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High levels of sulfur dioxide and fine particulate pollution in Muscatine prompts health warning

on Tue, 03/05/2013 - 03:39   by Editor

High levels of fine particulate and sulfur dioxide pollution Monday (3/4) in Muscatine prompted a health warning to residents by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

At noon Monday, fine particle levels averaged 57.5 micrograms per cubic meter at Garfield School in Muscatine and a daily maximum reading of 158 parts per billion (ppb) of sulfur dioxide was measured early this morning at the same school monitor, according to the IDNR.

Conditions were expected to improve by Tuesday (3/5) with a change in wind direction from a winter storm.

Public meeting on city budget Monday, Feb. 25

on Sun, 02/24/2013 - 21:40   by Editor

A public presentation on the proposed 2013-14 Bettendorf city budget will be given at 6:30 p.m., Monday (2/25) at city hall, 1609 State Street.

The $87-million budget would result in an overall 5 percent hike in property taxes and city service fees for the average Bettendorf homeowner.

The owner of the median-priced home – having an assessed value of $162,235 – would see an annual increase of $42 in property taxes, $18 in sewer fees, $4 in storm water fees and $4.60 in garbage collection cost under the budget proposal.

Isle of Capri reports $2.2 million third quarter loss; blames winter weather and soft economy

on Thu, 02/21/2013 - 22:41   by Editor

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Wednesday (2/20) reported a $2.2 million loss for the third quarter ended January 27, blaming the weak economy and winter weather disruptions at its Midwest gambling facilities.

The Isle, owner of the Bettendorf Isle of Capri and Davenport Rhythm City casinos, lost 6 cents a share in the third quarter, compared with a 3 cents per share loss for the same period last year.

EPA plans 'non-attainment' designation for Muscatine County despite state effort to sidetrack move over sulfur dioxide emissions

on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 22:03   by Editor

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to designate Muscatine County in "non-attainment" for sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution, a move Gov. Terry Branstad and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) had tried to sidetrack two years ago.

In his letter to the EPA's regional administrator in June 2011, Branstad recommended Muscatine County be designated as "unclassifiable" under the new SO2 emission standards, a move supported by the IDNR, then headed by Roger Lande, a prominent Muscatine attorney who resigned as IDNR director last year.

City council begins fiscal 2013-14 budget review

on Wed, 02/13/2013 - 02:23   by Editor

The average Bettendorf homeowner would see an overall 5 percent hike in property taxes and city service fees under the proposed $87.1 million 2013-14 budget outlined at recent city council sessions.

The owner of the median-priced home – having an assessed value of $162,235 – would see an annual increase of $42 in property taxes, $18 in sewer fees, $4 in storm water fees and $4.60 in garbage collection cost under the budget proposal.

MidAmerican says it won't seek legislation to bill customers upfront for future nuke plant construction

on Tue, 02/12/2013 - 01:32   by Editor

MidAmerican Energy's president told the Des Moines Register newspaper the company will not seek legislation this legislative session that would allow the utility to bill customers in advance for construction of a future nuclear power plant.

William Fehrman said the utility would not make a third attempt to pass such legislation because "the political support isn’t there," according to the Register article.

City moves closer to signing consent order with IDNR, EPA on sewage system upgrades

on Fri, 02/08/2013 - 02:10   by Editor

Bettendorf city officials appear ready to sign a consent order with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) calling for $32 million in sewer system upgrades over the next 20 years.

The agreement with the IDNR was outlined to the city council Monday (2/4) by engineering consultants Veenstra & Kimm and aldermen are expected to vote on the deal next month.

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