Archive - Aug 2013

John Michael “Mike” Baird was born Sept. 6, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas to John and Mary Baird. He succumbed to leukemia Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013.
To say Mike lived an adventurous life might be an understatement. He was a military veteran, a small-business owner (Modular Furniture Services of Rock Island, Ill.) and a Harley rider, a passion he shared with his much-lived daughter, Amy.
His raw sense of humor and blatant honesty instantly drew you to him– or pushed you away. You were lucky if you chose the former. Mike will be remembered for his generosity and his unwavering loyalty.

A recent television program that included wonderful views of Mt. Rushmore reminded me of a niece who once confessed that, for years, she believed that the carvings on that mountain were a natural phenomenon. We all had a good laugh at the time and recalled some of the equally silly mistaken beliefs we held as children.

NORTH LIBERTY– It’s been almost five years since John and Amanda Hruby bought a long-established bar in North Liberty and began working to make it better.
Since then, J&A Tap’s food, beverage selection, live music and volleyball leagues have drawn so many patrons the couple has had to expand their offerings.
On July 23, the North Liberty City Council approved conditional use permit and site plan for J&A Tap, so the crowds of people who come to play volleyball will be able to both serve and be served outdoors.

NORTH LIBERTY– School board candidate Sara Barron will hold a listening post Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the North Liberty Community Center.
Barron has said that her top priorities are to encourage collaboration and cooperation throughout the district, to promote the health and well-being of students and staff, to ensure equity in resources throughout the district, and to boost achievement for low-income students and students of color.
Barron is a strong supporter of the third comprehensive high school.

JOHNSON COUNTY– One local developer has proposed a plan for an outdoor boat storage facility close to North Liberty, and the idea has taken on water with disapproving neighbors.
However, in its formal meeting of Aug. 8, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors approved the first reading of a rezoning request by Duane Kunkel of Solon that would allow him to stay on that course.