Extension Crop Specialists Give Crop Condition Update For Eastern Iowa
(Des Moines) — Crop officials like to look at the 4th of July as a day to determine the development progress of the crop. At about this time, corn development goes from growing the stalk to pollination and the development of the ear and the grain. Here in northwest Iowa, dry conditions have persisted through out
the growing season. Rain did fall on the area a little more than a week ago, which certainly helped the corn and soybean crops. However, farmers are still needing additional rain during the critical pollination stage. We know what the crop looks like in our own area, but what about on the other side of the
state? In northeast Iowa, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Crops Specialist Josh Michel says crop conditions are similar to what we have in northwest Iowa.
Crops Specialist Rebecca Vittetoe serves east-central and southeast Iowa covering the area that includes Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Grinnell, Pella, Oskaloosa, and Sigourney. Vittetoe says in her region farmers have had some wet conditions.
Along the Mississippi River, conditions have been mixed according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Crops Specialist, Virgil Schmitt. Schmitt’s area extends from Clinton to Davenport, to Fort Madison and Burlington.
The U-S Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will issue the latest crop condition report later this Tuesday afternoon.
Three People Found Dead in Algona Home
(Algona, IA) — Authorities in northwest Iowa are investigating the deaths of three people in Algona. Police received a 9-1-1 call Monday night reporting a homicide on the south side of Algona. Officers found the bodies of three people inside a home. Investigators have not said how they died.
The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office is doing autopsies. No names have been released. The Algona P-D said there is no threat to the public related to this case.
Senator Ernst Meets With US Troops Overseas During 4th of July Weekend
(Red Oak, IA ) — U-S Senator Joni Ernst spent the Fourth of July weekend meeting with Iowa National Guard members, military leaders and other troops in Europe. Ernst met with Kosovo’s president and commanders and soldiers serving
in Germany and Belgium. Ernst said in a statement, “I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate Independence Day that alongside Iowans protecting our nation in Kosovo – a close partner and Iowa’s sister state – and elsewhere.” The Iowa Republican is a former National Guard commander and
member of the U-S Senate Armed Services Committee.
Firefighters in Clive Battle Fireworks Storage Container Fire
(Clive, IA) — Firefighters in Clive were up early today (Tuesday) battling a fire in a 40-foot fireworks storage container. Officials called it “an extremely hazardous situation.” Investigators say there appeared to be a prior explosion because the sides and roof were expanded. Authorities had to close area roads for about two hours as they waited for the situation to stabilize. Crews were able to spray water through ventilation holes to
extinguish and cool off smoldering debris. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The stand is owned by the Iowa Fireworks Company.
Damage is estimated at ten-thousand dollars.
Five People Injured in Saylorville Lake Boat Accident
(Polk County, IA) – – Five people are hurt after their boat capsized on Saylorville Lake Monday evening. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the boat carrying struck a pillar on the Mile Long Bridge north of Des Moines and then capsized. The boat dumped all five passengers into the water. The five were taken to the hospital and officers say there injuries appear to be
non-life threatening. The Iowa D-N-R is still investigating the accident. No word on whether alcohol or drugs were a factor.
