University of Iowa Art School Graduate Causes Stir with Proposed Public Branding on Pentacrest: Iowa City Daily News Links, Jan. 19

Quick run outside and do something. It's about to get a tad cold out there for the next week.

On to the Links!

Gregg Hennigan of the Gazette writes that the only thing that could derail a "slam dunk" RPS vote is distrust the community feels toward the school district.

Hennigan also writes about Cedar Rapids and Iowa City businesses that have received funding from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. 

Mark Carlson with KCRG writes that Iowa City is preparing to rebuild its fire-damaged landfill.

Mitchell Schmidt of the Iowa City Press-Citizen attended an event honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and Benjamin Roberts also has a nice video.

Schmidt also writes about a recent uptick of hotels that have opened up recently.

Meanwhile, building permits for residential building have dropped in the Iowa City area, writes George Ford of the Gazette.)

Iowa City Patch Daily Links Hat Trick! Schmidt also writes that the Iowa City Area Development group has narrowed its list of presidents down to three.

A University of Iowa art student wants to publicly brand herself to make the public consider the cruelty of doing the same thing to animals, writes Tara Bannow of the Press-Citizen.

Congrats to this Little Hawk Junior for scoring a perfect on her ACTs. (Press-Citizen)

West High is hosting a mini marathon to help raise funds for the University of Iowa's Dance Marathon. (Press-Citizen)

Gov. Branstad says that there are unlikely to be any gun law changes in Iowa. (Press-Citizen)

It's a longshot to pass, but a medical marijuana bill has been introduced into the Iowa House. (Des Moines RegisteR)

Featured Excerpt of the Day: 

The uncertainty comes despite near universal agreement that, with enrollment up more than 1,000 students since 2007, the district needs money for new schools and building additions.

Also in the district’s favor is that the tax is in place until 2029 no matter what, so the Feb. 5 vote is not to impose a new tax. Instead, the district would borrow ahead from future tax revenue so it has the money sooner. Also, the district loses local control over how the money is spent if a new revenue purpose statement, which is frequently abbreviated to RPS, is not approved by 2017.

So what may seem like a slam dunk is anything but, and a lack of trust in the school board and district administrators is cited as a major reason.

Featured Directory Listing of the Day: Wendy's