Aug
10
Weekly Recap
August 10, 2007 | 254 Comments
- How did you do in your American Idol audition? I think Simon and Co. will like my Ice Ice Baby performance.
- Does it seem like there’s a shortage of rentals in town? With all the ethanol guys in town for the next year and a half or so, I think there’s some money to be made. Does anybody have a spot available?
- The Hawks are ranked 42nd in the first football poll of the season. Any predictions for the year?
It’s bachelor party weekend. Take care of Stuart while I’m gone. I’ll see you Sunday night after the races.
Comments
254 Comments so far
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Any news on last nights council meeting? I heard that Peggy Schlichter, Char Greenback, Dotti Karadi (sp) and Marlis Beeler are trying to stop the council from building the bath house. Way to go ladies I am sure the kids thank you. Too bad you have to take out your frustrations for Carol out on the kids. If you hate the council so much then run for council and quit complaining.
6:11 You heard? Why the hell don’t you get your facts straight! They are not in favor of spending tax money on a walking trail when there are more serious issues to be addressed in this town.
Is this the infamous walking trail heading East to the site that has failed to pass for a school bond?—–6 times??
12:36. I guess you ladies do read this blog. What I h e a r d, was Peggy turned in a petition stating both the trail and the bath house. I didn’t know they were both connected. Maybe my facts are straighter than you think. Isn’t it amazing how different it sounds when the whole story is told.
3:42 I beleive the trail is within the athletic complex everyone keeps talking about for a school site, but thanks for the dig anyway I am sure it makes you feel better. Have a great day.
just b/c some of these ladies are too fat to use the pool or walking trail, why not allow the rest of us to have one?
I thought the walking trail was going to go out and around the edge of town. I just heard it mentioned last weekend when I was back.
5:10 this is 3:42. Apparently you are very thin skinned about something. Facts and opinions are allowed on here whether you like or agree with them or not. Not just what you say is so or agree or disagree with. Also, 6:28 evidently understood things the same way I did. I’ve heard nothing of a trail within the athletic complex. Perhaps you can enlighten us further. Have a quality evening.
I was under the impression that Phase I of the recreational trail would be around the athletic complex.
The proposed portion of the trail out to the “east site” was a later phase, just like the other proposed trails around town.
Personally, I think that a trail around the complex is a great idea.
You are right, Broman.
Personally Tod, I think you ought to install a sidewalk in front of your property.
marlis semlls like urine.
The petition was concerning both the bath house and walking trail but people were not told all this when asked to sign the petition.
Phase 1 on the trail has always been around the athletic complex. Come see the map at city hall.
The sidewalks were an issue in 12-15 yrs. ago and nothing got done then. Why is is such a big issue now?
MARY HAS OUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS! ALERT! PLEASE HELP US STUART! HELP!
6:44, the only location I’ve heard about for phase 1 was around the athletic complex. Where’ve you been? If you are going to argue against something you really should know all the facts.
Why do I have a feeling that the people who signed this petition are good friends of Peg, Marlis, Mary, Dodi, etc. and it doesn’t reflect the REAL public opinion. Anyone can get a survey (or petition) to reflect what they want by only asking certain people to contribute.
I call BS on the petition.
i hear she did her own mom with a plunger
Is it for the bathhouse or trail? I’m lost.
6:44 may not have had the facts straight, but they sure pulled someones’ string, huh 10:29? And btw, you call this a debate? So let me get this straight, are you saying the first phase would be around the athletic complex? Hmmm, does that go into the land that’s being talked about for a possible school building site? Just wondering, before someone gets their panties in a bunch. But I do support the site South of the baseball field for a school site. So if that’s the means to eliminate that site for a school then it will be repeatedly brought up when the board stuffs a bond issue with the site out at their favorite place—East of town. It will be used over and over to show the ‘I want this, to Hell with you’ mentality of those who won’t budge on anything. So I guess I won’t budge on voting NO for a school at the East site. If what I said is true, and the walking trail goes thru there, you must think people are dumb. That’s the ultimate insult to many. So go ahead and do it. Then blame everyone but a few who have to have a school out East. 10:29 you’re so smart, tell us how it is! And why did you just come down on 6:44?
Because they mentioned your dear, I want site, right? If you’re that thin-skinned as they mentioned, then get prepared to be upset 24/7 when a bond issue gets proposed for the East site.
Amen, 6:26. If that’s their plan, then there will never be a school built. I don’t care how long this walking trail has been in the works. They can’t help but know several have mentioned a site South of the athletic complex as a building site. Vote NO NO NO NO NO for any construction on the East site. I’m from South of Stuart and it makes no sense whatsoever to build there. I’m assuming if the walking trail can be built around the athletic complex then that land is available South of there and more suitable than anyone is letting on. Shoot yourself in the foot townspeople. You’re really good at it. And you complain about farmers’ complaining. Why isn’t there sidewalks in town? Answer, they’re expensive. But it’s OK for some to pay a ton to support the towns and schools and others to skate by. I’ll gladly pay what I owe for a new school, but not East of town.
I don’t know how clear that has to be made.
South of which baseball field??? If you mean south of the HS baseball field, the walking trail does not go through this land. The trail goes just south of the t-ball field. Then it heads north running along the east side of the HS field. That great land south of the HS baseball field (that always floods during a hard rain) is not touched. Look at the trail map and see for yourself.
And this town will never pass a school bond issue because of ignorant people like you.
I think you need to look at the walking trail map before you make any comments about where it goes. Most of the bloggers do not have it right.
The site by the athletic complex has issues with the soil and that is why it is not considered. This has been discussed alot also.
So, if you do not like the East of town site, do some research and find an alternative site that would work. As far as I know, the athletic field area site has been ruled out because of soil and should not be brought up again. But, another site would be considered.
I for one would like to see this soil study. And as far as it flooding during a hard rain, I can’t see evidence of that. Such as grass laying one way, washing, sedimentation, gullies cut, etc. If it floods that bad, there would need to be berming, rip rap, and probably a silt basin. Throw the East site at us and get a NO again. Up to whomever, I guess I’m one of the ignorant ones until shown different.
8:09 It’s people like you who live to call someone names that’s the reason this DISTRICT will never pass a bond issue. You slipped up there person! It’s all about Stuart isn’t it?
It’s all about getting your own way and not really caring what anyone else thinks. Just pass it and don’t question, because you are all ignorant bastards if you don’t live in Stuart. I’m sick of people like you and I agree with the last post. If that floods so bad where’s the signs of it? Wow, TOWN!! Shows just what really is going on!
Flood or not (and I’ve seen the amount of water that flows through there with my own eyes), the statement about the walking trail cutting through the land south of the high school ballfield is completely false. Which means the statement about the walking trail being used to disallow the school from using this land for future facilities is completely inaccurate and a sign of your ignorance.
Your NO vote frustrates me, but it’s not me you’re hurting or sticking it to.
In case you haven’t noticed. The city spent a good deal of money last year to install drainage south of the field. I’ve seen no evidence of excessive water since then. Try again with another excuse. I will not vote for the east site.
So propose the land (that doesn’t have excessive water according to you) to the school board. And while you’re at it, please explain to everyone why the east site is unacceptable (other than political reasons).
If its all about Stuart as some like to say, why does Stuart have so little to show for all the power they supposedly wield? Could it be that there are some in the district who want nothing more than to see Stuart have nothing? Its obvious why nobody wins with the political games being played on all sides.
Why not the east site???
The reasoning behind the East site not being the right fit has been hashed and rehashed. It’s clear that’s what you want(the East site), so vote for it when the near-sighted board and supt. bring it before the public again. You have only one vote as well as do I, it just is a matter of if YOU want a bond to pass or not. Or rather, when it fails again, to blame everyone for being ignorant. I want a bond to pass and construction started on a new HS ASAP. DO YOU? It seems there is always an excuse to go back to the East site, why is that? To address another poster 12:21. You apparently didn’t know about the town spending money on drainage, yet you have the audacity to call others ignorant. Their are plans for a walking trail out East aren’t their? At least that person was part right. You logically in your inocuous way were wrong on both parts. So whom does the ignorance belong too? Your perniciousness just elevates your desperation to total awareness. The school belongs in Stuart, no one is fighting that. So tell me also, about the amount of water that goes down there. I just drove down there not 2 hrs. ago and there is no sign of heavy water or much at all having moved thru there besides normal surface water from the immediate area. I thought the soil survey was for the ground South of the soccer field. I could be mistaken but that’s what I had thought. I too would like to see that soil analysis. My wife and I plan to vote NO if the bond is for the East site.
We have a winner for “Best Use of a Thesaurus” with innocuous and perniciousness.
My family recently moved to this district, and I believe I am asking a legitimate question, “Why not the east site?” In all seriousness I am asking a genuine question to make a better opinion myself.
LOL, Nate! 4:08 you can go back and read earlier posts from other updates that Nate has posted. There are many and you can get a feel for things, I believe. I’m speaking for my husband, myself and my elderly parents in saying you can count on 4 NO votes if the bond issue is for building on the East site.
4:08 this is 4:19. I hope I’m not being naive in believing you when you say you’ve just moved here. You seem to have found this blog already. I have to tell you I am wondering.
4:21 I believe that was an excellent read of the poster. They asked why the East site wasn’t good, but didn’t ask why we wanted the site South of the baseball field. Plus they posted so they know how the blog is set up. I believe most of us are wary enough anymore of being trapped and/or reeled in by those trying to get someone to say something so they can jump all over them, call them names and do their best to degrade them. Say something we really don’t mean and do their best to make another they don’t agree with look foolish. My wife and I will also be voting NO if the site is the East one. Put it South of the baseball field and we will also like many, vote Yes immediately.
The land south of the baseball field belongs to two different owners (not the City). Phase I of the proposed walking trail would go around the athletic complex that the City and the school district jointly own and not private property.
I do believe that the soil survey taken was on the land south of the soccer fields.
There are distinct advantages to having the HS bordering the athletic complex, but I just wonder if there is enough land south of the baseball field to accomodate a HS.
Whoa nellie..
That land south of the soccer fields was a dumping ground for the railroad. Basically a dumping site, and no way should it be considerd for a building site the needs of such a large project as the school. Ask any old timer from Stuart that knows the history and they’ll tell you that.
This will start some barking, I can already hear it. But to preface things, how many now that there is an elevator in Redfield? Now, my point being. What’s to say a new school has to be on one level? Iknow elevators and ADA facilitations are very expensive(and necessary), but would the less roof area and upkeep of a smaller roof offset those expenses? Perhaps be able to keep the classroom roof area the same level as the gymnasium? That would make upkeep of the roof much easier and much less costly I’m thinking. I know that roof upkeep seems to be a major expense periodically and in a house building up is much cheaper than building out with the extra roof area. Now you can have at me. I expect it. I simply will not vote for the construction of anything at the East site either, as others have been saying. My idea would be for no more than two levels.
I have no problem with two levels, elevators are sure an option. The weight of two levels are totally impossible on the area south of the soccer fields. Totally impossible within our districts budget.
Did any one bother to go to the workshop last night and hear what Rambo and associates had to tell the board? I did and this man knows what he is talking about. First we need to get 1 person to run the bond and not the super as that is not his expertise. 2nd he told them how to use the money they have available to them and how much more they could do with it. 3rd he told them in his opinion it would not be a wise financial move to put a lot of money is the current HS for an elementary. While he did say that their is a lot of positive things with the current building he also said their is just as many negatives with the building. The board meeting is tonight and I bet Arnie has been talking all day to the forces of the boys in Stuart. I also bet you that the board goes another direction and builds on the east site and DOES spend an enormous amout of money fixing the current building for a elementary. They never listen to the pros just the one who wants to be a pro. ARNIE!!
Putting $$ in the current HS building for an elementary school, hope so, it is the best decision available. Deal with that and recognize that the board has spent exhaustive hours studying this very subject. We as voters and taxpayers voted in this board both west and east and it is time to let them work. Back off…. let them work. Watch, and let them work…
To all the people telling us you’ll vote NO NO NO and more NO’s if the east site is chosen again, why are you afraid to explain your reasoning against the east site? If you’re so sure about your vote, the answer should be an easy one for you. Have some courage. Heck, you don’t even need courage when you can post anonymously.
To those with alternative site ideas, speak up and tell us why those sites are better suited than the east site (or have a better chance of passing a bond vote).
If you’re too afraid of what others will say if you give the reasons for your opinions, maybe a blog is not the right outlet for you.
If you oppose the east site because you’re tired of failed bond attempts, that’s an understandable opinion.
So what’s wrong with the physical characteristics of the east site that make it a poor site for a school building?
Any takers on providing reasonable answers to reasonable questions?
FORGERY CHARGES ARE BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE CITY OF STUART FROM A PETITION FROM PEGGY SCHILICHTER. ARE YOU COVERING THIS NEWS STORY?
thats identity theft. she sure did herself in.
Forgery? For what?
For signing people’s signatures to a petition. Wher have you been, ‘Niqua?
I haven’t heard anything about this. That’s a pretty big assumption you are making. Where did you hear this?
i heard it uptown in johnies. she forged a bunch of names of prominent people in town. it is *supposedly* being investigated by the stuart police department. who knows if any arrests will be made. im not sure of much else. all i know is that the petition is bad.
interesting
Nobody has mentioned anything at Ruby’s tonight.
you’d probably go running to report back to peg.
that’s why it was heard at JOHNNIES.
you know what, I like the trail around the sports complex, if the booster club would raise money for it, people donate, and they school chip in. And the girls are not trying to STOP! the bathhouse, only trying to get the proper money that was supposed to be used for it, Namely LOST (local option sales tax) instead of putting it on the property taxpayers back and increasing their payments when there are so many other needs they would like to see their taxes pay for. Have you seen the current bathhouse? Wonder how it got in such bad condition?? Lack of care? Maybe?
The girls are potentially in a lot of trouble. I wouldn’t want to be having any charges such as forgery or identity theft against me.
Hi Big T. See you are trying to start trouble by accusing someone falsely. Didn’t you learn your lesson yet. You other people should recognize the source of this entertainment. Sad isn’t it and not even old enough to go in the bar.
you are more focussed with what the “girls” want and don’t want? aren’t you concerned about what they are accused of? if this is true, it’s very serious and makes me question everything the “girls” have said and done up to this point.
hey taylormaid what are you doing in california? your either mr. taylor or his daughter who owns taylormade web creations. this i know because i have my insurance through shaw belden and taylormade created their site.
Guess you weren’t at the council meeting Taylormaid. I wasn’t either but heard it all from a council member.
I believe the young Tyler was proven innocent.
Last I knew my name didn’t start with a T and I was over 21. I wish I wasn’t and could totally be 20 again but… alas, I can’t turn back time.
Trying to throw the scent off from the lunies like Schlick in town? Nice try, but I heard it all already.
8:14 LMAO The board has spent exhaustive hrs. listening to Arnie is what they’ve done. Rambo is the expert. They should be paying attention to them. As far as I know his reputation would be at stake telling something completely wrong. He is an outsider not involved in the politics and the forces pulling him one way or the other. We elected them to do their job alright. Watch and let them work?? We’ve been doing that!! Look at last time! $13+ mill.! What a crock. I think they need to be watched alright, just not in the way you mean. And another poster is right, Arnie will run the show again and listening to someone else’s ideas isn’t on his agenda. Because he is GOD, haven’t you figured that out yet? As far as the drawbacks to the East site go back and read, it’s not worth spending half an hr. telling all the downsides, the biggest of which is it has already failed 6 times. Do you REALLY want a new school? You supporters of the East site? I really am beginning to wonder if the site takes total precedent over getting a school built. I want one and NOW! And the East site isn’t the place for it!! How many times does it have to fail? H-O-W M-A-N-Y T-I-M-E-S? The two level idea is kind of growing on me to be truthful. I believe that may be the way to go. But there may be drawbacks not being seen. I do know heat rises and should be less duct work. A/C would be less runs but a bigger fan/unit to push the cold air maybe. I’m no expert, just talking. The other petition stuff, I don’t know anything about. It sounds like a mess, though.
9:59 Please quit harping on wanting people to explain why the East site is bad. Go back and spend some time reading earlier posts. As mentioned before, we can see a trap or a set-up anymore. If you don’t want to spend that time going back and reading, then don’t expect anyone to take their time and repeat things for you. As far as the other sites, they were explained too. Your post is just merely trying to be a trap to get a name calling string going. As far as the other posts concerning Rambo, why not listen to the man? He has the expertise and has a reputation to uphold. I have to agree, and I’m a Stuart area farmer, that putting a lot of money in the old HS doesn’t really make a lot of sense if you step back and look at it. I too like the two level idea, I applaud the person who thought of it. I like it more and more the longer I think about it. I agree about the water situation there. It’s not a problem anymore. I know first hand what a lot of water moving does to land and there hasn’t been a lot of water moving over that area. Old timer, I sure appreciate you chiming in. I don’t think with a two level that area South of the soccer fields would have to be used. If for anything, maybe parking. But I believe that could be done even with it being an old dump. Not sure, so don’t quote me. The soil analysis seems to be classified information. As far as the petition goes, I can hardly wait for it to make the DesMoines newspaper. Geesh, it’s always something. So 9:59 and those like you, I suggest you go back to earlier updates and posts and get filled in, if that is truly what you want. I repeat myself, but it’s easy to spot a trap anymore. So give it your best effort, but I highly doubt anyone is going to fall into your little plan. One misspoken word or phrase and it will be taken the wrong way and jumped all over. Plus why should anyone have to repeat what has already been posted many times?
7:51, Boy did you nail it. Arnie probably spent the night so he could get up first thing and go to work on the powers that be!! He’ll get his way. He’ll get another defeat and it will be some hate group again that caused it. 8:14, what have you been smoking? Exhaustive hrs.? If true, then it is also true the board meetings ARE actual scams and just a formality with the results already predetermined. The problem is we have been watching!! I hardly call 1/2 hr. meetings exhaustive hrs.!! So if the subject has already been discussed and a decision made that is truly against the law. Lock em up and let some people in there who will deal with Arnie. He is to suggest and advise, not set policy or tell what to do. Where do I sign up for these exhaustive hrs.? ROFL!!
Sorry, but I have to say I agree with Orange Peel. It’s pretty obvious when people are trying to trap others. If they truly are that lazy or busy to go back and read, then they must be putting in those exhaustive hrs. as well. I also like the two level idea. I think it would look really nice in the setting South of the baseball field. And anyone who says that water is a problem there is smoking something too. We’ve had some big rains this spring and summer and I challenge anyone to show me the damage the runoff did. The pros for that location outweigh the cons so much it isn’t even a contest. Only the cons trying to sell the East site as the one for building on are the ones at work. Sell it, for sure!! To the highest bidder!!
It’s funny how you put down the school board members but I read in the paper that there are three seats open and all three incumbents are running. However, two of these incumbents are running UNOPPOSED ! ! ! ! The one incumbent that is not unopposed has ONE other person running. If they are doing such a terrible job, why is no one willing to run against them? Good job school board, keep on task and get this thing done!
Isn’t it obvious that Stuart is the problem everytime concerning the school district. I think it is time to vote on concurrent action and kick Stuart out of the district. Menlo, Dexter and Redfield don’t need them anymore.
LOL. Go ahead! Kick Stuart out. We have all the kids anyway and can totally stand on our own – unlike the other 3 towns. You’ll be doing us a favor. Thanks for the suggestion!
maybe peg’ll donate her bail money to the school!
confused. I’m confused why 6 bond issues have failed if the board is doing such a great job.
Has to be all of us ignorant people, who elected them that’s the problem. Stay on task board like you have and you have no one or no group to blame but yourselves for there not being a new HS in Stuart.
i’ve just been skimming and ran across ‘old timer’ post that says site was dumping site for the railroad. What did they dump? Clinkers? Water? The soccer fields are built where the turn around for the maintenance building was. Look at the map in the Stuart history book. Did you know in Des Moines, the built a very large housing development where all the city dumped the clinkers from coal burners, and over by the river where the old target store was built on Douglas was the city dump site. The arguments don’t hold water. The shrink/swell of soil referring to the fact that large cracks form during dry spells holds true for my area as well as a lot of lots where homes are built. Just more trying to make excuses, and who knows what is in the ground where farming occured and chemicals were used.
If that’s what the soil tests or survey showed then it doesn’t surprise me they are trying to not publicize it. They know it is a crock and now that the water situation is under control there’s no reason not to build South of the athletic fields. I’m telling everyone I see to vote NO on that East site. There’s no reason for a building NOT to be built South of the baseball fields and now apparently the soccer fields. If this is the deciding factor to deem this soil not viable then someone needs to be put thru the ringer. Vote NO for the East site, sell it, build and build NOW South of the athletic fields. Elected by the people school board, come in with revised downward money figures, $90/sq.ft/ and build where it makes sense. Not where some of the power brokers and the ?????? Supt. want it. Build it South of the athletic fields and it will pass.
Don’t think Stuart will ever listen so kick ‘em out of the district.
Not to stir up a hornet’s nest, I just wonder whether the land south of the baseball and little league field would be large enough for a high school and the parking that will be needed?
Yes, it would be a good location and a 2 story structure would work, but you must remember to include a large gym and locker rooms, a music wing, wrestling & weight room AND room for a future auditorium.
Also, the land in question is owned by two different people, so just one person could drag his heels and make it difficult to purchase it.
One thing that I think the new building should include would be a geothermal heating/cooling system which would save the district $$ and eventually pay for the system.
One last comment, the current school board was not involved with all six of the previous failed bond issues. Faces have changed over the years, so you cannot blame the 7 current people for the failures of all issues.
Please someone explain to me, where are you going to put the waterway that is currently south of the athletic fields?? Do you propose they be moved?
The faces on the board have changed but the people behind the bond remains the same.
The people behind the vote NO for everything remains the same too. So no side will budge on a compromise, no school will be in our children’s future. Time to dissolve the district like anonymous 6:11 said.
everyone posted here is a idiot
I believe the waterway is a minor problem. By all appearances it doesn’t move as much water as lots think. There sure isn’t evidence that it does. It could be between the new school and the baseball field. I don’t know how deep footings on a structure of this type are, but I imagine them to be fairly deep. I really like your idea of geo-thermal heating Tod, makes good sense and with the way the oil and energy situation looks it would be a very good expenditure. It surely would pay for itself probably faster than one imagines. Also, one other plus for this location would be it’s partial protection from the North by the baseball field and buildings. That should help with N and NW winds in the winter and the heating. Please Board and Supt. consider it! I really am getting the feeling it will pass. It’s time to change, the other site isn’t apparently going to fly. I not only get the feeling it will pass, but be a good location and one that will concentrate the school and athletic facilities roughly into the same area. From what little I know, I’m guessing a two level nowadays will not be as tall as two stories of the old buildings. You won’t have the high ceilings even if you run the duct work in the first floor ceiling for the second floor. I’m only guessing this to be so. I’m excited about it and hope it can be worked out!
“I think it’s a bogus act of desperation on Stuart’s part,” said life-long Redfield resident Destiny Mains, 19. “They tore down the only remaining Dexfield school so that when they decide to build a new high school, we have to go along with it because there are no other options.”
Nice comment from a leader of the REAL LIFE CLUB. What a total waste of breath.
Tod, thanks for the post. It’s good as always. The beef I have with the board is they keep going back to the same site, they give no information, have those short meetings, and have treated people poorly. I’m hoping this time they will use the other site being talked about. I sure hope it is big enough and it will work out. I love that setting and location. I think it is about as natural of one as you can get with it’s location relative to the athletic fields and many other factors. I really like the two level idea as well the more I think about it. I’m no teacher, but I would think it would be a good thing to segregate different areas if you can. Just for educational purposes. I don’t mean segregate in a negative sense. I’m like some others, I really like it and think it will pass if it’s doable. We have to try to make it doable if at all possible, I think. The East site just isn’t going to pass. We have to come to that realization. There seems to be nothing but good comments, except for concern about the water, on this location if it is big enough. I just have a feeling it is and I believe,like already mentioned, if nothing else the area South of the soccer fields can surely be used for parking. If the soil survey was all about wetness and shrinking/swelling, then the work Stuart has done to get rid of the water should have really helped that area in that sense too. Come on Board, make me think you are listening and have an open mind. I want too. Let’s get a bond ready for this site and I think it will be an easy pass.
We’ve been hearing of ideas being presented here and have read with lots of interest those that have surfaced lately. We have both always voted YES in the past. We’ve been told it’s the only location, studies have been done and we have to pass a school bond for the good of the town. Well, it’s become clear they evidently haven’t studied ALL locations and now since the town of Stuart from the looks of things, has pretty much, if not fully, corrected the water problem, there IS a better site. We’ve become frustrated with people I won’t mention, but prominent one’s, let’s say, telling us we have to do it for the good of the TOWN, also. This is, after all, a DISTRICT, funded by everyone in it, not just for the betterment of Stuart. We understand these peoples’ reasoning, but have talked about how selfish they really are. Being lifelong area residents, we agree(d) and there seems to be no battle on putting a new High School in the town of Stuart. We have to say our support is past tense for the building of a new HS on the East site. We can’t in all good conscience vote YES again if that is what is proposed. We’re tired of being the subjects of pressure from these people. We have no idea if they have influence over the board and Supt., but would just guess that they certainly speak their mind and throw in reminders at every chance they get. Enough has been said. There’s a good idea that needs to studied and studied totally. If it isn’t and even if it is and we are told it won’t work, we aren’t buying it. They will have to tell us why it won’t work and in actuality work to make it work. We’re just two votes, but it will take 4 YES to counter the loss of our 2 YES and the gain of our 2 NO votes. It’s not a threat, we just want a school built and done right. This latest idea is a very, very good one from our viewpoint. Thank You to the person who came up with it. If it’s also said the board members and Supt. don’t read this blog, then we aren’t buying that any longer either. We have heard definitely, let’s say from a source who couldn’t be better. We have a chance to get something done finally, we truly feel as some others have said. Sure it’s going to be more work for the Supt. to get a new description, etc., etc., worked up and studies done. But after all, that’s what we are paying him for as part of his job. We have also talked about the ground South of the soccer fields. We agree if there is bad material buried there, that the DNR would have made the town or owner of the property clean it up by now. So we have to assume that land is useable as well. So many politics and wanting it one group’s way has delayed this to the detriment of everyone, money wise, teacher wise and most of all student wise. We hope a ground swell develops for this proposed site and two-level idea. We truly feel another attempt on the East site is a moot point and assured failure.
Todd Broman. You have brought up alot of good points and I agree with them. I am not overly fond of the East side of Stuart site either, but so far there has not been another site that would work as well.
2 story schools are a thing of the past and we might as well only look at 1 story buildings. We do need to look at the space involved for the things Todd brought up. so, until someone finds a better site, the East site makes the most sence now.
1:45, What do you expect from someone involved in the RLC? It’s nothing but a drug/alchohol/delinquent endorsing cult.
I agree you don’t see multi-story buildings anymore, but why is that? I would certainly go for a two level building and I’m sure it could have plenty of escapes to suit the fire marshall. Just because others don’t do it doesn’t mean it’s bad. Let be innovative. Some good reasons were given for a two level and it would take less space. I guess I’m not that willing to give up on the idea if there isn’t enough room for a one story building South of the athletic fields. I’m one that won’t vote for a building on the East site.
[...] Weekly Recap [...]
Nate, buddy, I can’t bring myself to read the school stuff –brings back horrible memories–can Stuart survive another bond issue issue?
And are the juvenile comments about Peg and her family, etc., really necessary? Not too classy…
How’s things goin’ at Ruby’s?
Well, the investigation continues, Annie. Will you support Peg as well as you did Carol? Oh, wait! Carol was canned and let’s see, she hasn’t got any money from the city, yet. But, let that lawsuit push on. A waste of energy and a black mark to the lawyer’s name who represents her. Go shlep some groceries.
I toured the new MS today and came away very impressed and very envious. That building will be a source of pride for the town of Redfield and the WCV district.
The quote (listed in an earlier blog) by one of my former students shows that there are those who will continue to fume about their building being torn down. The building is gone, so get over it. It’s not coming back regardless what you do.
To those bloggers who want the District to break up, that is probably the most selfish thing that can be done. Obviously, those in favor of dissolving the district are not taking the education of the kids into consideration.
If Redfield and Dexter broke away, their kids will suffer AND so will the kids who live in and around Stuart and Menlo. It doesn’t make a difference if any of the towns can go it alone. The curriculum will suffer and so will the kids.
Have you ever asked a teacher (other than myself) if they think the district should dissolve? Go ahead and ask my colleagues if they think that the students will get a better education if we separated.
Remember, we are talking about 2007 and not what it was like when we were in school.
More food for thought about the south site: I think that in order to have enough land for a building and parking, the road leading to the south diamond would have to be moved.
Now if there is a 2 story structure, there will have to be an elevator (or two)…I don’t know what the regulations state. Not everyone will be able to use the elevators, so the rest of the students and staff will have to use the stairs. There are those along with me whose knees are making it more difficult to go up and down the stairs. Even having your room on the ground floor doesn’t mean that you won’t be using the stairs.
Tod,
In some ways I think that with all of the fighting going around between the towns, all would be better if we split. Dexter and Redfield could go one way & Stuart and Menlo could go another way. However, you do bring up a good point: the kids would suffer. A lot of the fighting and bashing going around is not in the best interest of the kids. I know that when the towns first merged into one school district I wasn’t excited, but when I started going to school with those from the other towns, I made friends. These kids are already used to attending classes with those from other towns. If the district were to be split, I think that it would be more of a stand against the grown-ups than it would be a service to the students.
There is already a site owned by the school, yet so many people are against it,pobably because they feel that certain people are craving control, which is not true. So many people recently are saying that they will vote NO for the East site until they are given a reason to vote Yes, but they aren’t fooling anyone. They will never vote Yes because they want things their own way, regardless of how it will benefit their children, or the children of their community.
2:53- You mention that you aren’t willing to give up on an idea when it relates to building south of the Athletic fields. Yet you state that you won’t vote for a building on the East site. I’m curious as to how you would vote if the East site proposed a plan with a 2-story building that fit all of YOUR preferences. I’m guessing you would still vote no because you are too stubborn. Then again, maybe I am wrong. Is their something wrong with the East site that I don’t know about? Because I haven’t read anything at all that supported the athletic fields would be a better suited building site.
10:11 You are not fooling anyone, your part of the problem why this bond issue has failed six times! Stop telling us that we need to vote yes for the children when in reality it’s for the special interest group in Stuart. Stop wasting our tax payer’s money on these bond referendums to nowhere. After the next legislative session hopefully Iowans will not have to endure these elections every six months.
7:28- I like that you were a previous Yes voter, but now that you have merged to the other side, I have to ask: why do you feel more pressured by the Yes voters for the site to be east of town? I personally feel like ther are a minimal amount of people presssuring others to vote Yes on this site, yet there are a large number of people throwing out other ideas and sites that aren’t even suitable. Plus, whevever voting is drawing near, there are more flyers in the mail pointing out the No voters’ negative opinoins of the proposed site.
I think that if you realized the extent that these people will go to discourage anyone from voting for a school built east of town, you would realize that they will say anything to get you on their side. Those pushing the school to be built east of Stuart do not have their own agendas-they have their children’s and grandchildren’s agendas in mind. I know for a fact that they are not in this for themselves. They are fighting for the best site for the future of our communities. I hope that you reconsider, but it is probably too late as you seem to already be taking everything this new group is telling you to be true.
10:30- Exactly what special interest group are you talking about? Let me guess: you think that there are certain people trying to “control” and “coerce” everyone into thinking their way. Think again. I think that you are in the “group” that is trying to belittle others and make them believe that they are wasting their time, because everything should be done your way: right?
So what do you think that we need to have a new school for? I know that I think we do for the children and teens in the district, but it seems that you think differently. Do you think that we don’t need a new school? I’m wondering because you say that “people like me are wasting tax payer’s money”. Well I’ll tell you what: I have voted yes every time for the bond issue, and I will do so again and again. I haven’t tried to talk anyone into voting, nor have I been pressured into doing so. I feel that there needs to be a new school built and regardless of what the negative and bitchy “NO” bloggers say, it needs to happen soon. Each year that the new school is voted down, the price goes up. So do we keep feuding over this for another five years, and then finally realize that there is no other solution, yet it is millions of dollars more to build a new school by this point?
I think you need to get a clue: I am not the one trying to fool anyone- you are. What do you have to back up your claims? That’s what I thought-nothing!
And also- as for those who have to endure these bond issues, or elections as you say, every six months. If you’re that sick of it, don’t vote and leave the voting to those who care!
10:25, Location, location, location and getting a bond passed. Thoses are the selling points for the site South of the athletic fields, plus read the other weeks’ posts, they go into detail why it isn’t a good site. You can put their ideas as to why it isn’t a good site down, but they make sense if you keep an open mind. Plus I want a new school built and I don’t think a bond will pass with it located at the East site. Just read the posts on this blog I can relate to pressure from some people. tell some in conversation that the East site probably won’t work and see their reaction and how the conversation dries up immediately. Yes, these are business people, with THEIR own interests at heart, not the kids’. As to the poster who suggested to stop voting, that is exactly what you want people to do, so a few hundred can control the district. You just let your position out of the bag. Tod, I wouldn’t have a problem with closing that street, that shouldn’t be that hard to work around and actually I assumed a street maybe two would have to be dead ended at the new building on the South site. I feel for your knees, but in my profession I know that a certain amount of exercise actually helps, and one flight of stairs could actually be beneficial. Dissolving the district would be the worst thing that could happen in my mind. To tell you the truth I have heard from one person who fought tearing down the Redfield building in past yrs. They now realize it was the right thing to do and said it will look better. It’s hard to give up one’s heritage, but time marches on. 10:42 I’m not pretending to know 7:28’s position or circumstances, but as I mentioned there is pressure, not on the blog or in a public forum but on a one to one basis. I personally feel like I won’t get as good of a deal from these people now that they know my position. Maybe that’s just me being paranoid, but it’s in the back of my mind. I’m not trying to make anyone mad, I just want a bond at a location that will pass, plus I really like the location South of the athletic fields. I’ve heard rumors of a group of power people as we probably all have. I don’t know what to believe about that. But for some reason, it keeps coming back to the same site with basically the same plan. That’s like going to buy something and the salesman only offering you one thing to buy, take it or leave it, whether you like it or not. I don’t think any of us would like that, and that is exactly what’s happening here. I’m not a fighter, but am passionate this time around about getting a school built on the South site. It’s just my opinion, but I truly believe people will start to vote NO that have previously voted YES more and more. Look at the last votes results. Yes, the town of Stuart passed the bond, but there were more NO votes than the time before. If that trend continues, and I personally believe it will, then there is no chance of passing a bond similar to the last one. 7:28’s figures opened my eyes. Losing 2 YES votes and gaining 2 NO will take 4(four) YES votes to offset. Turning the numbers could happen quickly. And that is just to hold even.
tsk,tsk anonymous.
I believe one of the big assets of having a school built South of the athletic fields is having both in the same area. Plus this would take it off a highway that has plenty of traffic and sun in eyes at certain times of the year. Also, personal interest groups have done their best to sell the East site, with hopes of selling more land for future facilities at that location. But the biggest asset to me is having everything in the same area. I am like others, I will vote for a new building South of the athletic fields, just get a bond ready. I will not vote for a new building on the East site. Call me what you like, I’m not going to lie about anything. I’ve been snubbed by the banker so many times it is unbelievable, but he doesn’t turn down my deposits! So read into things what you wish. You can make up reasons why a housekeeper was fired from another vote, but I believe we all know why it happened. I could go on but enough said.
Previously I have voted Yes but with the defeat of 6 referendums I will not vote for the east site again. I would prefer to see land next to the present HS developed into the new site but I’m not against the site south of the athletic fields. I do know a special interest group has always been pushing for the east site because I myself have been on the perimeter of that group.
I must be blind. Where is there land (or room) next to the present high school?
I think 11:17 is referring to the parking lot/tennis courts across the street to the west and probably the house that sits on the SE corner of the block that the school sits on.
I ain’t selling!
I’ve heard of this plan earlier. It does take in the SE residential property, tennis courts, parking lot, and acquisition of 4 buildings on Fremont St. It would also include closing Main St. in front of the older addition to the school. I think it’s a plan that should be considered too.
And if the school was built in this area, where would the students park? I we were to include the parking lot and tennis courts as part of the expansion, where is the parking going to be? I know that the parking on the north side of the high school combined with south of the school isn’t enough to provide for all of the high schoolers of driving age. In fact, these areas of parking would barely even provide enough space for the faculty and visitors let alone students as well.
Actually with the acquisition of property there is more space on the school site then that south of the athletic fields.
Wow. Forcing a person (if not more) to move out of their home. I bet you’d just love to be told you need to move and give up your home. BAD IDEA!!!
They call it progress…get use to it.
10:10: I haven’t followed this idea of building on to the current high school site in Stuart. However, I must say that I agree with you: If we were to build on to the current site, then there would most likely be people asked to sell their homes and move out. There is no way that there is enough room around the high school for a new one to be built, in addition to parking!
10:11: Would you move out of your home if you was told that a new school was to be built and your home was in the way of it?
10:08- Do you care to expand on your comment? Where is this extra space compared to south of the athletic fields? Don’t get me wrong- I do not want the new school built there, but I also don’t understand how it would work on the property where it is currently located.
6:47 I would like to see your deed! 10:10 and 10:14 I believe you might be the same person. Two similar posts, 4 minutes apart? Maybe it’s time for Nate to put his identifiers on here again. I believe you all to be supporters of the East site and come He$$ or high water won’t consider changing. If I remember the idea of building by the old HS, it came after the vote and Nate has archives it looks like. So it’s very possible the post still exists. I believe the person talked about making where the bus parking is into parking and wrapping around to the West. Then parking the busses South of the tracks by the athletic fields. I’m not sure of all their ideas but it made sense to me when they put it all together. The big house on the corner sorry to say would only take an inspection and it would be condemned, I’m guessing. Plus I don’t know a lot about eminent domain, but it very well could be used here. So 6:47 maybe you should think about that if you truly are the owner which I highly, highly doubt. If eminent domain comes into play, if it’s anything like buying land for highways or roads, you won’t like the offer you get. I personally like the site South of the athletic fields. Let’s face it, I’ve voted Yes and will probably continue too, but the East site evidently isn’t going to pass. But as an alternative I believe these other two ideas should be studied fully. I really wish I could remember all the ideas of building on the tennis court and surrounding areas. Perhaps if it would work and the money, rather than being put in the old HS, plans for a new elem. could be for the old HS site and it torn down. That would free up room on the block that the HS now takes. If I remember right, it was talked about keeping the offices as they are. Let’s face it here too, the district isn’t going to get a good offer for that building, even though they should. I like either idea lots better than the East site to be honest. It always was apparent that a new building would only be the beginning out there. Soon it will be new athletic facilities there and many other things. One other factor that has been brought up is the fact the speed limit would be 25 during school hrs. and 35 the rest of the time. I really don’t like the sound of that. It’s time for discussions like these to take place, but an open mind has to be kept as well. If there’s room South of the athletic fields, I feel that’s where it should be, primarily because everything would be close together. No more kids crossing tracks to the fields, and the school close to it.
The rental apartments at the corner of 3rd and Fremont should have been condemned years ago. Mr. Broman: Just asking a question, being that you served on the Zoning Board has the board ever addressed how hazardous this building is for those living in it? Why hasn’t it been addressed? I don’t know the assessor’s value on the property but the residential properties are assessed below.
323 NE 2ND ST $32,854
211 N FREMONT ST $30,411
215 N FREMONT ST $35,796
219 N FREMONT ST $49,176
The P&Z might vote to condemn it, but I can almost guarantee the city council would reject the condemnation letter. Councilman Waddell lives tjere!
Good ideas and comments. I missed it when building near the present school was on the blog. It offers so new perspectives and ideas. Mr. Waddell is only one individual and should have to abstain from the vote if it affects him personally, anyway. Perhaps I’m wrong, but that’s the way I would think it should be. I hate to make a mean comment but the town would look better with the building gone. Sorry. Anyway, I really think the time is ripe to get a bond passed if the site is changed. Just from the comments being read here, I don’t think it’s not that people don’t want a new school. They see the future and what will happen out East and from all the talk, I have to believe their truly is a special interest group(s) involved. Why must we always head back out there? It seems other ideas and areas should be open to at least be studied and discussed at length. Something I just thought about. The office building is two stories isn’t it? That would probably give most a little idea of what a two story might be as far as height, etc., South of the fields. I hope something can get done this time. Perhaps the town wouldn’t be so growly then as well.
WHAR IF THE ADDITIONAL LAND THAT NEES TO BE PURCHASED BY THE FIELDS IS REFUSED TO BE SOLD BY THE OWNER?
Eminent domain? Are you serious? How can you consider contemplating making a person give up their home and move? You are being selfish and obviously do not care about others. Would you like to have someone come and tell you to leave the home you’ve had for 20+ years because they feel a new road is necessary? (I know it’s not about a road but the same principle applies.) Would you like being told that even though there are several places in the town that would be better choices because there are no buildings to demolish and there’s enough room for expansion in the future, the person chose to put it over YOUR house and will just bulldoze instead? It’s wrong and a plan for that will NEVER pass. Plus, it’s a fight the school doesn’t want.
I believe the individual was speaking of the rental property on the corner. If you would really like to get into a pis&&ng match, perhaps the state fire marshall and public health should come inspect the property. Especially since the city doesn’t seem to be interested in doing anything. I highly doubt if it would go to the state, the county level would probably be plenty. Being a rental property they have to have licenses, I assume. Everywhere else does, and have or are suppose to meet minimum standards. So go ahead and spout off without thinking things thru first. It just might bring on a fight YOU don’t want. I take it that you want the East site or nothing or else are a tenant or owner of one of the other properties. Maybe two out of the three? Challenging people can get you into a situation you really might not want to be in. Have a nice day.
What about the 2-3 other houses on that block?
Here’s some food for thought 12:31. This isn’t a case of eminent domain but it shows you how things are done in Stuart.
The Iowa Corporation SCIO TOO, L.L.C. owned by Eric Tiernan and Byran Belden with help of the Stuart Planning & Zoning Board issued a non compliance order against the owner of the MapleCrest rentals. He had wanted to make some improvements to the buildings. Belden & Tiernan purchased the property and issued eviction notices to the tenants. They have now demolished the buildings and plan to construct a spec home on the site. See how it works?
MapleCrest wanted to make improvements? ya right. Those appartments needed torn down and congrats to Belden and Tiernan for getting the job done.
This latest development by one of our elected officials is an eye opener.
Is it legal for the P&Z to issue an order against a property owner which would result in the financial betterment of a Stuart Councilman?
3:13–care to enlighten me about the non-compliance order issued by the P&Z? Being a member of that group, this is news to me.
The P&Z has no power other than to make recommendations to the City Council.
Tod, perhaps you can tell us a little more about this situation being you’re a member of the board. Do you have any recollection of this property being discussed at any meetings? Is there another zoning board in town that would issue an order like that?
Of all of the meetings that I attended, we have never talked about that property. If there was ever a discussion, it would have been during a meeting that I missed, but I highly doubt it.
No, the only other group is the Variance group and they only allow specific modifications to the code.
The chain of command is that people are to approach the P&Z first and then go to the Variance group.
My gut feeling is that the statement about the P&Z being involved is a fabrication or that someone heard the story wrong.
Thanks for clarifying Tod. I think 3:13 might have heard a rumor, go figure.
7:19- I am the one who posted the comment at 10:14, but not at 10:10. The person who posted at 10:10 simply brought up a good point that I felt like responding to.
Tod, from an earlier post you were asked this question about the rental building at the corner of Fremont & 4th. “Mr. Broman: Just asking a question, being that you served on the Zoning Board has the board ever addressed how hazardous this building is for those living in it? Why hasn’t it been addressed”?
Broman out of all the people in Stuart is the least likely do a favor for anyone for financial gain. Get real, people!
Hi i’ve been on a long vacation. 8-15 11:33, who is Mr Taylor or daughters? Anyway, I have a suggestion. Go to City Hall, get a copy of Official City Zoning Map for the City of Stuart. If the steps are too much call them and they will e-mail a copy. It appears the sports complex included, from Front street down to S.E. 6th street, excluding residential area, is all zoned light industrial. Does this sound like you can’t build there? I think it would be a great area for a high school. I believe the Sloss’ own most of it, and am sure they would be willing to see a new school built. There is plenty of room for parking on the two half blocks on west side of fremont, removing old barn which I’m sure the lady would sell. And they money derived from east property would cover purchasing south property. If you would investigate the options instead of gossiping and listening to hearsay, you might see the benefits. Kids do go uptown at lunch. Going from east sight is a long distance and they can’t drive. The south side provides a closer access to K & G, plus the Cyclone. Besides being right near the sports complex. My first thought out on the highway is that safety concern, plus the possiblitiy of tornados and where is the plan for refuge in that case? I really think the idea of a new school is far outweighing the academic concerns, and new school or not, these concerns are the most important.
Tornados? Seriously? You think a tornado will hit the east side in a different way than the south/north/west/central part of town? You think because a school would be built on the east site there would be no tornado shelters allowed on the property? WTF? That is the dumbest thing. LAME REASON.
Oh, and people don’t necessarily want to sell their property because you think they should. Property can hold as much sentimental value as a house can not to mention if it’s been in the family for a long time. People may not want to break it up and instead, pass it to their decendents.
I’m so tired of hearing “let’s buy this – I’m sure they’d sell” as if the owners had no use or reason or entitlement to even have it. It’s such a hassle to buy more land and plus, it’d be a way to LOSE money. Land in that high of demand can have an inflated cost and who knows how much time accuiring the land would take. It could drag on for weeks, months, or even years and then what would happen if after all that time, the deal would fall through? We’d be back at step one.
We HAVE land. Quite a bit of it. Why can’t we compromise? Use the land and build to suit it instead of making the land suit the building. It’s possible it wouldn’t take that much dirt work. People build houses according to the land they sit on so why can’t a school be the same way? I like the 2 story idea. Maybe we could have the first story be on the flat land and then have a walkout area on the bottom level which could hold the green house and the other tech classrooms. It’s an idea.
Come on people. Why waste even more time looking for land to buy (especially when there’s a high chance of it being unattainable) when we have some? Do you really not want a new school? Is that what it comes down to? Because that’s the only reason I can think of that’s causing all this delay. If you REALLY wanted it, you’d be willing to work with what we have.
1:48 / Compromise? I don’t believe after 6 bond defeats that any one will compromise and build on the east site. You’re the one that needs to change your position on this issue. You and your gang have lost! Move on with your life. I like the idea of building on the south site. There is even more land available to the east if it is needed. Yes, I think folks want a new school but when are you going to realize that it’s not going to be built on the east site.
1:48 I fully agree with 2:07 and taylormaid has very good thoughts. You picked out 1(one) and went berserk over it. That’s a big reason people don’t want to come forward or to say anything. I would guess some of the people, anyway, would love to sell their property, especially some that would know it was going to a school. No, 1:48 a school is wanted and will pass, but not on the East site. Your desperation is deafening in your post. 6 defeats should be very apparent that it will not pass on the East site. People are thinking of ways to pass this, you and your crowd are the hold-up. Also, I believe it was mentioned once before, but at the East site you are out in the open and going to catch that North and NW and NE wind with no protection. What’s that going to do to the heating bill? The other site(s) have protection and you know as well as everyone that helps a lot.
The more I hear about the prospect of building the HS south of the sports complex the more optimistic I am of the district actually passing a bond referendum. What it will take is for the school board to listen to the district and not a special interest group who have been pushing for the east site for the past six bond defeats. It will also be essential on their part with the help of citizens of this district to formulate a sensible plan for construction.
Are you kidding me.??
Once again folks, here are the facts…
The area south of the athletic fields is not going to work for a school building site.
Why..??
It was the dumping site of the railroad.!!
Not just for coal, but when the railroad roundhouse was demolished, it was buried in the very site that so many of you are spouting off as the perfect site for the high school.
This site, south of the athletic fields is a former swamp area. Hello!!! No one intelligent builds on a swamp.
Uninformed is an easy excuse, blind stupidity is no excuse.
11:14—no, the P&Z has not talked about that particular piece of rental property. No one has brought it up for discussion. Now, I am just asking…what do you base your claims of it being hazardous on? Has it been inspected? Have the renters filed a complaint?
I know that it doesn’t look good on the outside, but what evidence do you have?
Now, if it is really hazardous, then you must contact City Hall.
Taylormaid—if a new HS is built, regardless of the site, there won’t be any more open lunch. The lunchroom will be large enough to serve all of the students without any overcrowding. Of course, the kids will howl about losing the ability to go uptown, but it will be easier for us to keep track of them.
8:29 In case your unaware there were three homes on that site which were there at the time of the railroad. A good part of that area and that to the east were homes of people who worked for the Rock Island. So don’t give us that crap unless you can back up the facts!
Were Homes….why Were Homes…are because the land is unsuitable for building…
For those who won’t consider another site other then the one that has been defeated 6 times…YOU have no more options, it’s either explore the possibility of other sites or suffer defeat in another bond referendum. In the past I have voted yes but I won’t again on the east site.
9:21, There “were homes” all over town that are not there today. What a stupid remark.
8:29- I agree that building south of the athletic fields is not the best choice. What are you thoughts on building on the east site?
I can’t help but wonder if so many people are against building on the east site due to concerns aside from their own desires. Considering that so many people are jumping for wanting the school built south of the athletic fields, I wonder if those who wish this just want it built anywhere other than the east site in spite of those who have been pushing for it for so long? In my own opinion, I feel that there have been many wanting it built east of Stuart, who have spent many years trying to get it passed. There seems to be some light because many people are finally getting over the issue of what town it is built in. But are we fighting over the site because of environmental concerns? Or are many just too stubborn to admit that the East site seems to be the best choice? Just wondering.
8:29, Old timer told us, South of the soccer fields was the dumping site. I see no sinking or settling that would be typical of a dumping site with large items in it. Perhaps clinkers, etc., but they should not be a problem. Also, as far as the swamp part. The city spent money to fix the runoff and water problem it’s been said. I have to agree they did a great job, because there is now no evidence of a runoff problem. Perhaps it hasn’t been built on before because there WAS a water problem. The fact that there were homes there is a clue it is fit for building and was marginal to begin with. 11:51, why do people have to keep going over and over the reasons they won’t vote for the East site? It’s because you want to keep it as an active part of the conversation is my guess and are now panicking that it won’t be. 6 defeats tells anyone it isn’t the right choice. I won’t vote for a building there either. So as one poster put it go ahead and vote for it if it comes to that, but my no vote will offset your positive one. The groundswell support is for the South site. Now you know how the majority has felt for all these attempts at getting the East site passed. It’s clear special interest groups have grand plans for the East site and the surrounding area. If YOU REALLY want a school built, then you should not be fighting the site that seems to have the support. One that will pass and put an end to this and get the kids and teachers a new facility, close to the athletic fields. It’s been mentioned about parking. There would be more parking there than there is now by a long shot. Plus, perhaps in their wisdom, the board might delay spending money on the old HS and after a new HS is built on the South site, a new elementary could be built West right across from the old HS. Then tear down the old HS and have plenty of parking and have all new buildings or at least modern(Dexter and Redfield) ones. It’s funny no one can give good reasons for the East site like it’s possible for the South site. Other than we already own it. And it’s what the special interest groups(aka power people) want.
I am totally in favor of east of Stuart about 5 miles.
This is never going to pass. I say dissolve/kick Stuart out/whatever. Acutally, please DO kick Stuart out. However, it’ll be the only surviving school. Did you know that the admin was practically begging parents of Menlo elementary kids to send their children to Dexter because the class sizes are SO small? Yeah, that sounds like Redfield/Dexter can really make a go of it without Stuart. If Menlo wants to go with those two towns fine. I’m sure their 35-45 kids will really help sustain a Redfield/Dexter/Menlo school district.
I am just so sick of all this stupid fighting. It’s so petty and it’s based on old rivalries and spite. The people against the east side are against it because it was purchased by the S-M school board. There are no great/overwhelming reasons why the building shouldn’t be there except for the fact the east side wasn’t a part of the decision making. GET OVER IT! The south site that is desired by some is obviously NOT SUITABLE as seen by the soil tests done on it, the fact that it is the town dump, and the memories of those that remember the past and history of that land.
Time’s running out and honestly, I’m getting sick of this school community. It’s becoming a true embarassment to admit that I am from one of these four towns (and NO it’s NOT STUART! God forbid an east sider actually be against the east side vocal/bond buster group, right?) It’s absolutely ridiculous and a huge joke. Look how many families we’ve lost because of this fighting! Look how many students are being open enrolled. It’s crazy. Even Warren Varley is moving out of the district and he’s the last person I thought would ever leave since he has such strong ties to the area.
I say this is the last vote. All or nothing. If it fails, the school district dissolves.
east of stuart on August 21, 2007 9:20 am – Maybe a Dexfield district could pass a Dexter school, but not a WCV one. Keep dreaming.
Arnold said the last vote was the last vote!
This thing will not fly on the east site. Anyone saying the land is not workable doesn’t know what their talking about.
So, south site land is workable but east site isn’t? Why not? just curious.
Tod, I think the fremont address mentioned is on ne 3rd. You know some people have sensitive eyes. Remember the old Stage Stop that was an eyesore? They got it torn down and now it is a beautiful site! 8:21 12:32 You know I’ve looked all through the soil surveys down and the last I can find was in the ’70’s. If you have a copy of any more recent could you post it? Also Just where was all this dumping supposed to have taken place? Could We see a copy of that information also? The sports complex pretty much sits right on top of where the old engine houses were and with residential homes being south of there it would be hard to dump on them. As far as the ditch that runs through, it has been dug out and cleaned up. I’m very confused on where you get your information.
Correct 1:33- The east site will not work, it has lost 6 bond referendums…Do you see a pattern here?
Mr. Broman? can you guarantee no open lunch? I would think if they don’t pay you can’t keep them there without a lunch. I have heard it isn’t the lack of space so much as they don’t like the meals. If they don’t bring a lunch with them it will be kind cruel to make them stay in the school.
Freedom of Speech
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of speech….
— First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
If there is one right prized above all others in a democratic society, it is freedom of speech. The ability to speak one’s mind, to challenge the political orthodoxies of the times,
to criticize the policies of the government without fear of recrimination by the state is the essential distinction between life in a free country and in a dictatorship. In the pantheon of the rights of the people, Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo, who served from 1932 to 1938, wrote of free speech that it is “the matrix . . . the indispensable condition of nearly every other freedom.”
Taylormaid—that apartment building is where I lived (upstairs) during my first 7 months in Stuart! If a person was claustrophobic, then that wouldn’t be a good place to live!
Stuart resident—call Mrs. Wilson and ask her if she would prefer closed lunch as to open. While at it, ask her how often kids are tardy coming back from open lunch. Also, have there been any occurences of students not coming back at all?
If you build a new building, it would be foolish to skimp on the kitchen and lunchroom. Larger and more efficient facilities could possibly lead to offering a salad bar and/or a la carte menu.
Kids have complained about hot lunches ever since God created dirt. You would have to agree that it is cheaper to eat at school versus plunking down some bills for a pop and a slice of pizza, etc.
Can the school require students to stay? Yes they can! Kids won’t like it, but they’ll eventually get used to it. As I stated earlier, by keeping them in the building it would be easier to keep track of them.
If you are a parent, wouldn’t you feel more secure knowing that we can account for your child’s whereabouts?
IF (that’s a BIG “if”) a new building was built east of town, then there would definitely have to be a closed lunch because it would be too far for students to go AND the school prohibits students from getting into vehicles during the school day unless given permission.
***********
It appears that many bloggers are confusing the area south of the high school baseball field with the city “dump”.
The south site is east of S. Fremont and north of SE 5th. The dumping grounds are located further SE near the corner of S. Madison and SE 6th.
Today, I drove by the south site and I still am concerned that there wouldn’t be enough room (even with a 2 story structure). The building cannot be put up right next to the streets, so that setback will eliminate some ground. Also, the building will not be built near the drainage ditch just beyond the right field fence on the baseball field—that setback will eliminate more ground.
Now, remember that you will need a lot of ground for a large gym and a future auditorium. AND you will need plenty of off-street parking for staff, students and visitors.
SE 5th has curb and gutter, but not S. Fremont. That street is narrow and it would not support an increase flow of heavier vehicles, so the city will have to spend $$ to improve it.
Also, S. Main leading up to the south diamonds will be affected. You need to make the south diamonds accessible to vehicular traffic.
Finally, remember there are two different people who own that land. Can we be sure that BOTH of them would be willing to sell at a reasonable price?
Now, I was making an observation from my vehicle and I don’t have any construction background, so there is the chance that I could be wrong. Until then…..
12:32- I understand your frustration, because I also am sick of all of the fighting. I also really liked your post for a few reasons. For one, you bring up that enough is enough, and go ahead and let the district dissolve if we’re never going to quit fighting. While that wouldn’t be the best choice for many people to make, it seems the most logical in many ways. I also applaud you for not mentioning taking sides or anything, as a lot of people only get more fired up when they hear of side-taking. Instead, you point out the basic, to the point facts as to why a certain site won’t work. In addition, you are so right when you mention that many are against the east site because the S-M school board bought it. I’m sure that if the Redfield school board bought this same site, people in Redfield and probably in Dexter wouldn’t be carrying on like they have been for the past few years.
To Aug. 19 3:13 pm.
You had a the main idea but several things were stated wrong. Eminent domain had nothing to do with what happened. Stuart Planning and Zoning was not involved.
SCIO bought the property from Dan Wagner, who had no plans to make inprovements.
The property was bought with the plans to demolish it and to put in new housing.
The tenants were given 1 years notice before having to move.
Maple Crest rentals was not in the picture and probably has not been for years.
HAHA! WE DEMOLISHED YOUR REDFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL!
12:17, Thanks for doing that. It needed to be done. You or your parents helped pay for it. The South side is workable by closing streets, I believe Mr. Broman. What that involves, I don’t know. It’s clear you are for the East site, which is your right. And I appreciate your not calling names or running people down. The talk of soil surveys now has me totally confused. I, like many would like to see them. If they go back to the 70’s, they carry very little weight or credibility. 3:09, just what are the students going to eat? As Mr. Broman stated and I believe the great majority of us know, the meals at school cost much less than as he said a can of pop and a slice of pizza. There are programs for free lunches, so there’s no excuse for a student not to eat at school. The excuse about the meals is, repeating Mr. Broman again, ageless. It’s been that way as long as I can remember and that’s a long time. It was that way when I went to college and the Army about the prepared meals. As far as dissolving, I wouldn’t be too fast in saying Stuart can make it on it’s own. Even if they could, it would be in the old HS, with few students, able to afford just the basics for curriculum and teachers, and I’m doubting if the state would let it happen. I would more likely be inclined to think the state would come in and split the entire WCV district and send it in all directions. Then everyone would get a chance to drive or ride the bus. The stubborn ones aren’t the ones proposing the different site. The truly stubborn ones are those who won’t consider anything but the East site. Do you really think after all the support shown for the South site or an alternative site, that the East site is closer to passing now? I would have to say it is even further from passing. So the delay falls on YOUR shoulders, those who support only the East site. 12:17 I hope you are a teenager, because you embarrass even elementary age children. Do you people really think in your frenzy seeing the amount of support away from YOUR PRISTINE EAST SITE, that calling names, insulting and making the same old statements are going to change things? People are pretty immune to that by now and can see right thru posts for what they truly are. It’s being pretty well proven that the South site has been misrepresented as far as soil surveys. I still personally believe with the closing of a few streets, that wouldn’t block anyone(they could go an alternate route), the South site is THE site to build on. Even the idea of the one near the school is much better than the East site. Trying to go it alone, as mentioned, would open the Stuart peoples’ eyes, I believe. Redfield and Dexter have modern buildings. I assume Earlham would love to have the buildings and tax base. Or Adel and Panorama as well. Remember, the old Dexfield district went as far North as the Gas plant. Lots of high dollar valuation. So go for the East site again and #7. I fully assume that’s what’s going to happen. Be prepared for another defeat. But then I don’t want to hear any bellyacheing about ignorant people, etc. Because you would be talking about yourselves. I truly believe another site will pass if the money figure is reasonable. Decide what you want. A new school or more delay. The lack of a new HS rests on your shoulders NOW as it is. It’s a poor analogy, but it’s like someone looking for a new home and being told you are going to build here whether you like it or not and you’re going to pay for it, whether you like it or not. I personally, don’t want to hear about the lack of a new HS and it having should have been built. It’s location, location, location. And it’s the group pushing the East site who bear the fault for a new school not being up and running. There’s 3 no votes in my household. One was a Yes, but has become sick of being pushed and now with an alternative or two has a change of heart. So there’s another vote changed that will take 2 Yes votes to make one Yes vote count.
We keep hearing that we need to consider something other than the East site. WEll I have tried to but the South site is not going to work for all the reasons stated already. So, why aren’t we saying “Forget the South site and move on”
I for one an not hung up on any site but, you have to find a site that will work and I don’t think the South site will work. And there is not enough room with the current site. Homeonwers have been approached and either don’t want to sell or will want a very high price for their property. So, keep looking and do your homework as has been done for years and find a site that will work.
You seem to have a lot of inside information 8:30. How do you know any property owners have been contacted about the south site and how do you know that any information you have heard on this blog is true? The east site is not going to work because the voters have made that clear in 6 bond defeats. The south site and the school site need to be examined to find if there is anyway the construction can be done on those locations. The agenda of the special interest group in Stuart is evident. The game is over for you guys; move on if you want a new HS in Stuart. The alternative is defeat number 7 and no new school.
Estimated population in July 2006 for Earlham: 1,346
Estimated population in July 2006 for Stuart: 1,734
Earlham is smaller, have their own school, and have approved plans to build a new highschool. If Earlham can have and sustain their own school, Stuart can too. Although, Stuart currently helps sustain that school with most of our open-enrolled kids.
Keep up this fighting, Earlham CSD, as well as other nearby ones, is just loving it.
I think Earlham has things going for them and alot of that is they don’t have other towns dragging them down like Stuart does. Things here would be a million times better if Stuart would have there own school district and if Peggy would move to Redfield.
Stuart doesn’t need any other towns to drag it down. Stuart would be so much better if the special interest group didn’t try and make decisions based on what’s best for them and not the town.
5:04—my wife teaches in Earlham and she hasn’t said anything about plans for a new HS being approved.
I’ve heard Earlham has plans for a new school too but I’m not sure it’s a high school. Elementary maybe. I can’t quite remember.
Agreed 6:34, Stuart should either pull out of the district or maybe those that suggested it earlier can follow through on “kicking Stuart out.” Either way it’d be better off.
6:34- How do you see Stuart as dragging people down? It seems to me that mostly Redfield and Dexter are dragging down the district. Just look back to how Redfield wanted to have the new high school there- how much sense does that make bussing all of the kids that far away? The people dragging down the district are those who do nothing to try and make it better- they just sit around and complain about everyone who doesn’t share their opinion. And they don’t seem to give a damn that their children or the children around them probably aren’t ever going to have a new and safer high school as a result.
1:27- Because of the comment made on homeowners not wanting to sell, or asking for too high a price, I think that 8:30 may have been referring to the prospective site by the current high school. After all, Tiernan doesn’t have, and I don’t think Wambold has, land that close to the east school site that would even be up for negotiation.
Whay are we paying out a lot of money to share sports with Nodaway, ADM and Adair-Casey?
I know if I havae the other schools wrong someone will correct. But we can’t seem to spend money on taking care of things, but can spend it on busing back and forth for these extras
9:28- My question to 8:30 was how did he/she get information that home owners had been contacted and refused to sell or asked too high a price. I don’t believe a word the poster said. They also are spreading misinformation about the south site. I will settle for either site but will absolutely vote no on the east site.
Count me as a NO and NO for the East site and Yes and Yes for either of the other two. If we get force fed the East site again, I believe it’s time to remove the board and Supt. Harsh, but just reality. If they come in with the East site again, they aren’t listening to the people for sure. Not only has there been a lot of support on here for anything but the East site, but 6 defeats tells me that there must be more than meets the eye going on. Evidently the special interest power people DO control things.
Maybe before we compare Stuart to Earlham, we should see what some of the figures are for IQ, Income, Occupation, % welfare, etc. Kinda like comparing a donkey’s ass to a thoroughbred. (in the same order)
You have a point there 2:59. Stuart would come of short.
Why don’t you ask the homeowners West of the school yourself if they will sell and see what they tell you. That old stucco apt. building would come at a high price.
Yeah 3:33, because we allowed Dexfield to join our school district. Only reason.
10:06- I am confused. You say you will settle for either site, yet you will absolutely vote no for the east site? That seems like a contradiction- do you mean that although you would vote no for the east site, you would be settled with that kind of vote??
By the way- I’m just curious as to what makes you so adamant against the east site? I could guess as to why, but why bother? Do you have any original, educated reasons as to why you don’t feel that site is worthy of a vote?
11:27- You say how “if they come in with the East site again, they aren’t listening to the people for sure.” How do you feel about promoting this new school building being built by the current Stuart high school? Do you really think that is realistic? Now, how about by the athletic fields? Have YOU listened to the many people who have voiced their opinions on that? There are supporters as well as criticizers for every site. No one is trying to force feed anything: there are simply those who know what would be best for the district, and those who want to disagree with the “special interest group” just for the sake of disagreeing. Do you even know what all of the layout and plans would be for a school built on the East site? I doubt it-you probably just know only that a couple certain people are supporting it, and therefore you feel like you’re too good to go along with them. After all, why would you hide your pride and admit that they have the most REALISTIC plan.
Keep it up-keep voting down the East site, and instead wishing and dreaming on less suitable sites, and you will find yourself one day with grandchildren who are attending school in an old and unsafe building, because so many people were was ignorant as you, and chose to refuse a Yes vote for the site already purchased by the school board.
I have yet to hear why this site is unsuitable for the new high school, other than the fact that it is off the highway. There is nothing wrong with the land as there is at the “site” south of the athletic fields. There aren’t homeowners who would have to be intimiidated into selling their homes in order for a new school to be built where it currently is.
So WHAT is the reason that the EAST site isnt’ suitable? You can give me all of the fluff you want, but I want to hear your facts. What FACTS do you have to attempt to make me see that the East site isn’t acceptable?? Once again-I want FACTS- not gossipy, whiny, bullshit.
You go 10:44! I want to know too! But, 10 to 1 the only thing you are going to get is critcism for “obviously being part of the special interest group” and no facts will be given. (Pssst.. It’s because they have none!)
10:59- Thank you! I am not a member of the “special interest group”, yet I do agree with them (I think-that is if I even know who this group is)! You are so right when you say they have no facts: let’s wait & see what they say, but I’m sure that it will be one or the other- they will criticize me as you mentioned, or they will pull “facts” out from nowhere and try to make their points, which is a waste of time, as they have nothing to back it up. This will be interesting though if anyone thinks they have anything worthy to say!
okay, so maybe it is time for all of us who are watching from the sidelines to step up and voice our thoughts.
South site is unacceptable, as last night I reread nates blogs from 2005 and land survey was mentioned as unacceptable.
No way is there room to add on to the present HS and force property owners to move…
You know that seems to be the mentality of people who think the world owes them something… I WANT IT, THERE FOR YOU NEED TO GIVE IT TO ME.
Yes I know I was yelling.
As far as I can see the reason someone would not vote yes for the east site is because of their very own lack of vision.
Yeah I said vision…
what this district could be , what this district could offer and what this district is.
If a student leaves this district with below par education .. it is their own doing. Did you the parent, grandparent, aunt , uncle encourage, and expect that student to excel??
My question is why not??
Let’s not point any fingers until we each bite the bullet and do our part.
Support the kids, support the teachers, support the administration, support the district… I didn’t say always agree, cuz who could. I said support.
Sure looks like the east site special interest group have circled the wagons. Good try boys, your site has been voted down 6 times now. Don’t bring it to the table again.
10:27 thru 11:38 good try at intimidating. For one person, you did very well. We can look at the post times and tell you had just about enough time to post one and write another. Nobody else had the time to have them posted, read them and respond in total agreement and continuation as was done. Nice try. If you go back thru the archives you will see the downfalls for the East site and pros for the alternate sites. I’m not as one poster said falling for this and into your trap. You are desperate at best with your ranting. We are all ignorant if we don’t vote for the East site, right? Why is that? Give us your best guess why it has failed 6 times! I’m not going to pleasure you by going on and on, simply just say it was a good effort by whomever you are and as 12:04 said, you are circling the wagons now. Are you ready for a fight? Answer, yes, your group will fight with itself. But your leaders will be the ones who profit and get there way if it does ever pass. YOUR group is the reason there is no new HS. YOUR group is the one that is ignorant. Now I’m lowering myself to your standards and it’s a terrible feeling. So ’nuff said. Nice try at a trap, it’s not going to work.
one last follow up. See how the times are close together? If you are so brave and we aren’t, why did you post anonymously?
In order to explain why site A is more suitable than site B, you have to be willing to give a factual analysis of both. How can there be a meaningful dialogue without it?
So is the rule now that you can only state the facts about a topic once in a blog, then you must reference the archives when you want to talk about it again? How can being asked to restate your argument or the facts be an attempt at trickery? If the east site is really not suitable as you say, then summarize whatever archived argument you keep talking about and state your case. If its that solid and convincing, people will agree with you and we can move on to discussions of other sites. The new high school should be built on the best site available, so convince me.
I wasn’t part of those original discussions. I don’t know how many people on this blog are still curious about the east site, but I do know that 50% of the public voted yes for the last bond vote. So in order to convince this many people that another site is better than the east site and why the east site is lacking, its probably in your best interest to share your argument more than once in an old blog post. How do you intend to convince others that you are right about the east site if your only argument today is “because I said so” and “go find the facts yourself” and “you’re just trying to trick people”. I’m sorry to say if that’s your argument, no matter how passionate you are against the east site, it’ll be a tough road to convince people to abandon their beliefs about the east site. You’ll likely do more harm than good, because frankly, you sound like an idiot.
Use your heads, people, first the nay sayers bitch about the cost, and then they whine that they won’t pass the one site that is already paid for. do we question anyone’s intelligence, here. do we just feed into it? the facts is that it makes perfect sense to spend money on the building(s) and not on land. what cloud are they on if they think that someone in this town will sell property for a reasonable price knowing that it is the only way we would get a school? get real, or figure that we will be spending money that could be used on the dilapidated building in Menlo so every little kid in the district can have a nice place to go to school. Maybe if everybody can’t agree, we should do to the remaining two buildings what was done to Redfield. Save what is good, and demolish the rest and add on. If, God forbid, something horrid happened in the Menlo building and we lost people, according to the past behavior on these blogs, there would be nothing solved even then, only blame and finger pointing. You should all be ashamed.
9:36, why should I summarize what was talked and talked about. Spend your own time doing that. You call me an idiot, and you get nowhere, except me further from buying any argument or statement you can make. YOU give ME a cogent reasoning for the East site. It’s failed 6 times. It takes a super majority to pass. Give me your factual analysis of both, I really shouldn’t have to take the time. You are asking the question, so logically YOU are the one lacking in knowledge. So do YOUR homework instead of wanting someone else to do it for you. One misspoke word and you are ready to pounce. It’s clearly evident. That’s what I’m calling a trap or trickery as you portend it. So whom is truly the idiot? HMMM? Not me because I’m not falling into your ploy and it’s seemingly making you mad. Give me your factual analysis of the two sites. You seem to be a great supporter of the East site. Sell me, convince me as you say, give me that cogent argument. You want it your way or the highway, not the other way around. You are way, way too obvious. People can see right through your transparent post and the meanings behind it and your name calling. Thanks for enlightening me that you are not willing to dig up the facts, but want someone else to do it for you. You just want your side of the equation heard and as mentioned earlier are now circling the wagons. You evidently believe your perfect East site is in danger of being replaced. I’m not falling for your name calling and illogical reasoning. Do you homework and then debate the facts. People aren’t going to do it for you, but then that’s not really what you want, is it? Thanks for calling me an idiot, I have no idea what that makes you. Oh, I know, you are a genius, I forgot, a thousand pardons. Your class in namecalling is falling short when people see thru your facade isn’t it?
Hey 10:44/11:11, this is 10:59 – Told you! These people are SO predictable!
Isn’t it funny how they think only one person can be against them? Maybe THEY are just one person posting over and over so they assume it’s the same for the comments against their ideas. It’s always the same babble and BS, just different post.
11:18, where are YOUR facts? I see none in that post. Why tell you something when all you have to come back with is “Nuh-uh” or “because.” How about you step up and give us the facts behind the site you want. Come on! Sell it to the voters! What are you waiting for? LET’S HEAR YOUR FACTS!!!
12:57, HUH???? My facts are in the past posts and I’m not about to go over them just for you and your’s. I asked for your facts and I get a repeat of what I asked you for. You East site or bust people are evidently so desparate and so scared you will do anything. I’m not the one posting all the time. Yes, I have posted before. How many times have you? 4 times in a row last night for certain and a couple of times today. Live in your make believe land of know it all and I’m GOD persona. YOU are the one who has no answers.
Concerning selling the homes and apartment building west of the current high school: It sounds like those that are interested should contact the homeowners about selling and report to the blog what they told you. It is obvious they won’t beleive those who already asked about it a few years ago.
6:33- First of all, I am the one who posted at 10:27, 10:44, and 11:11. The other posts that were in the time frame you mentioned were not me-they were others who are not ingorant, as you like to mention. Second, I mentioned that I would like to hear facts as to why the east site won’t work and all you say in response to that is that I will see the downfalls to the east site if I look through past posts, but what do YOU know for a fact to be reasons it is worse than the other sites? Also, what PROS to the other sites do you know for certain? Do you realize that there are also many proven cons to these sites? Another thing, I don’t try to intimidate anyone. I just simply don’t see what all of the arguing is about when noone states anything original as to why they don’t want the east site, or why it would be a bad choice for the kids: except for the fact that it is off the highway. One last thing, thank you for the compliment of doing a good job as one person, but I was not the only one posting last night. Looks like I’m not the only one who isn’t in your special interest group.
6:35- Did I ever say that I was brave? How about you?
11:18- I think that you are confusing 9:36 with me. I am the one who posted at the times I mentioned above on my post at 7:49 pm. I am not the poster at 9:36. Funny how you keep mentioning “circling the wagon” and blah, blah, blah, yet you were responding to a different person. As far as you telling them to do their own research- Your posts have no facts or hints to research in them at all. So maybe you should quit being a hypocrite and stop assuming that only one person is out here posting disagreeing comments to you.
2:57- Here YOU go trying to intimidate people again, not the other way around. I’m sure that once again you think I’m the same person who has posted any comments against you, but I’m not. To 12:57- You’re right! Where are 11:18’s facts? He/she responds saying that they are in other posts, and is not going to repeat them, but that sounds like a cop-out to me. Besides, how are we going to know which posts to look for when this person posts anonymously. I know that I do as well, but then again, I’m not telling people to go back and look at my previous posts to find the reasons behind what I am saying!
12:54- Hi again! You make a very good point. 6:33 keeps thinking that I am the only one posting in opposition to him or her, when in fact I have no idea who the other few posters have been. I can be at work all day only to be accused of posting to him/her and “circling the wagon” again!! You’re right that this person probably is one who posts multiple times hoping to sound like more than one person!!
Pros of the East site:
1. Good soil/ Not contaminated
2. Plenty of space to add on/ property already owned by school
3. Plenty of parking space
4. Already owned
The referendum on the east site has failed 6 times! Do you want to make it 7 or do you want a new HS? The choice is yours.
10:02- Yeah, I already know how many times it has failed. It is because of people like you that there will never be a new high school. What site do you have in mind. I can tell you all the reasons it is not suitable and in the best interests of the students. Are you prepared to state your case or are you just on this blog for the sole purpose of reminding those of us who already know how many times the east site has failed?
By the way, the first few times that the school bond vote was up for voting, there were many people who voted no simply because they didn’t want the school built in Stuart. Now that these people have accepted the idea that Stuart is the most central and logical site to build in, people are pulling up new ideas from their a@!*# and trying to promote them. If the bond referendum originally included a new school site to be south of the athletic fields, and all of a sudden the east site was proposed, the voting would probably take a different toll. After all, most who want the site to be south of the athletic fields are just simply stubborn and full of themselves too much to admit that they are wrong. Do you want a school to be built on soil that has been contaminated? Do you want to build a school where there is not the freedom of expansion available? What about parking? Do you really think that the new school can be built south of the athletic fields, with plenty of parking, and with room for expansion? Even if you do, what is your reasoning for wanting the students to go to school in a building built on contaminated soil? Do you not care about anyone but yourself? Grow up- you need to realize that this issue is not about you or about all of your followers. This issue is supposed to be about the better needs of the children and teenagers in these four communities, and about them having the ability to succeed as much as possible. I think that what may be happening is that you didn’t suceed or have a proper high school growing up, and therefore you don’t feel that your children should have an advantage over you? Did I strike a nerve, or are you just going to say how I don’t now what I am talking about, and the east site will never work,and the soil is fine now? Or maybe you don’t even have children in the school district. In this case, you shouldn’t be trying so hard to prevent the community from prospering and from providing students the building and materials they need. Look at Waukee and West Des Moines- don’t you want our schools to be as good as they can be, within our budget, even comparable to their schools?
Instead, what will happen is that other schools will come here for away games during sporting events. They will be used to their nicer, newer facilities. After coming here, they will complain about how poor the locker room and facilities are as compared to their own.
The reason we aren’t already building a new school isn’t because of lack of a suitable location. It is because of many of the people in the district. There are far too few supporters who are in this for any interests other than their own.
10:34 Did you know that the bond referendum for the east site has failed 6 times?
10:44- Yes!!! I believe you or your followers have mentioned that! The point of my post was to make ignorant people like you stop and think about the fact that you don’t know what you are talking about. Just because the bond keeps failing doesn’t mean that it isn’t the best choice. It just means that idiots like you keep voting no because you either don’t care or you want to see this district dissolve. Why don’t you shut the hell up and quit reminding everyone how many times the bond has failed? You are trying to sound like a smart ass, yet you sould like an idiot instead. Do you like hearing yourself repeat things over and over? Maybe it’s because noone else cares to hear anything you have to say.
I agree with 10:44, this bond has failed 6 times and it’s time for people like YOU 10:50 to move on down the road. Your posts show just how desperate you and your following are right now. I believe it’s people like YOU that are standing in the way of this district having a new high school.
Didn’t the last vote have 50% in favor? It is just considered a “failed” vote though because it didn’t have a major majority of 60%. We are getting closer each time. Maybe with this vote coming up, we can get that other 10%.
Wow, one or two people are running scared evidently because their precious failed East site doesn’t seem to be in favor right now. They blame one person for being the only one in favor of alternative sites. Others have hit the nail on the head. The person or two just want a response so they can fly back at anything they don’t agree with and call names and go nutso. Clue for you, calling people idiots and ignorant will get you just the opposite result you are looking for. We see it has failed 6 times already. Why can’t you let it go? Help get something else going if you TRULY want a school built. I really highly doubt that is number one on your agenda. Getting your own way is. As far as the soil being contaminated, you’re going to have to prove that to me. The DNR would not let that be true. Especially inside city limits, surrounded by athletic fields and homes and businesses. I’m a farmer and live in the country. Point being, I have dealt with the DNR. They would NOT let contaminated soil be there. As far as space, there is more space than you think. Probably not for geo-thermal, but that could be offset by the building being protected from the winds. The East site among it’s other faults, would be out there bare to the elements. If you have lived in town all your life, you may not know the difference of being out in the wide open with a 20-30mph wind hitting you in the dead of winter versus being protected. I truly believe you are the only one who is inundating this blog with post after post. Their is support for alternative sites, you know it, that’s why you’re now on here in desperation saying whatever you can think of and calling names. Plus as mentioned, trying to pull some misspoken word out of someone so you can insult, run down and TRY to prove your point and tell everyone they don’t know what they are talking about. The East site has many drawbacks. As previously said, go back and read. Plus it has failed 6 times. You truly don’t want a school if you are pushing for it to come up again for a vote. Big deal we own it, it can be sold. In the interim of it being sold, the Ag. classes can farm it. According to groundwater studies, we farmers are the biggest contaminators of all, so how do you know their wasn’t DDT or Aldrin or DiAldrin or 2,4,5-T(agent orange)(brush killer) used on it in the past. Those supposedly have long half life’s. Or is that a myth that the DNR has come up with? Why is the ground always in hay? Is it because it is very, very erodable and a soil type that will erode very badly when exposed? Have you checked into those things? The slow speed limit clear a mile out of town will really help business won’t it. The sun in everyone’s eyes both East and West at certain times of the yr. will be a big help won’t it? The first casualty or injury will be on YOUR shoulders. Kids will cat around, they will pull out in front of traffic, hey they’re kids! Do you want Stuart’s crack police force to have to be stationed out there before and after school? I can read your mind, answer yes and big deal to the rest right? Yepp, that’s what I thought. Now shoot me down, that’s what you’ve been waiting for. But first prove to me that the soil is contaminated south of the athletic fields. Get a DNR certified letter stating it is.
after not reading post for a couple of days, I would like to know just who contacted the property owners adjacent to the school parking and tennis court. HMMM, wonder if that is all fabrication too.
“The slow speed limit clear a mile out of town will really help business won’t it.” – Doesn’t Dexter have a 35 mph limit clear out to their city limits? If I am correct (and I am since I drive it everyday), it’s a FAST slow down from 55 to 35.
So, I guess it’s ok for Dexter to have their speed limits changed with little complaint and no businesses affected but by God! Damn those other towns that can possibly even THINK of doing the same thing! How DARE they even consider changing the limit!
Yes, and Adel as well. But do you like them? Your post just adds to the other people talking about picking out one element and jumping all over it. We have been YES voters and a supporter of the school. After this Superintendent has shown hisself and the Board as tail-wagging followers, we have changed our minds. It’s time to totally explore the other alternatives that have been discussed. Not emotionally, but rationally and by experts without swaying by either side. Then give the total truth about what the reports say, not take just the parts you like and others out of context. We are NO voters for the East site. First it will be a new HS, then a new athletic complex, then a tremendous amount of maintenance with the concrete poured on the slope. Then there will have to be a lot spent on landscaping to keep the winds off the building. I’m guessing there’s a sidehill seep, which means clay and terrible shrinking/swelling of soil. Just a guess since the information is never offered and I don’t have time to fight to get it. Then on and on. That’s not even addressing the elementary building, which almost everyone has forgotten about. We will vote NO. If it passes out there we won’t be supporters until this Superintendent is gone and the Board changes it’s tail-wagging ways. They are the bosses, not the Superintendent. Not a threat, just the facts. Please feel free to jump all over me as you are so prone to do when someone disagrees with you. Public meetings should be in order and be being held right at this time. Instead, we hear nothing. We won’t until the last minute. That is just non-productive on the part of Arnold and his Board. Then people make snap decisions and those usually are negative, because the facts aren’t out there and what little is released has no time to be studied or thought about. Bottom lining it, I’m joining the club that thinks there truly is a special interest group or groups and power people who have vested interests in seeing the school built on the East site. It’s too clear when they keep going back with the same proposal at the same location. As mentioned, jump all over me. Evidently, a few ardent supporters of the East site has decided they had better join the blog conversation, because things were going away from their way.
No matter who the superintendent is people say he need to go before we vote Yes. No matter who is on the board, everyone gripes. Guess what, 2 or the 3 are running unoposed and the other only has 1 person running against them. It is time to quit griping, and do something productive like run on the school board or help with the solution. Don’t just complain about everyone and everything. It is getting old to hear ” I won’t vote yes until…….. ” Be Honest. You will never note Yes.
Being very honest. I will vote YES for either the present school site or the south site. I will NEVER vote YES for the east site.
Ditto, 2:25, clear, concise and to the point.
I will never vote for the East site either. BUT, 2:22 I will as mentioned vote YES and YES for one of the other two sites. Just being very honest, as per your wishes, 2:22!
FINE!! I will never vote YES for a new HIGH SCHOOL in Stuart. We are on to the powers that be in this town and they are the ones to blame for our children still in the Menlo building. That is where the urgent need is now but all our focus in on STUART and a new HIGH SCHOOL. Keep bringing the same crap and we will continue with the same defeated bonds!! Do a district wide elementary in Dexter. We already have the land. That would make new airconditioned buildings in all three schools and get on with this. Bring back another east site bond and we continue to waste valuable money. Speaking of wasting money we sure do waste alot on this super. Exactly what is his salary? They list one amount but neglect to inform the people how much additional he is receiving hidden in annutities!! I would like to know TOTAL how much we are giving this man!! Notice I say giving as he sure as HELL is not earning it!!!
12:33- I agree with you and I admire your hope for this situation. Those who blame us as being the ones trying to stop a new high school from being built are just trying to prevent the district from having the safest and most realistic site being chosen.
7:22, Please explain how the East site is the safest and most realistic site. In many’s minds’, mine included, it’s just the opposite. Also, how much extra is it going to cost to run a sewer clear out there as opposed to one of the alternate sites? How much for water? It cost $50/ft. to get rural water from the pit to your house. The sewer will be the huge expense I would guess of the utilities. It sits on a pretty heavily traveled highway, sun in eyes, a slow speed limit that many non-school people will be aware of, thus possibly causing an accident. Far from the athletic fields. So please explain how it is the safest and most realistic site. Maybe because it’s your turn to post for the East site group and that’s all you could think of? I would appreciate any answers you can give me. Thanks. As far as the site across from the present HS, It could go North and actually build around the present offices. Parking while in construction could be by the athletic fields. The kids have to walk over there anyway. Or as has been mentioned use the bus parking area for parking. Park the busses by the athletic fields. West of that area, could be a new building running East to West to house maybe AG. and another area possibly. Run the new structure South and close the street. I know that would be closing two streets but they are primarily used for school now. There’s also more room at the South site, I truly believe, than a person thinks. Both sites would be close to sewer, water, elec., etc., etc. Cars parked away from the building would stop the noon time nips and hits by the students that goes on now. Please don’t act naive. We all know it goes on. Hopefully with a new structure, open lunch is a thing of the past. Thanks for the time.
FINE!! If we are to have a district wide elementary in Dexter I want it on a DIFFERENT SITE! I don’t CARE if the school already owns land. Sell it! We can find a better spot that is much more accessible.
…
It works both ways people.
2:22- I have to say that your post speaks as much truth as the reality of the situation is. Many of these people who gripe about the site of the new school will never vote Yes. The only reason that they claim they will vote yes is because there aren’t particular people who have had the balls to come out and say that they are leading the fight towrds these new sites. Therefore, these people feel like they are in control of their own decisions. What’s the big deal? I don’t see why so many people refuse to vote for a school just because of the certain people are promoting it. If 2:25 & 4:59 are the ones who first decided to promote the east site, than they wouldn’t be complaining about anything right now except for why others aren’t voting yes. For some people, it’s all a matter of power. In my opinion though, a person who craves power is less of a man/woman than one who simply wants change for the better sake of others. 2:25 & 4:59 seem like people who feel that by saying they will NEVER vote YES for the east site, they are in control, and everyone better look out, because their shit doesn’t stink and they don’t give a damn what anyone else wants. These two people must not have children in the district if they are so adamant on making sure there isn’t a new school. After all, it isn’t like a vote will actually pass for the other two sites!
7:42- How could the present high school go north unless all of those living right across the street from the north site were forced out of their homes? How would you feel being asked to move because others in the community were too stubborn to go along with a more suitable site?
10:19 The district has said 6 times now that they don’t want a new school on the east site! It’s people like you that are holding up progress for a new building. Add me to the list of the “two people” you speak of. I will never vote Yes for the east site!
11:22 – technically 5 times. Why are you conveniently forgetting the last one had 50% approval?
12:21- 6 TIMES- 6 TIMES YOU and your crowd have lost on the east site. Want to make it 7?
12:50—they know it’s been 6 times. Don’t let them get you riled. That’s exactly what’s going on here. There is apparently a few or a group, who’s mission is to get people mad by name calling and making misstatements. We all know the facts. It didn’t pass. It could have been 59% and it wouldn’t have passed. Stuart actually had more NO voters last time than before. They don’t care about the law, for THEY are the ones who want to be above the law and have it their own way, no matter what. What they are saying about the other site proponents is exactly describing themselves. Get a different site and it will pass. Ask yourself why they are wanting the East site so badly, when it has failed 6 times already and will a 7th. 10:19 is describing themself to a tee and 12:21 is just a trouble maker trying to rile people up. 10:19–just a word, your venom doesn’t work in a good way, it only makes most people angry and more set in their ways of not wanting the East site. So keep it up, please. They know the namecalling and degrading isn’t working on us like it did last time and they are panicking now. It’s very apparent from the desparation that comes from their posts. Either alternative site will pass, I truly believe that. No one seems to want to dwell and give answers on the costs of the sewer, water, and everything else having to go out to the East site. I would imagine it to be a very large dollar figure. The contaminated soils is fabrication. As one poster said, the DNR doesn’t go for that and wouldn’t for sure in town. How much is the school district going to have to pay the police to watch the East site. If I remember right when it was brought up years ago about building in the country, security, the cost of sewer, water, etc. was all a big factor then. Why isn’t it now? I’m not going to play their game and call names. I don’t care to lower myself to that level. They have a right to call everyone what they want, but it’s not working and it’s really burning them. 12:21 just keep talking about what you are. We have a president who was first elected with less votes than his opponent. The law and electoral votes got him elected. You see we have laws we have to live with, yourself included. So keep the venom and those type of statements coming, you’re just shooting yourselves in the foot. I really am glad you are posting, it shows the venom and maybe hate of your group. I wonder why Arnold doesn’t call you people a hate group? I have to agree he is terribly overpaid and I have no idea what he does, other than control the publicly elected Board. Thanks 12:50, everyone needs to be kept reminded, and please keep doing so. Those pushing the East site are TRULY the ones who are preventing a school from being built. It really makes me wonder why they are and what’s in it for them. We all pretty much know there’s a special interest group heavily involved in getting it done out there. One day one of the individuals will let the secret handshake slip and it will be out in the open. IF, and I say that not believing it will happen, a school is built out there, it will be very eye opening to see just what all happens then and who the beneficiaries of this are. I believe most already have a good idea. EITHER alternative site will work. Don’t displace houses with the site by the present HS. The new structure doesn’t have to be a rectangle. It would be really nice looking if it wasn’t and be able to put different subjects in their own wing or area. Don’t let the parking issue sell us out of either site. There is plenty of room for parking. It will be tight during construction, but it won’t hurt the students to walk a little bit. And as 7:42 said it would eliminate a lot of the stuff that goes on during open lunch. As far as a district wide elementary, fine sell the land. If that’s what it takes. I haven’t heard much talk about the elementary. That post was just a dig and a strict proponent for Stuart and only Stuart. I thought that type of stuff was over with. But I guess that’s all they could think of to say. Time for work.
LOL @ 12:50!! What’s wrong? Don’t like people to see the last vote had 50%? That’s the highest approval of the school to date! But wait, according to you and yours, LESS people voted for a new school last bond vote. Hmmmm… who has and is spreading the inaccurate information? Not meeeeeeeeeeeeee! LOL!
6:22 – You said, “They don’t care about the law, for THEY are the ones who want to be above the law and have it their own way, no matter what.” – What exactly does the law have to do with the school issue?
“No one seems to want to dwell and give answers on the costs of the sewer, water, and everything else having to go out to the East site.” – The city has said they will annex the land which means they will probably contribute to the costs. They already said they’d extend the sewer and road.
“We all pretty much know there’s a special interest group heavily involved in getting it done out there.” – Wasn’t it the east siders/no voters who had the secret “interest group” that bought the services of the “bond buster?” I happen to know (from one of the horses mouths so to speak) that what they reported they paid him was false due to the fact they gave him several thousand “under the table.” And STUART people are the crooked ones? Yeah right. Tell me another one.
12:13 I believe it was said that Stuart had more NO votes last time than before. Not that less people voted for it.
The poster who said this would happen was totally correct. Phrases are being picked out of context. If one little word isn’t totally right it is getting picked apart.
Desperation leads to frustration and the YES for anything and the East site people are certainly that right now.
Keep posting your thoughts.
Have you noticed they aren’t doing anything but tearing down what we say?
They have no ideas of their own to get a bond passed. Just tear down every word that doesn’t match their believes or feelings. Most often taking things out of context while doing it to make them look like they want them too. I can’t imagine what is going to happen when it is announced what the bond issue is going to be.
I’m quite certain there will be a lot of finger pointing and if it’s the East site and it passes, there will be a lot of poor winners. Many more than poor losers.
12:32 it takes 60% to pass and 50% is not a victory. Take it out of context and make a big deal.
The city will PROBABLY contribute to the costs? Now that’s a certainty isn’t it? Extend the sewer and road at what cost to the taxpayers? How much is it going to cost versus keeping it in town at one of the alternate sites?
There was no “secret” interest group from the East side last time. They filed legally. Did Teri Findley file? Answer, NO! That’s a new one on me about the money under the table too. Fits your story though doesn’t it and makes it look good.
If you want to point-counterpoint, great! It can work both ways.
So let’s hear your plan for getting the East site to pass. I want to hear your theories of how that can happen.
Just keep fighting with this school issue and then let the State decide what we are gonna do. Once the State gets their hands on it, no one will have a say where it goes or what is gonna happen. Maybe that is what we need to do, so one way or another we will get a new school without the arguing.
Why can’t we ALL discuss this like mature adults? Name-calling will only make things worse.
Did anyone read the article about the meetings that the school board had recently? Especially the one where they visited with Merle Rambo? The article states that the Board will be working with Rambo this fall and then come out with a proposed plan in early 2008.
Since some of you are pushing for the site just south of the high school baseball field, why don’t you contact Rambo himself to let him know your ideas? Maybe he can then pass that along to the Board. If you need his phone number, then you should be able to get it from the District Office.
Come on folks, we need to be proactive about this…whether you support the east or south sites. Let’s be intelligent about this and bring back some civilty and common sense.
Stuart Citizen: The State has no intention of making the decision as to what this district is going to do about a new HS. If there are those who truly hold this view then this is just another good reason to support another site/sites other then the east site which has failed 6 times.
That’s great, Tod, and I for one am willing to do that. However, I will not stand by and be called names, insulted and have things taken out of context to fit an East siter’s post. I am sick of their innuendo, their taking one little slip up and discrediting or trying to, someone with good intentions. I’m just like 4:39, bring it on and let’s point- counterpoint every idea and word. I’m sick of their not even wanting to consider an alternate site. Evidently from what you are saying, the board isn’t either, since you say we should write Rambo. I take it only the East site was talked about. Well, count me as a big NO. I feel like I’m being bullied right now, and,quite frankly, I don’t like it. No one does. So the bullying and the point-counterpointing will continue. Probably clear thru a number 7 defeat. It’s hard for me to fathom that the Board and Supt. doesn’t know about the talk of alternate sites. I’m not about to be bullied by a Supt. who will go public with about anything he can to get his way, RE: Hate group comments and article. I have no power to do anything. Our elected board members have been under his thumb now for as long as he has been here, with the board president’s approval. So why don’t I run for the school board, you ask? What can one person do? Answer, nothing. A waste of time and representation. Dexfield had a board member who tried to change things way back in whole grade sharing times. He got personally attacked, degraded and belittled at every turn. And with the Supt. at the time(Dean Turner’s) approval. Having attended several of those meetings, I felt sorry for the individual and it served to show me that one person has no chance of doing anything. The same would be true in this situation, I’m very sure. So come on East siter’s, I’m sure I said something stupid, ignorant or just showed I’m a total idiot in your opinion. You can’t give a good reason for the East site other than it is owned by the school. What IS it going to cost to get the sewer, etc. clear out there. Build a road, etc.? Versus a site in town? Tear me down, you’re excellent at it.
But I will play point-counterpoint and you better have your a$$ covered with every word you type. I’m not falling for you making me mad. I’m just going to turn the tables on your scheme. You can try to trap, to connive, to be typical elitist(you think) individuals, who have all the answers and can’t possibly understand why someone wouldn’t agree with you. Let’s bring the state in if that’s what you want. Then maybe you will get your way, but maybe you won’t. I want to build a school in Stuart and NOW. At either alternate site. So don’t give me the routine that I’m the reason there isn’t a school. Take my comments out of context. They will get thrown back at you, and your’s just may get taken out of context word by word as well. This is just what I would expect from the group who is so self-possessed with themselves they can see no intrinsic value in anything else but what runs thru their minds. I think we’ve all heard about everything before, so let me have it. You picked apart a good post, 6:22, from this morning. The person had a lot to say and made a lot of sense. Yet every little thing that could be was taken out of context and a big point tried to be made out of it. Every effort to belittle the individual was made including Nate taking a line out of context and making it the headline for his weekly recap. Evidently, he has been catching some flak for not speaking up. Deductive reasoning has to be used rather than strict logic, since information is not disseminated to the public. Knowledge requires being fed information. We get none of that from the school as a general public. I can only deduce that is by design. Logic takes knowledge and then orderly, rational, decisions made. Without knowledge, logic is not possible. So Arnold has this figured out, I can deduce that as well. The man isn’t dumb, however, he deserves to be described with many other adjectives. Most of them not of a positive note. So to repeat, come at me and others who post in favor of an alternate site or against the East site. Be prepared for it to get, let’s say not pleasant. You will be asked to back up every thought and word. Just as 6:22 was, and to a greater extent. How about some ideas East siters? How about some reasons? All we get from you is those not following you are ignorant and the cause of all the troubles. All we get is your constant siege of out of context remarks. Deductive reasoning has to preceed logic in this instance since knowledge is not made available. I, like many, don’t have the time to go thru “it’s DR. Arnold” when you call and ask to speak to the Supt. If this is secretive information, perhaps the Ombudsman needs to be called and alerted. I’m sure he would love to be pained with another situation with Arnold. Why don’t we get information sent to us? There’s a secretary and two helpers as I understand it. This is being proactive Tod, civility and common sense have been tried. 6;22 couldn’t have been more civil in my mind and they got torn into. Like you said ALL of us. Not one side. Enough rant, please feel free to attack me. Expect it in return.
We will never know who the beneficiaries truly are if the East site passes. I’m confident there are psuedo LLC’s, Corps., whatever, that would take a lot of digging to find out who owns them. I’m making a point of finding my board member today and having a good chewing of their butt. They can at least earn their high and lofty position that way. I urge all of you to find your’s and chew on them. It will make you feel better and show them we are sick of them.
4:39 p.m.
You know that Terri Findley did not need to file as very little money was spent and she used her own money.
So, don’t start bring up false accusations.
She did what she needed to do and did nothing wrong.
I heard Redfield has a very nice building now and Dexter has had remodeling work done. And here where over 50% of the kids are, nothing gets done.
And we hear it is because Stuart wants it all. That is so wrong. We have asked for our high school – That is all we have ever asked for. And for that we get all the finger pointing. Wake up district and see what is going on here. Redfield and Dexter is where all of our money is being spent.
And they want to keep it that way by bringing up things to say Stuart is greedy and wanting it all. Wise up people.
8:05, prove to me she didn’t spend more than $750. She should have filed as a safeguard for her ownself. But nope, she didn’t have too cause she’s from Stuart and on the right side of the issue. BULL!! Prove that it is a false accusation or don’t say it is if you can’t. 8:08, show me the figures where Stuart has over half the kids. I want to see them. Don’t just make a statement without fact. I want to see the breakdown. No logic was used in that statement. Prove it.
Where has it been said lately that Stuart wants it all? What has been talked about is alternate sites. Show me where it has been said that Stuart wants it all. Who is pointing fingers? Give me some examples. No one is except about the East site. Let’s see some examples of your statement.
Who is they?? Please tell me. You used no logic or deductive reasoning in saying that. I would at least expect you to use something besides a generic term when running someone down!!
Where has anyone said Stuart is greedy and wanting it all? Wise up people!! This person can’t find their behind with both hands. Just mere rhetoric meant to inflame.
Show me these things to back up what you said.
Logic should have to work for everyone. Kind of hard too when you’re sitting there just typing BS.
I have a question. When the new school is built on the East site, will the auditorium that follows be named the Pieper-Moore auditorium? And will the public have to pay for their statues that will be built out in front? That’s right Menlo your resident Ray Moore got you into this as much as anyone. Under the tutelage of Leo Pieper. So thank them both when your building has problems and especially when it gets torn down.
The money on that land was badly needed in the general fund at the time. There weren’t even enough textbooks for every student at the time. But they chose to spend it rather than share it with Heaven forbid, Dexfield. They sure showed us huh? And WHOM is for the kids? Not those two, that’s a for sure.
4:39 I’ll be waiting for your proof. If you can’t prove it then don’t make statements that you can’t prove. Typical. And I didn’t even take anything out of context.
LOGIC
LOGIC
LOGIC
You must use it. Make bald statements with no facts. How dare you! One can’t do it so why can everyone else?
Orangepeel, it’s pretty messed up that berating people makes you feel better.You can’t talk civily to someone regardless of who they are? No wonder you are so argumentative. Why should they listen if you are going to be like that?
FYI: you will get farther with people if you aren’t yelling in their face.
They seemingly don’t want anything to do with the general public. So why not let them know how you feel. Talking civily will be done, but they need to understand who elected them and who they represent. And don’t you dare take my statement and turn it into something out of context. You’re the one who’s pretty messed up and argumentative. They should listen because they are our elected officials.
YOU will get farther if you don’t take my comments out of context to feed your agenda. Why don’t you actually READ what I wrote before you comment. I didn’t say I was going to berate them, holler at them or yell at them. So remember it’s logic you use, read before you comment, and make some sense when you’re punching the keys. Notice I never took your comments out of context just as the other poster said?
Just a note: There’s some talk and effort starting to begin a write-in campaign for the school board elections. More to come.
This is the height of ignorance! you big bunch of losers! simply unbelievable.
2:29 How high can ignorance go? Evidently you’ve been there. What’s there, anyway? Bliss? What have you won at lately? Did you win the lottery? Congratulations!!! Don’t you feel bad being a winner all the time and surrounded by everyone else who is a loser?How is something simply unbelievable? Versus being complexly unbelievable? Is simply better?
Dexter and Redfield have newer better buildings. Remember this has not cost us 1 penny as they have used the DALLAS COUNTY 1 CENT SALES TAX FOR ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS! Why would they want to build a new school here when our history is obvious. WE CAN”T TAKE CARE OF OUR BUILDINGS!! Look at our downtown district!! We pointed the finger at Redfield a few years back that their town was dying and now it is back to haunt us AS ours is slowing dying also. Face it people we are not BIG SCHOOL caliber!!! Where do we get off thinking we are too good for metal or fabricated buildings? Now I remember the good old boys don’t think that would be a good first impression on our town. WHATEVER!!!!!
7:03–Adair and Guthrie Co. sales taxes are also being used on the Redfield building as well as Dallas’.
Personally, I don’t think metal/fabricated buildings will be as long lasting as brick.
What % of the 1% sales tax comes from Dallas County? By far the great majority, but I don’t know the number, can you fill me in?
I personally have a 38 yr. old metal building and it is just now getting to the point to need paint. New materials are much better than they were then and are very attractive. I don’t think brick is much different or better now then in earlier yrs. In fact, with mechanization it might even be less durable than earlier. Sure everyone loves brick, but what happens after 80 yrs. Cases in point, Redfield and Menlo. They get torn down. My building is only 8 yrs. newer than the new part of the HS in Stuart(1961 right?) and it looks a lot better. If ego is a problem, then we have a problem. I thought this was about a safe, clean environment to educate the kids. Not a spitting contest for the most attractive and expensive structure in the area.
Did you know that the library and town hall in Redfield are metal buildings with brick facings. I would not have know that driving by until someone from Redfield told me that. I would be more than proud to have a new school look that good. Heck I would be even more proud if we had a city hall or library in this town that looked that good and was accesable to all. Build it next to the dollar store and then compare!
I think you need to do some checking Tod. Adair and Guthrie has not generated anything to brag about in dollars yet!
If you look at a lot of expensive homes,very few are all brick. They have a brick facing and the rest is usually hardi-plank. A good example of how attractive metal can be nowadays is the sawmill office in Redfield. I’m from Stuart and would also love to have some buildings that look like a few of Redfields’ does. When you do repairs on brick, you are talking major dollars, also. Something to sure think about. I believe Ray Clayton should be talked to about his ideas.
9:17—Deanna Harwood, a school board member, told me that the District will be using 6 years of sales tax monies (from Dallas, Guthrie and Adair counties) to help pay for the Redfield construction.
And we are supposed to believe what Deanna says!!!!! Like she knows!
Any write-in candidates, Menlo? Several possibilities in Redfield.
Oh God, please no Redfield people. Let me guess 7:08. Could those possibilities include Margaret Morrison and people from that group? If so and if they get elected, this district is screwed beyond belief.
You probably haven’t had a good screw in years so you are only guessing at it. Arent they the ones to be credited with bringing the inflated price tag and the massive size of school that we DONT HAVE THE STUDENTS FOR?? I have more respect for them and they have sure opened the eyes in this district and they brought out the true SUPER and his ACID personality. Get off that box!!
I have to agree. No Margaret isn’t one of the names I’ve heard, either. We would have been paying thru the nose for things terribly overinflated and they sure brought out the best in arnie(I like that name and spelling) I have to admit that. This board doesn’t have a clue except to shake their collective heads yes when arnie(smiles) speaks. He’s a total jerk and gets investigated on emails and writes a nasty letter to Rambo and whats he get for it? A yr. extension on his contract, a 1% raise and at least a $14000 annuitie. What a bunch of horse_____. Maybe Margaret might be OK compared to these.
6:20 again. Fraid they have to be from the Districts. Light and Baker are running again. Any suggestions? I’m from Redfield and I hear no good comments about the two. And FYI, it’s not who I talk to that wants to halt things. They just want it done right.
There are no words to describe the kind of ridiculous comments being made on this blog. I think Nate must be asleep at the wheel. Stop the madness! Sell the damned east site and build an affordable school building somewhere, you morons. Can’t believe foolishness like this even exists among civil communities. Maybe that’s the point.
At least if I was asleep this would only be a nightmare, but instead it’s reality. It’s like a bad episode of Springer, two dogs having sex, and a train wreck all rolled into one…you can’t help but watch. Only this is worse.
Yes Nate and your are enabeling this nightmare!!! You and Jerry Springer have a lot in common!!
Tell me about it.
1:50- “Sell the damned east site and build an affordable school building somewhere”- care to enlighten me? Since you’re the only one who isn’t a moron, where do you propose this school building be built? You seem to be all full of intellect and are the only one who isn’t full of madness. I would like to hear what your unique thoughts are into this situation. Surely you didn’t just get on her to call everyone names. I would like to think that you have something meaningful to say.
To anonymous on 8/27 @13:32 – Dorr was not paid money under the table and all expenses and income have been reported to the ethics committee.
Nate
Regarding your tell me about it statement. If you have to have it explained to you then that makes Jerry superior to you!!! Get a clue dude!!!
The Mar. 20th Stuart Herald has an article from ( concerned WCV citizens ) It say’s things that just don’t seem right to me.
The Facilities Cost Management Group has said the Stuart and Dexter elementary Sites are equal from a educational and space requirement standpoint.
They have worked with the school board to set it up that way, I trust their expertise. The Facilities Cost Management Group has said the existing multi-purpose room at Dexter is not as large as they would like, but is adequate.
The existing Dexter library would be enlarged as part of the remodeling plan.
The bussing of elementary students to Dexter would be less than the bussing that’s
going on right now.
*The parking ( is ) planned for. *
*The playground ( is ) planned for.*
There is more than enough room at the Dexter site.
It seems to me that if we get a new high school building with a gym twice the size of anything we’ve had before, large school program’s would probably be held their.
Proposition C will cost our district $910.000 more in a 17 million dollar bond issue, a small price to pay for a Finished School System.
*Vote yes on C*
,One concerned WCV citizen.