Employee of the Month Given to School Psychologist
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce presented its “Employee of the Month” award to a school psychologist that assists Gehlen Catholic Schools. The presentation was made during the Gehlen Catholic’s chamber coffee held Wednesday
morning in recognition of “Catholic Schools Week.” Dave Curry has been an employee with the Northwest Area Education Agency since 1983, and has served Gehlen Catholic Schools for more than ten years. In his role as a school psychologist, his support of Gehlen Catholic administration and teachers have
helped to develop educational skills to assure that each child succeeds. Dave Curry has also served as external coach for Gehlen Catholic’s Positive Behavioral and Intervention Supports teams from their beginnings. Dave Curry has made an impressive impact on students and staff, offering expertise and
encouragement, Gehlen Catholic has been recognized multiple years by the Iowa Department of Education for successful implementation of PBIS. Dave Curry is a vital component of Gehlen Catholic Schools, and is fondly considered a member of
the Gehlen Catholic family. He provides assessments to help determine specific needs of TK-12 students. He has been a source of information and data which administration and staff have utilized in serving students’ needs.
Dave Curry, (right) accepts the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce “Employee of the Month” award from Chamber board member, Kevin Eekhoff.
Catholic Schools Week An Opportunity To Showcase Catholic Education
(Le Mars) — Catholic schools around the region, including Gehlen Catholic, Remsen St. Mary’s and Granville Spalding are acknowledging “Catholic Schools Week” this week. Laurie Nussbaum is the elementary principal for Gehlen
Catholic schools. She says a Catholic-based education helps develop a student both mentally and spiritually.
Nussbaum says “Catholic Schools Week” allows for catholic educational institutions to open their doors and allow the general community an opportunity to view the educational standards.
At Gehlen Catholic, parents and grandparents of Gehlen students will join them for lunch on Thursday for the family picnic that will take place inside both gymnasiums.
Governor Reynolds Signs Water Quality Bill
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that redirects existing money toward voluntary water quality programs in Iowa.
Reynolds signed the bill Wednesday at the state Capitol, marking her first bill signed as governor.
The law is expected to redirect $282 million over 12 years from an infrastructure fund and water tax. Research shows it would cost billions of dollars to effectively clean Iowa’s waterways, in large part blamed on farm runoff.
The law doesn’t mandate comprehensive water quality metrics and excludes benchmark improvement goals. Environmental groups argue that lessens the impact.
State agriculture officials counter that existing water quality programs rely on extensive research from a voluntary state-backed initiative.
Reynolds says the bill is a first step. It’s unclear if other water-related legislation will advance this session.
photos courtesy of Governor’s office.
Iowa Banks Lobbying State Legislature To Drop Credit Unions Non-profit Status
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa bankers have launched an advertising campaign calling for an end to credit unions’ nonprofit status, which they say gives an unfair competitive advantage.
The move comes as Iowa’s credit unions increase their market share.
The Iowa Bankers Association has released digital, radio and television ads pushing for a leveled playing field between for-profit banks and nonprofit credit unions. The association says
banks’ 5 percent franchise tax on profits should also be levied on the state’s credit unions.
Credit unions say they should remain exempt from the state’s bank taxes. The Iowa Credit Union League is preparing to oppose any potential tax reform bill in the Legislature.
Republican Rep. Guy Vander Linden says he’d rather lower taxes for banks than levy new taxes on credit unions.
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Police Believe Woman’s Found Body Is A Homicide
WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) – Police believe the death of a Waterloo woman whose body was found after she was reported missing was a homicide.
The Courier reports that police have not released details of how 40-year- old Lakisha Williams died. An autopsy was performed earlier this week, but police say the full results are pending.
Williams’ body was found Friday on the ground in a remote area of Garden of Memories cemetery. Her mother reported her missing Jan. 25. She was last seen around 5 p.m. Jan. 20 near her apartment.
Williams’ husband, 27-year-old Fredrick Williams of Waterloo, was found in Minnesota last weekend and arrested on a parole violation. He was returned to Black Hawk County on Tuesday and on Wednesday ordered held without bond pending
a parole violation hearing in the coming weeks.
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