| | 
The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
July 12, 2007 |
Newspaper Announces Winners in Fair Ticket Giveaway
The Anamosa Journal-Eureka is pleased to announce the winners in our Fair Ticket Giveaway contest. This year we asked those entering the online contest to include a fair memory. Although it was optional, many people included memories, and all those drawn listed their favorites memories.
The winners are: Jessica Miller of Marion, Chris Bendixen of Olin and Suzy Kaufman of Anamosa. Each will receive a pair of tickets to the day of their choosing at the Great Jones County Fair.
Chris said, “My son winning best looking car in the demo derby.”
“My best memories are of my 4-H times at the fair in the late 70s. I liked to work in the food stand and go to the entertainment with my family at night. The demo derby was fun to watch, too,” Kaufman said.
Many of you listed food, rides, entertainment and 4-H as your fair favorites. Here are some other things you had to say:
Seeing Trisha Yearwood–she shook the stands. Renee Colbert, North Liberty, IA
Jaycee Bingo. Michelle Hilliyer, Talihina, OK
Sitting on the hillside before all the bleachers with my mom, dad, sisters and the rest of the family (aunts, uncle, cousins and friends) and watching the stock car races, everyone picking a number to win the heat. Also watching all the concerts throughout the years. Susan Walker, Mason City, IA
Going to the fair and watching my uncle from Maquoketa win a horse trotter race many years ago. Carol Bendixen, Olin, IA
Our highlight every year was as the last thing before we left, we bought 10 bars of “cream candy” that Everett Anderburg (owned the Nook Cafe) made fresh. They cost 10 cents each and we always bought $1 worth. Much better than taffy, by far. I miss them more than anything. Sandy Ricklefs, Center Junction, IA
When I was lost there when I was 4 and heard my name over the loud speaker. Mindy Olson, Hills, IA
Meeting Loretta Lynn. Laurie Toner, Anamosa, IA
Working at the pari-mutual races in the ‘80s. Jeryl Cox, Cedar Rapids, IA
Going to the fair everyday from 7am till after the drawing. I was in 4-H. It was the most fun eating the watermelon on the evening they had it for free. Yum!! Kim Murdoch, Marion, IA.
Flag Retirement Ceremony Held on Independence Day
by Susan Yario |
Independence Day was an appropriate time to retire old and tattered flags. The AmVets Post 110, VFW members, Cub Scout Pack 67 and other participants held a flag burning ceremony on July 4 at the Anamosa High School practice field. Federal Law Provides that “The flag when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning” (36 U.S.C. 176 (k))
VFW Commander Becky DirksHaugsted spoke to the crowd gathered on the field prior to the retirement ceremony. |
Photo: Veteran Rick Meeks carefully sets a retired flag in the fire during a ceremony held on Fourth of July. |
DirksHaugstad reflected on what the flag as a symbol means to our country.
The red stands for all of the men and women who have died in the service of our country, both as members of the armed forces and as everyday citizens. The white stands for the purity of in all of our hearts. It also represents the honor that each of us should show in all that we do in our everyday lives. The blue in our flag stands for valor, which our ancestors fought and died for in the many battles that have been fought for our country and all for which it stands.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present and flags were added to two hot fires for retirement. More than 160 American flags and more than 200 flags in total were burned at the ceremony. |
Man Tries to Scam Local Business Owner
By Michelle Phillips |
On July 7, an unidentified person was portraying himself as a city employee. The man told a storeowner that their water would be disconnected if they did not pay $40. The owner declined.
Anamosa City Administrator Pat Callahan said, “The city never does disconnects on Saturday, and the city never takes cash on the site. They are instructed to go to City Hall to pay the bill.”
The city always sends out delinquent notices, then post a notice on the door if the bill is not paid.
“We never just shut off water out of the blue,” he said.
Callahan is asking any others who have encountered this situation to call the Anamosa Police Department at 319-462-4434. |
Olin School Board Ousts Fuhrmeister as Football Coach
By Elsa Hirl |
The Olin School Board held a special meeting on July 3 regarding the fate of Olin’s head football coach, Jamie Furhmeister. After coming out of the closed meeting with Furhmeister, it was obvious the meeting did not go well for the much-respected coach. After his prompt departure from the building, the board opened up the meeting for questions and comments from those in attendance.
A clarification of Board Policy 279.19B Coaching Endorsement and Authorization was read by Board President, Mike Hansen. It reads, “1.a. The board of directors of a school district may employ for head coach of any interscholastic athletic activities or for assistant coach of any interscholastic athletic activity, an individual who possesses a coaching authorization issued by the board of educational examiners or possesses a teaching license with a coaching endorsement issued pursuant to chapter 272. However, a board of directors of a school district shall consider applicants with qualifications described below, in the following order of priority:
(1) A qualified individual who possesses a valid teaching license with a proper coaching endorsement.
(2) A qualified individual who possesses a coaching authorization issued by the board of educational examiners.
b. Qualifications are to be determined by the board of directors or their designee on a case-by-case basis.
2. An individual who has been issued a coaching authorization or who possesses a teaching license with a coaching endorsement but is not issued a teaching contract under section 279.13 and who is employed by the board of directors of a school district serves at the pleasure of the board of directors and is not subject to sections 279.13 through 279.19, and 279.27. Subsection 1 of section 279.19A applies to coaching authorizations.
Supporters of Furhmeister tried to get the school board to focus specifically on item 1b. Hansen replied, “That still doesn’t remove what the state recommends as far as qualifications.”
Just prior to walking out of the meeting, one parent stood up protested the Board decision by saying, “We stood behind you guys. You’re not standing behind us at all. This isn’t even about us, this is about these kids! This really (makes me mad). This is personal, and don’t say it isn’t!”
Hansen added, “If Jamie was a certified teacher, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.”
When someone in the audience mentioned, “No one has ever explained to us the qualifications of this guy other than he has 23 years of coaching experience. When was the last time he coached?”
Superintendent Charles Liston responded that HLV, Iowa City West and Tipton all verified he was a coach there.
Liston then stated, “I’m not looking at records, I’m looking at relationships with students, teachers, coaches and so forth. I made the recommendation for Bill Cummings to be the coach because 1) He’s an outstanding teacher on our staff; and 2) He’s had coaching experience more than our head coach has, I’m looking at the recommendation saying, that’s a qualified person. Had Bill Cummings had no experience in football and wanted to switch over from another sport, I wouldn’t have given it much consideration.”
A comment was then made by Fuhrmeister’s father that Jamie had been approached by other districts to coach for them, but he turned them down because of his commitment and dedication to Olin. He went on to say that because of this situation, Jamie will now have to wait a year to coach again and even then there is a possibility that “nobody is going to know who he is next year.”
To that, Liston responded with, “North Linn is looking for a coach. It’s only 20 miles north of Cedar Rapids.”
Upon conclusion of the meeting, roll call was taken for the motion to accept the recommendation of Cummings as head football coach at a contract amount of $2,798.40. All approved except Brian Bean. |
Biggart to Open Restaurant
By Michelle Phillips |
Betty Biggart has always dreamed of opening her own restaurant, and now the Anamosa native will have her chance. She will soon be the proprietor of Betty’s Hometown Café, which will be located in the old Wild Thyme Tearoom building at the corner of West Main and Garnavillo.
When Wild Thyme closed, one of the investors, Chuck Borneman of Albert Lea, MN, wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. He approached Biggart, who had already taken a job at T&D, and offered to help back a café.
“Dirk and Brenda (Downing), were wonderful. They told me I had to go for it. They are great people and were very supportive,” Biggart said of T&D owners when she told them of her plan.
|
 |
In fact, Biggart said she has garnered support from the community, family and friends.
“It has just been overwhelming,” she added.
Biggart is currently weeding through items in the building and trying to figure out a menu. She said she plans to bring things from all of her cooking experience, which is varied and includes the General Store in Stone City and Tanager Place in Cedar Rapids, Biggart’s first real cooking job.
Biggart said she is keeping some tearoom favorites such as Strawberry Chicken Salad, White Crab Soup and White Chocolate Cherry Almond Cheesecake, which she originally created for her mother Shirley Biggart.
She said the menu would contain standard breakfast and lunch fare, but seasonal items will also be included. One of her breakfast specialties is Strawberry Croissant French Toast. She will also offer some vegetarian items, including a Zesty black bean Burrito.
“I’d like to have something hot and fresh everyday,” she said. “It’s all going to be from scratch, that’s something I’m adamant about.”
Biggart said she will keep the two themed rooms on the west side of the building, but envisions booths in the area that used to be the tearoom’s gift shop. She also plans to keep the children’s area, but wants to add more items for boys.
She praises Wild Thyme owner Robyn Dettbarn for giving her creative license in the kitchen.
“Robyn really gave me a great opportunity because she let me do what I wanted to do as long as it fit in with the tearoom,” Biggart stated.
Local artwork will still be on display in the building and Biggart is tossing around the idea of having an acoustical guitar player to entertain guests.
“I’m going to use some of the antiques and we’ll still offer some teas,” she added.
Plans for the restaurant’s opening have not been solidified, but Biggart said she hopes to have the doors open by August 1. Hours for the store will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Betty’s Hometown Café will be closed on Sunday and Monday. |
City Designates Central Detention Basin as Nature Area
By Susan Yario |
The work completed by the City of Anamosa in the construction of a storm water detention basin north of Theresa Ave and south Sales Street has created much interest for adjoining property owner and nature lover, Don Bunting. The city council approved a resolution designating the portion aforementioned for the sole purpose of green space and recreation. Anamosa resident, Bunting has volunteered to coordinate and oversee the planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and other types of vegetation in the area around the detention basin. A lease agreement between the city and Bunting would stipulate the duties and responsibilities of each party in the joint venture. The agreement will also address the use of the Tree Board for assistance and financial resources when planting any trees. Bunting will prepare a site plan for the project and present to the council for consideration. The plan was discussed at the July 9 Anamosa City Council meeting.
Resident May Supine of Theresa Avenue spoke to council regarding the dirt left on the street by the drainage project. She was also concerned with the possibility of new construction in the area that could cause additional flooding concerns. Supine stressed that the current state of debris is a serious concern in the neighborhood. Public Works Director, Larry Driscoll and council member Brain Harmon reassured Supine that the inconvenience should only be for a short while longer as additional digging and then seeding the area is next on the list.
A public hearing was held regarding a proposed development agreement for a TIF rebate with the Anamosa Lodge & Suites, LLC. No written or oral comments were received from the public.
Rose Rohr presented to council on the renovation of the pedestrian bridge to the Wapsipinicon State Park. There is no owner on record for this bridge. In order to apply for nomination to the National Historic Register and to apply for grant monies an entity must take ownership. Rohr suggested that the City of Anamosa become the owner of the bridge and enter in a 28E agreement with Jones County and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Council approved authorization for City Administrator Patrick Callahan to work with the Jones County Supervisors and the DNR to explore a 28 E Agreement. The current bridge has not been renovated since 1975. Rohr mentioned to the council that the third Thursday in June has been dedicated as a fund raiser for the bridges of Jones County and the third Thursday in October will also begin a twice a year fund raising tradition.
Items also approved on Monday evening are as follows:
• Beer and liquor licenses; P-N-P for renewal of Class C Beer permit and Sunday Sales privileges and My Place for renewal of Class C liquor license.
• 28E Agreement between the city and the Anamosa Rural Fire Association for fire protection services.
• Resolution awarding bid for Sycamore Street Box Culvert project to Arensdorf Excavating in the amount of $216,398.00 for alternate bid number two precast.
• Setting salary increase for the Police Department Administrative Assistant Maureen Breyer from 5%, rather than the 3.5% increase that was previously approved. The salary change to $13.19/hour will be $400 per year and not interfere with the current budget allocations.
• Resolution approving the hiring of part time seasonal employees and salary adjustments for two Parks and Recreation employees.
• Resolution taking additional action into a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement agreement.
• Chamber Breakfast scheduled for August 16 at 7 a.m.
• Economic development agreement draft outline approved as a matter of policy only.
Dennis Walters, representative for the Commercial Park project and John Parham addressed the council at length regarding a proposed development agreement for the Anamosa Commercial Park and Phase II improvements. Motion was made by Robert George to authorize Callahan to contact the bonding attorney to draft a development agreement to begin the process of moving forward on Phase II. Dan Young and Bill Feldmann voted “no” as there were several concerns over the dollar figure and whether the AmericInn Motel is a viable project for the city to pay a large chunk (up to $500,000) of Phase II improvements without Phase I completed as well as other pertinent city projects requiring money and attention.
Callahan discussed the Highway 64 sidewalk item. The Iowa Department of Transportation has expressed interest in a project but only as a recreational trail. The ideal width of the trail would be ten feet but no less that eight feet would be acceptable. A set of plans will need to be drawn up and approved by the DNR. City council authorized Snyder & Associates Engineering to begin the process of an engineering proposal of plans and specs.
The DNR has agreed to waive the flood wall requirement and to permit the city to attach a removable flood protection plate on the door to the new Wastewater Treatment Plant building. This waiver will save the City of Anamosa time and money. The removable plate will be certified that the building is water protected and will sustain the buoyant forces of a 100-year flood plus one foot. Construction is to begin July 16.
The next step at the Happy Hollow site is to mark out the lift station and easements. Grass seeding will take place in late September or early October for prime seed germination. The property will go up for sale once the proper paperwork has been finalized by the city attorney.
A request by the Warren Spurgeon, director of the Lawrence Community Center, was made for a floor-scrubbing machine. The item was referred to the Parks and Recreation Board for their assessment.
A public hearing date regarding a development agreement with The Grant Ridge Corporation was set for July 23 at 6 p.m.
The issue with the downtown parking of semi trucks has come down to the city designating the city owned property from the private property to define the right-of-ways from parking. The property is located behind downtown businesses.
The late arrival of the new fire pumper truck was mentioned and that arrival should be forthcoming by early to mid August. Callahan has been in contact with the manufacturer, Heiman, Inc.
City elections have been scheduled for November 6. |
PO
Box 108, 208 W. Main Street, Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-3511,
FAX 319-462-4540
Copyright
Anamosa Publications
Anamosa Journal-Eureka / Town Crier 2005
Thede Web
Works - Website
Questions
|