With temperatures forecast to hit the 90 degree mark this weekend, organizers of the second annual Belle Plaine Ambulance Sweet Corn and Hog Roast Festival are hoping to draw a good crowd to lower Franklin Park.

The festival will run from 3-11 p.m. Saturday and feature plenty of food and beverages for all ages, music, kids games, a slow pitch men’s softball marathon tournament and a raffle.

Admission is $5 for adults, with those 17 and under admitted free. Included in the admission price is the entertainment and a raffle entry for several prizes.

Food will be available for sale and will include sweet corn, a hog roast, burgers and hot dogs. A special outdoor sales beer permit was obtained during a special meeting of the Belle Plaine City Council Thursday night, so there will be beverages for all ages available.

Music will be provided by Frank Burr from 5-6 p.m. and the Smooth Maneuvers Band from 7-11 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will go to help purchase a heart monitor for one of the ambulance units. Ambulance staff members indicated that the current heart monitor is out of date and a new one could cost up to $26,000.

“What will cash rental rates look like for the 2011 crop year?” has been a much-asked question recently. Setting cash rent in stable times is hard enough. Setting cash rent with volatile prices for corn and soybeans, input cost, and land values is even more difficult.

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension is offering Farm Land Leasing workshops on Thursday, August 12^th 9:30 am or 1:30 pm at the Clarion Inn 180 Exit 225, Amana.  Also Tuesday, August 17th, 7:00 pm at the Linn County Extension Office, 3279 7^th Ave., Suite 140 in Marion.

Jim Jensen, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, will be the presenter. According to Jensen, “The 2010 Extension Cash Rental Survey is out and will be discussed as well as the profit potential for tenants.” Cash rents typically reflect profitability the previous year.  Margins are getting tighter which will probably lead to a longer negotiation process.

Jensen will be discussing land values, leasing practices, and lead an interactive discussion on methods to calculate cash rent.   Jensen stated, “The most frequent stumbling block for setting a cash rental rate is determining the land quality of the farm”.  Rents on various quality soils and ways to determine land quality will be discussed.

The Farm Land Leasing workshop cost is $25 per person, and includes the 2010 Farm Leasing Arrangement booklet and copies of the presentation. To pre-register call the Benton County Extension Office at 319- 472- 4739. Registration cost can be paid at the door approximately 30 minutes before the workshop begins. For those that register after August 8^th (Amana) or August 13^th (Linn County) or at the meeting, a $5 late registration fee will be added.

Two special public meetings have been scheduled for tonight (Thursday) in Belle Plaine. At 6 p.m., the Belle Plaine City Council will meet at City Hall and at 6:30 p.m. the Belle Plaine Board of Education has scheduled a meeting for the administration center at Longfellow Elementary School.

The sole item on the agenda for the city council is approval of a special events beer and outdoor service license for the American Legion Post 39 for the Belle Plaine Ambulance hog roast Saturday at Franklin Park.

The board of education will consider the approval of employment contracts for “certain staff members” for the upcoming school year and will hold a work session to discuss the junior-senior high school student handbook.

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!

Summer reading programs: Prizes may be claimed through July 10^th.  A ‘program Finale” is June 30^th at 7:00 at the Belle Plaine Aquatic Center, with a swimming party and food.

“Book sale: The next used book sale will begin  July 9^th, and will be during regular library hours. We are now accepting books for the sale that are in good repair.

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: “The Spy” by Clive Cussler, “Though Waters Roar” by Lynn Austin, “Blue-Eyed Devil” by Robert Parker, “Death Echo” by Elizabeth Lowell, “Frankenstein” by Dean Koontz, “Dead in the family” by Charlaine Harris, “Return to Sender” by Fern Michaels, “Whiplash’ by Catherine Coulter, and “Murder on Waverly Place” by Victoria Thompson.

Young Adult Fiction: “The Vampires Assistant: and Other Tales from the Cirque Du Freak” by Darren Shan, and “The Year I Turned Sixteen” by Diane Schwemm.

Junior Fiction: The True Meaning of Smekday” by Adam Rex, “The Cabinet of Wonders” by Marie Rutkoski, “Playing for Keeps” by Suzanne Weyn,”The Roar” by Emma Clayton,  and ‘Cinderella Cleaners: Prep Cool” by  Maya Gold.

Adult Non Fiction: “The Plumbers Troubleshooting Guide” by Dodge Woodson, and “The Healthy College Cookbook” by Alexandra Nimetz.

Children’s Fiction: “When Jack Goes Out” by Pat Schories, and “Kay Thompson’s Eloise” by Kay Thompson.

“Large Print: “Change of Heart” by Jodi Picoult, and ‘A Wedding in December” by Nita Shreve.

Junior Non Fiction: “AIDS and other Epidemics” by Carol Ballard, and “The Astounding Nervous System” by John Burstein.

“DVD’s: “SpongeBob SquarePants:Who Bob Wants Pants”, “Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis Play the Music Ray Charles”, and ‘The Proposal”.

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.

July 7, 1:15 p.m. – Subjects in a white van were reportedly selling vacuum cleaners door to door in the 1000 block of 19^th Street. Officers were unable to locate them.

July 7, 6:30 p.m. – Officers were called to Franklin Park on a complaint that some teens were riding around in the park in a golf cart, tearing up the grass. There was minimal damage. Their parents were informed. No charges were filed.

July 8, 9 a.m. – Justin Lee Patterson, 416 11^th Street, was arrested on a Benton County warrant for failure to appear. He was transported to the Benton County Jail.

July 8, 11:15 a.m. – Several juveniles were reportedly fighting in Williams Park. Their parents were informed and no charges were filed.

July 8, 6:08 p.m. – Ambulance assist in the 900 block of 10^th Avenue.

July 8, 7:16 p.m. – Harassment was reported at 416 11^th Street.

July 8, 8 p.m. – A stray dog was picked up in the 500 block of 17^th Street and taken to Countryside Veterinary Clinic.

July 8, 8:23 p.m. – Rodney Allyn Waldrop, 34, of Marengo was cited for reckless driving after he was allegedly observed nearly striking a family that was on foot in the Country Foods parking lot. A passenger in the vehicle was cited for failure to wear a seat belt.

July 8, 11:35 p.m. – Two male juveniles were cited for curfew violations at 13^th Street and Ninth Avenue. They were released to their parents.

July 9, 2:40 p.m. – Ambulance assist in the 1500 block of Second Avenue.

July 9, 6:15 p.m. – Officers responded to the 700 block of 10^th Street on a report of a suicidal subject.

July 11, 12:15 a.m. – A broken window was reported in the 800 block of 12^th Street. The incident remains under investigation.

July 11, 1:42 a.m. – Officers responded to 10^th Avenue and 14^th Street on a report of a subject lying in the street. Tyler Hartz, 23, Belle Plaine, was arrested for public intoxication and transported to the Benton County Jail.

July 11, 11:04 a.m. – A two-car accident at Fourth Avenue and 13^th Street resulted in $2,000 damage to an Oldsmobile Cutlass driven by Carl Anthony, 82, of Brooklyn and $7,000 in damage to a Chevy Impala, driven by Ruth Lyman, 87, of Belle Plaine. There were no injuries and no charges were filed.

July 11, 5:$0 p.m. – A report of harassment at 1518 Fifth Avenue remains under investigation.

July 12, 12:13 a.m – Ambulance assist in the 800 block of Seventh Street.

July 12, 12:50 a.m. – Charges are pending for disturbing the peace following a noise complaint at 708 Ninth Avenue.

July 12, 7:56 a.m. – A stray cat was picked up at 913 Sixth Avenue and taken to the veterinary clinic.

The Belle Plaine Police Department is issuing a reminder of the city’s curfew ordinance. Anyone under the age of 18 must not be on the street between 11 p.m. And 5 a.m. On Sunday through Thursday or midnight through 5 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Exceptions will be made for those people on church or school functions or out due to their employment or those accompanied by a parent or guardian. Violation of the ordinance is punishable by a scheduled fine of $85 and $85 in court costs.

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

With the end of the summer high school sports season, one would think that this would be a time to take a deep breath before the start of fall activities in the local area. But there are still plenty of activities on the community calendar this week to keep us all busy.

Tonight (Monday) the Planning and Zoning Board is slated to meet at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Tuesday, the design committee meets at City Hall at 5:15 p.m.

On Wednesday, There will be a couple of special activities at the Belle Plaine Aquatics Center. Family night will run from 7-9 p.m. All children must be accompanied by a parent or adult. The diving boards are closed during this period, allowing for swimming in the entire pool area. Then from 9-11 p.m. the pool is open to young people in grades 7-12 for Teen Night, at a special $2 rate.

Saturday afternoon, the second annual Belle Plaine Ambulance hog roast fund raiser begins at 5 p.m. at Franklin Park.

On Sunday, Chris Vokum will present a slide show entitled “Historic Homes in Belle Plaine” at 2 p.m. at the Belle Plaine Museum.

June 21, 8:15 a.m. – Daniel Brodie, 39, was arrested at 701 10^th Street and charged with violation of a protective order. He was taken to the Benton County Jai.

June 22, 1:03 p.m. – A Belle Plaine female juvenile was referred to juvenile authorities on a charge of fifth degree theft after items were allegedly taken from the Belle Plaine Pharmacy.

June 22, 2:51 p.m. – The burglary of personal items from 1614 Tenth Avenue remains under investigation.

June 23, 11 a.m. – Ambulance assist in the 1400 block of 12^th Avenue.

June 23, 7:02 p.m. – Ambulance assist at 210 Seventh Avenue.

June 24, 2:55 p.m. – Acting on a complaint of door-to-door salesmen in the 1600 block of Tenth Avenue, a subject was directed to obtain a permit from City Hall and to stop sales until the permit was obtained.

June 24, 3:30 p.m. – The Cedar Rapids Police Department requested assistance in regard to the theft of a purse from Wal-Mart in Cedar Rapids. But it was later determined that the suspect was a resident of Iowa County and the matter was referred to Iowa County officials.

June 25, 9:20 a.m. – Theft of golf clubs was reported in the 1600 block of Seventh Avenue. The matter remains under investigation.

June 25, 11 a.m. – Officers assisted in a civil matter at 1106 13^th Street.

June 25, 6:06 p.m. – Harassment was reported in the 900 block of 14^th Street. A subject was warned.

June 25, 7:19 p.m. – A civil dispute was reported in the 700 block of Ninth Avenue.

June 25, 8:51 p.m. – A reckless drive was reported to be southbound on Highway 21 coming into the city. No such vehicle was found.

June 25, 8:54 p.m. – Ambulance assist in the 1500 block of Fourth Avenue.

June 25, 10:05 p.m. – Texting harassment was reported in the 900 block of Sixth Avenue.

June 26, 12:15 a.m. – Two female juveniles were released to family members after being cited for curfew violations following a traffic stop in the 900 block of Eighth Avenue.

June 26, 12:30 a.m. – A stray dog was reported in the 200 block of 11^th Street, but had been retrieved and taken inside before officers arrived.

June 27, 8:52 p.m. – Richard Kesl, belle Plaine, was arrested at 7828 11^th Avenue Trail following a traffic stop. He was charged with driving while barred and taken to the Benton County Jail.

June 28, 9:45 a.m. – Police removed a snake from a residence at 501 Eighth Street.

June 28, 4:45 p.m. – Daniel Brodie, Belle Plaine, was charged with three counts of violation of a protective order and a charge of harassment. Officials at the Kollmorgen, Schlue and Zahradnik Law offices reported that Brodie was following a protected party. He was later apprehended in Brooklyn and Poweshiek Sheriff’s deputies returned him to Belle Plaine. He was then taken to the Benton County Jail.

June 29, 2:05 a.m. – A female juvenile was cited for a curfew violation in the 500 block of 13^th Street. She was released to her mother.

June 29, 9:50 a.m. – Criminal mischief – damage to city property – was reported in the 800 block of 11^th Street. The matter remains under investigation.

June 29, 11:45 p.m. – Harassment was reported in the 1000 block of Seventh Avenue. A subject was warned.

June 30, 12:33 a.m. – A false alarm was sounded at Viet Auto Repair, 1002 Third Avenue.

July 1, no time listed – Residents at 408 16^th Street were served with a notice demanding that they reduce the number of dogs at their residence to comply with city code.

July 1 – A complaint of the discharge of fireworks in the 1700 block of Ninth Avenue prompted a warning to subjects in the area.

July 1, 2 a.m. – One subject was cited and released for being a person under legal age in possession of alcohol following a traffic stop at 12^th Avenue and 13^th Street.

July 3, 12:45 a.m. – Police assisted the Benton County Sheriff’s Department on a report of a female walking in the ditch along a roadway east of the city. They were unable to locate anyone.

July 3, 2:40 a.m. – A noise complaint was reported at 1407 Fifth Avenue. Subjects were warned.

July 3, 11:25 p.m. – Brent Bennett, Tama, was arrested at Eighth Avenue and 13^th Street and charged with public intoxication. He was taken to the Benton County Jail.

July 4, 12:30 a.m. – Ambulance assist at the Office Tavern.

July 4, 2:03 a.m. – James Jacobi, 55, of Belle Plaine was charged with OWI-first offense following a traffic stop at 13^th Avenue and Eighth Street. He was taken to the Benton County Jail.

July 5, 7:30 a.m. – A theft from the residence at1109 15^th Street remains under investigation.

July 5, 9:45 a.m. – A suspected shoplifter was reported at Belle Plaine Pharmacy. Nothing was found.

July 6, 8:57 p.m. – A stray cat was picked up at 508 16^th Street and taken to Countryside Veterinary Clinic.

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

Resignations of two of the city’s four full-time police officers and consideration of bids for a new squad car were two items of considerable discussion at Tuesday’s Belle Plaine City Council meeting.

Officers Chris Shine and Matt Aicher resigned, as both have accepted positions in larger departments. Shine is going to North Liberty and Aicher has been hired by Polk City. Both officers were hired within the last five years. Councilman Garrison Reekers thanked the officers for their service, which prompted some comments from Mayor Jim Daily.

Reekers originally came to this area to be a Belle Plaine Police officer. But he was subsequently hired as a Benton County Sheriff’s deputy. Daily agreed that Shine and Aichers had been good officers, but he said, “It bothers me when they don’t keep their promises.” The officers sign agreements that if they are hired and then sent to the law enforcement academy at the city’s expense, they must work for the city for a specified time or reimburse the city for a portion of their training expenses.

The police department is actively seeking replacements for the officers. Chief Kris Hudson indicated that one of the positions has been filled and he is reviewing applications for the other position. In the meantime, reserve officers are being used to fill out the schedule.

The council considered bids from two local car dealers and a dealer from Ankeny for a new patrol car. Grieder Motors of Belle Plaine and Karl Chevrolet of Ankeny offered bids on Chevy Impalas. The Grieder bid was for a 2011 model, while the Karl bid was for a 2010 model, both new cars. Karl also included quotes for a Chevy Tahoe and a Silverado.

The apparent low bid came from Johnson Motors of Belle Plaine for a 2010 Dodge Charger with police package. That bid was $21,533. City officials will confirm some details of the bid before final acceptance.

In other action, the council approved the appointment of James Kurovsky to fill the remaining term for third ward councilman. Kurovski was the lone applicant for the position, which was vacated by Jason Parizek. He had defeated Kurovsky for the position by a narrow margin. Councilman Marv DeRycke echoed the sentiment of several councilmen when he told Kurovsky that he had done a good job when he previously served on the council and he was glad to see him return. Daily then administered the oath of office and Kurovsky joined the council.

The council approved an allocation of $10,000 in matching funds for a proposed purchase of some farm land to be used for a nature preserve and park. The Belle Plaine Partners for Beautification is seeking a grant from the state Resource Enhancement and Protection program. The acreage on the south side of the city, now owned by the Jim Pech family, is priced at $51,000. The council approved the city contribution if the group receives the REAP grant.

A request from Mr. and Mrs. Rich Tomkins for more time to find a home for a foster dog was denied by the council. The couple has two dogs of their own and are taking care of another German Shepherd for family members on vacation. They asked to be allowed to house a fourth dog until a suitable home could be found. But councilmen told them that a previous request by another couple had been denied, since the number of dogs would exceed the limit set in city code. Councilmen said they were sympathetic to the plight of the Tomkins couple and commended them for wanting to help place animals. But they said they would be unable to grant an extension and the couple has 48 hours to reduce the number of dogs at their residence.

In his report to the council, City Administrator Bill Daily said that the Ninth Avenue storm sewer project is nearing completion. He also reported that no word has yet been received on the city’s request for I-Jobs funding for the downtown revitalization project. But he said if the city receives the grant, it will have to be used this year. He also reported that an architect will visit the city to assess the amount of work needed to remove canopies that are supported on the city right-of-way and to patch up the facades of the buildings.

Daily said for over a year, downtown property owners have known that the canopies would eventually becoming down and those who opted not to participate in the city’s repair program will have to repair the fronts of their buildings at their own expense.

Winners of raffle prizes awarded during the weekend by the Belle Plaine Fourth of July Committee have been announced. The list of donors, prizes and recipients is shown below. The list is also posted at City Hall, Country Foods, MidWestOne Bank and Motor Bank, Chelsea Savings Bank, True Value Hardware and Drahn Insurance Agency.

The prizes may be picked up at Drahn Insurance Agency.

American Legion Post 39, American flag, Janice Breja; Belle Plaine Bowl, two free games each, Gloria Feuerbach, Mike Duncalf, Halle VanScoyoc, Jim Shutts and Kayla Steuart; Belle Plaine Country Club, two rounds of golf with cart, Carol Wilcox; Fourth of July Committee, boys’ bike, Mark Breja, girls’ bike, Diane Bringman, barbecue gas grill, Orie Brown.

Fourth of July Committee and Belle Plaine Lumber: Kreg jig master system, Stacey Slaven, Skil reciprocating saw, Jeanie Brandt, Skil jigsaw, Jean Gryp, Skil 18v frill, Tony Upah, Earth Tools shovel and Ames weed tool, Heather Davis, Skil Angle grinder, Gabe McCullough, Home Light worklight, Cindy Ehlen, Shop Fox tool bag, Jeff Coover; Fourth of July Committee and Radio Shack: Casio electronic keyboard, Evan Hrabak, under cabinet CD player/radio, Rod Bruner, Emerson karaoke player, Stella Rupp, Auvio 15.4 LCD HDTV, Cathy Sondag.

Fourth of July Committee and True Value: Zebco 202 fishing pole and tackle, Dorma Rusbult and Linda Long, sleeping bag, Rima Johnson, Grill Zone three-piece barbecue tool set, Nick Posekany, Coleman combo cooler, Melissa Spading, The Wet Set inflatable boat, Ty Jacobi, GTV 12v cordless drill, Eryn Collins, R2F multi-specie fishing pole and tackle, Anna Jacobi and Sharon Grieder, Westpointe 16-inch oscillating floor stand fan, Barb Novotny, Igloo cooler, Jason Gritsch, Ready 2 Fish tackle box, Brooke Ivester and Shari Teneyck, Presto Fry Daddy, Will Heitmann, Plano BAB tool box, Orie Brown, Black & Decker drill set, Ava Grieder, folding arm chairs, Harold Drahos, Connor Selken and Dennis Greenlee, Peak cordless spotlight, Bart Upah, Rayz LED flashlight, Brian Towle, LaCrosse wireless temperature station, Nathan Grieder.

Budweiser: t-shirt and cap, Lisa Vranek. Carquest: case of motor oil, Marilyn Coover. Country Foods, $50 gift certificates, Corinne McGrew, Jone Longnecker, Melynda Balvin and Amy Blankenship. Countryside Vet: 20 pound bag of Iams dog or cat fod, Ian Emanuel. Drahos Shoe Store: Red Wing electric dryer for footwear, Jessica Stamp and Sam Bazyn. Dollar General: Kool Operator 20-inch fan, Anna Jacobi. Fareway Store (Toledo) $25 gift certificates, Hannah McLennan and Kobe Grieder. Grand Central Station: pizza gift certificates, Jamie Hinschberger and Sheryl Williams.

Great Life Fitness (Belle Plaine): sweatshirt, t-shirt and towel, Arlene Musel, cooler, two water bottles and t-shirt, Kim Slaymaker. Grieder Standard: $25, John Derycke and Marlys Smith. Harris Greenhouse: metal sun outside décor, Kim Hinschberger. HomeRun Computer Service: wireless computer mouse, Rima Johson, Logitech wireless desktop, Steve Slaymaker. Johnson Insurance, shirt and hat, Billie Tubaugh, golf towel, golf balls and koozie, Judy Papesh. KDM Car Wash (Friedman’s) $8 car wash, Jon Garling, Harold Ealy and Evan Hrabak.

Medicap Pharmacy, $25 gift certificate, Michael Canavit. Pamida (Toledo): red, white blue bells wind chime, Nick Pippert. Perfect Petals: Belle Plaine crock, Tony Jones, welcome stone, Roger Johnson, $25 gift certificate, Heather Iburg. Pizza Hut, all-you-can-eat buffets, two each, Ruth Dvorak, Andrew Hudson, Pam Yukl, Jim Anderson, Billie Tubaugh. Roth TV & Appliance, Magnavox DVD player, Anna Upah. The Red Barn, $15 barn bucks, Florence Hayes and Orie Brown. Fourth of July Committee: $50, Sam Bazyn, $100, Brannen Hudson and Rick Andrews, folding arm chair, Abby Lohf, weather radio, Julie Meck.

After a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration, we start the work week one day short this week. But there are still plenty of activities squeezed into the next several days in and around Belle Plaine.

Tonight (Tuesday) the Belle Plaine Park Board meets at 5 p.m. at City Hall. Then at 6 p.m., the Belle Plaine City Council meets. Some of the items on the council agenda include the appointment of a third ward councilman, acceptance of resignations from two police officers and review and consideration of police car bids. City Administrator Bill Daily is scheduled to offer an update on the Eighth Avenue storm sewer project and downtown revitalization.

On Wednesday, the Belle Plaine Community Development’s Business Improvement Committee meets at the Garling Construction offices at 5:15 p.m.

A dance featuring the Do’s and Don’t’s will is scheduled for Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight at the American Legion Hall.

We are entering the final stages of summer softball and baseball action this week. Weather permitting, the boys and girls will host Montezuma tonight. The boys will then host English Valleys Wednesday for their final regular season game.

Postseason action begins Thursday, when the girls host Iowa Valley in the first round of regionals at 7 p.m. The winner advances the next night to the second round at Iowa City Regina.

The boys open district play Saturday at 5 p.m. at BGM against East Marshall. The winner advances to the second round Tuesday at Brooklyn.