September 2020

November 3 Presidential General Election Updates

Voters have multiple options for participating in the upcoming General Election on November 3, 2020:

Vote by mail via an absentee ballot. Absentee Ballot Request Forms must be received by 5 p.m. October 24, 2020.
Early, in-person voting begins Monday, October 5 and is open to all voters at the following two locations:
- 823 3rd St SW, Cedar Rapids (near the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center),
  - Mondays through Fridays, October 5 - November 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  - Saturday, October 24 & Saturday, October 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Lindale Mall Food Court, 4444 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids
  - Tuesdays through Saturdays, October 6 - October 28 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
One-day satellite voting. Information available at LinnCounty.org/Vote.
Election Day voting on November 3. Find your polling location.

For additional information regarding the upcoming election, visit LinnCounty.org/Vote.

Linn County Hires First Sustainability Program Manager

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has hired Tamara Marcus as Linn County’s first sustainability program manager.

As sustainability program manager, Marcus will lead efforts to recommit the County to a more sustainable present and future. One of her first objectives is to complete a Greenhouse Gas Inventory to assess current emission levels and use this inventory to develop a climate action plan to meet targets laid out in the County climate resolution passed late last year by the Linn County Board of Supervisors.

Learn more about Tamara and her new role with Linn County.

Linn County Buildings Open By Appointment

Linn County offices are open to the public on an appointment-only basis due to COVID-19. Anyone entering County buildings will be required to wear a face covering and social distance. COVID-19 symptom screening will also be in place.

Additional information about County services, email addresses, and appointment scheduling is available on the Linn County website.

Linn County Storm Response Information

Linn County has made multiple service changes and passed resolutions to assist with recovery from the August 10 storm. Here are the highlights:

Building permit fees for storm-related construction permits have been waived, but permits are still required. More permit information and tips for finding a licensed contractor can be found on the Linn County website.
The Board of Supervisors signed a resolution allowing residents of unincorporated Linn County who are unable to occupy their home due to storm damage to establish temporary housing on the same site as the storm-damaged home, or on a vacant parcel intended for construction of a new residence if certain conditions are met. View the list of conditions.
Burn Permit deferment in unincorporated Linn County has been extended through the end of the year. View the list of allowed locations and conditions.

Visit LinnCounty.org/Storm for the latest storm recovery updates. Updates are made as new information becomes available.

Unincorporated Linn County Storm Debris Removal

Linn County Secondary Roads continues to work with its contractor Ceres for organic storm debris removal in unincorporated Linn County. Crews have completed the first pass for organic debris pickup in unincorporated Linn County. The second pass has started and communications will be sent once the third and final pass begins. Residents are asked to have all organic debris moved to the ROW by November 9 to guarantee removal. Sign up to receive notifications and select the "Front Page News" option.

The most up-to-date organic debris removal information can been found at LinnCounty.org/Storm. Website changes are made as new information becomes available.

Rural Needs Assessment Questionnaire

Linn County residents impacted by the derecho are encouraged to complete the needs assessment questionnaire developed by community agencies including Linn County Public Health, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, HACAP, Waypoint, and other community partners. See more info and complete the questionnaire at LinnCounty.org.

Linn County Conservation Area Renamed Wanatee Park

A thorough review of the name and reference of "squaw" has led the Linn County Conservation Board to approve changing the name Squaw Creek Park to Wanatee Park. The new name for the park, located off of Iowa Highways 100 and 13 near Marion at 1600 Banner Drive, takes effect immediately. Learn more.

Mental Health Information and Resources

The daily stress caused by COVID-19, physical distancing, the August 10 derecho, and a resulting financial crisis have had a big impact on our community. It is normal to experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty in this abnormal situation. Additionally, the events of the last year have only intensified feelings among those living with poor mental health or a mental illness. Prioritizing your mental health and staying connected to your family, friends, and community is more important than ever. Learn more and find resources on our website.

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