Globe Gazette Favors ‘Yes’ Vote on Hampton Pool

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MASON CITY, Iowa – The daily Mason City, Iowa, Globe Gazette today endorsed a “yes” vote in the Tuesday, August 4, Hampton swimming pool ballot initiative.

The City of Hampton proposes to shift funds collected through the 1 percent Local Option Sales and Services Tax to help pay to replace the community’s recently closed swimming pool. The proposed local option funding would pay for a portion of the new pool. The remainder would be covered by private donations and grant money.

Because community support for a project is crucial for both grant funding and private gifts, there is a high cost to a “no” vote on August 4. A “no” vote means that most or all of the burden of funding a new pool rests exclusively with Hampton residents. A “no” vote calls into question whether there will be a new pool any time soon. A “yes” vote helps leverage grant funds, as well as gifts from people outside of the community. Local option revenue is generated in part by visitors to Hampton who shop in the city.

The Globe Gazette editorial said:

“It sounds like perfect timing for Hampton . We hope voters will approve allocating the full amount of the option tax toward the aquatic center so the community can make a big splash with its new pool.”

Currently, one-half cent of each penny collected goes to the water tower and one-half cent goes to a pool. The water tower soon will be paid off, so the city would like to use the full penny on the pool. A “yes” vote on August 4 is a vote in favor of using the funds on the pool. A “no” vote keeps the half-penny going to the water tower, even after it is paid off.

Iowa law requires such an election in order to change the way local option funds are used.

Interview with Debie Kalousek, Mainstreet

Where are you from? Ohio – Cleveland. Born there. I have lived in Cleveland, Dayton, St. Louis and now my family is in Atlanta.

How did you end up in Hampton? My husband's company purchased geocoating (AGC) and we've been here 10 years in December.

Do you like it here? Love it! Why? Hampton is by far the smallest place I've ever lived. You know your neighbors, its easy to get involved. Unless you are a teenager there is lots to do. I like the sense of community. I live in the old Stewart house. We used to be on the Christmas tour for the house – the tour has been gone a while now. It takes a lot of work to get ready for that – but it was enjoyable.

Tell us a little about your family. I have two seniors this year – a son in college at Miami University in Ohio, and a daughter in high school. My husband is in Minnesota working and home weekends.

What are your hobbies/passions/pursuits outside of family? I knit in the winter. I golf in the summer (hubby says I drink with a club in my hand). I like to keep busy. We've done a lot of work on our house and we have several projects going – there's always something at the house to be done.

Civically – I'm involved with the auditorium. I don't have the sentimental attachment, but I do love that place. I can't imagine not being able to have band concerts, plays, etc. It would be nice to open it up for other things – and get a lot of use out of it. The boiler system needs to be addressed. If the school district doesn't need to use the other rooms – they could be closed and use them only for things like dressing rooms and small meetings occasionally.

Mainstreet what is it? An economic development organization based in historic preservation. How does that translate to Hampton? Originally national Mainstreet was started to help the urban downtown areas. When they brought Mainstreet to Iowa, we are not an urban state. The rural Mainstreet program was started in Iowa. When we started here, over 50% of downtown was vacant. It was a community effort to revitalize downtown and become the center of the community . In the last 7 years we've kept up on the vacancies – and eliminated most of them. Mainstreet is only downtown – we do help on occasion with some other things.

What do you do there? I am the program director. Its a volunteer driven organization. I organize volunteers to do the work. We run on a four point approach. Design, organization, promotion and business improvement. Within those 4 points, we have a committee for each. We do things like street scape, national retail consultant, ham jam event – our goal is to help all businesses downtown. We are not membership driven – it doesn't matter what kind of business you have – as long as you are downtown. We do get sponsors for events, our goal is not to make money from an event – but for the businesses to benefit from the event.

How can you assist businesses downtown? We are part of Mainstreet Iowa and Department of Economic Development. By being a Mainstreet community we have available to us lots of free services. Architectural, business consultant, retail consultant, we can get you help. When there is grant money available we will gladly write a grant for you. We've got challenge grants for Movies America apartments – its an appropriation from HUD and we are one of 2 states that get that money. This money has generated enormous private investment!

We are not lacking housing downtown but we are lacking a mix – we need low to high of a mix. We want people living downtown! There should be no empty second floors – why not open up a retail space? Fix it up and rent it out to live in?

There are ordinances in place in the city that require landlords to keep their properties up to state code and safe. We need to have the city enforce these codes!

What kind of businesses do you think would be great for Hampton? A furniture store would be a great fit – a clothing store that caters to a market here in Hampton. Kelsey is carrying clothes for teens (including plus size) and is having phenomenal success. How about an art gallery and a framing business?

We work with an organization that you can prepare your business plan, submit a proposal and we help you get funding. It really comes down to planning. If you want to open a business, see Karen Mitchell and she'll help you write a business plan. Pappajohns has an entrepreneurial program. There are things available Mainstreet can get them lined up with and get them going. Sometimes it takes some legwork and research – but if you believe in it, we will get you rolling!

We appreciate the support that we get from the community for the events we do. We can always use more! I'm talking about attendance – come and see what we are doing!!!

twitter id: downtownhampton
facebook id: mainstreet hampton
email: mainstrethampton@mchsi.com (yes, its spelled wrong)
phone: 641-456-4129

events coming up: Ham Jam August 29th
hamjam.net

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Make a Splash Foundation jhobson@leslieklinelucas.com
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

GET YOUR BOOGIE ON!

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GET YOUR BOOGIE ON — SUMMERFEST IS COMING!!!

Little Mr. & Ms. Summerfest will be a new addition to the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Summerfest Celebration August 14-15, 2009. All boys and girls ages 4 - 6 that live in the Hampton Dumont school district are able to participate in the contest. Registration and pictures will be Tuesday, August 4 from 5 - 6 pm and Wednesday, August 5 from noon - 1 pm at Center 1, located at 5 First St SW, Hampton. The pictures will be posted at Koerner Whipple/Fireside Gifts one week prior to Summerfest, August 10 - 14 and in the Hampton Chronicle.

The Little Mr. & Ms. Summerfest contest will be held on the opening night of Summerfest, Friday, August 14 at 6:00 pm at Band Shell Park. All participants will be introduced at that time. The winner of Little Mr. & Ms. Summerfest will be drawn from a hat and will receive a $50.00 savings bond sponsored by United Bank & Trust Company and a Summerfest wristband that will allow inflatable rides during Summerfest. If you should have any questions, please contact Jennifer Gruelke at (641) 456-4073.

Summerfest 2009 will be featuring a free concert from John Mandal & Don Bosch and Friends, followed by La Maquina Tropical and the Whitesidewalls all starting Saturday noon and into the evening. Gee Willie Entertainment will be back, Friday and Saturday, with kid rides and offering an all day wrist bands for $15 or a two day pass will sell in advance for $20 at Center 1, 5 1st St. SW Hampton Iowa, (641) 456-5668.
All thrown together with Sheltered Reality and Shel Shock DJ driving the beat Friday evening and continuing with an ice cream eating contests, Tractor Parade, Kid’s safety Fair and a kid’s Pedal Pull. Go to the www.hamptoniowa.org\events for a complete schedule.
Summerfest is sponsored in part by Franklin County Tourism, Hampton Hardware, Rick’s Pharmacy, North Central Millwright/Buresh Building and more.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Make a Splash Foundation jhobson@leslieklinelucas.com
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

GOLF CLASSIC

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HAMPTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ANNOUNCES GOLF CLASSIC

HACC is announcing the annual HACCer Golf Classic on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. Hosted by Scott Sackville and Sackville Insurance, this year’s event will be an eagle. This year the sponsorship opportunities sold quicker than a Tiger Woods back swing. Each hole and each green of the Hampton Country club is sponsored by a local vendor with prizes and great fun. Golf teams are limited, but the after party steak dinner is available. RSVP as soon as possible. Call the Chamber Office at 641-456-5668 for reservations.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Make a Splash Foundation jhobson@leslieklinelucas.com
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

THE DAIRY FINANCIAL SITUATION

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This is a turbulent, trying time for the US dairy industry. The dynamics of the global economy impacting dairy farm owners and agri-businesses. Through no fault of their own, dairy owners may be facing a financial crisis.

ISU Extension invites dairy producers, bankers and lenders, and community leaders to an informational meeting to learn about financial and legal options available to dairy farm owners, and about stress management strategies and resources for farm owners and their families. Speakers will include John Baker, Attorney at Law, Iowa Concern Hotline; Erin Herbold, Legal consultant, Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation; and ISU Extension Specialists in Dairy, and Family Life.

The workshops will address these topics:
· “What is going on in our dairy industry?!”
· What are my financial options and strategies? How do I talk to my banker about my situation?
· What legal options and strategies do I have?
· Making good decisions during stressful times: What tools are available to me and my family? What should I tell the kids?

The following sites and dates are offered in Northeast Iowa:
August 4 – NE IA Research Farm, 3321 290th St., Nashua (Take Exit 220 from Hwy 218, go 1 mile West, 1 mile South and ¼ mile East) – 1-4pm
August 5 – NE IA Dairy Foundation, 1527 Hwy 150 South, Calmar- 1-4pm
August 6 – Oelwein Public Library, 201 E Charles St, Oelwein- 1-4pm
Aug 18 - ISU Extension - Dubuque County Office, 14858 West Ridge Lane, Dubuque
Aug 19 - Elkader AEA Building, 14002 2nd St NW, Elkader
Aug 20 - ISU Extension- Jones County office/ Jones Co Farm Bureau, 605 E. Main, Anamosa
Light refreshments and printed materials will be available. No pre-registration is necessary. For further information call your local County Extension Office or contact ISU Extension Dairy Specialists Dale Thoreson, 319-267-2707, dthores@iastate.edu; or Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496, tranel@iastate.edu.

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Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Make a Splash Foundation jhobson@leslieklinelucas.com
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Ignore Everybody

The above print is from my friend Hugh McLeod and you can find more at www.gapingvoid.com Franklin County News Today in print is switching to a one sheet newspaper over the next couple of weeks. Let us know how you like it!

FARMLAND LEASING WORKSHOP

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Iowa State University Extension’s Franklin County office is hosting a farmland leasing workshop Thursday, August 6, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hampton State Bank community room, located at 100 1st St. NW in Hampton. The program is being sponsored by Hampton State Bank.

Those attending will learn about current land value and cash rental rate surveys, types of lease arrangements, estimating costs of production, an update on the 2008 USDA Farm Programs, and ISU Extension and Internet related resources. Kelvin Leibold, ISUE Farm and Ag Business Management Specialist, will be the presenter. A 100-page workbook will be available for sale at $10.

“With the volatile grain markets and increasing input costs you’ll want to attend this meeting to stay up to date on what is happening”, says Leibold.

Any additional questions may be directed to the Blaine Lenz at Hampton State Bank 456-2559 or the Franklin County Extension office at 641-456-4811.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880
Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-580-4052
Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811
Make a Splash Foundation jhobson@leslieklinelucas.com
Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234
Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378
Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114