Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 2021

The Week in Review is a weekly digital newsletter from Linn County, Iowa.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month - a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic, and provide resources to those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts, much like any mental health condition, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.

Every 11 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies by suicide.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
While nearly half of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition, research shows that 90% experienced symptoms.

While these statistics are staggering, it's important to know that help is available for those in need. The latest Linn County Connection blog post addresses suicide prevention and the resources available at the Linn County Mental Health Access Center.

The Sheriff’s Office is Hiring Reserve Deputies

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the position of Special Deputy Sheriff (Reserve). Special deputies may assist in Patrol, Corrections, Detective, and Civil divisions of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Special deputies may also participate in McGruff appearances, represent the Sheriff’s Office at fairs and parades, operate a speed measuring trailer, and assist with boat patrol on the Cedar River, among other functions. Following required testing and training, successful applicants will be certified by the State of Iowa as a Reserve Officer. This is a volunteer position.

Find the application and more information about the Special Deputy program on the Linn County Career Page.

Public Test of Voting Equipment on Oct. 6

Before each election, Linn County tests its voting equipment for accuracy. The public is invited to observe the testing of the voting equipment that will be used in Linn County in the upcoming November election. The testing will begin Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 at 9 a.m. at 823 3rd St SW, Cedar Rapids and the lower level of the Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2nd St SW, Cedar Rapids. Learn more.

Register to Vote!

September 28 was National Voter Registration Day - a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy on the fourth Tuesday in September every year. First observed in 2012, nearly 4.5 million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date. It’s not too late to register to vote or update your registration! If you have an Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID, you can register online. If you have a printer, you can print a registration form to fill out and mail in. You can also email the Linn County Auditor’s Office or call them at 319-892-5300 option 1 during business hours to request a voter registration form by mail.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 2021. The Board of Supervisors:

Met with and received an update from the following departments: Conservation, Public Health, Soil Conservation, Veterans Affairs, Information Technology, and Sustainability
Received a COVID-19 update from Linn County Public Health
Discussed the upcoming change to Linn County’s website and email addresses from dot org to dot gov
Discussed the potential impact of President Biden’s emergency rule regarding COVID-19 vaccination and testing for organizations with 100 or more employees, including how Linn County might implement the rule for County employees, and how Linn County might address County employees unwilling to get vaccinated based on religious or medical exemptions
Discussed workforce pressures, issues, and concerns within the Linn County workforce
Held a public hearing to determine whether Linn County will convey to Jeremy J. and Erin L. Brown whatever interest Linn County may have in vacated right-of-way as follows: The north 128 feet of the west 30 feet of vacated Vermont Way as recorded in resolution 2006-4-42, Bk 6303, Pg 342, Linn County Recorder’s Office, lying south of Waubeek Road ROW. Located in Original Town of Waubeek, Section 19, T.85N, R.05W, Linn County, Iowa. Said area is subject to easements and restrictions of record or use.
Canvassed votes: Second-Tier, Control County Special Election
Approved resolution for a residential parcel split for Owens Farm Split Addition
Approved resolution for a final plat for Skoron Addition
Approved resolution for a rural land use plan map amendment, request of Ron Skoronski, Skoron LLC, property owner, to change the map designation for approximately .54 acres located at 4214 Indian Boundary Road from CNRA (Critical Natural Resource Area) to RRD3 (Rural Residential Development 3-Acre Area)
Approved a resolution for a final plat for Wilder First Addition
Approved Shared Road Maintenance and Snow & Ice Control Agreements between Linn County and the City of Alburnett; Linn County and the City of Palo; and Linn County and the City of Walker
Approved an Iowa CNP agreement between Linn County Community Services/Child Development Center and the State of Iowa Department of Education Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services for the period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
Approved purchase order for $41,800 to Racom Corporation for 20 portable radios for the Sheriff’s Office
Awarded bid and approved purchase order for regulatory signs to Vulcan, Inc. in the amount of $13,235.24
Held third and final consideration of Ordinance Amendment, rezoning case JR21-0007, request of Staco Corp, property owner, to rezone 35.0 acres located in the 400 Block of Wilder Drive, from the AG (Agricultural) zoning district to the RR2 (Rural Residential 2-Acre) zoning district
Provided Board member reports of their activities, meetings, and project updates

NOTE: Board of Supervisors Meeting Recaps briefly summarize and highlight topics from the Board’s meeting agendas. This recap is provided by County staff as a public service and is not an official record of Board action. The official record of approved minutes from Board of Supervisors meetings are approved at future meetings and are available for viewing after approval.

Board agendas, minutes, and meeting videos are available on the Agendas and Minutes webpage.

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Communications Department
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319-892-5000