Newsletter - October, 2003

	October 2003 Newsletter
LIHEAP - Energy Assistance Program	2003-2004 Iowa Home Energy Assistance Program The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to assist low-income families meet the cost of home heating. Applications are accepted on a first come/fist serve basis at Mid Sioux Opportunities from November 1, 2003 through April 15, 2004. As of August 14th, they will be located at the American Lutheran Church on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month by appointment only!! You must contact Mid-Sioux Opportunity for an appointment at (712) 722-3611 in Sioux Center or at (800) 735-2943 at the main office in Remsen. Eligibility: A household may qualify for assistance in this program if the household’s income falls within the income range listed below. This programs is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs, but to provide assistance in the payment of residential heating costs for eligible households. At the time you apply, providing you have brought all necessary documentation with you (proof of income for the last 13 weeks and a copy of your utility (gas and electric bills), you will be told by Mid Sioux whether you are eligible and if so, for what amount you might qualify. This initial determination is subject to review and totally dependent on the availability of federal funds. In most cases, benefits will be in the form of a credit applied to your utility bill. Households who reside in subsidized housing that are individually metered and responsible for paying their primary heating costs are eligible. Subsidized households that are master metered are usually not eligible to receive assistance benefits. Residents of any licensed medical facility (hospital, skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility) publicly operated community residence or emergency shelter is ineligible unless they are paying a vendor directly for their primary heating source. Size of household Household Income 1 $ 13,470.00 2 18,180.00 3 22,890.00 4 27,600.00 5 32,310.00 6 37,020.00 For family units with more than six members, add $4,710.00 for each additional member Documentation: When you meet with Mid Sioux, you must provide documentation that offers complete proof of total household gross income from all sources in order to process your application. Utility bills are also needed. Fixed Income: This may include: Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Aid to Family with Dependent Children or Family Investment Program, Veterans’ Assistance, Unemployment Insurance and pensions. Please send a copy of your most recent check. Wage Earners: Attach copies of your check stubs for the three months preceding the date of application or a copy of your federal income tax return. Self-Employment/Farmers: A copy of your most recent federal income tax return. TANF (FIP) and SSI Recipients: Please bring in a copy of your Medicaid card. Miscellaneous Income: Documentation on interest or dividend income, alimony or child support, must also be provided. Utility Bills: Bring a copy of your utility (gas and electric) bills.
Complaint Procedure for Hawarden Utilities	Notice of Procedures for Requesting Information or Registering Complaints with Hawarden Municipal Utilities Persons desiring to request information from or register complaints with Hawarden Municipal Utilities may do so by contacting: Tom Kane, Superintendent of Public Works, 700 7th St, PO Box 231, Hawarden, IA 51023, (712) 551-2565. If your complaint is related to service disconnection, safety or renewable energy and Hawarden Municipal Utilities does not resolve your complaint, you may request assistance from the Utilities Division, Iowa Department of Commerce, 350 Maple Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0069, (515) 281-5979 or toll free (877) 565-4450.
Project Share	Donate and Help a Neighbor with Utilities through Project Share Project Share is a plan, created by your municipal utility, to assist needy households in paying their wintertime energy bills. You can help by adding a regular PS contribution to your monthly utility payment or by making a direct donation to Project Share. These funds will then be distributed to neighbors in need for wintertime energy costs. Those qualifying for help will be carefully identified by Mid Sioux Opportunity. Mid Sioux helps the City oversee Project Share to guarantee all contributions will be handled equitably and efficiently to those in the city most in need. So please, add a PS - - Project Share - - to your utility payment each month. It’s a simple way to share some warmth with those who need it. Dear Hawarden Municipal Utilities I’d like to help a neighbor in need with a tax-deductible contribution to Project Share. ____________________________________________________________ (Name) Address Phone I will contribute $ __________ per month to Project Share. I understand this amount will be billed to me monthly. I have enclosed a $ ____________ donation to Project Share.
Hawarden Area Arts Council	It’s time to join or rejoin the Hawarden Area Arts Council “To organize, encourage and promote interest and participation in the visual and performing arts for area residents.” Why Join? Your donation to the Hawarden Area Arts Council is vital in keeping the organization alive! Without your support we would no longer be able to continue providing the fine programs enjoyed by all. Please consider making an investment in the enrichment and quality of life in our local schools and community. What Do We Do? During the last year we have sponsored the following activities: South Dakota Children’s Theater performance “Treasure Hunt” involving West Sioux students Children’s Creative Activities with Architect Mel Simmons at Big Sioux River Days Hawarden Area Community Band performing at concerts Star Spangled Saturday Night, Farmers Market and Living Windows Provided one $100 college scholarship Provided one $100 award for local area Celebration Iowa performer Summer Arts and Crafts classes for students - - - Memberships are good for one year. Please join now to become a member or remain a member - - -
INDOOR Walkers Welcome	Walkers Welcome The West Sioux High School is open from 3:30-9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for those interested in walking. Use the southeast set of doors. Questions contact Denny at 551-1181 or Jami at 551-4412.
Halloween Hunt	2nd Annual Hawarden’s Howlin’ Halloween Hunt Friday, October 31, 2003, 6:00 p.m. We will kick off trick-or treating in Hawarden with a FREE Glow in the dark candy/toy filled egg hunt. Bring your own flashlight! We will have four age divisions: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-12. This event will be held at the W.S. Football Field You MUST be in costume to participate! Sponsored by the City Rec. Dept. and HAPP(watch channel 10 for instructions in case of bad weather)