The city of Des Moines is appealing an administrative law judge’s decision that its high risk dog ordinance was too vague to use. The city ordinance says three breeds and dogs with characteristics of those breeds are considered vicious dogs.
Low crop prices are forcing Iowa farmers to spend less on their operations, according to a new poll. The Agri-Pulse Farm Opinion survey shows 60 percent plan to cut back on farm equipment purchases, nearly half expect to cut back on rent payments, and 37 percent will spend less on seed.
Iowa’s increase in dentists is lagging behind the rest of the U-S, according to a new report. The number of dentists in the state went up 8 percent over the past 16 years, while nationally, the increase was 21 percent. And federal projections suggest a 15 percent decrease in the next decade.
Iowa is now more than 5-thousand dollars below the national average for salaries for governor, according to a new report. Governor Branstad has said he’s not in the job for the money, since he took a sizable pay cut when he stepped down as president of Des Moines University to seek a fifth term in the state’s top job.
GOP presidential candidates Bobby Jindal, Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum are visiting the state again this week. Jindal will be stumping today in Storm Lake and Sheldon today and in Cherokee tomorrow as part of the 99 county tour, while Santorum stumps in Rock Rapids. Both will appear tomorrow night at a forum in Sioux Center hosted by The Family Leader. Huckabee will be in Tama and Toledo.
A group set up by the governor will review the state’s criminal justice practices to make recommendations for reform. They’ll have access to state agencies and other resources, and will be expected to present a reported with recommendations by November. The NAACP has expressed concern to the governor about the high number of minorities behind bars in Iowa.
U-I student government leaders are taking a step toward ending campus sexual violence, by launching an anti-cat-calling campaign. Shuttles used during the recruitment process for fraternities and sororities at the university will display posters against catcalls, saying it’s a form of sexual harassment.
Another candidate interviews on campus today for the University of Iowa president’s job. Joseph Steinmetz is the provost at Ohio State University.
Warren County drivers might run into a few detours tonight on I-35. IDOT is closing a portion of the interstate at 10PM, as crews work on the Adams Street Bridge. Everything should be back open tomorrow morning at 5.
Ames’ school board will go over finances at tonight’s meeting to see where it stands with regards to future construction projects, as well as current ones. While they want to be able to fund future projects, the board wants to maintain a healthy cash balance.
Potential Des Moines school board members get a chance to explain their platforms tonight at a forum at First Christian Church. Four openings are up for grabs.
Hundreds of people turned out yesterday at Young Park in Knoxville to show support for a war memorial that includes the silhouette of a soldier kneeling at the foot of a cross. Americans United for Separation of Church and State has demanded the removal of the cross. The rally was in support of the memorial, cross and all.
The Des Moines Renaissance Faire kicks off Saturday at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, with jousts, jokes, craft demonstrations, food, music, pirates and jugglers. The event extends for the next two weekends
