Pork Producers To Hold Webinars Focusing On Economic Conditions
(Des Moines) — Iowa Pork Producers Association will host a webinar this evening, and for the next four Wednesday evenings focusing on the economic troubles facing the state pork industry. Pat McGonagle serves as the C-E-O for the Iowa Pork Producers Association and says trade wars, COVID-19 and the
interruption of meat processing, and low commodity prices are all contributing factors adversely affecting the pork industry.
The pork official reviews the inaugural webinar scheduled for this evening.
McGonagle tells of the following webinars beginning with next week and continuing for the next three weeks.
McGonagle says the pork producers organization is holding the on-line seminars in conjunction with the Iowa Pork Industry Center, as part of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. McGonagle tells how pork producers can participate in those webinars.
Registration for the pork informational on-line seminars is free.
Drake University Temporarily Removes 14 Students For Violating COVID Guidelines
(Des Moines, IA) — Drake University issued a warning after temporarily removing 14 students from campus for violating COVID-19 guidelines. Dean of Students Jerry Parker said the students were asked to leave campus for two weeks for violating new rules about on- and off-campus gatherings. Students
are asked to sign the “Drake Together Compact” which makes it a violation to attend or host parties and requires hand washing and face coverings. Parker said the school “will not hesitate to take the necessary actions to mitigate the potential spread of COVID, jeopardizing the health and safety of others.”
Vilsacks Use DNC Video to Call Attention to Derecho’s ‘Terrible Toll’
(Undated) — Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and his wife, Christie, announced Iowa’s delegate tally in the “roll call of the states” during Tuesday night’s virtual Democratic National Convention. Tom Vilsack said, “we were going to talk to you tonight about biofuels, but the powerful storm that swept through Iowa last week has taken a terrible toll on our farmers,
our small businesses and our families who are still without power.” Christie Vilsack added, “So while we have the honor of casting Iowa’s votes — 11 for Bernie Sanders and 38 for Joe Biden — we also want to ask you to keep Iowans in your thoughts at this difficult time.” As the Vilsacks’ video was played,
35-thousand Iowa homes, schools and businesses were still without electricity.
State Auditor Flags Questionable Spending by Clutier City Clerk
(Clutier, IA) — A special investigation by the state auditor’s office concludes the former city clerk in the small Tama County community of Clutier overpaid herself and went shopping for clothes, alcohol and other personal items using the city’s credit card. Former Clutier City Clerk Keri Kopriva was fired in February of last year. Auditors reviewed records for the last four years she worked for the city and flagged nearly 107-thousand dollars of financial transactions. That includes 43-thousand worth
of cash paid on city utility bills that was not deposited. Auditors
concluded Kopriva used the city’s credit card to buy at least 27-thousand worth of items for herself — including jewelry, body lotion and a snail.
Mason City Man Busted With Meth and Heroin Pleads Not Guilty
(Mason City, IA) — A Mason City man busted with a large amount of methamphetamine, heroin and guns is pleading not guilty to felony charges.
Thirty-year-old Bernard Davis III was arrested after a July 30th search led to a pound of meth, 50 grams of heroin, handguns and a rifle. Davis is charged with possession with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm as a felon. His trial is scheduled to start September 15th.
