Weekend in Winterset, Mar. 22-24, 2018

As the April 3rd bond vote nears, excitement continues to grow surrounding the future of Winterset Community School District (WCSD). WCSD formed a Master Plan Facility Committee of 27 community representatives last fall. The committee was charged with developing a Facilities Master Plan that would align with the established strategic plan, maximize the effectiveness of district resources, and address long-term solutions for WCSD facilities, including projected enrollment growth, aging infrastructure, equity and flexibility to current and future needs. Here is what the plan means for our community.

It’s important to note that a successful bond vote will not increase taxes nor change the debt service levy. As Madison County and Winterset schools are projected to grow, it’s imperative that they present safe, secure, and modern environments conducive to learning and supportive of students. This, however, does not need to be done through a tax increase. After an in-depth analysis and strategic plan, they’ve simply found solutions that do not impact the debt service levy. That results in added benefits without the added cost.

Why not just use SAVE and PPEL? The district’s needs have outpaced the PPEL and SAVE funds. The Master Plan provides a strategic overarching vision for the district. Being proactive rather than reactive allows for more efficient and effective use of funds.

Where does the money go? 

  • School  Safety Enhancements. Schools should offer a safe space for the next generation to learn and grow, which is why safety has been identified as a key priority to address with a successful bond.
  • Facility Upgrades. The Master Plan Facility Committee studied and identified district facility upgrade needs through the schools that support the students and a modern learning environment.
  • Space Increases. With projected enrollment growth,  increasing space across the schools is paramount to success.

WCSD is in a strong financial situation. There has been a decrease in WCSD taxes by $3.25 since 2011. The voter-approved PPEL in 2014 did not increase taxes, and it allowed for  the most pressing needs to be addressed first, within budget (i.e. the JH/HS roof, elementary security, WHS bathrooms, and parking). The voter-approved Debt Service increase in 2016 also did not increase taxes, but did allow pre-payment on middle school debt, which saved interest. Again, if there is a voter-approved General Obligation Bond in 2018, it will not increase taxes.

If you would like to learn more about the plans or the April 3rd vote, two community meetings have been scheduled: March 27th and March 29th, both from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Elementary Media Center (enter on the east side of the building). Or, if you would like to schedule your club or group for an opportunity to learn more about the vote, contact Stacy Hilsabeck at the Administration Office at 462-2718.

The Winterset Bond Vote is April 3rd, 2018, and the polls will be open to all voters from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Jackson Building.

This Weekend

The Marvel Comics film Black Panther (PG-13), runs again tonight at 7:00 pm to finish its time at the Iowa Theater. New Bridge Church is sponsoring two free showings of the comedy, “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” on Sunday and Monday. “A Wrinkle in Time” will be at The Iowa starting March 29th.

This Friday is the final week of the Winterset Knights of Columbus Annual Fish Fry dinners at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. They offer all you can eat Alaskan baked or fried fish, your choice of au gratin, baked or fried potatoes, slaw or cottage cheese, dinner roll, green beans, corn, dessert and beverage. Cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese are also available. Adults are $10 and kids 12 and under are $5.00, with family rates available.

The Winterset Student Council’s Mother Son Dance will be held Winterset High School on Friday, March 23rd. Same day registration is available although flowers can’t be guaranteed.

The Winterset Kiwanis Club invites you to join them for a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, March 24 from 7:00-11:00 am at the American Legion Hall in Winterset. For only $6 you can enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausage, and a variety of beverages.

On Saturday, March 24th, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, Join Jess Lundquist, chief scribbler of ink & flourish, at the Winterset Art Center as she guides students in the use of dip pens for Calligraphy 101. Class participants will practice lettering with drill sheets and create their personal monogram to take home and frame. $20 for Winterset Art Center members, $25 for non-members. Minimum of 5 participants, maximum of 14.

Covered Bridges Winery will host Malcolm Wells and the Two Timers for their next installation of Music at the Winery on Saturday, March 24th, at 6:30 pm. The group will play old style blues from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Food by Up in Smoke/Hy-Vee will be available from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. There is a $5 cover at the door.

Madison County Healthcare System’s Senior LEARN Program is hosting a program on Monday, March 26th, at 10:00 am featuring Brady Pugh of 5 Sons Naturescapes, LLC. The program is titled Landscaping Tips and Curbside Appeal and will be held at the Chestnut Building on the West side of the Hospital on 4th Ave. Enjoy free refreshments for a free will donation.

The Winterset Junior High 7th grade students and teachers invite you to come their Tip Night Fundraising Event at Pizza Ranch on Monday, March 26th, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to support their field trip to Meals From the Heartland. Students will be bussing tables and accepting tips that will go towards the costs of packaging 50,000 meals to be shared with those in need. If you bring this coupon with you, the group will receive an additional donation. Click HERE to download a printable version.

The Madison County Women’s Giving Circle will start its eighth year with its quarterly meeting Tuesday, March 27th. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm at the back room of the Sports Page Grill. Optional dinner begins at 5:30 pm. The giving circle exists to provide grants to qualifying non-profit or church sponsored programs serving the needs of women and/or children in Madison County. Members listen to funding requests from three local projects and then vote for the project the circle will support that quarter. Each member gives a $50 tax-deductible contribution to the winning project resulting in a grant totaling around $5,000. The meeting is amazingly fun and lasts less than an hour! Any woman with a Madison County connection can join the circle. For more information on presenting for a grant, or becoming a member call Pat Nelson 515-468-0775, or Ester Mae Cox 515-468-1281.

 

Coming Soon

Start marking your calendar to take advantage of the many Easter Egg Hunts taking place in the Winterset Area.

  • West Bridge Rehab in Winterset – March 31st at 2:30 pm – The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures
  • City of Winterset – March 31st at 11:00 am – 9 years old and under
  • City of Patterson, Patterson Community Building – March 31st at 9:00 am – Easter Breakfast at 8:00am
  • Rose Acres & New Bridge Church, 1305 W Jefferson, Winterset – March 31st at 1:00 pm, Bounce House Noon – 2:00 pm

Grant applications are due very soon to the Greater Madison County Community Foundation for community betterment grants. If you represent a non-profit organization in Madison County and have a project that needs help with funding, grant applications are available to to download at www.madisoncountyfoundation.org. Finished applications are due to Tom Leners on Friday, March 30th at 4:00 pm.

Beginning April 3, HCI Hospice Care Services and Madison County Health Care System will be offering an educational grief support group, “Understanding Your Grief,” using material from Dr. Alan Wolfelt and the Center for Loss and Life Transition. “Understanding Your Grief” will meet for eight weeks on Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, in the Chesnut Building in the Education Room, located at 901 S. 4th Ave. in Winterset. Participants will receive copies of Dr. Wolfelt’s book “Understanding Your Grief” and “The Understanding Your Grief Journal.” Groups will learn about Dr. Wolfelt’s 10 essential touchstones for finding hope and healing through loss. Pre-registration will be required as seats for each group are limited.  Please contact one of our HCI Hospice Care Services’ local bereavement counselors, Mike Albert, (641) 216-3627, or Patti Albert, (641) 342-2888 for more information or to register.

Winterset Ballet and Dance will be offering several new sessions this summer and registration is now open for those opportunities! There are some discounts on registrations received by May 1st; register at wintersetdance.com.

July 7th Dance Intensive for intermediate and advanced dancers. Classes include ballet, jazz, tap, and live interactive hip-hop and contemporary classes with top L.A. choreographers!

Be Moana Day Camp for Preschool and Kindergarten, July 9th-13th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Come sail away with us to Motunui and celebrate the journey of Moana! The same ballet, tap and jazz dance skills will be introduced as throughout the school year but with a little added fun with a daily Moana theme and a craft!

Descendants and Trolls Day Camp for Intermediate and Advanced Dancers, July 9th-13th, 1:00-3:00 pm intermediates, 3:00-5:00 pm advanced. Monday- Wednesday is the Descendants theme day camp. Dancers will be Chillin’ like a Villain with dance styles like jazz, tap and lyrical. Thursday and Friday will be our Trolls Hip-Hop day camp. Each day will have a themed craft and snack.

Finally…

The Winterset Stage will host a new event on April 8th at 6:00 pm. This ScripTease is an informal gathering to allow potential actors and actresses to read/hear the upcoming script (Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite) and get an idea if they would like to participate. This is NOT an audition. The ScripTease will be held Upstairs at the Heartland (west side of the square).

Thank you for reading The Winterset Citizen. All community announcements are provided at no charge, courtesy of the following sponsors:

American State Bank
Anchored Walls
Angel Wings & CT
Blanchard Family Dentistry
Bridges Financial Associates
Covered Bridge Realty
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Farm Bureau FS, Scot Clark
Groth’s Gardens & Greenhouses
Homefront Real Estate
The Iowa Theater
Johnson Insurance
Lowe Chiropractic Clinic
Madhaus Gallery
Madison County Health Care System
Madison County Historical Society
Madison County ISU Extension & Outreach
McDonald Tree Service
McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith, P.C.
Medicap Pharmacy
Midwest Heritage Bank
Montross Pharmacy
Pine Creek Ltd.
re:home
Rusty Stars Alpacas
State Farm, Charlotte Speer
Union State Bank
Village Bootery
White Lions Bed & Breakfast
Winterset Ballet & Dance Studio
Winterset Optimist Club
Winterset Parks & Recreation Department

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