An Ames company is among the first in Iowa to get federal approval for using a commercial drone. Hunziker and Associates will have the drone capture exterior views of house, subdivisions and their surroundings for potential customers and community planning.
Des Moines is getting rid of its human services department – the Community Action Agency. Narrowly approved by the city council Monday night, the decision frees up about $150,000 and eliminates six city jobs. Shutting down Community Action coincides with Des Moines’ plan to expand a private regional provider’s role to manage food pantries and other support services for low-income residents.
The city of Des Moines is donating wood waste to help rural communities across the state in their battle against the bird flu. The wood will be used in the decontamination and sanitation process of poultry facilities hit by the virus. It also won’t cost the city anything to load and ship it to the facilities.
Senator Chuck Grassley wants a long-term transportation funding bill to get through before the May 31st deadline. Grassley said being smart with money and cutting out regulations will help fund transportation projects across the country…and in Iowa.
Former Texas Governor and potential GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry is organizing a “Ride with Rick” motorcycle event next month to raise money for the Puppy Jake Foundation. The event is the same day as Senator Joni Ernst’s “Roast and Ride” and will allow people to participate in both activities.
The bird flu could wind up costing nearly a billion dollars in Iowa and Minnesota…the two states hit hardest by the virus. So far, Iowa has lost more than 20 million egg-laying chickens. ISU economists estimate the economic loss from egg production is over 600 million dollars…as Iowa has lost a third of its chickens since the bird flu hit.
In more agriculture news… Many Midwestern farmers are starting off this year in weaker financial shape than a year ago. The Federal Reserve says farm income declined again in the first quarter because crop prices are low while expenses are up. Seth Meyer from USDA says the corn supply will be bigger this year than last year, despite less corn being planted, because there was such a big crop last year…and that keeps prices down.
Iowa ranks last when it comes to women-owned businesses, according to a new American Express survey. The state saw only a 27 percent increase in firms owned by females during the last 18 years, while the nation saw a 74 percent rise. The report also found that women-owned companies had the least economic clout in Iowa compared to all other states.
Disc golf may be expanding in Des Moines. Private donations have drummed up 25-thousand dollars for disc golf equipment and installation at Prospect Park, so it won’t cost taxpayers money.
A Cherokee landfill has volunteered to serve as an incineration site for chickens infected by the bird flu. The incinerator can handle about 40 to 50 tons per hour. More than 20 million egg-laying chickens have died from the bird flu in Iowa.
