Republicans in the legislature have just released a basic sketch of their state spending plan for next year — and it’s about $14 million leaner than the current year’s state budget. “It doesn’t happen very often, but I think again we’ve put together a responsible budget,” Representative Pat Grassley of New Hartford, the Republican chairman of the […]Powered by WPeMatico
A delegation of Iowa soybean growers and industry officials is back in the state after a week-long trade trip to China. Kirk Leeds, CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association, says the Iowans, including state Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey, met with Chinese officials to discuss growing agricultural trends between our nations. “China’s been a tremendous growth […]Powered by WPeMatico
Flood barriers that helped protect Cedar Rapids from the swollen Cedar River last year are headed to Idaho. Alliant Energy employees helped pack up 300 HESCO barriers at its Prairie Creek Power Plant on Tuesday. The giant bins can hold sand for temporarily flood walls that are going to Boise, Idaho. Alliant spokesperson Justin Foss […]Powered by WPeMatico
A whiskey bottler in west-central Iowa’s Carroll County is breaking ground today on a $20 million production facility. The expanded home of Templeton Rye will include a 34,000 square foot distillery, a barrel-aging warehouse and a museum at the 20-acre facility in the town of Templeton. The project should be complete in about 18 months […]Powered by WPeMatico
With Joel Lanning’s move to linebacker at Iowa State Jacob Park is the established starter at quarterback. The Charleston, South Carolina native took over as the primary quarterback the final five games of last season and ISU offensive coordinator Tom Manning says his confidence is growing. “He is now finally getting a chance to get a lot […]Powered by WPeMatico
The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the second-degree murder conviction of a Cedar Rapids man who admitted to killing his mother with a crowbar. Edward Cusic admitted to beating his 68-year-old mother Anita Labkon to death in December of 2012. He was 44 at the time and charged with first-degree murder. A jury found […]Powered by WPeMatico
The first national tour of the Broadway musical “Fun Home” makes its only Iowa stop this week. Based on the best-selling graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel, the audience is introduced to Alison at three different ages as she explores the mysteries of her childhood. Actress Abby Corrigan portrays the college-age Allison and tries to weave […]Powered by WPeMatico
A central Iowa man, arrested last year for trying to abduct a child in western Iowa, is now facing similar charges in two more counties. Police in Monona County arrested 57-year-old Jeff Lee Altmayer of Ankeny last November. He was charged with enticing a minor, impersonating a public official, and two drug-related offenses. Investigators have […]Powered by WPeMatico
An atheist delivered an opening invocation today in the Iowa House. “Instead of closing your eyes and bowing your heads today, please keep your heads up and your eyes open to be fully alert in this moment,” Justin Scott of Denver, Iowa, said. He’s director of the Eastern Iowa Atheists. Scott asked legislators to use […]Powered by WPeMatico
