Erin M. Gentz

July 3, 1974: The North Scott School Board approved shortening the school day by 30 minutes, starting in the upcoming school year. Board members reported no negative public reaction to the proposal. Each period at the junior high and high school would be made five minutes shorter. At the elementary schools, recess would be made slightly shorter and class periods would be condensed. The board also established Sept. 10 as the date for a $1.4 million bond issue that would fund additions at Ed White and Alan Shepard, and a new school building at Park View.

I didn't take Spanish in high school, so, like the character of Benny in “In the Heights,” I've only got a passing familiarity with the language.

July 10, 1974: The Eldridge City Council questioned whether the police department would be able to guarantee 24-hour patrol coverage during police chief Harley Osmun’s upcoming vacation. At a previous meeting, Osmun had requested part-time help, which the council denied. During Osmun’s vacation, the three other officers would have to work a 56-hour week to ensure 24-hour coverage.

The West Liberty council approved a memorandum of understanding between the city and the University of Iowa. The agreement would see members of the police department help with law enforcement during football games at Kinnick Stadium. Officers will be paid $85 per hour for their work at the games. Police chief Joshua Houser said this was a similar agreement to those made in previous years.

Owners of Index and Keller Law offices win $25K grant for repairs

July 22, 2009: Walcott police sergeant Jim Vaughan was hired as the town’s new police chief. He would replace Dave Kopatich, who recently took the chief’s position in Eldridge.

Mandarin Chinese is possible addition to language instruction North Scott High School needs two new teachers, due to late resignations.

Aug. 14, 1974: The Dixon Businessmen's Association planned to hold the first-ever Dixon Sweet Corn Festival. Events included a firemen's breakfast, antique tractor pulls, a kiddy parade, and a street dance, as well as all-you-can eat sweet corn.

Activities director Adam Loria provided the West Liberty School Board with an update during the Aug. 5 meeting, including changes to activities ticket pricing.

As North Scott students head back to class this Friday, some high school students will help chart a new course for the school's foreign languages department.