An apology, a clarification and an invitation

by Sandy
Posted: 09 May 2010 Filed Under: Columns, Social No Comments

By Sandy Sanderson

An apology to regular readers of this Web site. You’ll have noticed the site hadn’t been updated for a week. There is a reason, which I will share with you as soon as the full details are available, likely sometime this week.

In the meantime, I have updated pertinent articles and information to bring them up to date.

I appreciate the comments readers send to me, pro and con.

Rick Hermann did challenge my posting regarding the proposed hike in school district property taxes. He says the proposed $2.51 increase is too high and will stifle commercial growth.

The point of that commentary was to make the public aware that this cash reserve shortfall didn’t happen overnight. It’s taken at least 10 years to create the situation.

Rick may have a point. I simply was trying to let the public, particularly newcomers to Ankeny, how the situation evolved. I’m not locked into the $2.51 figure. I simply believe it’s time to start taking care of the situation.

As many of you know, I have a hobby of playing rhythm guitar and singing. Over the past few months I’ve been working with three very fine musicians in forming and perfecting a band.

The other members are Clark Cleghorn of Carlisle, our drummer; Larry Martin of Des Moines, our bass player; and Randy Love of Ankeny, our lead guitar player. They carry me very well.

We are a dance band, specializing in Rock ‘n Roll and upbeat country. The name may give you some idea of our focus – Stuck In Reverse.

Stuck In Reverse will be the house band for the PMECI (Professional Musicians and Entertainers Club of Iowa) monthly Hawkeye Jamboree Sunday, May 16, at the American Legion, 3712 Second Ave., in Des Moines. It is an excellent venue and one of the featured entertainers is Buddy Hollly impressionist Richie Lee.

The doors open at noon and the PMECI offers and excellent lunch. Admission at the door is $6 for adults, $5 for members and $2 for children 7-10. The show begins at 1:30 p.m.

The band has a lot of fun working up new songs. We even composed one to explain our thoughts about Stuck In Reverse. While it’s not quite ready for a performance, the words may give you some idea about the band’s character:

STUCK IN REVERSE

We’re like a fine wine, aged to perfection

But are having trouble figuring out our direction.

We remember when belt loops were worn at the waist

Hiding all cracks in the name of good taste.

Exploring all avenues when we rehearse

We find ourselves in idle or stuck in reverse.

CHORUS:

IF LIFE WERE A GEAR BOX AND WE COULD SHIFT OUR PLANS

WE COULD CONTROL OUR SPEED ON LIFE’S SHIFTING SANDS.

BUT EVEN THEN WE RUN THE RISK OF STRIPPING THE GEARS

LETTING LIFE SPEED BY AND LOSING PRECIOUS YEARS.

AND WE REALLY DON’T KNOW WHICH IS BETTER OR WORSE

IDLING IN NEUTRAL, OR BEING STUCK IN REVERSE.

Read More

Walking tours of police station mark National Police Week

by admin
Posted: 09 May 2010 Filed Under: City Government, News, Upcoming events No Comments

 

In recognition of National Police Week, May 9-15, the Ankeny police department has scheduled three public tours of the newly-completed Ankeny Police Headquarters at 411 SW Ordnance Rd.

The tour dates and times are: Tuesday, May 11, from 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday, May 13, from 6 – 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 15. from 8 – 10 a.m. The walking tours will last approximately 45 minutes and will be guided by Ankeny Police Department personnel. Tours will include the firearms range, underground parking area, detention area, defensive tactics room and training auditorium.

One law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United State every 53 hours or an average of 163 officers per year, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).

Although Ankeny has been fortunate to have lost only one officer in the line of duty, Patrolman Laverne G. Haubert, there is a constant emphasis on safety. “We are acutely aware that between 150-200 officers are killed in the line of duty each year,” said Capt. Arnie Porath. “We must always be diligent when in contact with the public because we never know when a person will respond combatively or ask for help.”

NLEOMF created a memorial that pays tribute to more than 18,900 officers who have been killed in the line of duty in the United States since 1792. The National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial is located in Washington D.C. New names are added to the monument each spring in conjunction with National Police Week.

Haubert, who died in an automobile accident in the line of duty on Jan. 8, 1964, is included on the memorial and was also recognized locally with the dedication of Haubert Park, located at 914 SW 3rd St.

Read More

30 retire from Ankeny schools

by admin
Posted: 09 May 2010 Filed Under: Education, News No Comments

The Ankeny Board of Education invites the public to join school district staff in honoring the district’s retiring employees. Current and former students, parents and other members of the community are encouraged to attend the open house and recognition ceremony:

The ceremony will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at the Courtyard by Marriott, 2405 SE Creekview Dr. Refreshments will be served.

The Board and school district invite the public in honoring:

Karen Ahlberg Custodian Terrace Elementary
Dennis Albertson Social Studies Northview Middle School
Ray Anderson Custodian Crocker Elementary
Linda Beaman Special Education Southeast Elementary
Mike Beaman At-Risk Northview Middle School
Mark Becker Special Education Ankeny High School
Maggie Benge Second Grade Westwood Elementary
Al Bennett Custodian Northview Middle School
Dan Buda Supervisor Print Shop
John Cannon Social Studies Northview Middle School
Julie Carriere Custodian Northview Middle School
Pamala Goodwin Food Service Manager Food Service
Diane Hamilton Second Grade Ashland Ridge Elementary
Teresa Joens Language Arts Northview Middle School
Susan Jones Language Arts/Social Studies Parkview Middle School
Marge King Executive Assistant Community Education
Susan Kochheiser Associate Northview Middle School
Mark Maffett Science Ankeny High School
Margie McKibben Printer Print Shop
Jan Metheny Foreign Language Ankeny High School
Marlene Minear Food Service Supervisor Food Service
Jean Murphy Vocal Music Southeast Elementary
Sue Murphy Fourth Grade Ashland Ridge Elementary
Mike Nieland     Teacher Librarian Parkview Middle School
Tim Olson Math     Ankeny High School
Doyle Osborn Custodian East Elementary
Biff Renner Math Northview Middle School
Don Savage Science Ankeny High School
Janice Swedlund Fourth Grade Southeast Elementary
Julie Townsend Science Parkview Middle School
Read More

Workshop focuses on water monitoring

by admin
Posted: 09 May 2010 Filed Under: News, Upcoming events No Comments

IOWATER, Iowa’s statewide volunteer water quality monitoring program, in conjunction with the City of Ankeny, will host an Introductory IOWATER workshop at the Public Services Building at 220 West First St. on May 26 and 27.

During the two evening workshop, classroom instruction will be combined with hands-on training as participants learn how to monitor and assess the water quality of their local streams and ponds. IOWATER emphasizes a perspective based on the “watershed”, or the area of land that drains into a body of water. As workshop participants will learn, much of the trash, chemicals and other materials used on our yards, streets, and parking lots will eventually end up in the water.

Water quality monitoring volunteers will be trained to conduct physical and chemical assessments. Physical assessments document the physical attributes of a water body, such as temperature and water clarity. Chemical testing includes pH, nitrogen, phosphate, chloride, and dissolved oxygen monitoring.

Workshop registration fees are $20 per person or $30 for a three-person team and cover all program fees, snacks, and testing equipment. The 8-hour course will be held over two evenings, Wednesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 27 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. The deadline for registration is May 19, The registration form is available on the city website.

For more information or to register, contact Amy Bryant at 515.963.3520 or email at ABryant@AnkenyIowa.gov or find more information at www.iowater.net.

Read More

Response team seeks members

by admin
Posted: 09 May 2010 Filed Under: City Government, News, Upcoming events No Comments

The Ankeny Community Emergency Response Team (ACERT) is hosting an open house and reception 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the fire station headquarters, 120 NW Ash Dr., for community members to learn about ACERT and find out how they can contribute to the health and safety of the Ankeny community.

ACERT is about readiness, people helping people, community safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. Through training, volunteer citizens will be prepared to deliver first aid, perform CPR and assist in search operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, ACERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. ACERT members also provide support to emergency responders by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

ACERT members also provide assistance in shelter management, public education and support services in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

ACERT, formed in 2004, meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the fire headquarters.

For more information, contact Chief Rex Mundt at 965-6474.
Media contact: Deb Dyar, 965-6414.

Read More

Tidbits

by admin
Posted: 09 May 2010 Filed Under: News, Upcoming events No Comments

The adult afternoon book discussion will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at Kirkendall Library, 1210 NW Prairie Ridge Dr. “The Soloist” by Steve Lopez will be discussed.

A free Basic Microsoft Excel Computer Class for Adults will be offered from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Kirkendall Public Library, 1210 NW Prairie Ridge Dr. This class is designed for people with little or no experience using Microsoft Excel. Topics to be covered include setting up a worksheet, sorting and creating formulas. Registration is required. Call the library at 965-6460, extension .

On May 15-16, Ankeny will hold its annual Cleanup Days and Tree & Branch Recycling at the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center, 1220 NW Prairie Ridge Dr. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 15, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 16. Residents are allowed up to five passenger or truck tires; no commercial tires will be accepted. Trees and branches will be accepted at the City Maintenance Facility, 211 SE Lorenz Dr.

Kirkendall Public Library will host a program about the United States Mint State Quarter program 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13. Local coin expert Bob Carr will speak about the program’s history and interesting facts about the artwork selected for each state. This presentation is free and open to the public.

Final renewal rates from Wellmark were received recently and the design changes to the city’s medical benefit plan for next year resulted in a 4 percent decrease in total cost compared to the current year. The new plan year begins July 1. Had the changes increasing co-pays and deductibles not been enacted, the renewal rate would have been 8.1 percent higher and employees would have paid a portion of the monthly premium. From a budget perspective, the cost savings is even more significant since the appropriated amount for all funds was $2,094,551compared to a maximum renewal cost of $1,843,308 or a 13.6 percent reduction. Overall, dental premiums increased 2.9 percent. The city pays only the employee’s cost of dental, while the added premium for spouses and dependents is borne by the employee.  Basic Life remained unchanged due to a two-year rate guaranteed initiated last year.

The police department manages the animal control contract with the Polk County Department of Public Works. Historically, Polk County was called upon to transport captured stray animals from the City to the Animal Rescue League (ARL). In addition to paying Polk County for transport services, the city, beginning in 2007, agreed to reimburse the ARL for expenses associated with housing stray animals, which it previously had not done. This resulted in a growth in the animal control budget from $9,200 in 2004 to nearly 40,000 in 2008. Transporting nearly 500 animals annually at a cost of $100 necessitated a modification to this process. The opening of the new police headquarters provided room for animal containment and for the department to manage animal control calls using Community Services Officers (CSOs). This has resulted in significant cost savings with year to date expenditures at $10,800; well below the $28,000 FY 2010 budget.

A new summer event, “Barefoot Bash,” will make its debut this summer on June 12. The daylong event includes a “Spike for the Cure” sand volleyball tournament, the popular tailgating game, “Bags” Tournament, concessions and music entertainment from SNAFU. More information is available online.

The opening of Cascade Falls, the city’s second municipal pool located in the Prairie Trail development, has been delayed until July 3. The delay is a result of the harsh winter and record snowfall and its impact on construction. Due to the later opening, the cost of season passes is being adjusted and those already purchased will receive a 20 percent discount on their original purchase. The city Web site, Ankeny channel 7 and associated brochures and flyers have been updated to reflect the new opening date. Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center is still scheduled to open Saturday, May 29 (Memorial Day Weekend).

its 20th year reunion from 6 p.m. to midnight July 10 at the Pinnacle Club at Otter Creek Golf Course. A Facebook page includes details. Search for Ankeny High School 1990 Alumni. For more information, contact Eric Land at ericland@mxn.com (515 490 8620) or Melissa Nichols at mel.nich@hotmail.com (515 371 7659). Alumni are also invited to the Ankeny Alumni golf tournament July 9. Go to www.ankenyalumni.org for more information.

Read More

Prepare for youth triathion

by admin
Posted: 09 May 2010 Filed Under: City Government, News No Comments

Ankeny youth can hone their swimming, biking and running skills at an seven-week triathlon prep program in advance of the July 24 annual Ankeny Youth Triathlon.

The program is held on Saturdays from May 29 thru July 17, with no class on July 10. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards with no swim aids and be able to ride a bike without training wheels. Required gear includes: bicycle, bike helmet, swimsuit and swim goggles, towel and suitable running shoes.

The fee is $60, which does not include registration for the actual event. Registration is available online or at the Parks & Recreation office, 210 S. Ankeny Blvd. The deadline to register is May 14.

The annual race on July 24 will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Prairie Ridge Family Aquatic Center, 1220 NW Prairie Ridge Dr. Participants will be placed in divisions based on age. Boys and girls will compete separately in their respective age divisions. Participants ages 7-10 will swim 100 yards and bike two miles and complete the event by running half a mile. Participant ages 11-14 will swim 200 yards and bike four miles and complete the event by running a full mile. Competitors will swim at the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center, bike around the sports complex and run through the finish line at Northview Middle School.

Kids of all levels are encouraged to compete. Note that all participants MUST wear a helmet during the cycling portion of the triathlon.

-registration is required. All participants must turn in their registration form and their $25 registration fee by 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16. Late registration of $30 will be accepted after July 16 through July 22 at 5 p.m., but will not be accepted on race day.

Read More

Block Party Toolkit now available

by admin
Posted: 26 Apr 2010 Filed Under: City Government, News No Comments

With the popularity of neighborhood block parties growing each year, the city has created an only tool for planning block parties and filing the correct paperwork with the city.

Go to the city’s Web site at www.ankenyiowa.gov, click on “I Want To,” select “Get,” and then “Block Party Toolkit.” The toolkit includes the Block Party Permit application, a list of requirements, rules, planning ideas, sample invitations and activities and menu suggestions.

A Block Party Permit is required for all celebrations that include having a street blocked off. There is no fee for obtaining the permit. The permit also requires all home owners included on the street be notified the street will be blocked off and to agree to the stree closing. A list of signatures must accompany the completed permit.

The permit application must be returned to the City Clerk’s office at least 10 business days in advance of the planned event.

A popular feature is to request a visit from the fire and/or police department. If available, officers will arrive in their vehicles, answer questions and discuss citizen concerns.

Read More

Local native and prairie tours planned

by admin
Posted: 26 Apr 2010 Filed Under: News, Upcoming events No Comments

The City of Ankeny, in partnership with Prairie Landscapes, will be offering four tours of local native and prairie projects. These tours will highlight the City’s conservation design practices in parks and public areas. All tours are free and are limited to 13 participants. The dates are as follows:

  • Tuesday May 25, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday June 30, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday July 27, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday September 14, at 5:30 p.m.

The tours will offer participants a close look at native and prairie plantings in different stages of bloom. All tours will depart from the Parks & Recreation office at 210 South Ankeny Blvd. To sign up, e-mail Jacky Kruse or call 963-3570. Participants may sign up for one or more tours. All tours will last approximately two hours.

Read More

Opinions and information abound on Sandy’s Ankeny

by Sandy
Posted: 06 Jan 2010 Filed Under: Columns No Comments

By Sandy Sanderson

Welcome to Sandy’s Ankeny, a Web site to provide commentary and information on the people, institutions, issues and businesses in Ankeny, Iowa.

While focused on Ankeny, a wide range of subjects from the state and national stage that impact Ankeny residents will be addressed. It’s a venue to express opinions and observations on events that make Ankeny a community of neighbors, each with their own ideas.

I’m the former editor of the Ankeny Press Citizen, where I wrote a weekly column (Odds & Ends) about the people of Ankeny. I will continue to post articles and photos featuring Ankeny residents and their families on this site.

Beyond that, I’ll focus on the individuals who are the mainstay of local, county, state and national governments who address issues that directly impact our daily lives. Further, the Ankeny business community keeps our economic engine running. These businesses are operated by individuals who have taken the financial risk and opportunity to invest in our community. They will be recognized on this site.

There are a number of community institutions – from schools and city departments to the historical society and art center – that offer services and create opportunities for residents. Behind each of these are people who care about Ankeny and deserve to be known by the community.

My travels through the hallways of Ankeny have allowed me to meet many of these individuals. I don’t profess to know them all. I welcome your help in suggesting ideas to pursue. E-mail me your thoughts and I assure you I will follow up; if there’s a story there, I’ll write it and post it.

If you let me know of any upcoming events for non-profit organizations, I’ll be glad to post them on this site. We can also post photos of interest.

Naturally, these postings are free of charge. I do not charge a fee for articles that I write or columns that are submitted. Each of the articles and postings have an area on which readers can comment or respond.

I’m a subscriber to the KISS theory (Keep It Simple, Stupid). My cell phone, for instance, is used only to receive and make telephone calls – and never on the golf course. We’ve attempted to design this site for ease of navigation. It was designed by SLASH/WEB STUDIOS of Ankeny. It’s being managed by me, thus the delay in uploading the articles. I am technology challenged, but attempting to overcome these shortfalls.

I welcome your comments and suggestions. Let me know how your feel about the posted subjects and my take on them. I’m certain I’ll not please everyone, but I will offer you the opportunity to respond. Let us know what you think. It’s an opportunity to vent, albeit with decorum.

Thanks to Jon Jamison of JAMISON PHOTOGRAPHY for the photo that heads up this Web site; he did the best he could with what he had to work.

If interested in becoming a sponsor of this Web site, please contact me. We can link your e-mail and Web site for easy contact and display of services and products.

Read More