UPDATED: March 15, 2015 Ahh, what a difference a year, or two, can make. I wrote this two years ago, when there was still snow on the ground in late March. For the most part this week, Eastern Iowa has experienced warming temperatures and the snow is nearly gone. What a perfect time to start […]
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Tag: Iowa
Coralville fined for wastewater violatio...
The city of Coralville was ordered to pay a $6,500 penalty for violations stemming from an explosion in a sludge storage tank at the city’s wastewater treatment facility in 2010. That explosion significantly damaged the storage system and seriously injured the certified operator, Brian Lamansky.
Call for farmers markets
Dozens of seasonal farmers markets operate during warm-weather months in Eastern Iowa. I’m compiling a list of those to share with readers of several fabulous newspapers in the area. If you are a market manager or a vendor or know of any farmers markets you would like to have included in the list, please leave […]
Happy Spring?
I’m not complaining. Really. But by now, on March 20, the first day of spring, I would have hoped Iowa would look and feel a bit more springlike. Instead, snow covers the ground, temperatures are in the teens and we do have a “nice” March breeze, or more accurately, frigid gusty winds. I think many […]
Ice jam causes flooding in Cedar Rapids;...
Those of you with flooded basements already realize the havoc that Mother Nature can wreak at this time of year. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources passed along this information today – Thursday, March 14, 2013 – about other types of flooding happening in Cedar Rapids and elsewhere in Iowa: CEDAR RAPIDS — Localized flooding […]
Four seasons celebrated with four events
Today’s weather offers hope that spring is on the way and this news, from the city of Cedar Rapids, is a reminder that the new season officially begins in less than one week! Cedar Rapids – The City of Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department’s Ushers Ferry Historic Village, Indian Creek Nature Center, Matthew 25, […]
Springville farmers market closes
This news today really saddens me. The Springville Farmers Market has been one of my favorites for years. Market founder Lena Gilbert, shared the following message this morning, March 13, 2013: Dear Friends, Customers, Vendors, Community Supporters— After seven years, the Springville Farmers’ market will end. Due to waning attendance by both customers and vendors, […]
Viticulture: Week two, or three
Snowstorms canceled two of our four Vineyard Management classes at Kirkwood Community College in February, and the weather trend seems to be continuing. I know our instructor, Lucas McIntire, would like to get started on pruning lessons, but as the winds picked up and snow began to fly even today – in mid-March – the […]
Favorite day of the year: Iowa Heritage ...
In speaking with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey last week, he mentioned that his favorite day of the year happens during the Iowa State Fair. That’s when Northey has the honor of recognizing Iowa farms that have been in families for generations as part of the Century and Heritage Farm program.
Book review: “Getting Your Hands Dirty a
In reviewing their new book, I first have to admit a certain bias for Linn County Master Gardeners, who have been longtime contributors to Homegrown. At the same time, it’s those qualities I admire about this group of experts – their down-to-earth advice, practical experience and willingness to share their knowledge – that makes “Getting […]