April is National County Government Month

April is National County Government Month and an opportunity to raise public awareness about county services, programs and responsibilities. National County Government Month is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Linn County government plays an important role in the lives of your family and community members. Throughout the month of April we have been highlighting the things we do via our Twitter page, website and our new Board of Supervisors video. Learn more about how Linn County works for you below.

• Linn County FY 2017 Annual Report
• eNewsletters
• Linn County Services Brochure

Stay informed about Linn County news, services and events by visiting our Notify Me page to sign up for email and text alerts.

Future Leaders of Linn County

On April 25, Linn County hosted 26 area high school students for Future Leaders of Linn County. This one-day event during National County Government Month engaged high school students in the government process by providing a hands-on, comprehensive learning experience that culminated with six students serving on a mock Board of Supervisors.

Students began their day by meeting Linn County elected officials and department heads and touring the Linn County Public Service Center. They attended the Linn County Board of Supervisors formal meeting and then participated in interactive breakout sessions with county staff.

See a photo gallery from the day’s events on our website.

Watch the mock Board of Supervisors video of the students serving as mock members of the board.

Linn County Campgrounds Now Open

The Linn County Conservation campgrounds at Morgan Creek, Squaw Creek, Pinicon Ridge, and Buffalo Creek Parks are now open for the 2018 season. Rates remain the same as last year, $20 per night for a site with water and electric.

C-Loop at Pinicon Ridge Park has been upgraded to all electric sites. Special weekends this year at Pinicon Ridge are:

• Christmas in July - July 27-28
• Spooktacular Weekend - October 5-6

"I found a baby animal, now what?" 

Spring is here and with it an onslaught of calls with the same message: "I found a baby animal. What do I do?" 

There is temptation to pet, touch, or “help” furred or feathered babies. The Linn County Conservation Department has advice on what to do in this situation. 

Public Health Employee Receives IEHA State Recognition

The Iowa Environmental Health Association (IEHA) recognized Sue Ellen Hosch, REHS, Senior Environmental Health Specialist with the "Environmental Health Professional of the Year Award." In her award announcement, IEHA recognized Sue Ellen as a professional role model for all IEHA members going above and beyond the normal excellence in her field, by teaching, training, and striving to upgrade their own departments and also the total environment as a whole. 

Sue Ellen has been dedicated to our Linn County Public Health since 1993, providing environmental health services in Linn and Jones counties.  

Public Health Employee Receives IFPTI National Recognition

The International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) has selected Brianna Gabel, CP-FS, Environmental Health Specialist as a member of Fellowship in Food Protection. Fellows who complete the IFPTI Fellowship program represents the next generation of leaders ready to meet new challenges in a climate of dynamic and continuous change. As part of her fellowship, Brianna will conduct a guided research project, presentation, and publication over the next year with publication in a special edition of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) Journal.

Brianna has been an Environmental Health Specialist in Iowa for three years including 18 months in Linn County.

Linn County Designated “SolSmart Gold” for Advancing Solar Energy Growth

Linn County received a Gold designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar.

“The SolSmart Gold designation recognizes Linn County for its leadership in encouraging solar energy growth and removing obstacles to solar development. As a result of our participation in the SolSmart program, Linn County is helping solar companies greatly reduce the cost of installations and pass those savings on to consumers. This allows even more local homes and businesses to obtain affordable, clean, and reliable electricity through solar. The actions Linn County has taken will help encourage solar companies to do business in the area, driving economic development and creating local jobs,” said Linn County Supervisor John Harris.

To receive designation, cities and counties make changes to their local processes to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. 

Linn County Sheriff's Office to Participate in Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 28, 2018, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office will be collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. The Sheriff’s Office will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at three different locations throughout Linn County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. This free, anonymous service will help keep your home safe and could even save lives.
 
The three collection sites hosted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office are:

• Ely Fire Station: 1300 Main St. Ely, Iowa 
• Linn County Sheriff’s Office (West Lot): 310 2^nd Avenue S.W., Cedar Rapids
• Center Point Ambulance Services: 521 Franklin St. Center Point, Iowa

The Linn County Sheriff's Office also has a permanent drug drop box available in their west parking lot. Citizens may access the drop box 24/7/365 and may do so anonymously. 

Dows Farm Concept Plan Now Available

More than 150 people attended the open house and unveiling of the Dows Farm Concept Plan on April 12, 2018. The design concept envisions development of the 179-acre Dows Farm property in a sustainable manner that incorporates and protects the site’s significant environmental features and respects its agricultural heritage. The presentation from the open house is now available online.
 
The next steps, starting July 1, will be to begin the process of conducting background studies, refining the design concept based on feedback from the open house, and creating the development strategies and design guidelines and standards.

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