A quick look at news from throughout the Tri-State region.
AMES, IA
The Iowa Transportation Commission has awarded Lee County a nearly $5-million grant to help in the preparations for a new fertilizer production plant.
The money will be used to rebuild roughly 4 miles of road leading to the proposed facility near Wever.
The Lee County Board of Supervisors would also like to see an overpass built in that area to avoid lengthy delays at a railroad crossing, but that project was not included in this grant application.
KEOKUK, IA
The Southside Boat Club wants to improve some city property next to its headquarters along Keokuk’s riverfront.
The organization has offered to donate $1,000 towards the construction of a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits.
The city council seems to support the idea, as long as the city retains ownership of the land, but not to the tune of pledging any money at this time.
DES MOINES, IA
Lee and Des Moines Counties will not participate in the Iowa DNR's Master Matrix program for 2013.
The program is a grading scale that allows counties to establish higher standards for the construction of large-scale livestock operations.
The DNR says 11 counties, statewide, chose not to adopt the program before the Jan. 31 deadline.
KEOKUK, IA
The Keokuk City Council could start regulating outdoor wood furnaces, which are becoming more popular within city limits as people try to reduce their heating bills.
Fire Chief Gabe Rose says his department receives 5-10 complaints per month, during burning season, about smoke entering the homes of neighbors.
City staff has come up with a set of rules and regulations that cover everything from height and location to penalties and registration.
The first vote on the ordinance could come next month.
