoz sustained bruises to the face and a contusion to the back of his head. Delgado received a small elbow abrasion.
During the escort of Delgado to segregation, inmate Miguel Perea began conversing with Delgado in Spanish. When the correctional officer directed Perea to cease conversation with Delgado, Perea attacked the escorting officer with several punches to the facial area. Additional staff immediately responded and placed Perea in restraints. During transport to health services to be treated for a hand scratch, Perea assaulted a transporting officer with a kick to the officer’s upper thigh.
As a result of these two incidents, the institution was immediately placed indefinite lockdown status.
One correctional officer was treated and released from the hospital. The other officer’s injury was reviewed by institution medical staff.
Although the staff injuries are not life threatening, the institution considers these assaults very serious.
The results of the investigation will be referred for criminal prosecution.
The inmates involved are serving the following sentences:
Victor Delgado is 19 years old and is serving a 15-year sentence from Woodbury County for Assault While Participating in a Felony, Criminal Gang Participation, and Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury.
Christian Munoz is 20 years old and is serving a life sentence from Polk County for Murder First Degree and Robbery First Degree.
Miguel Perea is 20 years old and is serving a 17-year sentence from Scott County for Burglary Third Degree (3-counts), Going Armed with Intent, and Possession of Burglary Tools.
Due to the pending criminal investigation, additional information is not available for public release at this time.
The recent assaults immediately followed the assaults of ASP correctional officers on July 21 and July 25.
The first assault on July 21 involved inmate Oscar Gonzales who assaulted one officer.
Inmate Matthew Crawford refused to comply with an ASP officer’s directives and assaulted the officer on July 25. Inmate Eric Peppers intervened and injured two additional officers during the incident.
All of the officers sustained non-life threatening injuries in the assaults. |
Council Holds P&Z Hearing, Remains Divided on Park Alcohol Ordinance
By Ben Parker |
The August 13 Anamosa City Council Meeting kicked off with a public hearing concerning a proposed amendment to section 165.15 of the Zoning Ordinance, recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Rather than using the current, one-size-fits-all $500 flat fine for failure to request an inspection for footings, the section would be amended by deleting that reference and replacing it with a reference to the City’s municipal infraction ordinance, to which most other sections of the zoning ordinance are subject. The municipal infraction ordinance allows a first-time penalty that can be made variable based on the offense but only up to $1000. Any recurring offenses would not exceed $750.
After the hearing closed, the proposition was brought up for a roll call vote, and it passed along with the waiver for any additional considerations.
The night was special for the Anamosa Tree Board. A representative from Alliant Energy arrived along with a Trees Forever representative and presented the Anamosa Tree Board a check for $2,000. The Tree Board plans to seek further Trees Forever funding.
The first Action to be discussed was an extension on the completion date for the Sycamore Street Box Culvert Project. Doug Wilson from Snyder and Associates explained that the County Line, the current supplier for the box culvert, has an eight-week delivery period. This issue was raised after the pre-construction conference was held on August 7. The box culvert agreed upon must be special ordered so finding another supplier with a shorter delivery period is not hopeful but will be looked into. The only other close supplier is Cre-Tx out of Humbolt, and they also have a six to eight week delivery period. In either case, the project completion date will be well after October 1.
Concerns about winter construction were raised, but Wilson was confident that it won’t effect the box culvert installation. However, the road construction that would come afterward was unadvisable. The subject will be moved onto the next agenda for further discussion.
Another topic of long discussion was the Chamber of Commerce’s proposal to raise funds for pouring a cement pad in Chamber Park. The pad is proposed to be a place for the chamber tent and serve as a skating area in the winter. It would be 60 x 120 feet on the side closest to Huber Street.
Questions were raised on the scenic and aesthetic value for such an addition and what it might lead to. It was suggested that a future plan be submitted before a decision was made. However, the Chamber will be providing its own funding, and the motion was passed with only one dissenting vote.
The last major debate was regarding the amendment to Ordinance Section 47.07 which pertains to the consumption of alcohol in city parks and green spaces. The major contentions were to limit only kegs in Chamber Park and to limit alcohol within 25 feet or inside the bleachers of Monroe Park. A change was proposed to amend the ordinance to allow canned alcoholic beverages or alcohol in plastic containers for Chamber Park but within the tent or ten feet outside of it. Still the vote was tied so the motion was denied to the dismay of some board members. This particular amendment has been on the table for many months and remains so.
Other motions passed:
• Application by the Chamber of Commerce for street closures to be extended east to Scott Street with limited vehicular access from North Williams to Family Foods was approved.
• The date for a public hearing about Dick Dearborn’s purchase of the city-owned right of way on Division Street was set for August 27.
• Further discussion regarding the Ordinance Chapter 29 Local Access Commission was approved with the second and third considerations.
• The passing of the 28E Agreement for the Highway 64 Traffic Study on to County, School, and Jones Regional Medical Center for review was approved.
• Adding the DNR to the 28E Agreement for a trail system and the pedestrian bridge over the Wapsi River, and forwarding it to the County and DNR for review was approved.
• Waiving of the subdivision platting regulations for the Alliant Energy property along the Wapsi was approved, allowing it to be split up into three sections, two of which would be sold to the City.
• The service agreement with the East Central Iowa Council of Government to reissue the application for the Community Development Building Grant Housing Fund for 2007 was approved. The area has been extended and homeowners will have a further chance to acquire funds for home improvement.
• The amendment for City Code Chapter 69.12, to add the west side of Hamilton Court, from 1st to the Terminus, including the cul-de-sac, and the west side of Hamilton Street from Third to First Street as no parking zones was approved, under the stipulation that the section on Hamilton Court be only from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional Considerations were waived.
• Regarding the office hours at the police station, a motion was approved for further investigation of installing an outdoor phone that could be used to contact an officer inside or through dispatch.
• Motion to sign the check for the Fire Department’s purchase of a new pumper truck was approved.
• The Public Works Department’s request to purchase a new trailer was approved, under stipulation that they acquire the $3870 trailer from Automotive Services.
• The Public Works Department’s request to purchase a brush cutter was also approved.
The board members were all handed petition sheets that citizens can sign if the council is going to change to a six seats at-large system. To get the measure on the November ballot, 74 signatures are require. The petitions will be circulated starting August 14 and will be submitted to the City Council and Clerk on September 10.
In either case, with elections coming up, the Mayor will also be conducting an informational workshop for all candidates running for office on the city council. Aware of the limitations one has as Mayor or as a council member, he wants to educate prospective members on what they can and cannot do.
Finally, with the resignation of Jennifer Fischer from the Jones County Economic Development Commission, this leaves a position open. Jackson County has had the same position vacant for some time and has proposed a partnership with Jones County in regards to filling that position, with both counties using the same individual. Brainstorming and discussion are still underway. |
School Supply Drive Comes to an End
By Michelle Phillips |
The 2007 Anamosa Supply Drive ended on August 10, and this year Anamosa Publications collected hundreds of pencils, pens, crayons, markers, and paper.
“We were close to where we were last year,” said Michelle Phillips, Anamosa Journal-Eureka Editor. “We received several backpacks and lunch boxes this year as well.”
In addition to the supplies, Anamosa Publications raised $375 in monetary donations.
“I would like to thank all of those who helped with this drive. Family Resource should be able to help many families this year,” Phillips added.
Anamosa Publications would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their donations:
Ruth Walshire, Howard & Clyda Carpenter, Sheryl Goodman, Maldean Finn, Keltner, Inc, Bob & Kathy Lander, Dale Monroe, Ruth Switzerm, Andy and Connie McKean, Dave and Becky Haugsted, Julie Fall, Kristy Raines, Lois Terell, Jon and Cecila Hatcher, Greta Pruitt, Bower, Dole and Riniker, and Feldman Yard and Garden.
Thanks to all those who donated anonymously or snuck away before we could get your name.
Those county residents who are in need of school supplies can call Family Resource Association at 319-462-5318. |
PO
Box 108, 208 W. Main Street, Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-3511,
FAX 319-462-4540
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