Briefly

Legislator: Schools not likely to see 6% growth

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Staff reports | Sunday, December 17, 2006 1:12 AM CST | () comments

COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa — Rep. Tom Sands, R-Columbus Junction, warned the Columbus School Board that he would not sugarcoat issues and than went on to explain that Iowa school districts are not likely to see a 6 percent boost in allowable growth next year.

Sands predicted the Legislature probably would go with a 4 percent figure, which would match the level provided the last several years.

He also discounted using a cigarette tax increase to help fund budget programs, explaining that tax continually dwindles and would not be a safe revenue source to fund long-term programs.

Sands also discussed preschool funding and other issues with the board.

In other action, curriculum coordinator Kathy Yoder presented information on improving rigor and relevance in the classroom. She explained how students should acquire knowledge and information in one discipline, then gradually use that knowledge to solve problems in other disciplines and eventually real-world situations. She also presented information on developing a model core curriculum, which would use the rigor and relevance theme as part of a statewide effort to develop a world-class education program.

In final action, facilities director Mike Jay reviewed the district’s roofing repair program and presented a proposal to install two additional keyless entry systems at Roundy Elementary School.

— Jim Rudisill

Tax levy increase OK’d in Woodhull

WOODHULL, Ill. — Woodhull village trustees have approved a tax levy that goes from $50,000 to $55,000 for the coming year. President Dave Holmes said for owners of a medium-priced home valued at $77,000, the tax increase would be $38 or 1.9 percent per year.

Representatives of the Homestead Travel Plaza group showed trustees the street and lot layout at the Homestead area. Graham Lee, attorney; Frank Sullivan, manager; Rick VanTiegham, president of the Homestead investment group; and Jason Synder, engineer, told the board that the Ruhl and Ruhl real estate firm will do a marketing proposal for the lots in the TIF district and showed plans for future development. Several lots available for future growth are suitable for a motel, fast-food restaurant, small strip mall and other projects. Sullivan will attend future meetings to provide updates.

Three trustee terms will be on the ballot for the April election, those of Ron Hoburg, Mary Engholm and Dick Wilson. None have said whether they plan to run again.

Street Superintendent Wayne Mileham asked residents to move their vehicles that are parked along the streets so snow plows can get through when snow is predicted.

— Joanne Carlson

Grease fire damages apartment complex

CLINTON, Iowa — Clinton firefighters are blaming grease left on a stove for a fire that damaged a two-unit apartment complex Saturday.

The fire occurred at 1:18 p.m. at 226 2nd Ave. S., according to Clinton fire Lt. Frederick Roling.

Firefighters reported light smoke and flame coming from a window in the rear of the upper apartment. The fire was in the kitchen area. The fire had been reported by a neighbor who had seen smoke and then called 911. It took only about 10 minutes for the fire to be extinguished.

No one was home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries, Roling reported.

Damage to the complex is estimated at $25,000 while damage to the contents is estimated at $10,000.

— Thomas Geyer

Applications accepted for Blackhawk Pageant

Applications are being accepted for the 2007 Miss Blackhawk Valley Scholarship Pageant.

This is a Miss America local preliminary pageant open to women ages 17 to 24 who reside, attend school or work in Rock Island, Henry or Mercer counties.

Miss Blackhawk Valley is the oldest continuous pageant in the Miss Illinois system, entering its 58th year of providing scholarship opportunities to participants. The pageant will be held Feb. 24 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 1800 7th Avenue, Moline. The new titleholder will compete for the Miss Illinois title in June.

Orientation and the first rehearsal will be at 1 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Moline Public Library, 504 17th St. Also, the Youth Scholarship program that consists of three pageants is accepting applications. The Little Miss Pageant is open to girls ages 5-8, while the Junior Miss is open to girls ages 9-12. Miss Blackhawk Valley’s Outstanding Teen is open to teens ages 13-17. The titleholder of Miss Blackhawk Valley Outstanding Teen will go to to compete in the Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen competition in St. Charles in June.

Winners and runners-up will receive scholarships to improve their talent. The youth pageants will be held at Feb. 3 at Glenview Middle School in East Moline. The first rehearsal for the youth pageants will be at 1 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Moline Public Library.

For more information, contact Nancy Lee at (309) 762-0884 or by e-mail at BlackhawkValley@mchsi.com.

— Thomas Geyer

Sidewalk planned for busy street

COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa — Two options for constructing a sidewalk along a busy residential street in Columbus Junction would cost between $237,000 and $250,000, Columbus Junction officials learned recently.

John Meyer, an engineer with French-Reneker Associates, Fairfield, developed the estimates after several months surveying the area and studying property plats.

Meyer said three possible construction methods were reviewed, but only two appeared to be feasible. One would involved filling the west ditch of the street, constructing curb and gutter and installing the sidewalk on the leveled ditch, which would be the least expensive but would cause a greater impact on property. An alternative method, widening the street by about 10 feet and identifying that strip as a walkway, would have less impact on property, but could cost $250,000. A third method that would allow the sidewalk to follow land conditions and wander along the street was rejected because conditions did not allow it.

— Jim Rudisill