Large classroom windows are installed on the second floor of the new Armstrong Elementary School along Central Avenue, Bettendorf. The new school is scheduled to open in July, replacing the old Armstrong Elementary at 800 23rd Street. For the past 10 years, Amstrong has operated on a balanced (year-round) calendar. For an additional photo of the building construction, click on the "Read More" link below.

An American Bald Eagle takes flight along the Mississippi River shoreline in Bettendorf. With colder weather freezing up parts of the river, eagles have become a common sight even near the city's downtown riverfront.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. Feb. 5, 2007 by President Dayman. Members present: Adams, Dayman, Messman, Paulsen, and Witters. Absent: Huegel and Schurr. Also present: Jim Spelhaug, Cyndy Behrer, Mike Clingingsmith, Brian Strusz, Joanne Noble, Chris Harvey, and others.

AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Witters, second by Paulsen that the Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board of Directors of the Bettendorf Community School District, in the County of Scott, State of Iowa, met in open session according to Iowa law for their regular Board meeting at the Administrative Center, 729 21st Street, Bettendorf, Iowa, on February 5, 2007.

President Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. and the Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Colleen Skolrood, Board Secretary, verified that the meeting notice had been posted and mailed to the media as required by law. Members present: Directors Anderson, Crockett, Ehrmann, Justis, Mayer, Tinsman, Weigle. Members absent: None. Other officials present: Marty Lucas, Superintendent; Dr. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Business and Financial Services; Cindy Ferguson, BEA Representative; Cara Voelliger, Student Representative; Colleen Skolrood, Board Secretary.

Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Mayer, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0.

Bettendorf's Pete Wessels shoots a freethrow against Davenport Central High Tuesday night (2/6). The Bulldogs moved into a tie with Central for first place in the MAC by beating the Blue Devils 67-63 in a scintillating high school contest. Both teams shot well from the field, but Bettendorf closed out the game with excellent freethrow shooting (18-22 on the night) to claim the win. Down six and without starting center Joe Speth (who left the game with a knee injury in the first half), forward Chris Bitter canned two key three-pointers to pull the Bulldogs even in the fourth period. Bettendorf never trailed again. Both Bettendorf and Central are 11-5 overall and 9-3 in the MAC. For additional photos, click on the "Read More" link below.

Ducks hunker down in open water along Leach Park, Bettendorf, to try to avoid the strong frigid winds blowing along the Mississippi River shoreline. Temperatures fell below zero for the first time this winter Friday (Feb. 2) and are expected to remain around for several days.

PV Board Minutes 1.22.07

MEMBERS PRESENT: Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Dayman. Members present: Adams, Dayman, Huegel, Messman, Paulsen, and Witters. Absent: Schurr. Also present: Jim Spelhaug, Cyndy Behrer, Mike Clingingsmith, Don Dehner, Brian Strusz, Beth, Russell, & Hannah McComber, Joyce, Charles & Bethany Junge, Lana, Nathan, & Michael Brees, David & Emma Tews, Jacquelyn, James, Hope & Matt Leonard, Carla & Jenna Duncan, Julie, Ellie, Carli, and Lexi Spelhaug, Chris Harvey, and others.

EXEMPT SESSION: Motion by Messman, second by Paulsen that the Board hold an exempt session for the purpose of negotiations as provided in section 20.17(3) of the Code of Iowa. Roll Call Vote. Ayes – Messman, Paulsen, Witters, Adams, Dayman, Huegel. Nays – none. Motion carried.

AGENDA APPROVED: Motion by Witters, second by Adams that the Agenda be approved as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

While the number of single-family home permits decreased in 2006 compared to 2005, the value of construction (residential, commercial and industrial) increased more than $34 million to just over $100 million in 2006. The increase in construction value came from the commercial sector which included the new Isle of Capri hotel, new downtown office buildings, the new medical/surgery facility at 53rd and 18th Street and The Fountains Senior Living Complex east of Devils Glen at Thunder Ridge Road. To download the year-end building permit report, click here.

A field of Big Bluestem prairie grass along Belmont Road, Bettendorf, provides a colorful contrast to the blue January sky and recent snow. The large field of native prairie grass is located on the south side of Belmont, just west of Middle Road and south of the Lindquist Ford dealership.

BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BETTENDORF, IOWA

Unofficial Minutes of the January 8, 2007 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education (pending Board approval)

The Board of Directors of the Bettendorf Community School District, in the County of Scott, State of Iowa, met in open session according to Iowa law for their regular Board meeting at Bettendorf High School, 3333 18th Street, Bettendorf, Iowa, on January 8, 2007. President Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. and the Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Colleen Skolrood, Board Secretary, verified that the meeting notice had been posted and mailed to the media as required by law.

Members present: Directors Anderson, Crockett, Justis, Tinsman, Weigle. Members absent: Directors Ehrmann, Mayer. Other officials present: Marty Lucas, Superintendent; Dr. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Maxine McEnany, Director of Business and Financial Services; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; Joe Slavens, Treasurer; Cindy Ferguson, BEA Representative; Jimmy Casas, BHS Principal; Bonnie Fisher, TJ Principal; Colleen Skolrood, Board Secretary.

Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Tinsman, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0-2.