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• Opportunity Housing Service Shuttle
• Employee Spotlight-Karine Schager
• Upper Explorerland Donates Bikes to Area Students
• Calling All City Clerks
• Request for Concept Papers for Iowa AmeriCorps Grants
• June is Dairy Month
• Transportation Update
  

Renewing your driver's license from the comfort of your own home is expected to become a reality in mid-July, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

In May, Governor Branstad signed House File 355 that paved the way for the Iowa DOT to write rules governing the online renewal process. That process is expected to be completed and the online system up and running in mid-July.

"We are looking forward to making the driver's license renewal process as easy as possible for Iowans very soon," said Mark Lowe, director of the Iowa DOT's Motor Vehicle Division. "What we would like people to know right now is that there are imposter websites out there trying to take advantage of people. There is no way for you to renew your Iowa driver's license online right now, so beware of those imitator sites."

Have you ever wondered how to get to Kendallville? If so, the Iowa Department of Transportation has just the publication for you. The new 2013 Iowa Transportation Map is now available in the standard fold-out paper form, on the Internet or through a mobile device viewing app.

The front cover of this year's map highlights the 100th anniversary of the Iowa State Highway Commission, later restructured as the Iowa Department of Transportation. The back panel includes a welcome message from Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Copies of the 2013 map are available at the Iowa DOT's 18 driver's license stations, county treasurer's offices, all six Iowa DOT district offices and Iowa's rest areas. The map can also be ordered online through the Iowa DOT's website.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority's Iowa Tourism Office also distributes maps to Iowa's 19 welcome centers across the state and all travelers requesting tourism information online and by phone. To order a free Iowa travel packet that includes the new map and 2013 Iowa Travel Guide, call 800-345-IOWA (4692) or visit traveliowa.com.

An electronic version of the map, accompanied by an assortment of city detail maps, is also available online at iowadot.gov/maps by selecting the "Transportation Map" link. Information for a mobile device map viewing app is available there as well.

The 2013 map shows all highways, airports, rail lines, lakes, rivers and major county roads. Detail maps are shown for the state's 16 largest cities that identify highways, major streets and city boundaries. The map information also includes a chart to find mileage between select Iowa cities; and an index listing the cities shown on the map, along with their populations and map location.

In addition to the standard features mentioned, the 2013 map includes two Quick Response (QR) codes that can be scanned with a QR reader on a smartphone or other mobile device. Simply download a free QR application from your device's online app store. One of the codes provides access to all the websites listed on the printed map, as well as a link to the online version of the map. The other provides a direct link to Iowa's 511 travel information website.

The 2013 TRI-P—A Triathlon with a Twist!

• Leg #1—2-person canoe race from Valley Canoe Launch to Gilbertson Park
• Leg #2—Bike race/ride from Gilbertson Park to 245th Street (Pleasant Valley Sports Club)
• Leg #3—9 hole 2-person best shot golf round
• Entry Fee—$100 / per team
• Must be 18 or older to participate
• Participants must provide their own equipment—canoe, bike, and golf clubs. Rentals are available locally for an additional fee. Please visit www.turkeyrivercorridor.com for a complete listing.
• Registration is online at www.turkeyrivercorridor.com or in person at Pleasant Valley Sports Club. Registration deadline is June 21, 2013. Late registration fee is $125 after that date.
• All canoes must have proper Iowa registration and life jackets will be required for all participants.
• Bike helmets are required during the bike race/ride.
• Early bird event registration will be available on Friday, June 28th from 7:00—9:00 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Sports Club. Avoid the rush the morning of the event by attending this orientation session the night before. Enjoy snacks and a cash bar and meet other triathlon participants!
• Get your team together NOW and have a day of FUN on the Turkey River! Cash payouts, door prizes, & more.