Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
Cedar River Expected to Remain Above Flood Level Until June 24
In a press conference just moments ago, Dave Koch of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department stated that estimated property damage in Cedar Rapids as a result of the flooding is just over $736 million.
It is now believed that 25,000 individuals in the immediate area have been displaced by flood waters.
Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Lee Clancey has requested that any and all area businesses who are heavy water users to cooperate with voluntary conservation efforts. Restaurants are being requested to use paper plates and other disposable items. Car washes are being asked to voluntarily shut down their operations.
Scott Drzycimski, a spokesman for Alliant Energy, has reported that 15,700 customers in the immediate area are without power. Most of those sit either in flooded areas or are adjacent to them.
“We are looking at a long-term recovery process,” he said. “We are talking weeks.”
Evacuation of Mercy Medical Center is complete, according to spokeswoman Karen Vander Sanden. All non-essential employees were sent home earlier today. When the waters recede, the facility anticipates re-opening.
“Our office is underwater and the jail had to be evacuated,” said Linn County Sheriff Don Zeller. He indicated that female prisoners were taken to Mitchellville, other inmates were taken to Anamosa and facilities in Washington County.
Zeller said that immigration enforcement officials released 43 prisoners, relieving more stress from the department.
Those who need to know where an inmate is currently housed should phone (319) 377-9022. The Linn County Sheriff’s Department is currently operating from the Marion Police Department.
Cedar Rapids Police Chief Greg Graham reports that although Interstate 380 remains open as the last crossing point of the river in Cedar Rapids, the state anticipates closing portions of 380 between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City at 6 p.m.
Once that section of road is closed, the Iowa Department of Transportation recommends that those wishing to travel between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City take 380 north to Waterloo, go west on 20 to Interstate 35. Once on I-35, travel should be toward Des Moines to connect with Interstate 80 and head east toward Iowa City.
“Now we are going to find out if Cedar Rapids is truly the great city that I think it is,” said City Councilman Chuck Wieneke. “This affects all of us.”
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