News

Keokuk, IA – The lack of rain and high temperatures might have already done too much damage to Lee County's corn fields. Extension director Bob Dodds says this year's yields could be the worst since 1988. He says yields of between 30 and 40-bushels per acre are expected. Last year, Lee County saw record corn yields. Dodds says the soybean crop could be salvaged, though, if some steady rain shows up in the next two weeks. He says soybeans do not start setting their pods until August.

Monmouth, IL – The Monmouth city council talked about acquiring the old Garfield Elementary School and converting it into a public safety building. The council believes the police and fire departments have outgrown the current builidng. Nowever, neighborhood residents came out in force to oppose the plan. They fear congestion and unsafe conditions in a neighborhood. No one from the neighborhood spoke in favor of the plan. After hearing testimony, the council chose not to submit a bid on the school building.

Macomb, IL – Milkweed as a crop was highlighted at this year's Alternative Crops Field Day at Western Illinois University. Associate Professor of Agriculture Win Phippen is interested in the scientific and commercial benefits of the plant usually considered a weed. Phippen says the floss from seed pods can be used as a non-allergenic additive to goose down. Milkweed can also be used as an alternative pesticide for soybean, potato, corn and alfalfa crops.

Macomb, IL 61455 – McDonough County will have a new engineer to head the highway department by mid-August. The county board approved hiring Tom Hickman, who has been the Logan County engineer for six years. He was the county's assistant engineer before that. McDonough County has been without an engineer since the mid-May departure of Josh Richardson. An investigation by the Illinois Attorney General's office into pornography found on an office computer continues.

Macomb, IL – The final production of Western's Summer Music Theatre season will be performed this weekend and next. But those who gathered in Chandler Park for this week's Brown Bag Concert got a preview of the show. Cast members from "Evita" sang selections from the musical. The lead role will be played by Tamara Corbin. The Baldwin Wallace Conservatory student is in Macomb for this summer's musical productions. Corbin played small parts in the earlier shows. One of the other major characters is portrayed by Adam Michael Lewis. The Monmouth native fills the role of Che Rivera.

Macomb, IL – A transportation bill headed to the US Senate could provide a maintenance building for Macomb's campus-community bus service. The bill recommends $500,000 in planning funds on what could be a $7 million building. Go West director Jude Kiah says the system has 20 buses now and he's applying for five more.

Springfield, IL – A $1.2 million grant will help low-income families in west central Illinois restore their homes. Henderson County Economic Development Corporation President Richard Johnson say 14 homes will be restored there. The program carries the stipulation that homeowners who take part in the program must continue to live in the home for up to five years after the restoration. In McDonough County the grant money will help improve homes in Colchester and Prairie City.

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk city council defeated an effort to prohibit cats from leaving their homes or their owner's control. The proposal would have allowed the animal control officer to capture and impound pet cats if they are loose. That's already the practice with wild cats. Alderman Bill Olmsted says he has received several complaints about pet cats causing problems for Keokuk residents. Several aldermen questioned whether the proposal could be enforced, or if it meant cats would have to be leashed like a dog.

Fort Madison, IA – Another business will soon be leaving Southeast Iowa. International Paper has announced its intention to close its mill in Fort Madison by this fall. Spokesperson Amy Sawyer says this is part of the company's reorganization effort. About 100 people are employed at the mill. The wavy material found in corrugated boxes is produced there. Another Fort Madison company, Sheaffer Pen, will close within the next year.

Keokuk, IA – The Lee County Narcotics Task Force will receive federal funding to continue its efforts in the fight against methamphetamine. Budget constraints at the national level had led to questions as to whether any federal money would be available this year. Keokuk Police Chief R.L. Dobson says that while the task force did not receive the full amount requested, it did receive the fourth highest total of federal funding in Iowa. The Lee County Narcotics Task Force has been in operation for more than 12 years.