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.
Officials with the City of Ames announced Thursday morning that residents should not expect drinkable tap water until early next week. Residents should also take every effort to conserve water, as decreasing water consumption is the fastest way to restore water service, Mayor Ann Campbell emphasized at flood update at City Hall.
“We need everyone to conserve everything they can,” said city Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn. “This is not a normal day.”
Ames had to shut down its water distribution system Wednesday afternoon after a main break caused by historic flooding of the Skunk River and Squaw Creek. The flooding was caused by three nights of heavy rainfall with a cumulative total of about 9 inches in the Ames area, Roger Vachalek, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Johnston, told The Des Moines Register.
Overnight, two more water main breaks were identified bringing the total to eight water main breaks affecting the water distribution system. These breaks have drained Ames water towers to dangerously low levels.
Until further notice, water should be used minimally for flushing, short showers and maintaining basic health and sanitation. Water coming from the tap should not be used for drinking, brushing teeth, washing dishes or preparing food unless boiled or treated first. To properly boil water, it should be brought to a roiling boil for three to five minutes, and then allowed to cool.
Currently, a limited amount of bottled water is being distributed around the community. More information about water availability will be distributed through the media and posted at www.cityofames.org. The water is free, and residents are limited to one gallon per person or about eight individual bottles.
The five designated sites are in parking lots at the following locations:
South – Sam’s Club on Airport Road – water available
West – McFarland Clinic West (next to West HyVee) – water available
ISU – Lot 61 on Hayward Avenue by Towers – water available
North – Wal-Mart on Grand Avenue – No water
East – Quality Inn at East 13th St. and Dayton Road – water available after 2 p.m
Follow Jason Hancock on Twitter
Do you know where to vote on Election Day? Do you know what to bring with you? Get comprehensive voter information for your state here.
Sign up for our email newsletter