Friday, May 29, 2009

Local banker says they have the capital to weather commercial loan decline

Almost a third of Iowa's banks reported two percent or more of their loans as non performing last quarter. That's a mark not seen in more than 15 years. Federation Bank President Dale Torpey says his institution is among those feeling the sting of the commercial loan market. He says while there is some trouble, they have plenty of capital to weather it. He also says Their portfolio is diverse enough to keep them protected. 

SE Iowa crop update

USDA statistics show 93% of corn in Southeast Iowa is in the ground, while 60% of the crop has emerged. The federal agency's report indicates 21% of soybeans have emerged while 67% have been planted. Corn planting was delayed in some areas as due to wet weather, prompting more soybeans. State Climatologist Harry Hilaker says last week's weather was welcomed by southeast Iowa farmers as temperatures were more than 5 degrees above average, and rainfall was well below normal. 

Washington residents invited to SWEEP

Washington's Centennial Fountain is being celebrated with a SWEEP this morning (5/29), or Supporting Washington Economic Enhancement. Main Street's Amy Vetter says the Central Park centerpiece is 70 years old, and has been a major focal point of the downtown. She says residents are invited to the park this morning (5/29) at 8:30 and encouraged to bring a broom.

Study: nearly 1/2 of Louisa Co residents are commuters

A recent study by Iowa Workforce Development shows almost half of Louisa Countys 12,000 citizens seek employment in other counties. Elias Gutierrez with Louisa County Development says the countys proximity to larger working zones and bigger employers make it easy for residents to find suitable employment there. Despite the exodus of workers, however, Gutierrez says many still find Louisa a great place to live, which gives the county a competitive advantage.

DNA samples needed for Ak-Sar-Ben

All youth intending to exhibit swine or feeder calves at Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Exposition in Omaha, Nebraska in September must have DNA samples collected by June 15th. Kati Peiffer, 4-H/Youth Coordinator says DNA samples must be collected by an Extension staff member. She says nominating through the Iowa State Fair process is not acceptable for Ak-Sar-Ben. An additional sample must be collected. Contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811 to schedule a time for your samples to be collected. 

VB Co Relay 4 Life

Van Buren County residents are invited to help in the fight against cancer. Kierstan Peck Community Relations with the American Cancer Society says the American Cancer Society Walk/Run of Van Buren County is a unique fundraising event in which participants walk or run a 3 mile or 1 mile course. She says this years walk/run will take place on Saturday, June 6 at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. If you are a cancer survivor and would like to take part in the Walk/Run of Van Buren County please call Wanda Clemenson, walk/run chairperson at 319.293.6209. All survivors receive a 2009 Walk/Run of Van Buren County t-shirt.

Kalona Cash

People can use more than just money in Kalona. The chamber of commerce says Kalona Kash is a great way to get what you want while supporting Kalona businesses. They say during Kalona Days many of the prizes will be large amounts of Kalona Kash. She says Kalona Kash can be used in any business in Kalona and is treated the same as regular money.