More than 18-hundred farmers in Iowa have applied for 3-and-a-half million dollars in state funds to install nutrient reduction systems. The systems would cover 187-thousand acres. Those that would be covered by the funding include cover crops, no-till or strip-till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer.
Gas prices are down across Iowa this week, almost as quickly as they rose last month. Triple-A says a gallon of gas in Des Moines is selling for 11 cents less than the same time last week. A fix at a Midwest refinery is credited for the sudden dip after a sudden hike.
So maybe all those highway crackdowns are saving us money in the long run. Iowa now ranks as the 7thbest state for drivers. Bankrate.com found low insurance costs and short commutes offset relatively high gas prices.
We may be known for RAGBRAI and recreational trails, but Iowa is falling behind when it comes to bike-friendliness, according to a new report. The League of American Bicyclists dropped us three rankings, to 28th place, mostly because of fewer bike lanes on city streets.
The choice of former IBM exec Bruce Harreld as the fourth and last finalist for U-I’s presidential post is prompting complaints on campus of lack of diversity among the candidates. All four are white males, replacing a female president.
Iowa regents want to do what they can to meet federal requirements for campus safety…so, they’ve set up a subcommittee to work on it. At the moment, they’re putting together a survey at the University of Iowa to get student input on how to deal with sexual violence.
Waukee police are investigating the source of a bomb threat that forced them to evacuate both high schools yesterday. The schools were in lockdown while the students were moved to a safe location. No bomb was found.
The USDA Rural Development program is undergoing a change this year, thanks to a law passed by Congress…and that means hundreds of Iowans could have to move or lose their property. Rental assistance under the program has been cut, and that means six properties in the state will be affected just this month…which is about 145 housing units.
Another posh project has found its way to Des Moines’ downtown. Blackbird Investments has purchased the Clemens building on 10th street, and plans to turn it into a 14-million dollar retail and apartment complex. Work on the building starts in two weeks, and should wrap up by spring.
The Polk County Administration Building is missing an ATM. Over the weekend, the machine was dragged out the southwest corner of the building by at least one burglar. The ATM appears to be the only thing taken.
A pair of Iowa men accused of making online threats against those attending the World Pokemon Championship are due in a Boston courtroom today. Kevin Norton and James Stumbo were arrested while trying to get into the tournament. Police say they found weapons and ammunition in their car.
Candidates running for the Des Moines School Board spoke out last night about issues facing the district. Early education programs, technology and education were all tackled by the candidates at First Christian Church. The election is a week from today.
West Des Moines voters will also be choosing their new school board members on September 8th, and they got a look at the candidates last night at another open forum. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate at the Learning Resource Center.
Part of Gray’s Lake is shutting down today until next Monday, as recreation staff prepare for the Iron Kids and Des Moines Triathalon this weekend. Most of the lots will be closed for the race and some of the trails.
