From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Cedar Rapids is appealing the Iowa DOT’s decision to block two of its fixed traffic cameras. At the start of the month, the DOT denied 9 of Cedar Rapids’ 15 fixed traffic camera applications. The DOT said the ones they denied either weren’t necessary or weren’t the least restrictive means to keep drivers safe. The cameras in question are both on I-380 just outside of downtown Cedar Rapids–one facing north at J Avenue, and one facing south at 1st Avenue. Since the DOT blocked them, the city says it’s seen a 23% increase in people driving at least 11 miles over the speed limit. But the DOT says unless the city can prove an increase in crashes, they’ll likely deny the appeal.
An Oelwein city council member accused of dealing drugs could be facing federal charges. Court records show Oelwein police arrested seven people while serving a search warrant last week. Among them is city council member Karen Seeders, her husband, three of their children, and two other people. A search warrant showed Karen Seeders and her husband also had guns in the home. That could result in federal gun charges, as it is illegal to have a firearm while using illegal drugs.
The owner of the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant near Palo in Linn County says it’s looking into re-commissioning the facility. The chairman of NextEra Energy Partners says the company is doing engineering assessments and working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission before it makes any calls. But he also cited a strong interest from data center customers. He hasn’t offered a cost for the project yet, but said the specific type of reactor used by Duane Arnold is easier to re-commission than others. So far, we don’t have a timeline for the final decision.
One nonprofit is asking homeowners to “leave the leaves” and help out the environment. The Prairie Rivers Network says when leaves stay leaves on the ground, they help enrich the soil quality once they break down. The leaves also help increase biodiversity because animals like birds rely on the insects in the leaves.
