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April 2019 A gift from afar

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Recommended Citation "A gift from afar" (2019). Postville Project Documents. 1. https://scholarworks.uni.edu/postville_documents/1

This Document is brought to you for free and open access by the The osP tville Project at UNI ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Postville Project Documents by an authorized administrator of UNI ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Myrna Jones is being inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame at the Iowa State Fair August 17. She is a long-time Postville 4-H lead- er. See the story on page two

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Postville Herald-Leader ESTABLISHED 1992 • COPYRIGHTED 2008 • USPS 006-515 • VOLUME 18 • NO. 29 • 12 PAGES 112 NORTH LAWLER STREET, POSTVILLE, IOWA 52162 • PHONE: 563-864-3333 • FAX: 563-864-3400 • SINGLE COPY: $1.00 News Email: [email protected] • • Advertising Email: [email protected] What’s Postville receives Vision Iowa Grant happening in to fund expansion at NE Iowa YMCA and around Governor Chet Culver announced last Wednesday, July 9 that Postville was one of four recipients of Vision Iowa Grants. Postville...... Culver said, “The projects funded by these grants will provide citizens and visitors alike with new recreational and educational opportunities. I applaud Postville and all winning com- munities and the Vision Iowa Board for working together to make Iowa a more attractive place Call FEMA Fraud line to live, work and play.” Postville was awarded $850,000 for Project N. I. C. H. E. S. at the YMCA. This two story to verify authenticity addition to the existing recreation center, previously known as the 1940’s gym, will include an Word has been received indoor therapeutic swimming pool, racquetball court, community center and classroom space by FEMA that people have for preschool and childcare services. Postville’s award of $850,000 was approximately 95% of been getting phone calls the $875,550 requested. from a source saying they Jeremy Strub of the YMCA said, “I am pleased to announce that we received nearly the are a FEMA representative. entire amount requested for our project. One of the most impressive success stories of this proj- Anyone who has gotten such ect was the donations we received in just over a month’s time. Our goal at the Northeast Iowa a call after they have initial- YMCA was to raise $70,000. We showed the strength of our community in coming together and ly contacted FEMA, should raising over $90,000. hang up and contact the Project N. I. C. H. E. S. would not have received $850,000 in grant money without the sup- FEMA fraud line. the num- port of Postville Community Schools, Allamakee County, the City of Postville, Clayton County, ber is 1-800-323-8603. The the Postville Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Iowa YMCA Board of Directors and Post- number for the FEMA news A gift from afar ville Child Care Services. Kevin Westcott, an employee of Hall Roberts’ Son, unloads a truck which was filled desk is 513-251-3687. The project, which is expected to break ground early next year, will consist of a four year to the brim with food, paper products and much, much more. The contents were donated old preschool classroom, racquetball court and a therapeutic exercise pool. The second floor to the Postville Food Pantry by a gentleman from Ohio, who only wanted to be known as will have an open room that may be used as a community center, after school programming and Peter, after he heard about the extreme needs in Postville following the May 12 raid via Postville Community exercise classes. the National news. The donations came in part from the Youngstown Community Food Blood Drive is July 18 Strub added, “We are also building a new entrance to the YMCA that will allow for better Center, Inc. and the Gleaner’s Food Bank. Paul Rael, director of Hispanic Ministry at St. energy efficiency and supervision of the building. We are working on other grant opportunities The Postville Commu- Bridget’s Church and member of the board of directors of the food pantry, said he was and are continuing to take donations to enlarge the cardio-exercise room and redirect traffic nity Blood Drive will be telephoned by “Peter” and asked how we got our food and when he explained that local from the women’s locker room to the workout area. With everyone’s effort, we will have a facil- held Monday, July 28 from donations and the purchasing of food from a Waterloo food bank could not keep up with ity like none other in Northeast Iowa.” 1 to 6 p.m. at Memorial the need following the raid, Peter said a truckload would be forthcoming. Rael added that The anticipated completion date of the entire project is January of 2010. Hall. the donation was also partly coordinated by Abi Lyons of the Jewish Labor Commission. Other projects funded from the Community Attraction and Tourism Fund (CAT) were: All donors will have the The truck arrived in Postville last Thursday afternoon just in time for this week’s distri- Birmingham Park Shelter Project, $45,000; Children’s Discovery Center, Clinton, $325,000 chance to register to win bution. one of two $25 gas cards. and Ankeny to Woodward Trail, $1,750,000. For an appointment visit givebloodgivelife.org or call At the Council Judy at 1-800-478-4180. The need for blood is Stall door removal at PCCS approved, YMCA ongoing. In fact, during the summer months, the gift is Peace Rally discussed, special meeting especially important. Give volunteers blood and change a life, set to clarify proposed housing code starting with your own. of the year The Postville City Coun- replacing them with curtains approved the removal of the Postville Booster Club cil, meeting in regular session is much better for children in doors, Penrod told Hageman to meet in Mott Lobby Monday evening had several this age group. she is not to make these types lengthy and somewhat con- She said, “We are judged recognized The Pirate Athletic of decisions in the future troversial items on the agen- by the parents and the com- Booster Club will meet without prior approval. da. munity and we want to al- tonight (Wednesday, July Although Hageman for service Katie Hageman, director leviate any risk that may 16) at 7 p.m. at the Mott agreed, she reiterated the fact of Postville Child Care Ser- be a potential hazard.” Lobby in the High School. that the contract is vague and vices, along with members Mayor Penrod expressed All members are urged to she would like to have it clari- to facility of the Board of Directors at disgust that the doors had attend. fied. She said when she asked Kelly Livingood and Pam Livingood have been recognized by the Board of Directors the Center, asked that doors been removed prior to seek- about painting and mainte- for their volunteerism at the Northeast Iowa YMCA. Both have given countless hours of to the bathrooms used by ing permission from the City service. Their names have been engraved on a plaque which is displayed at the facility. Di- children through age five be saying the building’s physi- rector Jeremy Stub said, “We are very appreciative of the hours that Kelly and Pam have Allamakee County removed. cal appearance is up to the City Council Fair Special Section given to the Y. They help make our day to day operation run smoothly.” Kelly volunteers She explained that the City’s discretion. Although CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 maintenance expertise among other things and Pam has volunteered countless morning inside today’s Herald- doors are a safety hazard and the Council unanimously hours and both are always willing to help wherever needed. Leader. Join the fun! Faith leaders speak out on poor treatment of Board sets five IASB legislative priorities, immigrant workers here & in flood recovery approves volunteer football coach on trial Des Moines, IA – Iowa Immigration Reform, speak- Gregory Palmer, Iowa Annu- Faith leaders spoke July 10 ers on the call included Rev. al Conference of the United basis, approves teacher transfer to grade 4 during a telephone press con- Catherine Quehl-Engel, Chap- Methodist Church, Rev. Julia The regular meeting of to pay. p.m. Seats up for election ference on the recent abuse lain of Cornell College in Mt. Rendon of the Iowa Confer- the Postville School Board • Support increased fund- this year are those of Laura Monona suffered by immigrant work- Vernon, Bishop Alan Scarfe, ence of the United Church met on Monday, July 14, with ing for AEA assistance to Lubka, Jeff Cox, and Jamie ers in the state at the Agripro- Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, of Christ and Patty Kupfer, interim superintendent Dar- local schools in the areas of Smith. Nominations for va- 563-539-2061 cessors plant in Postville and Bishop Steven L. Ullestad, Manager of Partnerships with win Winke now the head ad- emerging technology, pro- cancies can be filed between Part of the BIRDNOW DEALERSHIPS in flood recovery efforts in Northeastern Iowa Synod America’s Voice. Amidst a ministrator at the school. The fessional development, cur- July 7 and before 5 p.m. on in Monona, Fayette, Cascade, Jesup, Eastern Iowa. Convened by of the Evangelical Lutheran Oelwein & Independence. chorus of faith leaders calling top priority for Winke during riculum assessment and early July 31. Nomination papers Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln & Christians for Comprehensive Church in America, Bishop on Congress to investigate childhood activities. Mercury available at our Oelwein location. the meeting was to choose the will require a minimum of 20 the Postville raid, the bish- school’s five IASB legislative On a two to one vote, the signatures. All candidates are ops and clergy denounced the priorities for the year. This Board did approve Ben Heit- at large. We’re Here Upcoming Rally is calling troubling pattern of worker year the Board chose to sup- land as a volunteer football In other action, the to Serve You! exploitation and disregard for port the following priorities, coach for the 2008 season on Board: for immigration reform, immigrant families around which they feel would most a trial basis. Concerns were • Approved the transfer of And We’re Only the state. In particular, the impact the district: voiced over Heitland being Matt Leeman from first grade 10 Minutes Away! worker justice, family unity exploitation of clean-up • Support adequate and involved with the program to fourth grade to fill the va- (Postville, Iowa….) Hundreds of people from across the crews brought in to aid in re- on-time funding for ELL stu- as he is a 2007 graduate of cancy left by the departure See us for all your country are planning to gather in Postville, on Sunday, July cent flood recovery has high- dents until the students reach PHS and there is little age of Tracy Decker. The district full auto service & 27th for an interfaith prayer and March calling for compre- lighted the abuses as a wake- proficiency. difference between him and will be cutting back to two body shop needs. hensive immigration reform, family unity, an end to raids and up call, revealing the urgent • Support the creation of the players. Board members sections of first grade. need for fair and humane im- noted that Heitland’s role will Open 6 days a week . just labor practices. The rally and March will take place on an additional funding mech- • Approved the Secretary migration reform. “Working anism for school districts’ have to be explained to the and Treasurer reports for the Monday-Friday Sunday, July 27th from 1 – 4 p.m. St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Jewish Community Action towards immigration reform transportation costs that does players the first day of prac- district. The Board also ap- 7am-5pm and has become even more ur- not directly or indirectly im- tice, which is Aug. 11, and if pointed Clara Lensing as Saturday 7am-Noon. of St. Paul, Minnesota, and The Jewish Council on Urban Af- fairs of , Illinois, are the organizers of this event. gent following the troubling pact funding for the educa- any problems occur in the first 2008-2009 Board Secretary, stories that have emerged month of coaching, the item Check “This is a call for Justice. This is a call to be faithful to our tion program. Mike Kruckenberg as the from Iowa,” said Patty Kup- • Support a school founda- will come before the Board Board Treasurer, and Steve www.BIRDNOW.com American and Religious values. This is a call to stand in soli- darity with our Hispanic brothers and sisters,” said Sr. Mary fer, Manager of Partnerships tion formula that recognizes again at the September meet- Saunders as Board Attorney. or call Toll Free with Americas Voice. “Sadly, and adequately funds changes ing. If there are no problems, • Heard a recap on Project 1.888.BIRDNOW McCauley of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. The rally will begin with an interfaith prayer at 1:00 p.m. these two examples are not in demographics, including Heitland will be allowed to NICHES from Mike Kruck- (247-3669) for inventory & at St. Bridget’s Church. A walk through the town will follow. declining and increasing en- finish out the season. Jeff Cox enberg who has been in- more information or It will conclude with testimonies from those directly affected Faith leaders speak on rollment changes. cast the dissenting vote. stop by our Dealership! by the immigration raid that took place on Monday, May 12th treatment of immigrants • Support changes in col- With the upcoming school School Board lective bargaining requiring board elections on Tuesday, You’ve got to get to our at in Postville, as well as from others commit- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 place, you’ll like the ted to comprehensive immigration reform, worker’s rights, an arbitrators to first consider Sept. 9, the Board set the way we treat you! end to raids and family unity. local conditions and ability polling hours for noon to 8