COLLEGE TO SOLICIT BIDS ON TWO PROJECTS

The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College gave the go-ahead Tuesday afternoon to move ahead on a planned addition to the Algona Campus and on the purchase of a wind turbine for a new academic program.

The trustees are requesting bids for a 30 x 80 foot addition to the Algona Campus.  The space is needed for labs and classrooms as the college expands its evening and weekend nursing program. 

They are also asking for bids on a wind turbine.  Recently, the college received permission from the State Board of Education to pursue a Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program.  The wind turbine would be located in Estherville and provide lab opportunities for students in the program.

Earlier in the meeting, the Trustees heard an update on the success of the college's Environmental Studies program at a meeting held late Tuesday afternoon in Estherville.  Gary Phillips, professor, reviewed the program he has led since 1982. 

Students in the Environmental Studies program may graduate with either an Associate in Science (AS) degree or Associate in Arts (AA) degree.  After completion of a core of first-year courses, students may select either Natural Resources management or Environmental Technology. In addition, they receive field and laboratory experience during a summer practicum.  Students shared their impressions of the program with the Trustees and also talked about the hands-on experiences they have received to help them achieve their career goals. 

Also during the meeting, the Trustees held a public hearing and then approved the issuance of industrial new jobs training certificates not to exceed $500,000. 

In other business, the Trustees were given an update on progress on the Emmetsburg Technologies Center.

The next meeting of the Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18 in Spirit Lake.