President Obama is getting another disaster request from Iowa…this one for aid to 19 counties struck by damaging storms a few weeks ago. Dallas, Lee and Warren counties were among those hit hard by winds, tornadoes, heavy rain and hail.
Governor Branstad, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, and several other ag leaders are gathering next week in Des Moines for a conference on the bird flu outbreak and how it can be better handled. Vilsack says he anticipates another outbreak this fall…and he hopes the government will be ready this time. Vilsack says they have a vaccine for chickens that is 100 percent effective in preventing the bird flu…now they have to see if it works for turkeys.
Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources is coming up with “tree management” grants for communities to help train city staffs on tree maintenance and protection. The grants are for communities larger than 5-thousand people. DNR is particularly concerned with cities being able to fight off the emerald ash borer.
We’ll be able to get the presidential candidates’ take on the future of manufacturing this fall. A bipartisan forum on the issue is slated for November 2nd in Pella at Vermeer Corp headquarters. The event will be broadcast on Iowa Public Television.
The average rent for single family homes in greater Des Moines is climbing. A survey by Real Property Management shows rental rates jumped 3-point-3 percent from last quarter, and 21 percent over the previous year, as more people shift to renting.
A trio of retired generals were in Des Moines yesterday, touting the importance of ethanol-infused gasoline in national security. General Wesley Clark, Major General Paul Eaton and Brigadier General Steven Anderson support the Renewable Fuel Standard on behalf of VoteVets.org. They say it cuts dependency on foreign oil.
Iowa families are more likely to find significant financial aid at Iowa’s private non-profit universities, according to the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and universities. The association says there are actually 4-thousand more students getting Pell grants at Iowa’s private schools that at the public ones.
A chunk of land at one of Des Moines’ busiest gateways to the downtown is on the auction block a week from today. The 2-and-a-half acres on Keo Way is directly south of I-235 on the east side.
Nearly 100 balloons will be lighting up the sky in Indianola, starting tomorrow. The National Balloon Classic will also feature live bands and entertainment through August 1st.
