Taking a stand

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times The Lucas Rocks Golf Tournament donated $2,400 to Hoover Elementary’s special education program on Aug. 27 after an Aug. 21 fundraiser. The amount is equal to 20 percent of the roughly $12,000 raised to help pay for physical therapy for Luke Lacina, who was born with cerebral palsy. Pictured are parents Jill and Al Lacina, in matching shirts, daughter Hanna, 3, and son Luke, 5, all presenting a check to Principal Jess Burger. Last year, Luke was in a wheelchair for this donation. While he still needs assistance to stand, Luke has been able to sit more steadily on his own and soon will get Botox shots to numb dominant muscles — that turn his feet inward — in his legs which should allow underdeveloped muscles to catch up, his mother said. “People tell us ‘Don’t expect much,’ (with the therapy),” Jill Lacina said. “But you never know unless you try.”

The City of West Branch is asking residents to vote on a 1-percent sales and service tax. While they wrestle with the question of that vote happening in November or March, we would like to know what you think.

Click here to take one-question survey

UPDATE: Council pursues waiver for LOST vote
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 01, 2010
Without West Branch city council member David Johnson in attendance, the remaining council members unanimously approved asking the state for permission to pursue a Nov. 2 sales tax election despite missing an Aug. 10 deadline.

Hoover’s limousine up for auction; Museum wants it
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 01, 2010
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum would love to have it. The Hoover Association would love to give it to them.
But who can afford the estimated $160,000 to $180,000 for Lot No. 18 at the Auburn (Ind.) Auction?
Who will buy ... Hoover’s limousine?

Johnson puts LOST in limbo; Council member moves to block Nov. vote
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 01, 2010
Council member David Johnson, the lone dissenter to placing a tax referendum on the Nov. 2 ballot, may have found a way Monday to delay the public vote until March.

Dryer fire in Rochester leaves $15,000 in damage
by Stuart Clark and Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 01, 2010
Fire caused an estimated $15,000 in damage to a Rochester home at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25.

Kaufman already earns Silver Cord
by Elizabeth McCrory · News · September 01, 2010
West Branch High School sophomore Marisa Kaufman has fulfilled an expectation reserved for graduating seniors.

Enlow Building owners shore up sagging eastern wall
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 01, 2010
The Enlow Building, which is owned by John and Audrey Kofoed, underwent extensive masonry work recently when a crack developed in the brick outside Chris Kofoed’s accounting office.