Today is Day 2 of the bird flu summit in downtown Des Moines. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack told poultry producers, state officials and businessmen they have a bird flu vaccine that works on chickens, and they’re testing it on turkeys. Vilsack says they’ll leave it up to the state to decide whether to use the vaccine.
Des Moines Water Works is being warned by the governor to back off its criticism of the ag industry. Governor Branstad says there’s already a nitrate reduction strategy in progress, and the utility isn’t likely to get support from his administration or the legislature if it continues its suit, instead of pursues “collaboration.” The chairman of Water Works’ board of directors says, however, that the governor has refused offers to meet with the utility’s officials.
The state has launched a new push for cover crops as a means of preventing runoff and keeping water clean. The project is funded by the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, and offers 25 bucks for every crop acre planted.
Looks like a tuition hike is in store for students attending any of the state’s public universities. The Iowa Board of Regents says it will discuss raising tuition by 3 percent starting next spring…which would translate to an extra 100 dollars to each students’ tuition bill. The next board meeting is August 5th…with an expected vote on the hike in September.
The dates for Iowa’s annual tax free holiday for back to school shopping have been set…families can start shopping tax-free on August 7th and 8th…they’ll get discounts on everything from school supplies to backpacks.
University of Iowa officials are hoping a 35-to-45 million dollar renovation of Kinnick Stadium will mean better recruitment of players and more fans at games. U-I has seen a 3-million dollar drop in ticket sales for next season. The proposal goes before the board of regents next week.
Des Moines’ new police chief wants to strengthen the department’s bonds with the city’s neighborhoods. He’s been encouraging his officers to go to neighborhood meetings, and has assigned officers as liaisons for various districts. The idea is to prevent animosity between residents and law enforcement that’s been a problem in many cities.
The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute is looking for community leadership program projects. Up to five will be chosen, and around a dozen leadership class members will work on them. Those interested need to turn in a proposal to the Greater Des Moines Partnership by next Wednesday.
Inmates at Fort Madison prison have been on lockdown since an escape on July 5th. They’re confined to their cells, and can’t work their prison industry jobs. The lockdown is expected to last until they move to the new prison later this summer.
The last day to file for local school board races is tomorrow, and so far six people have registered to run in Des Moines. All the seats are for 4-year terms. The election is September 8th.
A flock of people gathered at DMACC to hear climate change group Next Gen’s leader Tom Steyer speak about Iowa’s impact on the energy industry yesterday. Steyer says he wants to focus on finding solutions to climate change, not just point out the problems. Steyer says Iowa’s wind and solar energy industries are examples of clean energy solutions for the rest of the country.
