Ply-wood Trail Meeting Draws People From Both Sides Of The Issue
(Merrill) — The two sides of the proposed Ply-wood Recreational Trail were exhibited Thursday evening at the information meeting held at the Merrill city council chambers. More than 50 people had filled the small room, with probably one-third of the gathering in favor of the trail, and two-thirds of the crowd had
questions and showed resistance to the proposed trail. Greg Grupp serves as a spokesperson for the Ply-wood Trail Association. He indicated to the gathering that everyone’s comments and input are welcomed, and that organizers are at the very start of the trail development.
Grupp emphasized to the group that the proposed trail would be safer for bicyclists than currently riding on the county roads. He also mentioned how the trail would provide people and the region, with a component that would provide a better quality of life.
Several people had expressed concern about having the proposed trail run parallel with Highway 75, and be a part of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Right-of-Way. Many cited safety as their main reason for concern. Some within the
group had suggested finding an alternative route, instead of following the four-lane highway.
County supervisor Craig Anderson was one of three supervisors that attended the meeting. Anderson asked the question of the difference between what the county wants and what the county needs. Anderson says he is concerned about the cost of
constructing the trail, as well as the cost to maintain the trail.
Anderson questions whether there will be enough money in the endowment fund to adequately maintain and to sustain the proposed trail. He says regardless of the final estimate for the cost of the trail, it will mean a lot of money. He
wonders if the money would be better utilized else where.
Anderson says he has heard from many people on both sides of the issue, but he admits that more people who have questions about the trail have contacted him, as opposed to those that favor the trail.
Jeff Schugg is an engineer with McClure Engineering, the firm hired to study and design the proposed trail. He says a recreational trail needs to be safe, as well as feasible and cost effective. McClure Engineering is just beginning its research and analysis for a proposed trail. Schugg informed the gathering he
believes the Ply-wood trail could possibly become a popular destination trail.
Schugg has helped designed many trails located in central and eastern Iowa. He informed the crowd how studies performed at recreational trails in other regions of the state have helped with the local community’s economic development.
Bats Found At George-Little Rock School
GEORGE, Iowa (AP) – The start of the school year at one northwestern Iowa school district has been delayed after a colony of bats was discovered in a second-floor high school office.
George-Little Rock superintendent John Eyerly says that an electrician installing a new phone system during the first week of August found evidence of bats while in the school’s liaison officer’s office.
The school has contracted with a pest control company to remove the bats. To allow enough time to complete the removal and sterilization, classes will now begin Aug. 28 for all district schools. School was previously scheduled to start
Wednesday.
The bats’ removal, which will also include installation of some new insulation, will run around $50,000.
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Two State Patrol Recruits Affected By Heat At Academy
JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Department of Public Safety is confirming that recruits at its basic training academy were treated last month for heat-related
illness.
Department spokesman Alex Dinkla said Thursday that two of 20 recruits needed medical treatment following academy activities. He said he believed they are trooper candidates and remain part of the academy, which started May 30 at Camp Dodge in Johnston and remains ongoing.
Dinkla said he still hasn’t “been told” other basic information about the incident despite receiving an Aug. 1 inquiry about it from The Associated Press.
That includes whether they were hospitalized and whether the academy is changing any procedures in light of the cases. He says he doesn’t know the gender
of those involved.
Dinkla says medical information is “confidential and protected from disclosure.” He says injuries are common in the academy.
14 Year Old Bicyclist Killed From Accident
MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say a 14-year-old bicyclist died after she was struck by a car in eastern Iowa.
Raeanna M. Reynolds of Muscatine was riding her bicycle in Louisa County around 9 p.m. when a 1999 Ford Taurus hit her, throwing her bicycle into a ditch.
Authorities identified the driver as 26-year-old Alexander Cortes-Wolfe, of Wapello.
The Iowa State Patrol is still investigating the crash. Authorities say no charges have been filed.
Reynolds was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.
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IPERS Suing Six Banks For Overcharging
NEW YORK (AP) – Three public pension funds are suing six Wall Street banks, saying the banks overcharged investors in what’s known as the stock loan market. The suit is being brought by the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System, the Orange County Employees Retirement System and the Sonoma County
Employees’ Retirement Association. Those being sued are Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, UBS, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and Bank of America. The lawsuit claims the six banks overcharged investors to borrow shares in companies, particularly for investment strategies like selling a stock short.
It claims the banks colluded to keep competition out of the stock loan market to keep prices high. Bank of America, JPMorgan, UBS, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley declined to comment. Goldman Sachs said it didn’t have an immediate comment.
