With the recent announcement of the I-Jobs grant for Belle Plaine’s downtown revitalization project, local leaders have scheduled a public meeting to discuss the project. Members of RDG Planning & Design and the Belle Plaine Community Development Corporation will discuss the project on Wednesday, Aug. 25, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Belle Plaine Community Center.

Acceptance of the grant means that work will begin very soon on the project and City Administrator Bill Daily urged the public, especially downtown property owners, to attend the meeting to learn more about the proposed improvements and the construction timeline.

Daily said anyone with questions or needing further information can also contact him at City Hall.

The Belle Plaine Police Department announced today that they have acquired two HeartStart FRx Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for the department to use in vehicles, enabling them to assist victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming approximately 295,000(i) lives each year.

The AED’s were purchased using grant money obtained from the Benton County Community Foundation.

Since officers are often first to arrive at the scene of a cardiac emergency, it is crucial to have immediate access to an AED in the event the victim is experiencing SCA.  Defibrillation is recognized as the definitive treatment for ventricular fibrillation, the abnormal heart rhythm most often associated with SCA.  While CPR may help prolong the window of survival, it cannot restore a normal cardiac rhythm.  For every minute that goes by without defibrillation, a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival decreases by about 10 percent.  After 10 minutes without defibrillation, few attempts at resuscitation are successful.

According to Chief Kris Hudson, “Our mission is to prevent the loss of life and because we are often the first to arrive at emergencies — including medical emergencies — our ability to take lifesaving action is vital.  Having an AED in each of our patrol vehicles will enhance the service our police officers can provide to the community.”

An AED automatically detects potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and can be used to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy that stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.  The HeartStart FRx AED provides clear, calm voice commands to guide users through every step of the defibrillation process, including CPR coaching.  The FRx is designed to handle extreme weather conditions and to be used successfully by responders, such as police officers, who are not medical professionals.

With the opening of the 2010-11 school year a week away, the Belle Plaine Board of Education spent a considerable amount of its meeting last night (Wednesday) hearing about final preparations for the start of the year, approving several personnel items and touring the new facilities at the junior-senior high school and at Longfellow Elementary School.

As the new school year opens, parents and students will notice that some of the construction is still to be completed, even as they begin to use many new classrooms and common areas. Principal Cherie Brown reported that just over 300 families were registered earlier in the week. Preliminary enrollment numbers were still unavailable, as several parents were continuing to come in to register this week.

The area near Longfellow Elementary will be particularly congested as teachers and parents vie for parking spaces with construction vehicles. Add to that the influx of many more students coming to that building this year, as it will now house pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, and school administrators and local law enforcement officials hope parents will be patient and take advantage of provisions made for the additional traffic in the area.

There will be a slight revision in the start and ending times of classes this year in the district. Classes will begin at 8:10 a.m. And end at 3:18 p.m. Shuttle bus service will be provided from the old junior high building to Longfellow and the junior-senior high building in the morning and back in the afternoon. For those who wish to take their children to the Longfellow building, they may want to drop off their children west of Seventh Avenue on Seventh Street and allow them to walk to the school. A school stop light will be active, along with a crossing guard, at the intersection. Additional school personnel will also help in guiding students to the building through the traffic.

Parents should be reminded that another problem will be the construction on the resurfacing of Seventh Avenue through the city which should take the first few weeks of the school year.

A lot of the exterior renovations at Longfellow still must be completed. Brown was asked what the plan was for recess for the students. She said the playground area in front of the building will be cleared in time for the start of school. She also said that some classes may walk to Franklin Park to take advantage of the playground and playing fields there.

The interiors of both buildings is essentially complete. Teachers were slated to continue moving into their new classrooms later this week. The wood gym floor at Longfellow has not yet been installed, since the moisture level in the concrete base is still too high for proper installation.

Several change orders which will increase the final cost of construction were approved, but only after some questions from Pierce on why the cost of installation of downspouts on the Longfellow gym into a storm sewer was not part of the original plan. Originally, he said the plan was to allow the runoff from the gym roof to empty onto the concrete parking lot behind the school. But Pierce pointed out that this would cause a safety hazard in the wintertime when melting snow from the roof flows onto the concrete and then later freezes on the parking lot. The change orders were approved, with the stipulation that this one be reviewed by school attorneys to determine who should pay for the change.

In personnel matters, the board approved the appointment of Brandon Heying as a sixth grade teacher and head wrestling coach. A graduate of Upper Iowa University, Heying has been a long-term substitute teacher and assistant coach in the Starmont and Wapsie Valley districts.

Ryan Ridout was hired as an assistant football coach, replacing Dennis Kurriger, who retired from the coaching post. Morgan Mitchell was hired as assistant volleyball coach, following the resignation of Evan Hrabak. The board also accepted the resignation of assistant softball coach Katie Stull. The request of Erica Sparks to transfer from the preschool the prep-K position was approved. Sunnie Densmore was hired for the preschool position.

The contract of Greg Walton, activities director, was approved with a 2.8 percent raise. Board member Jim Pierce asked that the administration and board have a future discussion on the proper use of the activity account and the use of purchase orders in the district. The matter will be placed on the September agenda.

The board approved the curriculum for the upcoming school year, particularly the shared programs with the HLV and Iowa Valley School Districts. German and Spanish will be offered at HLV, vocational agriculture will be offered at Belle Plaine, industrial technology will be offered at HLV and a health careers class will be held with Iowa Valley through Kirkwood Community College. Advanced placement classes with HLV will include social studies courses at Belle Plaine and biology and calculus at HLV.

www.boredfactoryworker.com

by Jeff M. Brown

“In a man’s middle years there is scarcely a part of the body he would hesitate to turn over to the proper authorities.” – E.B. White

“I can think of some body parts, one in particular, that I wouldn’t want to turn over to anybody.” – Jeff Brown

Where no Man has Gone Before

(Part I)

As I write this column, I’m literally starving to death. All I’ve had to eat today is a pop sickle and a couple Jolly Ranchers. That’s about to change, however, because I’m about to eat lunch: a steamy hot cup of chicken broth. Oh, yeah, look out tummy here it comes!

Perhaps the lack of sustenance is causing me to be a little over dramatic, but I’m light-headed and I swear I can feel my strength, my very life force, slowly slipping away. I’m sure I won’t be able to type for very much longer because the caloric demand of striking the keys is stealing energy from my brain. Soon, I’ll forget to breathe. The resulting lack of oxygen will most certainly cause me to lapse into a coma. I’ll probably die right here in front of the computer, hopefully, long before the procedure for which I am preparing for takes place.

Am I trying to lose weight? No. (My wife says she wants me to bulk up, but that’s fodder for another column.) Am I on a hunger strike in support of President Obama taking yet another summer vacation? (Hey, my president needs to be thoroughly rested and fresh before his next golf outing.) Certainly not. What I am doing is getting ready for something so unspeakably horrible that space aliens and human doctors normally render their victims, er patients, unconscious for the act.

I’m having a colonoscopy tomorrow.

According to the literature my doctor gave me, a colonoscopic examination is done by “inserting a long flexible lighted tube into the rectum and beyond.” It’s the whole “and beyond” part of that sentence that is especially disturbing to me. It almost sounds Star Trekish. Jeff’s Colon, The Final Frontier. The mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Frankly, I’d like to keep it that way.

Imagine this…

It’s early morning and you flip on the TV to see what’s going on in the world. Sure enough, there’s breaking news and a familiar Fox anchor holding a microphone says, “This is Geraldo Rivera reporting live from Jeff’s colon. This is truly an amazing day folks. Finally, after all these years, I think I’ve found the true location of Al Capone’s treasure.”

The whole point of having a colonoscopy is to look for polyps, which, I believe, are closely related to voles. My doctor says they’re the last things you want running around unchecked inside your colon. If a polyp is discovered during the examination, according to my patient information sheet, “a thin snare wire is passed through the colonoscope and the polyp is encircled. The snare is tightened and an electric current is passed through the wire, which cuts off the polyp.” The polyp (or vole) is then brought out of the colon and sent to the exterminator for further examination.

What I’m really worried about are possible complications of the colonoscopy and polypectomy (vole removal). They include perforation of the colon (jagged, gaping holes caused by the colonoscope crossing the center lane and skidding out of control), hemorrhage from the colon (mass exodus of polyps out the hole and into other areas of my body such as my cerebrum), and side effects due to the medicines that are given (sedatives, which I hope are given to me in extremely large quantities because I absolutely, under no circumstances, want to be awake for this). “In very rare circumstances,” says my literature, “death could result from a complication.”

That is, of course, if I survive the starvation diet and impending colon cleansing (an oxymoron if I ever heard one) which I have to perform in a few short hours.

To be continued…

BENTON COUNTY – Benton County residents have shared their photographic skills by taking pictures of people, events, and places throughout the county and submitting them to the “Photos of Benton County” contest.  You can vote for your favorite photos at www.bentoncountyiowa.com; until Wednesday, August 18^th at 3:00 pm; however, you can vote in person on August 19^th until 3 p.m. at Fifth Street Koffee Haus (102 East 5^th Street, Vinton).

The winning photos will be announced on Thursday, August 19, 2010, at Fifth Street Koffee Haus (102 East 5^th Street, Vinton) at 3:30 pm.

There will be two winners in each of the three categories as follows:

Adult amateur        – 1^st place, $50, 2^nd place, $25

Adult professional – 1^st place, $50, 2^nd place, $25

Youth (under 18) –   1^st place, $50,  2^nd place, $25

“Whether we’re trying to attract businesses, residents, or tourists; a picture of Benton County best conveys who and what we are,” said Benton Development Group Executive Director Ranae Becker.  “Benton Development Group wants to thank all of those who submitted the wonderful Benton County photos.”

The 2011 “Photos of Benton County” Contest will have a due date of June 16th so photos are available for voting at the 2011 Benton County Fair (BDG booth in the exhibition hall).  Please see the www.bentoncountyiowa.com website for additional details or call 319-472-5545.

Des Moines – This Labor Day weekend, Iowa law enforcement will join other sworn officers from across the country in stepping up enforcement efforts and cracking down on those who elect to drive drunk or impaired.  The Belle Plaine Police Department will be participating in this initiative. The problem of impaired-driving is a serious one.  While America witnessed a decline in the number of impaired-driving fatalities from 2007-2008, the numbers are still too high.  The crackdown on impaired driving, scheduled for August 24^th–September 6^th, is known by its tagline: Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

In 2009 Iowa reported 372 fatalities, of which 92 were alcohol related.  Nationally, in 2008 nearly 12,000 people died in crashes with a driver or motorcycle rider that was at or above the legal limit, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The group with the highest percent of alcohol impaired drivers in fatal crashes is young people ages 21-24.

“All too often, innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this reckless disregard for human life.  Because we’re committed to ending the carnage, we’re intensifying enforcement during the crackdown.  We’ll be especially vigilant during high-risk nighttime hours when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads,” said Iowa sTEP Coordinator Randy Hunefeld.

In every state and the District of Columbia it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.  Approximately 10,000 enforcement agencies will participate in this year’s mid-August through Labor Day crackdown, including law enforcement from every state, the District of Columbia, and thousands of U.S. cities and towns.

Violators often face jail time and the loss of their driver licenses or are sentenced to use ignition interlocks.  Their insurance rates also go up.  Other financial losses include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work and the potential loss of a job or job prospects.  When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

“Driving impaired is simply not worth all the consequences.  So don’t take the chance.  Remember, if you are over the limit, you will be under arrest,” said Hunefeld.

For more information, please visit www.iowagtsb.org and www.StopImpairedDriving.org or contact:

As they anticipated a busy and exciting next few months with the pending start of the downtown revitalization project, members of the Belle Plaine City Council tackled some routine fiscal matters at their meeting Monday night.

As they were meeting, the councilmen still had not heard formal word that the city would receive a $1.5 million I-Jobs grant. But in his report to the council, City Administrator Bill Daily predicted that “good news is on the horizon.” In fact, the news was released Monday evening that the city would receive the largest of seven I-Jobs grants going to cities in the Main Street program in Eastern Iowa. Daily did tell the council that if and when the grant was made, the city would have to act quickly to secure temporary easements from downtown property owners to begin the façade renovation portion of the project within a 60-day timetable.

During the formal business portion of the meeting, the council approved a partial payment of $9,825.03 to Denver Underground and Grading for the sanitary and storm sewer project. Daily later told the council that the company did a great job on the project.

The council also approved payments of $19,447.53 to Mechanical, Inc. and $35,528 to Ricchio Inc. for the aquatics center.

The item that drew some discussion was a proposal to renew the city’s agreement with Priority One of Cedar Rapids, the economic division of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce. The agency helps communities in the area secure new or expanded businesses. The agreement calls for a five-year commitment of $2,500 per year from the city.

Daily told the council that past councils have questioned the value of membership with the group. But he said it is another resource to help draw business to the city. When Benco Manufacturing was seeking help in expanding its business in the city from its original site, Priority One was very helpful in making the new building a reality, he said.

Councilman Garrison Reekers said he contacted the president of Priority One and was not satisfied that the group was very helpful to Belle Plaine. But other councilmen agreed that the group provides another resource to possible growth and the motion to approve the new agreement passed on a 3-1 vote, with Reekers opposing it. Councilman Marv DeRycke was absent.

Dan Dahlgren, a board member of the Belle Plaine Community Development Corporation, reported that the group is working on finding a new director. Resumes are being reviewed and interviews will follow.

Police Chief Kris Hudson reported that written and agility tests were administered to several candidates for the full-time officer’s position. He hopes to have a new officer on board by the end of the week. But none of the finalists are currently certified, meaning that whoever is hired will have to attend the law enforcement academy before assuming full duties.

The council voted to move the next meeting to Tuesday, Sept. 7, due to the Labor Day holiday. It also set the next committee of the whole session for Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.

Iowa Governor Chet Culver made it official late Monday – Belle Plaine has been awarded a $1.5 million I-Jobs grant for its downtown revitalization project. The award was part of a total of $13 million awarded to 24 projects across the state to communities in the Main Street Iowa program.

Belle Plaine’s award was by far the largest of the seven awards to go to Eastern Iowa Communities. The money will go toward facade renovations of more than 30 buildings in the downtown area.

One main stipulation of the funding is that work begin within 60 days of the announcement of the award and be completed within 18 months. Belle Plaine City Administrator Bill Daily told the Belle Plaine City Council Monday night that much work must be done quickly, including securing temporary easements from participating downtown property owners before the work can begin. He indicated that there is an outside chance that the 60 day stipulation might be eased, since the facade improvements must take into account historic preservation, one of the main requirements of participation in the Main Street Iowa program.

He told the council that the next few months will be very exciting in the city.

August 9. 3:50 p.m. – Ambulance assist in the 1400 block of Second Avenue.

August 10, 5:32 a.m. – Rodney Carlson, Belle Plaine, was cited for illegal burning in the 500 block of 15^th Street.

August 10, 10:08 a.m. – Corey Ranberger, 39, of Belle Plaine was arrested at the Belle Plaine probation office on an outstanding warrant from Iowa County. He was transported to the Iowa County Jail.

August 10, 11:40 a.m. – A subject selling magazines door to door in the 1600 block of 11^th Avenue was located and warned to cease the practice until city permits were obtained.

August 10, 8 p.m. – Justin Patterson reported harassment at Zip Mart. No charges were filed.

August 11, 5:33 p.m. – A hit and run accident in the Ice House parking lot remains under investigation. A 2005 Chevrolet Impala sustaned less than $200 in damage in the incident.

August 12, 1:51 p.m. – Police assisted with an accident at the intersection of Highway 30 and 21.

August 12, 6:55 p.m. – Two windows were reportedly broken at 8:26 12^th Street.

August 12, 8:33 p.m. – Subjects were reportedly throwing fireworks from a vehicle in the vicinity of Eighth Avenue and Ninth Street. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle.

August 15, 12:53 a.m. – Minimal damage was reported to a vehicle driven by Andrew Markham, Belle Plaine. It was involved in a car-deer accident south of the city on Highway 21.

August 15, 9:20 p.m. – Charges are pending against an individual in an alleged violation of a protective order at 1509 ½ Sixth Avenue. The incident remains under investigation.

August 16, 3:30 a.m. – Damage to a newspaper vending machine was reported at Zip Mart.

August 16, 11 a.m. – Hila Mitchell, Belle Plaine, was cited for striking an unattended vehicle when her 1995 Pontiac Bonneville backed into a parked 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, owned by Bryon Palmer, Cedar Rapids in the 1200 block of Eighth Avenue. There was minimal damage to the Mitchell vehicle and Palmer’s vehicle sustained approximately $1,500 in damage.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Our temporary reprieve from last week’s heat and humidity came just in time to give us the opportunity to venture out from our air conditioned homes for a number of meetings and other activities this week in and around the city.

Today (Monday) is school registration day in the Belle Plaine Community Schools. Register your student today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the junior-senior high school. Student pictures will also be taken today.

This afternoon, the Belle Plaine City Council meets in its monthly committee of the whole session at 5 p.m. and then the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall. During the committee of the whole session, councilmen will discuss school bus alley traffic in the Longfellow School area, a drainage tile situation in the Sunset Drive area and a discussion of trick or treat hours.

The council will consider several routine matters during the formal session at 6 p.m. Some of the items on the agenda include payments for the sanitary and storm sewer project and the aquatics center, approval of a five-year membership in Priority One, consideration of rescheduling the first September council meeting to Tuesday, Sept. 7 due to the Labor Day holiday, setting the date for the next committee of the whole meeting and reports from Belle Plaine Community Development and the police department. The city administrator is scheduled to report on the downtown revitalization project and the Ninth Avenue sanitary sewer project.

Other meetings this week include the Belle Plaine Community Development Promotions Committee at 5:15 p.m. Monday at Iowa Mold and the cemetery board meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the community center.

On Wednesday, the Belle Plaine Board of Education will meet at a special time, 5:30 p.m. at the administration center at Longfellow Elementary School. Some of the items on the agenda include personnel matters, approval of the sale of adult activity tickets, elementary student handbook and curriculum for the upcoming school year and a tour or the new school facilities.

This week also marks the end of the first season of the aquatics center. The season ends Sunday with the traditional doggie dip.