State workers now have to report their medications and medical services to a private company that tracks their sick time. The new rule went into effect yesterday, and has resulted in lots of complaints about privacy and job security.
Some relief is at hand for laid-off John Deer workers. Iowa Workforce Development is getting 3-million dollars from the feds to retrain them. Hundreds of Ankeny workers were affected by the layoffs earlier this year.
Business is looking better in Iowa and the rest of the Midwest. The Mid-American Business Conditions Index rose from 50-point-4 to 53 over the past month. Anything over a 50 is considered positive.
Polk county residents who were swamped during the heavy rains and flooding last week are being urged to contact the Des Moines Community Action Agency. The agency can help provide cleanup funds for families through the Iowa Individual Assistance Program.
Local produce is getting a boost from farmers’ markets, schools and restaurants, according to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. Vilsack says local food sales are up more than 11-billion dollars in the past year, as people become more interested in where their food comes from.
Des Moines’ fire department says there’s been a spike in the number of people jumping into the Des Moines River. Eight jumpers have hopped in over the last 30 days, sending teams of rescue workers and police officers after them. Jumping into the river is a misdemeanor, with a fine of up to 750 dollars.
Waukee’s 9-1-1 calls are now being answered by the Westcom Center, instead of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. Westcom also fields emergency and rescue calls from West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale and Norwalk at the West Des Moines Public Safety Building on Mills Civic Parkway.
A joke among Van Meter city officials has turned into a fundraiser for police. Folks can buy a chance to taser a city councilor or the city administrator. The money raised goes toward a second police cruiser and digital speed signs.
Music lovers get a chance to see the Des Moines Symphony perform and catch the fireworks tonight at the state Capitol with the Yankee Doodle Pops.
