TheGazette » Joi Bergman

Take health precautions during hot weather

Joi Bergman — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 23:21:12 +0000

With the anticipation of high heat and humidity over the next few days, Linn County Public Health would like to remind our residents to drink plenty of fluids and keep cool to protect their health. All residents, even the young and healthy, can suffer from heat-related illness if they are active or unable to cool down during hot weather. Individuals seeking relief from the heat are encouraged to stay indoors or visit air-conditioned public facilities such as libraries, shopping malls, or churches to cool down.

Whooping cough cases on the rise in Linn County

Joi Bergman — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:05:12 +0000

Linn County Public Health has seen a significant increase in reported cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. More than 50 new cases have been reported since May 1, 2012. The majority of the reported cases are middle school aged children.

Whooping cough starts with symptoms similar to a common cold. Individuals of all ages can be affected. The disease is very contagious and can easily be spread through the air from a sick person during talking, sneezing or coughing. Children suffering from whooping cough often develop coughing fits, especially at night, giving a high-pitched “whoop” sound, a sign that they are struggling to breathe between coughs.

“We are asking Linn County residents to double-check with their health care provider to ensure that they are up-to-date on vaccinations,” said Pramod Dwivedi, Linn County Public Health Director. “It is vital that teens and adults get the Tdap booster. The increase in adult vaccination is critical because it protects our babies since they are too young to be fully vaccinated.”

Whooping cough is a preventable infection through vaccination. Children should have received the basic Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) immunization series (4 doses) through their family medical provider by 15 months of age. They also receive an additional dose of Tdap before they start school.

For adults and children over 11 years of age, a pertussis booster is recommended. The booster can be received at a medical provider’s office and is combined with the Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccinations (Tdap). Linn County Public Health urges parents to check their children’s vaccine records to be sure they are fully immunized.

Young children and pregnant women are particularly at risk of developing complications and requiring hospitalization as a result of whooping cough. Although deaths are rare, they do occur, especially in infants less than one year of age. The disease is typically much milder in adults and children 7 years and older.

Anyone suspected of having whooping cough or who is exposed to a person with the disease should call their health care provider. Individuals who are prescribed antibiotics and have symptoms of whooping cough should not return to school, work or daycare for five days. Rest and plenty of fluids will assist the body in recovering from the illness.

Linn County to offer free surplus office furniture to non-profits

Joi Bergman — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:27:55 +0000

Linn County will offer surplus office furniture to area non-profits free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesday, June 19 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on the 1st floor of Linn County West, 2500 Edgewood Rd. SW in Cedar Rapids.

The furniture includes desks, chairs and file cabinets. Non-profits will be responsible for providing their own transportation for the furniture.

To participate, non-profits must submit an email to Amanda.Hoy@linncounty.org prior to noon on June 18th containing the following information:

Corporate name
Corporate number as assigned by the Iowa Secretary of State (www.sos.state.is.us)
Contact name including title, phone number and address.

For more information or questions, contact the Linn County Auditor’s Office at (319) 892-5300 or Amanda.Hoy@linncounty.org

Customer service improvements coming to Linn County Treasurer’s Office

Joi Bergman — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:27:53 +0000

When the newly renovated Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center opens at 8 a.m. Monday morning June 18 at 935 2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids, residents will notice three distinct changes that will improve customer service in the Linn County Treasurer’s Office.

The most significant change is that the Treasurer’s Office, which receives nearly 75 percent of the building’s traffic, has been relocated from the top floor to the first floor for quicker, more convenient access for the public.

Secondly, the Treasurer’s Office will use a new customer service numbering system, called Qmatic, similar to what is used at the Department of Transportation’s driver’s license station. The Qmatic system will allow customers in the Treasurer’s Office the convenience of taking a number and then sitting down in the waiting room until their number is called instead of standing in line during busy times.

“Now that we’ve moved our office to the first floor and it’s more convenient for the public to get to, our next goal is to reduce the wait time in the Treasurer’s Office,” said Sharon Gonzalez, Linn County Treasurer. “The new customer service program will allow us to track if customers are here for the motor vehicle or property tax department so that we can staff the customer service windows accordingly and better manage the flow of customers.”

Gonzalez expects the end of each month to still be a busy time at the Treasurer’s Office as people come in to renew expiring vehicle license tags.

Lastly, the Treasurer’s Office will be able to accept debit card payments at the service counter beginning June 20. Use of debit cards with PINs will require a $3.95 processing charge. Payments can also be made with Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

The opening of the Jean Oxley Public Service Center marks another significant step in Linn County’s rebuilding efforts following the 2008 flood. In 2010, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office reopened. Last fall, Linn County held ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the new Community Services Building and the new Juvenile Justice Center. Renovations at the Linn County Courthouse and Correctional Center are scheduled to be complete this year. These last two projects will complete Linn County’s repair and rebuilding of County infrastructure that was damaged in the 2008 flood.

For more information about Linn County’s rebuilding projects visit www.linncounty.org and click on the “Flood Recovery” tab.

Linn County Election Services open Saturday, June 2 for absentee voting for primary elections

Joi Bergman — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:41:14 +0000

The Election Services Department of the Linn County Auditor’s Office will be open Saturday, June 2 in support of the June 5, 2012 Primary Elections. Absentee ballots will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. These hours are in addition to the normal Monday through Friday office hours for absentee voting. June 4 is the last day to vote absentee.

In a Primary Election, Democratic and Republican Party voters select the candidates they want to see move on to the General Election Ballot. Voters must be registered as a Democrat or a Republican in order to receive that party’s ballot. Voters may register with a party or change their party affiliation when requesting a ballot, including at their polling place on Election Day.

The Election Services Department is located at Linn County West, 2500 Edgewood Rd. SW. Voters are encouraged to park and enter at the north entrance to Linn County West. Access is also available from within Westdale Mall in the lower level near Lens Crafters.

Election Portal
Go to www.LinnCountyElections.org to gain access to all election-related information for Linn County. The following can be viewed or downloaded from the Election Now website (www.LinnCountyElections.org/now):

Absentee Ballot Request Forms
Polling Locations
Voter Registration Forms
Election Day Information
Sample Ballots

Dates & Deadlines
Saturday, May 26      Last Day to Pre-Register to Vote – Office Open (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Monday, May 28      Memorial Day – Office Closed
Friday, June 1           Last Day to Request an Absentee be Mailed
Saturday, June 2      Office Open for Absentee Voting (8 a.m. -5 p.m.)
Monday, June 4        Last Day to Vote Absentee at Elections Office
Tuesday, June 5       ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, June 12     Canvass of Votes
Friday, June 15         Last Day to Request a Recount
Tuesday, June 19     Last Day for Write-in Nominees to file Affidavit of Candidacy
Monday, July 2         Last Day to Contest the Election (County Offices)

For questions regarding this election, call the Linn County Election Services Office at (319) 892-5300, ext. 1 or email elections@LinnCounty.org

Dust control – second application of chloride sign up

Joi Bergman — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:57:42 +0000

SIgn up for 2nd application of chloride runs from June 1, 2012 - July 11, 2012. You can apply by coming into our office at 1888 County Home Road or by printing off the permit form from our Forms Section and mailing it in with a check. The money must be received by 3:30pm on July 11th.

Please note that our office hours change on June 4th to 7:00am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday.

If you have any questions, please call our office at (319)892-6400.

Linn County dust control sign-up deadline is May 9

Joi Bergman — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:10:15 +0000

The Linn County Engineering and Secondary Road Department reminds unincorporated Linn County residents that the deadline to sign up for dust control applied by Linn County is May 9 at 4:30 p.m. However, property owners can sign up for a private permit to have a private applicator apply dust control materials at any time.

For more information or to download a dust control permit, visit Linn County’s website at www.linncounty.org/engineer or call the department at (319) 892-6400.

Linn County risk manager honored by Public Risk Management Association

Joi Bergman — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:26:07 +0000

Linn County Risk Manager Steve Estenson has been selected as Public Risk Magazine Author of the Year by the Public Risk Management Association’s editorial committee for his 2011 article “Recovering From a Natural Disaster: The Cedar River Flood.” He was chosen from among a pool of dozens of practitioner-writers.

In the October 2011 edition of Public Risk Magazine, Estenson shared his first-hand account of Linn County’s response to the historic 2008 flood and detailed Linn County’s ongoing work with FEMA three years after the flood. It’s an insightful look at behind-the-scenes details of disaster recovery and rebuilding.

The above link to the article is available with the permission of the Public Risk Management Association.

Linn County to hold Garage Sale for surplus office furniture

Joi Bergman — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:36:34 +0000

Linn County will hold three garage sales for used, surplus office furniture and miscellaneous items on April 20, April 27 and May 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the former garden center next to the loading dock of Linn County West, 2500 Edgewood Rd. SW in Cedar Rapids.

Linn County sponsors Eco-Fest Healthy Counties, Healthy Families 5K April 21

Joi Bergman — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:41:35 +0000

As part of National County Government Month in April, Linn County is sponsoring the Eco-Fest Healthy Counties, Healthy Families 5K run/walk on Saturday, April 21 at 6 p.m. The course is a 5k (3.1 mile) out and back along the Cedar River Trail.

Participants can pre-register online at http://ecofestcr.wordpress.com/5k-race. Early registration is $20 per person through April 7 or $50 for a family of three or more. From April 8 through race day, registration is $25 per person or $60 for a family.

Registration and packet pick-up the day of the race begins at 5 p.m. in the Bottleworks parking lot on 3rd St. SE in Cedar Rapids. Race packets include a t-shirt and reusable drawstring bag. There is a prize for the top finishers in the male and female categories.

The Healthy Counties, Healthy Families 5K run/walk is part of the day-long Eco-Fest in New Bohemia. Visit http://ecofestcr.wordpress.com for more information about the day-long festivities.

Sponsored by the National Association of Counties, National County Government Month helps raise awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of county government. To learn more about National County Government Month and the other activities Linn County has planned, visit www.linncounty.org

Linn County announces new Public Health director

Joi Bergman — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:46:33 +0000

Linn County is pleased to announce the hiring of Pramod Dwivedi (pronounced Prahmode Dwihvedee) as the new Director of the Linn County Public Health Department (LCPH). He will join LCPH on April 16. Dwivedi comes to the Department with extensive experience in public health practice both at the local and state levels.

His leadership experience includes directing major units such as Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program for Chicago Department of Public Health (with a budget of $13 million and 55 employees), Chronic Disease Epidemiology Division at Indiana State Department of Health, and Surveillance Epidemiology and Evaluation at Tennessee Department of Health. He has also directed the Epidemiology Division for Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department in Lincoln, Neb. and most recently served as the Chief of Epidemiology at the Shelby County Health Department in Memphis, Tenn.

Dwivedi has served on the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) advisory committee on Community Health Prevention, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Maternal and Child Health Award Committee. He was invited by NACCHO to speak on building and developing epidemiologic and Healthy People capacity at the local level and was also consulted by the CDC on the use of Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for local jurisdictions. He has published numerous public health reports and presented his research papers to the American Public Health Association, elected officials and other stakeholders. He holds several master’s degrees including one in Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health from the University of Iowa and currently is a doctoral candidate in public health leadership at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dwivedi is married and has two teenagers.

“We look forward to having Pramod join the Linn County community and bring his extensive experience to this leadership position. Public health is a critical role, and Pramod’s experience and skills will be a tremendous asset as we continue our work to prevent illness and chronic diseases and improve the public’s overall health and well-being,” said Linda Langston, Linn County Supervisor and member of the Linn County Board of Health.

“I am truly honored to have been selected to lead the Linn County Public Health Department. I look forward to working with the staff, Board of Health, and many individuals and organizations in Linn County. Building and fostering partnerships are critical components in achieving successful public health programs, which improve the health of all Linn County residents,” said Dwivedi.

Linn County selected for roadside enhancement funding

Joi Bergman — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:46:15 +0000

The Linn County Secondary Road Department has been selected to receive $15,850 through the Iowa’s Living Roadways Project. Program partners include Trees Forever, the Iowa Department of Transportation and its Living Roadway Trust Fund, and the Federal Highway Administration.

The Iowa’s Living Roadways Project provides funding for landscape enhancement projects along transportation corridors. Targeted to small communities and rural counties, the funds are provided through the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Funds administered through the Federal Highway Administration.

Linn County will use the funding to plant 19 acres of diverse mixed prairie species along Jappa Road just north of Ivanhoe Road and along Bertram Road SE between Mount Vernon Road SE and the City of Cedar Rapids’ Water Treatment Plant. The Jappa Road planting will also include four species of native shrubs with a total of 510 plants. The Bertram Road planting will also include a County-owned area immediately adjacent to road right-of-way where 15 Oaks (three species) will be planted. Site preparation is underway with the Oak trees and mixed prairie to be planted this spring. The shrubs along Jappa Road will be planted in 2013.

Since the Iowa’s Living Roadways Program began in 1996, Iowa communities and volunteers have planted nearly 38,712 trees and shrubs, over 109,177 native perennials, and nearly 33,608 pounds of native prairie seed.

While these plantings add beauty to our landscape, they are also valuable tools for cleaning water that runs off the highway, catching snow before it drifts across the travel lanes and providing important habitats for pollinators adjacent to privately owned farm fields, orchards and vineyards.

Trees Forever is a nonprofit organization based in Marion, Iowa, committed to planting trees, encouraging community involvement and stewardship, and caring for the environment. Programs focus on improving air and water quality, increasing wildlife habitat, providing substantial energy savings and beautifying our landscape. For more information, visit www.treesforever.org or call (319) 373-0650.

Linn County Board of Health to announce Healthy Worksite Wellness awards

Joi Bergman — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:08:36 +0000

The Linn County Board of Health will announce the winners of its Healthy Worksite Wellness Awards on Thursday, April 5 during a breakfast ceremony from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Elmcrest Country Club. There are five award categories based on size and the winners in each category will be announced at the breakfast.

Businesses and organizations were invited to submit nominations to the Healthy Worksite Wellness Award program. Linn County Public Health conducted 35 assessments with organizations in the public, private and non-profit sector. There was no cost to the businesses to participate.

“We want to recognize and reward those employers who place value on creating and sustaining a healthy workplace for their employees,” said Linda Langston, Linn County Supervisor and member of the Linn County Board of Health. “Healthy employees are productive employees, and anything we can do to encourage healthy work environments is good for Linn County.”

This is the 4th annual Healthy Worksite Wellness Award program and demonstrates Linn County’s commitment to creating a supportive work environment for employee health.

License plate replacement cycle to begin in April

Joi Bergman — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:33 +0000

The license plate replacement cycle will begin in April for vehicles with a May renewal. This replacement cycle is a continual process to replace license plates once they have reached 10 years of age.

Live Healthy Linn 5K Run/Walk on April 7th

Joi Bergman — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:11:16 +0000

Linn County Public Health (LCPH) will hold its 9th Annual Live Healthy Linn 5K Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, April 7th, 2012 at 9:00 am. The event will be held at the Linn County Public Health building located at 501 13th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA.

For more information on this event or to register visit: www.livehealthylinn5K.com

Well water testing reminder

Joi Bergman — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:19:26 +0000

Linn County Public Health would like to remind those who obtain their drinking water from private wells to have their well tested this spring.

Springtime and early summer is generally a good time to test a well due to increased movement of moisture in the ground, which may help reveal potential contamination problems.

In an effort to make the water sampling process easier, containers may now be obtained from the City Hall buildings in Central City and Palo.

Linn County Public Health recommends that all private wells used for drinking water purposes be tested for coliform bacteria and nitrates annually.

Linn County supervisor Langston to serve on disaster panel in Washington, D.C.

Joi Bergman — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:28:43 +0000

Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston has been invited to serve as a panelist at the Disasters Roundtable of the National Research Council of National Academy of Sciences workshop, Integrating Disaster Recovery: What Should Long-Term Disaster Recovery Look Like? on March 21, 2012, in Washington, D.C.

The workshop aims to examine new strategies to integrate disaster recovery across disciplines, sectors and jurisdictions. The workshop will also address what integrated long-term recovery is or could be, advance understanding of how to measure the progress of recovery, and use interactive breakout groups to suggest strategies for integrative recovery from disasters.

“I’m honored to serve as a panelist and share Linn County’s story of how we are overcoming the greatest natural disaster in our state’s history,” said Langston. “While recovery is a long process, we have made tremendous progress rebuilding from the 2008 flood, and that experience will be a valuable piece of the conversation. The one thing that has been missing from many discussions is the perspective of local government. Other communities can learn from our experiences just as we will learn from theirs. This exchange of ideas will help all of us identify processes that work well, areas to improve and how to work together in our communities to form partnerships so we are even better prepared for the future.”

This workshop will be webcast. To pre-register for the video webcast, please use the following web link: http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/nas/120321/

For additional information, including the full agenda, visit:
http://dels.nas.edu/Upcoming-Event/Disasters-Roundtable-Workshop-Integrating-Disaster/AUTO-5-01-38-N or contact: dr@nas.edu

Property taxes due March 31

Joi Bergman — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:19:52 +0000

The semiannual installment of property and mobile home taxes are now being accepted and are due March 31. Property taxes can be paid by mail, online or in person.

2012 dust control sign-up begins April 2

Joi Bergman — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:23:38 +0000

The Board of Supervisors has approved the resolution to establish 2012 Dust Control prices. The dust control forms can be found in the forms section of our web page or by clicking on the links below.

Sign up for 1st application of chloride, MC-70(oil) and MC-3000(seal coat) begins April 2, 2012 and goes through May 9, 2012. Permits will not be accepted after 4:30pm on May 9th. Click here for the dust control permit.

Sign up for 2nd application of chloride begins June 1, 2012 and goes through July 11, 2012. Permits will not be accepted after 3:30pm on July 13th. Click here for the dust control permit.

Property owners can sign up for a Private Permit to have a private applicator apply dust control materials any time. If you sign up outside of the stated sign up dates, you may be accessed an extra charge if additional road maintenance is requested. Click here for the private permit.

Property owners wishing to retain a current oil or seal coat and need to obtain patch material need to complete the Private Permit. Click here for the private permit.

Community resources available online to help those in need

Joi Bergman — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:08:55 +0000

Linn County Community Services and United Way of East Central Iowa announce two ways for the public to access community resources that are available to assist those in need:

Those options are the newly updated Linn County community resource sheets at www.linncounty.org/LCCS and United Way 2-1-1 (www.FirstCallforHelpIowa.org).

Sleep Out raises $20,000 for nine emergency shelters

Joi Bergman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:07:17 +0000

Linn County’s 6th annual Sleep Out for the Homeless raised $20,000 for area programs that provide emergency shelter and transitional housing for the homeless. Organizers of the annual Sleep Out will present checks from the money raised by the 2011 Sleep Out to nine local programs on Wednesday, February 29 at 10 a.m. at the Community Services Building of Linn County.

“The number of homeless persons served by local shelters and transitional housing programs continues to increase,” said Ann Hearn, Deputy Director of Community Planning. “The Sleep Out directly supports the homeless shelters, emergency lodging programs and transitional housing programs that serve the homeless. We are grateful to everyone who braved the cold last November, and we thank everyone who made a donation.”

The following programs will receive a check from the money raised by the 2011 Sleep Out:

Catherine McAuley Center

Catholic Worker House

Cedar House Shelter

Foundation 2 Youth Shelter

HACAP Transitional Housing

Mission of Hope

Salvation Army Emergency Lodging Program

Waypoint Services Madge Philips Center

Willis Dady Emergency Shelter

The Sleep Out was sponsored by Linn County Veteran Affairs, Community Circle of Care and First Presbyterian Church and was held in Greene Square Park on Saturday, November 12, 2011. Approximately 364 community members participated in the event, including 194 who spent the night outside in cardboard boxes.

Following the check presentation, the Sleep Out planning committee will announce details for the 2012 Sleep Out, which includes a new location due to the growth in the number of people participating.

The annual Linn County Homeless Data Summary Report compiled by the Linn County Local Homeless Coordinating Board shows the number of homeless persons served by Linn County emergency shelters and transitional housing programs has increased almost 30 percent over the last two years. Of the 5,802 persons served by local homeless assistance programs in FY11, half (50%) were children.

For more information, call (319) 892-5609.

Absentee ballots available February 23 for College Community School Special Election

Joi Bergman — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:49:30 +0000

Voters from the College Community School District will vote April 3, 2012, on a public measure seeking approval to issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000. Absentee ballots for this special election will be available beginning Thursday, February 23, in the Linn County Election Services Office at Linn County West, 2500 Edgewood Rd. SW in Cedar Rapids.

Linn County historic preservation grant applications now available

Joi Bergman — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:09:11 +0000

The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission is now accepting grant applications from non-profit organizations for the annual Historic Preservation Grant Program. Applications are available on the Linn County website at www.linncounty.org. This year, $28,800 is available. Grant funds must be used to preserve historic structures or artifacts; maintain a historical library or collection; conduct historical studies or research; issue publications; provide public lectures of historical interest; or otherwise disseminate knowledge of the history of the area to the general public.

Eligible applicants must be a non-profit organization located in Linn County. Due to legal restrictions, organizations under ecclesiastical or sectarian management are not eligible. Completed applications are due Monday, April 2, 2012 by 5 p.m. This is a competitive grant program.

The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission will host an informational workshop about the grant program on Saturday, March 3, 2011, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. There is no cost for the workshop; however, those attending should call (319) 892-5117 or email jan.every@linncounty.org to reserve a spot. The workshop will be held at the Coggon fire station, 101 N. Railroad Street in Coggon.

For questions about the grant program, call (319) 892-5118 or email joi.bergman@linncounty.org

Computer upgrades will impact two sheriff’s office services Feb. 15

Joi Bergman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:18:15 +0000

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office will be unable to process Sex Offender Registrations and all Gun Permit Applications on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 due to necessary upgrades that are being made to our computer equipment for both of these processes. It is expected that this work will take the entire day to complete.

Nominations being accepted for Healthy Worksite Wellness Awards

Joi Bergman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:20:47 +0000

Would you like to nominate a worksite to receive a free wellness assessment?

The Linn County Board of Health along with our wellness partners invite you examine your company’s progress in providing a healthy work environment. Our goal is to provide your business a free assessment on how to enhance your current workplace as well as to recognize workplaces that have physical and social environments supportive of employee health.

Do you know the signs of a heart attack?

Joi Bergman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:58:00 +0000

February is a time to raise awareness of heart disease by recognizing American Heart Health month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Iowa men and women. Do you know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

Road embargoes on secondary roads in Linn County

Joi Bergman — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:57:18 +0000

Includes a listing of secondary roads that have been embargoed in the unincorporated area of Linn County.

CR Blue Zone check-up

Joi Bergman — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:12:56 +0000

Linn County Public Health would like to encourage our residents to attend the CR Blue Zone Check-Up. This event will take place Thursday, February 2nd from 7-9:00pm at The Hotel Kirkwood. Leaders in community and public health will host a community dialogue from 7-8:00pm followed by a presentation from the author of The Blue Zones, Dan Buettner.

For more information, please go to www.getactivecr.com

Absentee ballots available Thursday, January 26 for LOST election

Joi Bergman — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:00:59 +0000

Absentee ballots will be available Thursday, January 26, 2012 for the Local Option Sales & Services Tax Election (LOSST). Individuals may vote absentee in-person at the Elections Services Office at Linn County West, 2500 Edgewood Rd. SW in Cedar Rapids. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Go to www.LinnCountyElections.org to gain access to all election-related information for Linn County.

Linn County Community Empowerment launches new name with charitable event

Joi Bergman — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:02:41 +0000

The Linn County Community Empowerment Board officially changed its name to Linn County Early Childhood Iowa Board at its December 13, 2011 meeting. The new name better reflects the services supported by the Board and aligns with the name change at the state level. The Linn County Early Childhood office also relocated into the new Community Services Building of Linn County at 1240 26th Avenue Court SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404.

The newly named Board then launched their 4th Annual Charitable Event and raised enough funds to purchase 700 single-ride bus tickets from the Cedar Rapids Transit office. The bus tickets were then distributed to local social service programs to assist hundreds of families with their transportation needs.

Linn County was authorized in 1998 as one of the first three Early Childhood Iowa areas, formerly Empowerment, to receive early childhood funding from the State legislature. The role of the local board, comprised of community volunteers, is to award federal and state funds to support local early childhood services that provide the best results for young children and families in Linn County. Currently 14 local agencies receive funding to provide direct child health and behavioral support services, parent education, in-home family support and child care scholarships.

The Board’s vision is for every child to have access to quality services empowering them to be healthy and successful. View more about the Board at www.linncountyearlychildhoodiowa.org or by contacting Chris Kivett-Berry, the Linn County Community Project Director at (319) 892-5721 or chris.kivett-berry@linncounty.org

Short-term radon test kits on sale

Joi Bergman — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:03:13 +0000

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is prevalent in Iowa homes. High levels of radon gas can be found in both new and old homes, and homes with or without basements. According to the EPA, it is the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths each year. The only way to know if your family is at risk is to test your home with a radon test kit.

Radon test kits are available year-round at Linn County Public Health, but during January Linn County Public Health will be offering a “buy one, get one free” special on short-term radon kits. The cost of a short-term radon test kit is normally $5.

(Limit 5 free test kits per person.)

For more information please call (319) 892-6000 or visit www.lchh.org

Linn County charts ‘A Smarter Course’ in rural land use plan update

Joi Bergman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:51:37 +0000

Linn County’s process of updating its Rural Land Use Plan, dubbed “A Smarter Course,” is entering into a new round of online public input gathering. In this latest round, Linn County residents are being asked to write short “guiding principles” on the topics of resource protection; sustainable development; livable communities; alternative and renewable energy; hazard mitigation; economic development and employment opportunities; and transportation.

Input will be accepted online through January 20. The plan update is being managed by the staff of the Linn County Planning & Development Department.

“Guiding principles are foundational concepts that will guide decisions about strategies and implementation actions in the updated Rural Land Use Plan” said Les Beck, Linn County’s Planning and Development Director. “They will apply to many decisions, and so it is extremely important that the citizens of Linn County give us their opinions and ideas on these guiding principles.”

A steering committee of local residents representing various stakeholder groups has been formed and several working groups will develop plan elements. The Rural Land Use Plan update is expected to be complete in early 2013.

Linn County received a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development to perform the Rural Land Use Plan update, which will bring its plan more fully into compliance with the recently adopted Iowa Smart Planning Principles. Les Beck, Planning and Development Director, co-chairs the Iowa Smart Planning Task Force.

The Iowa Smart Planning Principles were adopted during the 2010 legislative session and enacted into law on April 1, 2010. The 10 Iowa Smart Planning Principles are:

Collaboration;
Efficiency, Transparency, and Consistency;
Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy;
Occupational Diversity;
Revitalization;
Housing Diversity;
Community Character;
Natural Resources and Agricultural Protection;
Sustainable Design; and
Transportation Diversity.

Contact Les Beck at (319) 892-5130 or by email at les.beck@linncounty.org for more information.

Seven Linn County Sheriff’s Office employees honored with commendation awards

Joi Bergman — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:28:57 +0000

Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner honored six of his deputies and one sergeant with Commendation Awards for their extraordinary and life saving acts during the line of duty.

Linn County’s annual report now available

Joi Bergman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:13:55 +0000

Linn County’s fiscal year 2011 annual report was released today and is now available on Linn County’s website at www.linncounty.org. Hard copies are also available at Linn County West. The reports are also being distributed in today’s edition of The Gazette (Dec. 28) as well as the Linn News-Letter, Marion Times and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun.

“The purpose of the annual report is to make Linn County’s financial information easily accessible to the public and to show the many different ways county government works for citizens every day,” Linn County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ben Rogers said.

Linn County began making annual reports available more than 10 years ago after the Government Finance Officers Association established the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) Program. The report makes Linn County’s financial information readily accessible and easily understandable to the general public without a background in public finance.

This year’s report also provides a brief overview of Linn County services and an update on the new County buildings that have opened following the 2008 flood.

Linn County closings for the holidays

Joi Bergman — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:37:24 +0000

Linn County governmental offices will be closed on Friday, December 23; Monday, December 26; Friday, December 30; and Monday, January 2 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Discounted flu shots offered at Linn County Public Health

Joi Bergman — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:04 +0000

To help reduce the spread of influenza or “flu,” Linn County Public Health is encouraging the public to get vaccinated this winter.

Throughout December and January, Linn County Public Health will be offering free flu shots to children who qualify and $20 flu shots for adults (while supplies last).

Immunizations will be available between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Linn County Veteran Affairs Office accepting donations to food pantry

Joi Bergman — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:41:53 +0000

During this holiday season of giving, the Linn County Veteran Affairs Office encourages the public to consider donating food items to its food pantry that serves Linn County veterans and their families. Last year, the Veterans Affairs office served 3,214 veterans through its food pantry.

The food pantry helps veterans in more ways than providing food for them and their families. Don Tyne, director of Linn County Veteran Affairs says, “We have identified service connected injuries or employment issues when a veteran comes in for food. It’s a way to build report and help them in other ways. Many veterans find the food bank just what they need to get ahead and move forward.”

The Veteran Affairs food pantry is open year-round to qualifying Linn County veterans. Donations are accepted year-round, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Veteran Affairs Office in the Community Services Building of Linn County, 1240 26th Ave. Ct. SW in Cedar Rapids. In addition to non-perishable food items, the VA office also accepts meat and fresh fruits and vegetables that it stores in its freezer and refrigerator.

For more information, contact the Linn County Veteran Affairs Office at (319) 892-5160 or email veteran@linncounty.org.

ATV and snowmobile registrations expire December 31

Joi Bergman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:22:31 +0000

ATV and Snowmobile Registrations Expire December 31; Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Licenses go on Sale December 15

Linn County Employee Retiring After 38 Years of Service

Joi Bergman — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:12:45 +0000

Linn County employee Susie Weller is retiring after 38 years of service to Linn County.

Weller began her career with Linn County working part-time as an office education student in the auditor’s office while still in high school. She was hired full-time after graduation. During her 38 years working for Linn County, Weller held various positions in the Auditor’s Office and worked three years in the Veteran Affairs Office.

Weller’s last day with Linn County is December 16, 2011. A reception will be held in the Linn County West board room December 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Linn County Veteran Affairs hosting aid and attendance workshop for veterans Dec. 14

Joi Bergman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:19:20 +0000

Linn County Veteran Affairs, in partnership with the Greater Cedar Rapids Elderly Consortium and the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs, will host an Aid and Attendance workshop for Linn County veterans and senior service providers on Wednesday, December 14 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, 500 1st Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids. A light lunch will be provided.

Aid and Attendance is a benefit for wartime veterans and their spouses. Certain medical qualifications must be met along with income and asset limits.

“Applying for veteran benefits can be complicated, so our goal is to explain this benefit to veterans and their spouses and help them apply for it if they qualify,” said Don Tyne, Linn County Veteran Affairs Director. “Some companies charge hundreds or thousands of dollars to help veterans apply for their benefits, and we want veterans to know the Linn County Veterans Affairs Office is here to help them at no charge.”

In addition to veterans, the workshop is also for senior service providers, including assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Tyne and Monica Hunter, president of the Greater Cedar Rapids Elderly Consortium, say staff at these living facilities should be educated about the Aid and Attendance veteran benefit so they know the types of questions to ask when a company requests access to their clients and residents to sell financial planning services.

For more information, contact the Linn County Veteran Affairs Office at (319) 892-5160 or veteran@linncounty.org or Monica Hunter at the Greater Cedar Rapids Elderly Consortium at mhunter@recoverhealth.org