2017 Deputy of the Year Award 

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Brian Gardner, has presented its 2017 Deputy of the Year award to Deputy Todd Egli. The award recognizes a specific deputy sheriff, regardless of rank, who went above and beyond the call of duty in serving the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Linn County during the preceding year. The Deputy of the Year award consists of a plaque given to the recipient and his or her name will appear on the multi-year plaque displayed in the first floor lobby display case at the Sheriff's Office.

In his nomination, Deputy Todd Egli was identified as a “go-getter” who shows great initiative, attentiveness, and perseverance in performing his job duties. He excels in his primary role as a patrol deputy, as well as his ancillary duties as a Field Training Officer, Immediate Response Unit member, and Accident Investigator. In his role as a mentor, Deputy Egli is always approachable and helpful. He continually displays dependability, trustworthiness, and humility. 

Also recognized for the 2017 Special Deputy of the Year was Deputy Doug Exline.

Go the Distance for Crime Victims 5K 

The Linn County Sheriff's Office and Linn County Attorney's Office invite you to join them for the 12th Annual Go the Distance for Crime Victims 5K. The run/walk will be on Saturday, April 14 at 9 a.m. at Thomas Park in Marion, and proceeds will go to aid victims of crime in Eastern Iowa. Those wishing to participate can sign up on the event website, in person at Race Bag Pickup at the Cedar Rapids Police Station on Friday, April 13, or the morning of the race at Thomas Park. 

Dogs, strollers and wagons welcome!

This event is planned by members of the Linn County criminal justice community and is being held in conjunction with National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 8-14, 2018). 

New License Plates Coming Soon to County Treasurers’ Offices

The new county standard license plates that were voted on at the Iowa State Fair last August are rolling off the production line! The new plates are being made at Iowa Prison Industries in Anamosa and will be arriving in county treasurers’ offices in the coming weeks.

The Linn County Treasurer's Office will begin issuing the new plates once the stock of existing plates is depleted. Once they begin issuing the new plates, you can get one for $5 even if your plate isn’t at the end of its 10-year lifespan. As a reminder, the new plate design will be available for county standard plates and special emblem plates, but plates already designed with a special background (like collegiate plates) will not change.

For more information on the new license plates, check out the IDOT FAQ’s.

Linn County Hosting Open House on Dows Farm Concept Plan 

Linn County Planning & Development will host a public open house to present a preliminary concept for the use of the Dows Farm property, which was acquired by Linn County in 2016.
 
The open house will take place Thursday, April 12, 2018, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at A Touch of Class Banquet & Convention Center, 5977 Mt. Vernon Road SE, Cedar Rapids. The open house will include concept display boards and an opportunity for the public to review the plan, provide feedback and discuss ideas with the design team.
 
A presentation will be held at 6 p.m. followed by a Q&A session.
 
The design concept envisions development in a manner that incorporates and protects the site’s significant environmental features and respects its agricultural heritage. The Dows Farm Concept Plan includes:

• A working farm to grow healthy foods using sustainable farming practices
• Trail connections
• Greenways and open space to protect Squaw Creek
• A mix of housing types with a thoughtful integration of commercial uses

About Dows Farm
The Dows Farm is 180 acres of rolling farmland, pasture, and stream buffer under the ownership of Linn County since 2016. Dows Farm is located on the west side of the Highway 13 corridor, bordered by Mt. Vernon Road, Dows Road, Cottage Grove Parkway, and Squaw Creek Road. 

Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 26-30 

March 26-30 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa. It’s a reminder to Iowa families and businesses to take time and review their own emergency disaster preparedness plans for severe weather.
There are three simple steps you can take:

• Build a kit. Your emergency supply kit should have everything you need to sustain you and your family for 3-5 days.
• Make a plan. Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is key. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. Include your pets in your plan.
• Be Aware. Learn about the hazards that can affect your community, and learn how to obtain information about current weather and road conditions.

Brochures and fact sheets about severe weather safety and family preparedness are available on the Ready Iowa website and National Weather Service website.

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