July 19, 4:15 p.m. – A search warrant was executed at 107 11^th Street on a previous complaint of too many pets at the residence. The occupant was in compliance and no charges were filed.

July 19, 7:55 p.m. – Police responded to the 700 block of Ninth Avenue for a neighbor dispute. No charges were filed.

July 19, 8:20 p.m. – Ambulance assist in the 1400 block of 12^th Avenue.

July 19, 9:40 p.m. – Officers were called to 402 11^th Street on a report of harassment. The report was unfounded.

July 19, 10 p.m. – Zip Mart reported a gas theft. The incident remains under investigation.

July 20, 1:44 p.m. – Police received a report of phone harassment from a Belle Plaine juvenile. The incident remains under investigation.

July 20, 9:25 p.m. – Police received a noise complaint in the 400 block of 11^th Street. The party was warned.

July 21, 2:40 a.m. – Officers assisted a stranded motorist in the 1000 block of Seventh Avenue.

July 21, 4:11 p.m. – Lou Ford, Belle Plaine, reported identity theft.

July 21, 5:40 p.m. – Ambulance assist in the 1300 block of Eighth Avenue.

July 23, 3:06 p.m. – Wayne Michael Mussman, 20, Belle Plaine, was cited for driving while under suspension following a traffic stop in the 600 block of 15^th Street.

July 25, 7:45 p.m. – Nathan Lee Kurth, 25, Belle Plaine, was arrested in the 800 block of 12^th Street and charged with third offense public intoxication. He was transported to the Benton County Jail.

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

As we begin the last full week of July, we are reminded through the various back to school sales from many retailers that summer is quickly coming to an end.

There are only a few activities on the local calendar this week. On Tuesday, Greg Johnson, district representative for Congressman Leonard Boswell, will be in Belle Plaine for community members to meet with him from 11 a.m. To noon at City Hall. Anyone with concerns that they feel the congressman may be able to help with are encouraged to stop by and talk with Johnson during this time.

The Belle Plaine Community Library Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the library.

Activities on Wednesday include the Community Center Board meeting at 5 p.m. At the community center and family night at the aquatics center from 7-9 p.m.

Enjoy these last few days of summer fun!

HOURS

Monday through Thursday: 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Friday 10:00-4:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00-4:00

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Find  our website, at  www.belleplaine.lib.ia.us If you would like to sign up for a password to be able to renew materials from home, you need to come to the library to set one up. Check out the photo tab and see pictures for the summer program!

Book sale: The next used book sale will goes through July 24th, during regular library hours.

Book Clubs: On July 20th  at 70:00 we will be discussing “Black and Blue” by Anna Quindlen. If  you would like a book to read, please come to the library to get one. If you need more information, call Kristi at 444-2902.

Find us..on facebook. Let us know what YOU would like to see the library do.  This is a GREAT place to go for the latest library news!! CHECK IT OUT!

New Materials:

Magazines: We have about 80 different magazines available for check out. Stop in and see the selection!

Adult Fiction: “In The Name of Honor” by Richard North Patterson,  “The Devil Amongst the Lawyers” by Sharyn McCrumb, “Cross Roads” by Fern Michaels, “Beachcombers” by Nancy Thayer, “Nashville Noir” by Jessica Fletcher, “Every Last One” by Anna Quindlen, “Stay a Little Longer” by Dorothy Garlock, “Seeds of Summer’ by Deborah Vogts, and “A Christmas Visitor” by Thomas Kinkade.

Young Adult Fiction: “Passing Strange” by Daniel Waters, “My Invisible Boyfriend” by Susie Day,

Junior Fiction: “Theordore Boone: Kid Lawyer” by John Grisham, “97 Ways to Train a Dragon” by Kate McMullan , “The Sword Thief” by Peter Lerangis, and “Dead Guy Spy” by David Lubar.

Adult Non Fiction: “The Death and Life of the Great American School System” by Diane Ravitch, “The Art Detective: Fakes, Frauds, and Finds and the Search for Lost Treasure” by Philip Mould,  and “Psychic: My Life in Two Worlds” by Sylvia Browne.

Children’s Fiction: “The Goose Man: The Story of Konrad Lorenz, and “Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School’ by Herman Parish..

“Large Print: “Burn” by Linda Howard, and “House Rules” by Jodi Picoult.

Junior Non Fiction: “Sudden Infant Death Syndrom” by Peggy Parks, “The Boats of the Past” by Mark beyer, “Wheels and Axles” by Kay Manolis, and “Air Force Air Commandos” by Jack David.

“DVD’s: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, “The Twilight Sage: New Moon”, “Dora The Explaorer: Dora’s First Trip”,”The Green Berets”.

Music CD: “Celine Dion: One Heart.

Book on CD: “Big Jack’ by J.D. Robb.

Check-out and download popular audio books, and now even e-books online, anytime, anywhere.  NEIBORS. The service is free, easy-to-use, and best of all, available anytime from anywhere in the world. Call or stop in and talk to Kristi if you’d like more information.

Students attending classes in the Belle Plaine Community School District this fall will notice a lot of new and different things – expanded facilities at both attendance centers, more than $100,000 in new computers and software, a revised student handbook and a new principal.

During its regular meeting Wednesday night, the Belle Plaine Board of Education tackled a wide range of topics. Principal Dennis Phelps submitted his resignation after two years in the district. He has accepted the post of superintendent in the Harmony School District in southeast Iowa. Jamie Harmening, an elementary special education teacher, also submitted her resignation. She is moving to the Cedar Rapids School District.

Superintendent Bill Lynch said the process of replacing Phelps began with the board’s acceptance of his resignation. The job opening will be posted in the district as the next step. He said he is confident the district will find a competent replacement. At Wednesday’s meeting, he thanked both Phelps and Harmening for their service.

In other personnel news, the board approved the appointments of Ryan Ridout as assistant boys’ basketball coach and Nick Gallagher as assistant wrestling coach.

Contracts were approved for support staff and food service personnel with a three percent increase in the package. The board also approved the contract with the Belle Plaine Education association for the district’s teachers. The new contract calls for an addition of $250 to the base salary, with extracurricular salaries calculated off of the new base. The district will continue to pay single health insurance premiums plus $190 per month toward family coverage.

Lynch reported on the progress of construction at both the Longfellow and junior-senior high school buildings. He said while the buildings will not be completely finished by the first day of school, the new classrooms and other facilities will be in use. He said some of the things to be completed will include outside site work, including landscaping and playgrounds. The good news for students and teachers working in the buildings early in the school year is that all classrooms in the district will now be air conditioned.

The superintendent presented a list of computer hardware and software that the district will be able to purchase thanks to its share of a settlement of a class action lawsuit against Microsoft. Belle Plaine will receive $105,628.30. The high school will receive 33 new laptop computers and more than $25,000 in software. At the junior high, 10 laptop computers will be purchased, along with $7,389 in software.

At the elementary level, there will be 26 new computers for the lab and more than $20,000 in software.

Lynch and activities director Greg Walton also told the board that Chelsea Savings Bank has agreed to donate money for the purchase of a new football scoreboard at the high school, at a cost of approximately $15,000. The scoreboard will also have a stopwatch feature for track meets.

The board also gave its final approval for the creation of an alternative school. The class will be shared with the HLV School District and will be housed in the Victor building. Kirkwood Community College will assist in the curriculum for the program, which is expected to serve at least 13 students. The total budget for the first year of the program will be $75,538.40, with the cost split between the two districts. Lynch also said that this will be a structured program and transportation will be provided.

The board also approved revisions to the student handbooks. Revisions were made to the good conduct policy, outlining penalties for use of alcohol or tobacco or other infractions. Students found in violation of the policy will no longer be able to assume leadership roles, such as team captains, homecoming or prom royalty, etc. for one year.

In other action, the board approved bids from Sara Lee Bakery and Anderson Erickson for food products for the upcoming year and with Heartland Co-op for fuel for district vehicles. The board also approved the annual trip by FFA members to the national convention in Indianapolis in October.

Belle Plaine’s downtown revitalization project may finally be weeks away from getting underway. At Monday’s Belle Plaine City Council work session, City Administrator Bill Daily said an offer has been made for a possible $1.5 million I-Jobs grant for façade renovation. Daily said the offer now moves into final negotiations, that nothing is definite and that it “is not a done deal.”

The state would provide the funding only for renovations of the facades of downtown buildings that are a part of the program. Earlier, property owners were asked to sign a temporary easement as a part of the application for a Community Development Block Grant. The city received $500,000 from that program. If the I-Jobs grant is awarded, that would mean more than $2.3 million in public dollars would be available for the approximately 35 downtown storefronts in the program.

Daily said there are strict limitations on the I-Jobs grant. Work would have to begin within 60 days of the final award and be completed within 18 months. There are no extensions for completion of the work, he said. And if the work is not completed in that time, the city would be liable for the total award.

Architects are already working on designs for the façade improvements. But if the grant is received, the city would have to act fast to solicit bids, approve them and award contracts within the allotted 60 days.

Even with the award, the project would be $500,000-$600,000 short of the initial estimate of the entire streetscape project, he said. But councilmen suggested that some of the items that would have been paid for with those funds could be postponed until some of the improvements are paid for.

During the regular meeting, the council approved a recommendation from Chief Kris Hudson to promote Officer Amy Baldus to a full-time position with the police department. He said that he and Daily had interviewed another prospect for the remaining open position and background checks on the applicant are underway.

The council approved payments on a couple of homes in the housing rehabilitation program, approved a payment of just over $110,000 for the storm sewer improvement project and reviewed a report from aquatics center Anna Upah. She reported that attendance and revenue has greatly improved from last year. She has initiated private pool parties, teen nights and kids’ parties for more use of the new facility.

She also reported that the high dive is currently closed, due to structural problems. Manufacturers and installers are discussing how to fix the problem.

She also proposed that the center close for general use for the season on August 21, with the traditional “doggie dip” set for Sunday, Aug. 22.

Two Belle Plaine city employees have been honored for their work. At Monday’s Belle Plaine City Council meeting, City Clerk Kaye Buch was honored for her 20 years of service with the city. She received a plaque, flowers and a cake from city staff and council members.

Also at the meeting, it was announced that City Administrator Bill Daily has been selected to receive a 2010 Governor’s Volunteer Award for his “outstanding commitment and service.” He was nominated for the award by Jane Seaton of the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

July 12, 5:17 p.m. – A Belle Plaine male juvenile was cited for driving while under suspension during a traffic stop in the 1200 block of First Street.

July 13, 11:35 a.m. – A resident at 1114 13^th Street reported telephone fraud. The person was informed that she had won a sweepstakes and was directed to send $2,000 to a California address. Belle Plaine Police urge anyone who receives a similar phone call to hang up, it’s a scam.

July 14, 10:50 a.m. – Police were called to 402 11^th Street for a civil matter.

July 14, 12:42 p.m. – Police received two reports of a person selling meat from the back of a truck, first in the 1800 block of 10^th Avenue then on Sunset Drive. The person apparently did not have a permit for sales. Officers were unable to locate the subject.

July 14, 8:45 p.m. – Ambulance assist in the 1300 block of Eighth Avenue.

July 15, 8:34 a.m. – Criminal mischief was reported at the True Value store where a window was broken.

July 15, 4:10 p.m. – Brittany Goers, Belle Plaine, reported that a friend had taken her car without her consent from the 1000 block of Seventh Avenue. The vehicle was later recovered and the owner refused to press charges.

July 15, 5 p.m. – Criminal mischief was reported in the 900 block of 11^th Street where paint was sprayed on a building.

July 15, 7:40 p.m. – Officers were asked to assist the Benton County Sheriff’s Department on a report of shots fired at 1378 78^th Street Trail. They were unable to locate the source of the report.

July 15, 9:35 p.m. – A dog was reported missing from the 300 block of 10^th Street.

July 16, 12:30 p.m. – An erratic driver was reported northbound on Highway 21 on the south edge of the city. But officers were unable to locate anyone fitting the description.

July 17, 10:30 p.m. – Steven Rethman reported criminal mischief to his vehicle in the 600 block of Third Street. In the subsequent investigation, Joseph Moore, 20, of Williamsburg was arrested for criminal mischief in the fifth degree and disorderly conduct. He was taken to the Benton County Jail.

July 19, 12:13 p.m. – Vehicle unlock in the 800 block of 12^th Street.

July 19, 12:45 p.m. – Officers investigated a report of animal neglect at 1514 Sixth Avenue. The report was unfounded.

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

The National Weather Service is predicting another steamy week in the Belle Plaine area this week, with at least the chance of showers and thunderstorms each day through Sunday and temperatures remaining in the low to mid 80s or above. So this might be a good week to spend some time in the air conditioned confines of meeting rooms around the city to learn a little bit more about what your local leaders are doing to make this an even better place to live.

This afternoon (Monday) the Belle Plaine City Council will meet twice, first in a work session at 5 p.m. and then in the formal council session at 6 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public and will take place in the always cool and comfortable City Hall chambers.

Items on the work session agenda include discussion on possible purchase of property for development near the airport, plans for the downtown revitalization project and discussion on curb cuts in the area of the new storm sewer project on the north side of 11^th Street near Ninth Avenue.

At first glance, the agenda for the formal council meeting appears to be a long one. But many of the items pertain to authorization of payments for various projects underway or completed in the city. There will be consideration of the third and final readings of ordinances governing wind energy systems in the city and division of the taxes collected in the urban renewal area.

The council will be asked to approve a recommendation from Police Chief Kris Hudson to promote Amy Baldus to full-time police officer status. There will be reports from the chief and from Jeanne Duffy, director of the Belle Plaine Community Development Corporation (BPCDC) and from City Administrator Bill Daily.

On Tuesday, the BPCDC’s promotions committee meets at 5:15 p.m. On Wednesday, the Belle Plaine Partners for Beautification will meet at 5 p.m. at the Community Center.

Another lengthy agenda awaits those who attend the Belle Plaine Board of Education meeting at Longfellow Elementary School at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Many of the items on the agenda deal with business normally considered this time of year – issuance of contracts, other personnel items including acceptance of the agreement with the Belle Plaine Education Association, acceptance of bids for bakery, milk and fuel products and several reports including district goals, review of test scores, preschool program and Microsoft settlement funds.

Let’s hope the rainy weather disappears in time for the weekly men’s slow pitch softball games, scheduled for 4-8 p.m. at Franklin Park. It’s a good chance to come out and watch some of the guys who played high school baseball on the same field in past years to see how much of the skills they developed years ago still survive.

Friends and family of Janice Hinschberger are seeking donations for a benefit to be held in September. On Memorial Day weekend, Hinschberger was riding when she fell from her horse, landing on her head and left side. She suffered major injuries, including a brain hemorage, broken collarbone, cracked ribs and a bruised lung. She is currently recovering at St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, in the rehab center. She will soon be going home, but will require 24-hour care.

She and her husband, Jim, are the parents of three daughters and grandparents of four. One of her daughters postponed her marriage to be with her mother and another daughter will be a senior at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School this fall.

The benefit will be held Sept. 19 at the Belle Plaine Country Club. It will include a nine-hole, four-person best shot golf tournament, silent and live auctions and bake sale. Organizers are seeking items for the auctions and the bake sale. Monetary donations to also help with the ongoing medical expenses may be sent to Chelsea Savings Bank or MidWestOne Bank in the name of the Janice Hinschberger Benefit.

Anyone with questions or who would like to donate their time, goods or services may contact one of the following:

Kim Hinschberger, 319-444-3056, kimerhinsch@yahoo.com

Kelly Hinschberger, 319-444-3834, husker4@netins.net

Mari Grieder, 319-444-2989, mgrieder@netins.net

Terri Jo Hinschberger, 319-444-2060, t.hinschberger@mchsi.com

Berta Jacobi, 319-444-3994, jrjacobi@netins.net

Jamie Hinschberger, 319-361-0466, jamie-hinschberger@uiowa.edu

Belle Plaine Country Club, 319-444-3113

Several contracts for employees in the Belle Plaine Community School District were approved at a special meeting Thursday night and school officials indicated that a tentative agreement has been reached with the teachers’ association on a new pact.

Contracts for board secretary Stacey Kolars, maintenance dirctor Rod Blount and transportation director Jan Kaplan were approved. Each will receive a 2.8 percent increase for the upcoming year.

Superintendent Bill Lynch indicated that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Belle Plaine Education Association and he indicated it could be on the agenda for board approval at next week’s regular meeting. Before the agreement was announced the two sides were heading for binding arbitration on the contract.

Following the contract approval, the board went into a work session to discuss the junior-senior high student handbook. Board members went over each page of the proposed handbook, making several changes in language and reviewing the good conduct policy and cell phone use policy.