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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

Every Tuesday until April 15 & Saturday, March 27– AARP Free Tax Help, Marshalltown Public Library, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March – Marshalltown Schools Art Exhibit; Fisher Community Center Auditorium; during Center hours; to celebrate Youth Art Month.

March 21 – 100th Anniversary of Green Mountain Train Wreck; Fisher Community Center Room A, 709 S. Center St., 2:00 p.m.; hosted by Historical Society of Marshall County. For more information, call 641-752-6664.

March 21 – Chili Supper Fundraiser to assist with medical expenses for Shelly Hoop; 5-7 p.m.; Knights of Columbus Hall, 201 W. High Street; Tickets - $5 available at the door and Sports Page, First Baptist Church, Farmer’s Savings Bank (downtown) and Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate. Silent auction. To donate an item contact Michelle, 641-751-3603, Darcey – 641-352-0459, Carrie – 641-752-7205.

March 22-25 – Noon Lions 53rd Noon Lions KFJB Radio Auction; 7- 9 p.m.; Tune into KFJB (1230 AM); proceeds support the sight and hearing and community work supported by Marshalltown Noon Lions Service Club.

March 25 - 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.

March 25: Singin' in the Rain (1952)

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

March 27 – WOW – Women of Wellness; Iowa Valley Continuing Education; 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; keynote speaker – Dr. Christine Hegstad, Ph.D. For more information call 641-752-4645.

March 27 – 55th Annual Spring Concert; Marshalltown Men’s Chorus; MHS/Community Auditorium; 6:30 p.m. Tickets at the door - $10. For more information, please contact Larry Pfantz, Director at 641-753-7275.

April 17 – YMCA Healthy Kids Day; Marshalltown Community Y; 1-3 p.m.; free for everyone; jumbo inflatables, games, prizes, entertainment and food.

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.



State Representative Mark Smith met with Sandy and Harold Lanning when they visited the Capitol on March 9.

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Mental Health Hospitalization Notification Passes Judiciary

After the shooting death of Aplington-Parkersburg football coach Ed Thomas last year, the House Judiciary Committee passed a bill to update procedures for notifying law enforcement of the release of individuals hospitalized for a serious mental impairment. This would occur only if there is an arrest warrant or pending charges.

Senate File 2352 streamlines the process for law enforcement to be notified and addresses gaps in the system to assure law enforcement is notified. Read More

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Keeping Domestic Abuse Victims Safe

In an effort to protect women and men who are victims of domestic violence, federal law has prevented persons who are the subject of a protective order or convicted of domestic abuse from owning a gun.

Since most domestic violence cases are settled in the Iowa court system, Iowa judges and law enforcement officials requested the federal law be written into the Iowa code to make it easier to enforce. Read More

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Iowa Innovation Council Bill Passes

In an effort to boost Iowa’s high-tech industry and create jobs, the House and Senate have sent the Governor a bill that would establish an Iowa Innovation Council (ICC).

Under House File 2076, the council would include members of Iowa’s targeted industries of advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and biosciences. The ICC will help develop innovation and entrepreneurship in science, manufacturing, and technology driven businesses. They will also help with mentoring and recruitment of management talent. Read More

Cigarette Consumption Drops over 50%

Mixed Martial Arts Bill Passes House

Alliant Energy Asks for Another Rate Increase

Additional Disaster Assistance for Small Businesses

Texting Bill Changes, But No Agreement

Senate Sends Electricity Generation Bill to Governor

Disaster Recovery Funding Hits $3.8 Billion Mark

New State Fire Marshal Announced