News & Updates
from Linn County Government
February 2017
|
|
|
|
 The Linn County Board of Supervisors is joined by a group of supporters on Feb. 8 when the Board signed a proclamation reaffirming Linn County government's commitment to diversity.
|
|
|
|
Linn County Board of Supervisors Signs Proclamation Supporting Diversity
The Linn County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation on February 8 affirming support for religious, ethnic and cultural diversity during the Board’s formal meeting. (Watch that section of the meeting here from minute 1:18 to minute 11:00.)
The proclamation cites religious, cultural and ethnic diversity enriches the quality of life in Linn County and that human dignity, equality and liberty are fundamental principles of our society.
“I think that this is incredibly important for Linn County government to do, particularly in the wake of a lot of things that are happening nationally where religious and ethnic minorities may feel marginalized,” said Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker. “I think one of the founding principles of this country is articulated on the Statue of Liberty – give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses – the Lazarus poem that was inscribed on our Statue of Liberty, which was a beacon of hope for folks all over the world who came to America in search of a better life.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linn County Issues FY16 Annual Report
Linn County’s fiscal year 2016 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) is now available. The report provides an overview of how tax dollars are managed and spent and is part of Linn County’s ongoing commitment to keep citizens informed about the County’s finances and to be accountable for the receipt and expenditure of public funds.
The report also highlights some of Linn County’s accomplishments and major initiatives of the past year and demonstrates the vital role of county government in the lives of citizens.
|
|
|
|
Supervisors Oppose Collective Bargaining Bills
The Linn County Board of Supervisors signed a resolution February 13 stating their unanimous opposition to House File 291 and Senate File 213 – the proposed state legislation related to changes in Chapter 20 which covers collective bargaining for public employees. The bills are being debated in the House and Senate this week.
|
|
|
|
Linn County Deputies Receive Valor, Life Saving Awards
Three Linn County deputies were recently honored for their extraordinary acts while on duty in 2016. Deputy Alex Steffens was awarded the Medal of Valor for a peaceful resolution of a potentially lethal confrontation with an armed and dangerous adversary. Deputies Brandon Stone and Jim Tindal received the Life Saving commendation award for their actions that were instrumental in saving the lives of two different people. The deputies were recognized at Linn County’s Quarterly Employee Recognition Breakfast in February 2017. We share their stories here.
|
|
|
|
 Deputy Alex Steffens
Medal of Valor recipient
|
|
|
 Deputy Brandon Stone
Life Saving Commendation Award recipient
|
|
|
 Deputy Jim Tindal
Life Saving Commendation Award recipient
|
|
|
|
 Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker
|
|
|
Supervisor Walker to Speak During Black History Month Event Legacies: Black Men
Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker is one of four guest speakers for an event on February 23 presented by the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission and the Cedar Rapids Public Library for Black History Month.
A legacy is defined as a gift handed down by a predecessor. This series will focus on the legacies we are living and what we want our legacies to be. The event will include four 10-minute presentations, each with a different take on the topic of "Black Men,” presented by four individuals with their own unique perspectives.
The presentations will be held in the Whipple Auditorium at the Downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library on February 23 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.
|
|
|
|
 Rebecca Stonawski
Deputy Auditor / Deputy Commissioner of Elections
|
|
|
New Linn County Deputy Auditor / Deputy Commissioner of Elections
Rebecca Stonawski was sworn in as the new Deputy Auditor/Deputy Commissioner of Elections on Jan. 31. Originally from Monticello, Iowa, Ms. Stonawski has degrees from Yale, George Washington University and the University of Iowa. For six years, she taught Political Science courses at Luther College and Concordia University. For the past few years, she has worked as an attorney in Cedar Rapids. She replaces former Deputy Auditor Tim Box.
|
|
|
|
Planning & Development Department Issues 2016 Annual Report
The Linn County Planning & Development Department’s 2016 annual report provides a snapshot of the department’s activities and projects over the past year and shows trends in permits and development review cases over the previous five years.
The projects highlighted are examples of how Linn County, and the Planning & Development Department, are working to implement a customer-centered culture and use transformational strategies to improve customer satisfaction.
Department staff are continually searching for new ways to provide excellence in all areas of service while balancing the needs of the individual and the public through building safety and the wise use of our land and environmental resources.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board of Supervisors Awards $81,000 in Witwer Trust Grants
The Linn County Board of Supervisors has awarded $81,614 in grants from the Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust Fund to 39 non-profit organizations whose work benefits Linn County residents. The recipients were selected through an annual competitive grant process. The Board of Supervisors received nearly $175,000 in grant requests.
The Witwer Trust was established by Weaver Witwer, a prominent Cedar Rapids grocer and landowner who died in 1979. Mr. Witwer owned and operated a food processing plant, a number of local farms, and what became known as the Me Too grocery stores.
|
|
|
|
 Red Cedar Lodge, Squaw Creek Park
|
|
|
Join Us For Red Cedar Lodge Open House
Looking for a place to host an outdoor ceremony, indoor banquet or family event? Consider Red Cedar Lodge in picturesque Squaw Creek Park. Construction of the new lodge is now complete and we are hosting an open house in March. The facility is equipped with heat and air conditioning and is ADA accessible.
Open House
March 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and March 5 from 1-4 p.m.
Squaw Creek Park
1700 Big Blue Stem Drive
Marion
|
|
|
|
Most Linn County Offices Closed February 20
Most Linn County governmental offices will be closed Monday, February 20 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The following services will continue to operate:
- Juvenile Detention and Diversion Services
- Linn County LIFTS will be running abbreviated routes with no rural service.
- The Sheriff’s Office will be closed; however, continuous operations will be available for routine and emergency responses. This includes the Patrol Division, Communications Division and the Correctional Center. In an emergency, always dial 911.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stay Informed.
Sign Up For Notify Me.Linn County makes it easy for you to stay informed about county news, services and events by offering email and/or text message notifications. Topics available for subscription include: - news releases
- road construction updates
- snow removal updates
- eNewsletters
- election information
- meeting notices
- agendas
- and more
Visit Linn County’s website at www.linncounty.org/NotifyMe to sign-up to receive the information that is important to you. There is no cost to subscribe. Text messages are subject to standard text messaging rates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
