The 2010 legislative session is underway and we have a lot of work ahead of us. My priorities this year include balancing the budget, quality education and creating good jobs. I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and suggestions.

If you have any friends who are not on the list encourage them to subscribe here.

I look forward to serving you.






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Calendar of Events

2010 Community Clean-up: Cleaniac and his friends are gearing up for the 2010 Community Clean-up Week: April 19-23, in celebration of Earth Week. Volunteers interested in helping with the Cleaniac’s Community Clean-up Week are invited to meet on Tuesday, February 16 at 7 a.m. at the Chamber Office. For more Information, contact the Chamber office at 641-753-6645.

Community Y Healthy U: Healthy U, a 12-week ongoing program of the Community Y of Marshalltown, is now open to the general public. Meeting Times: Thursdays @ 11:30 a.m.; 3rd Saturday of the month @ 8:30 a.m.

Weekly Healthy U group fitness class: Saturdays @ 9 a.m. Cost for Y members is $75. Non-Y members can participate for $120.

Nunsensations! The Nunsense Vegas Revue – another hilarious Nunsense musical at Marshalltown Community Theater, February 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., February 28 at 2 p.m. and March 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information check out: www.mctonline.org

March 4, 2010 – 14th Annual Des Moines Summit & Legislative Day; organized by the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce since 1997; Senator Steve Sodders, Representatives Mark Smith, Annette Sweeney, and Lance Horbach are assisting with the organization. Watch for registration information or visit the Chamber website at:www.marshalltown.org.

Films @ the Library: Join other area adults in viewing and discussing a classic film in the Marshalltown library's Community Meeting Room. All films will start at 6:30p.m. Tom LaVille will lead our discussions.
Thursday, February 25: The Searchers (1956)
Thursday, March 4: The Usual Suspects (1995)
Thursday, March 25: Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Looking for a great Valentine’s Gift? – MMSC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department has put together a wonderful cookbook for the new year. The “breast Friends” Cookbook is now available in the MMSC Gift Shop. 212 pages, 500 recipes, artwork by Amy Damman, an MMSC employee. One book is $20, 3 for $55 or 5 for $90. Check it out!!!

February 9th – Travel Federation of Iowa’s Legislative Showcase; Iowa Sate Fairground’s Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Marshalltown’s MCVB will be exhibiting. The public is welcome.

Films have been selected for an adult audience -- these programs are not suitable for children.

Helpful Information

The Central Iowa Art Association offers classes, volunteer opportunities, and art shows every month. Please check their website for a detailed calendar: www.centraliowaartassociation.com.

A new local information hotline regarding H1N1 vaccinations has been established at 641-754-5005. Information is available in English and Spanish.

The 2010 Census will create hundreds of jobs across the State of Iowa. If you are interested or know someone who is, you may call the Census at 866-861-2010. Please mention this opportunity to anyone you know who is looking for a great employment opportunity.

Marshalltown Community Theater offers a wonderful opportunity to see local talent perform in productions throughout the year. To see a complete schedule of coming shows check out their website at: www.mctonline.org.

The Marshall County Conservation Board invites preschoolers who are - accompanied by an adult- to Nature’s Story Hour the first and third Wednesday of each month. Location is the Grimes Farm & Conservation Center, 2359 233rd Street at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Diane Pixler at 641-752-5490.

Iowa River Hospice hosts a Grief Healers Support Group at Our NEW Location 502 Plaza Heights Rd on Feb. 4th from 1:00-2:00 p.m. This group meets at the same time and place the first Thursday of each month. We are open to all individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. Grief is a healthy and natural response to death. It is difficult to process. Come join us in our journey of healing. If questions, call 753-7704.

Iowa River Hospice hosts a Spousal Support Group at Hy-Vee in Marshalltown on Feb. 14th at 5 p.m. This group meets at the same time and place the second Sunday of each month for a meal, support and socialization (Usually not intended for newly bereaved persons). If questions, call 753-7704.

Iowa River Hospice hosts a caregivers group Common Bonds developed to nurture caregivers on Feb. 15th at 2 p.m. Each day can be a challenge for the caregiver but you are not alone. All are welcome; meets every 3rd Monday at Villa Del Sol in Marshalltown in the 200 Hall Lounge.

NEW Group- Grief Share an informal meet & eat group. Meets the last Monday of each month. Feb. 22nd 5:30 – 6:30pm @ Iowa River Hospice Home-502 Plaza Heights Rd Marshalltown Enter through the bottom entrance (staff entrance). *Dinner to be provided. **This group is intended for those dealing with the recent loss of a loved one. There are hosts of agencies to assist with a number of issues that you and your family may be facing. These agencies are often a member of the Marshalltown Area United Way. For a list of agencies, go to www.marshalltownunitedway.org.

Compassionate Friends a support group created to help people following the death of a child meets the first Tuesday of every month. The Marshalltown Group meets at the First Friends Church, at 2409 South 6 Street, Marshalltown, Iowa at 7:30 p.m.

The first Tuesday night of every month, the Marshalltown Cancer Support Group meets at the Congregational Church, 312-west Main. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. Enter through the west door.

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Miltenberger Benefit Planned

Mike Miltenberger, owner of Mike’s Bikes and Fitness, is facing a challenging time. His wife, Pat has been diagnosed with Cancer. A benefit has been planned to help with the cost of some of her medical treatments.

The Miltenberger Benefit is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, from 4-7 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Press On Quartet will provide entertainment and the Marshall County Pork Producers will provide a burger meal (free will donation). A silent auction, raffle, live auction, dessert walk, and quilt block fundraiser are also planned. For more information contact Deleana Roseland at 641-751-4031.

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State to Save $60 Million in First Step of Reorganization

To help keep the state budget balanced, while maintaining key priorities in education and job creation, the House approved an early retirement plan that is estimated to save the state $60 million next year.

Under the Early Retirement Incentive program, a state employee who is at least 55 years old and files an application by April 15, 2010, is eligible to participate in the program. The employee must leave state employment by June 24, 2010. The employee cannot return to state employment if they leave under this plan. Read More

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Guaranteed Holiday for Veterans

The House Veterans Affairs Committee believes every veteran should be honored for their service. In an unanimous, bi-partisan vote, the committee approved a bill that will give Iowa veterans Veteran’s Day off.

House File 2197 requires that a veteran, at least one month in advance, can request Veteran’s Day off with their employer. In addition, the veteran must show proof of service. Read More

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House Passes WARN Notice to Employees

In an effort to give middle class families more stability, the Iowa House approved a bill that will give workers more notice before layoffs occur.

Similar to federal law, House File 681 requires employers of 25 or more full-time people to notify employees, or their representatives, and the department of workforce development of business closings that result in a layoff of 25 or more full-time employees in a 30-day period. Read More

Winter Officially a Disaster for 28 Counties

Protecting Iowans from Dishonest Auto Repair Shops

Care of Animals Legislation Passes Committee

Iowa Rails Receive Two Federal Grants

Protecting Iowa’s Children

Homelessness Study Released