Newton Independent

Reporter's Notebook: It's time for Jasper County politics

By PETER HUSSMANN

The calendar flips on Monday leaving us just one month to learn for sure (maybe) who's going to step up and make a run for the two open seats on the Jasper County Board of Supervisors.

As is typical this time of year, the county political speculators begin to hash out different situations based upon the information they're gleaning (either good or bad) on who's in and who's out of the race. But, just because somebody has (or doesn't appear to have) taken out nomination papers doesn't mean they'll actually turn them in by the March 31 deadline.

Here's what we know: Rick Tiedje will not be seeking a second term. With fellow board member John Parsons intending to run again, that leaves one open seat without an incumbent candidate.

And here's where the political scuttlebutt gets interesting. It may be that former board member Max Worthington might attempt to get his name placed on the Democratic Party primary ballot. However, his ascension back to his former county political position may be blocked by Joe Brock, a former Democratic party central committee chair and the son of former supervisor Ragan Brock.

OK, so that could make for a contested Democratic Party primary. But the talk continues. Word is that Sandi Shaver might throw her hat in the ring. If so, that could prove interesting, seeing how both Worthington and Shaver fell short in the primary two years ago.

The local Republican party has not had much success in placing candidates in county offices for any length of time. Sure, Bill Ward and Denny Carpenter ousted Pat Milligan and Leo Van Elswyk in 2002 but just four years later Tiedje and Parsons swept the Republicans out the door of the county courthouse. You have to go back to Illa Guthrie's days as treasurer to find a Republican holding office for any length of time.

So, what I'm hearing is that Colfax Mayor Dave Mast is lining up a bid to run for supervisor as a Republican. To date, that's the only Republican candidate I've heard for any of the open seats.

But as I said, the March deadline may not be the end of it. Those wishing to run as independents can hang out under the radar for a much longer period of time. And I'm hearing one former supervisor - Denny Carpenter - may be doing just that.

As I said, you can speculate all you want but it isn't until the 100 signatures are collected and turned in does it count. And, who haven't we heard of yet.

Ah, it's time for Jasper County politics. Let the games begin.

Western Iowa Energy says no to REG sale

Newton Independent

Unit holders of Western Iowa Energy in Wall Lake voted against Renewable Energy Group's proposal to purchase the biodiesel facility, one of three struggling plants the Ames-based firm was in negotiations to buy.

The negative vote of its shareholders went against the recommendation of its board of directors.

Last week, unit holders of Central Iowa Energy, the financially-troubled Newton biodiesel plant, agreed to sell virtually all of the company's assets and liabilities to REG as part of an asset purchase agreement first proposed last May.

Members of Blackhawk Biofuels in Danville, Ill., also agreed to a sale. All three entities are managed by REG.

Since its inception in 2007, Central Iowa Energy has incurred loses totaling $14.9 million.

Letter: Why aren't we screaming?

To the Newton Independent:

Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer, why do we write to the editors, argue and/or discuss on blogs? Do we ever accomplish anything or is it just our nature to write books, columns and such? And why are politics and religions such hot subjects? Why does the United States and we the people spend money we don't have?

It seems our local and U.S. government, plus we the people, could use some tutoring on money management, or in other words, staying within a budget. I wonder too, who might be qualified to establish and teach budget and money management?

Then, too, perhaps we and our governments could use a little tutoring on anger management. We should be able to play nice and be fair with one another. Why is war needed to establish peace?

Finally, why do our two main parties, Democrat and Republican both, claim to love America but will not work together for the good of our nation? Why do our politicians allow lobbyists in the same room with them?

I read in different places that our U.S. Treasury borrows to fill the gap between revenue and outlays and debt is soaring. In fiscal year 2010, the budget office projects that the public debt will increase by $1.75 trillion. In other words, roughly $15,000 per household. Some say by 2015 the cumulative rise in debt will exceed $6 or maybe $7 trillion.

OK, if we would all chip in $15,000 and send it straight away to the IRS would the United States' budget be in the black? Not hardly, only if we gave this donation every six months, I think.

All of these stimulus packages, like $19 million to Whirlpool from our nation's treasury (or borrowed money) and the $6.5 million from our state are good examples of increasing our debt for generations to come. I ask, if you had been asked to give donations to Whirlpool would you have done so? Iowa's population is about 3 million people so you can see about what your share would have been.

Don't you think we should be doing a better job at home and be screaming like a smashed cat to our President and all of the other political leaders in our country?

James Wilson McKinstry
Newton

Whirlpool asks court to approve its right to change health care benefits for Maytag retirees

By PETER HUSSMANN

Whirlpool is asking a federal judge to approve its claim that it had the right to change the health care retirement plans for approximately 3,300 Maytag retirees without the need for the issue to be decided at trial.

Earlier this month, Whirlpool filed a motion for summary judgment asking the court to agree with its contention that it "has a legal right to modify the retiree medical benefit schedule effective Jan. 1, 2009."

Whirlpool contends the retiree health care benefit plan previously in place expired on July 31, 2008 upon the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement between Maytag and members of the UAW Local 997. Further, it says it never agreed not to change retiree health plans at some future time.

"The contractual language at issue in this case, including the benefit plans, supplemental agreements, summary plan descriptions, hourly retirement benefit summaries and benefit certificates are all unambiguous and establish that (Whirlpool/Maytag) never agreed to provide retirees with vested, unalterable health insurance benefits," the motion states.

"The controlling documents contain reservation of rights language, specific duration clauses, and other contractual provisions that the Eighth Circuit has held unambiguously reflect that retiree health insurance benefits were subject to modification or could be eliminated altogether."

Whirlpool goes on to state that the UAW Local 997 had a "history of negotiating modifications to the current retirees' insurance benefits, as well as its consent and the consent of its members, both active employees and retirees, to several reductions to the retirees' benefits," a move that "establishes that the retirees' health insurance benefits were subject to modification."

Whirlpool filed suit against the UAW in the Southern District Court of Iowa arguing it had the right to change retiree health care benefits in July 2008. A month later, the union filed a suit in the Michigan federal court system claiming such a move was not allowed. That case was later moved to Iowa and subsequently voluntarily dismissed by the union.

Lawyers representing Maytag retirees have until March 8 to file responses to the motion for summary judgment.

Whirlpool purchased Maytag in 2006 and shut down its Newton corporate headquarters and flagship production plant in 2007.

Skiff's operational losses fiscal-year-to-date top $3.5 million

By PETER HUSSMANN

Skiff Medical Center's financial difficulties continued last month as the city-owned hospital's losses from operations in the first seven months of the fiscal year stands about $800,000 ahead of losses for whole last year.

Skiff board members were told at its regular monthly meeting that operational losses at the hospital were $611,788 in January, bringing total losses fiscal-year-to-date to $3.5 million. In December, the hospital reported losses of $580,000.

In the 2008-09 fiscal year, Skiff Medical Center reported losses from operations of $2.7 million.

The hospital's statistical reports shows fewer procedures and patient visits. Surgeries were off 13 percent from the same month a year ago and down 10 percent in year-over-year comparisons. Emergency room patients were down 10 percent for the month and stand 4 percent below last year's levels. Total outpatient visits were off nearly 16 percent for the month and are down 5 percent compared to last fiscal year's levels.

For the first time since last May, the Newton Independent was provided the board agenda packet at no cost.

Iowa Telecom shareholder vote set; company reports 4th quarter loss

By PETER HUSSMANN

Iowa Telecom shareholders will vote March 25 on a proposal to merge the Newton, Iowa-based telecommunications firm with Windstream Corporation, the company announced today in an earnings report that showed a net loss for the fourth quarter of $1.7 million.

In the release, Iowa Telecom Chairman and CEO Alan Wells said the fourth quarter loss "was primarily the result of costs related to this transaction," a total deal valued at about $1.1 billion in stock and cash.

The company's fourth quarter loss compares to net income of $5.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. For the full year, net income was $10.3 million last year compared to $23 million in 2008.

"Our operational and financial performances during 2009 was very strong, particularly in light of the year's challenging economic conditions," Wells said, noting shareholders were paid a total of $52.7 million in dividends for the year.

"Two-thousand-nine was also an important year strategically for our company and shareholders," the statement reads. "On Nov. 23, 2009, our Board of Directors approved an agreement for Windstream Corporation to acquire our company in a transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion. The transaction is proceeding as planned and we continue to anticipate a closing in mid-2010. I am excited about the prospects of this new combined entity."

You can read the full release here.

Letter: Whole community should be concerned about school issues

To the Newton Independent:

The Newton Community School Board will meet Friday night, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Newton High School Center for Performance. Discussion will focus on the current budget crisis the district is facing.

Things being considered to meet this crisis are the closing of one elementary building and up to $1 million in reductions in programs at the Berg Middle School and Newton Senior High. These changes could be implemented by the fall of 2010.

Each person in our community should attend and listen to the board's discussion. Don't have a student in school? Not your problem? This is an issue we should all be concerned about, regardless of whether we have a student in school or not.

A strong school district with quality education offerings, excellent facilities and strong athletic programs are vital to businesses wanting to locate in our community and for attracting young families to locate in our community. Our schools are something we should all always be interested in and concerned about.

The school district has held public meetings at all elementary buildings and taken questions from the public. The school board members have not spoken at these meetings. This is our chance to hear their thoughts and questions.

I hope you will join me at this very important meeting.

Fran Henderson
Newton

What one hand giveth...

By PETER HUSSMANN

The day before state economic development officials agreed to give Whirlpool Corporation $6.5 million for upgrades to its Amana refrigerator plant, the same state agency demanded the company return money granted for work at its former Newton plant, a letter dated last week indicates.

On Feb. 17, Jeffery Rossate, business development division administrator for the Iowa Department of Economic Development - who was fired five days later over his role in the state's film tax credit fiasco - wrote Whirlpool officials demanding the return of nearly $270,000.

"Permanent layoffs and closure of the Newton Facility were announced prior to the project completion date," Rossate wrote concerning a New Jobs and Income Program Agreement the Iowa Department of Economic Development entered into with Maytag in 2001.

According to the agreement, the letter went on, "Maytag is subject to repayment of the same percentage in Investment Tax Credit (ITC) benefits as the business failed to create in jobs. A full repayment of ITC is due to plant closure. According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, the amount of ITC taken was $269,089."

Rossate goes on to state that the agreement between the state and Maytag is "terminated as of the date of this letter..." The Iowa Department of Revenue was assigned "recapture of outstanding funds."

The next day, Iowa economic development officials announced the $6.5 million award to Whirlpool, a move lauded by the governor as critical to the retention of Amana's 1,600 jobs in Iowa.

"This is great news for Amana and great news for Iowa," Culver said in a press release.

Whirlpool plans to add 60 jobs to its Amana operation as a result of the grant's receipt. 

School board to discuss budget, alignment study Friday

By PETER HUSSMANN

Residents of the Newton school district could learn as early as Friday evening what path the school system might follow to address its declining enrollments and its budget crisis.

The school board has scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. Friday at the high school's Center for Performance where board members will discuss the district's budget and elementary school facilities and gather another round of public input before asking the superintendent to submit recommendations.

The school district has seen enrollment declines of more than 400 students over the past 11 years. This school year alone, the district's enrollment fell by 65 students which reduces state aid by nearly $375,000.

Couple that with the $1.5 million reduction due to Gov. Chet Culver's mandatory 10 percent budget cut and the district faces the need of finding ways to slash as much as $2.5 million from its operations.

At public meetings at the local elementary schools, Superintendent Steve McDermott went over a number of proposals in regard to elementary school building alignments, including the possibility of closing one school, shutting down the administrative office building and moving the alternative high school from its location within the DMACC campus.

The superintendent said the district also needs to find cost reductions from program cuts and staff elimination between $700,000 to $1 million as part of the overall reduction effort. He did not give specifics on potential actions to be taken.

The school board plans to act quickly on the recommendations with a decision on what efforts to take made by the end of next month. 

What are they gonna do - fire them?

By PETER HUSSMANN

You've got to love this spin.

A Whirlpool executive is telling union workers at a plant in Indiana scheduled for closure this June that they might harm their future job prospects if they attend a rally on Friday protesting the decision to move the jobs to Mexico.

Download Whirlpool memo 

Last year, Whirlpool told workers at its Evansville, Ind., refrigerator plant that it would close by June 2010 putting 1,100 people out of work. The world's largest appliance manufacturer was opening a new $110 million refrigerator plant in Mexico.

Members of the Local 808 union are planning a rally this Friday featuring AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. The union plans to deliver more than 40,000 petitions to Whirlpool officials protesting the decision to close the plant. Whirlpool has said it's not even considering changing its mind.

The memo from the vice president of Whirlpool's Evansville division warns that "these negative activities will only hamper employees when they look for future jobs."

As you can guess, the memo has sparked some lively debate. The Huffington Post picked up on it yesterday and the AFL-CIO issued an immediate response.

Why Whirlpool would even consider issuing such a memo is curious, to say the least. Talk about fanning the flames.

Iowa Speedway area landowner pushes for new economic development legislation

By PETER HUSSMANN

The investment firm that owns ground adjacent to the Iowa Speedway is pushing for passage of legislation allowing for a new type of municipal economic development bonding that it says is crucial to not only future development around the racetrack but to communities across the state.

Troy Strawhecker, representing Trilogy Raceway Development, the marketing component of Trilogy Investments, owners of 66 acres across the street from Iowa Speedway, provided the Newton Independent with a Download House File Fact Sheet on legislation that would allow for the creation of Consumption Tax Bonding Districts within the State of Iowa.

The legislation, authored by Roger Thomas, an Elkader Democrat who chairs the Iowa House Economic Growth Committee, was introduced as House File 2480 last week after previously surviving the first legislative funnel day as a House Study Bill.

Supporters of the measure say it will spur economic development across Iowa by allowing communities to use increased revenues from sales and service taxes for Vision Iowa Board approved economic development projects within specially created districts for payment of principal and interest on project bonds. 

The legislation requires a series of steps and approval processes prior to use of such a funding mechanism, including:

• Project plan, including economic benefit to Iowa
• Official approval of a municipality, including public hearings
• Economic impact study by independent economist
• Creation of at least 200 new, permanent jobs
• Capital investment of $50 million or more
• Generate at least $25 million in annual revenue
• Review and approval by IDED Board

The legislation is similar to the STAR (sales tax anticipated revenue) bonds used to develop the area surrounding the Kansas Speedway. Backers of the Iowa plan note that the use of STAR bonds in that area helped create more than $1.2 billion in new investment, added 12,000 jobs and boasts annual retail sales of $660 million.

"Iowa needs investments to retain our youth, attract in- and out-of-state tourism with entertainment attractions and to provide vital growth for communities such as Newton," the promotional fact sheet states. "An economic development tool awaits the legislature's deliberation and approval to benefit communities across the state."

Trilogy Raceway Development says with the area around the Iowa Speedway identified as the state's first Consumption Tax Bonding District, "a major water park attraction, restaurants, varied retail and entertainment options will be marketed to extend the economic development and excitement of the Iowa Speedway."

"A diverse group of Iowa investors, Trilogy Raceway Development, has purchased a 66-acre segment of land and has agreements in place, in accordance with the proposed legislation, to:

• Develop and co-market up to 400 acres
• Create more than 200 jobs
• Make a capital investment of more than $50 million and annual revenues of more than $25 million.

"This legislation would allow Iowans to capture a broader audience, not only Iowans who now drive elsewhere to make purchases or find entertainment, but more important, to capture tax revenues from new sales from consumers from neighboring states.

"With approval of the legislation, a municipality may decide if/how to use the Consumption Tax Bonding District structure. It is the private sector that will invest and accept the risk. The result will be new jobs and new dollars to further local economies and to support public schools."

Completing the mission

Don Hummel of Newton shows a picture of himself from his service days prior to his Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. last fall. Another trip for county veterans unable to attend the trips is being planned.

By PETER HUSSMANN

"My life is now complete."

Those words, spoken by a Jasper County World War II veteran at the conclusion of a whirlwind day last fall where 51 area veterans, on three different trips, took in the memorials in the nation's capital, have stuck in the mind of a Baxter man ever since.

"That trip in November was a life-changing event for me," said Doug Bishop of his experience in helping escort the county veterans around the memorials in Washington, D.C., as part of the Honor Flight program. "And I know it was life changing for the veterans who were able to attend."

But that's the rub. Not all of the county veterans who wanted to take the Honor Flight trip were able to attend.

"Our list was longer than the seats available," Bishop said.

So, the Newton American Legion member is looking to rectify the situation and "complete" the mission of paying tribute to some of our nation's greatest heroes.

On May 27, Bishop plans to put the 26 area veterans who did not get to take the Honor Flight trip last fall on a chartered plan in Newton and help escort the group of war veterans around the memorials in Washington, D.C. The plane has room for 30 veterans. In addition, 10 guardians/medical personnel are paying $350 each to help escort the veterans on the trip.

But to do that, Bishop and the small band of cohorts working to pull off the trip, need to raise $35,000, no small task in today's tight economy but something he has every confidence will succeed.

"You have to realize that we wouldn't have the life we have today without the sacrifices these soldiers made," he said. "Where would we be without them?"

Bishop said a fund-raising push will begin next week with a mass mailing to area businesses.

Contributions to the Jasper Honor Flight can be made to:

Business/Corporate
Jasper Community Foundation
c/o Jasper Honor Flight
P.O. Box 924
Newton, Iowa 50208

Individual
American Legion Post 111
c/o Jasper Honor Flight
1101 W. 4th St. S.
Newton, Iowa 50208

All donations are tax deductible through a 501(c)3 designation.

"We're trying to ensure that these Vets get the honor that they so richly deserve," Bishop said. "Jasper County residents have a long tradition of rising to the occasion."

For more information, contact Bishop at 641-417-8885 or by e-mail at jasperhonorflight@yahoo.com

Jasper County looks to lower levy rates

By PETER HUSSMANN

Jasper County plans to spend down reserves in order to keep its tax asking for the general fund at the same level its been for the past three years while lowering levy rates that will produce only minimal property tax increases for the county's share of a property owner's total tax bill.

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors went over details of next fiscal year's proposed budget at a workshop on Tuesday and plan to approve the budget at a hearing set for March 15.

Under the plan, total taxes levied for the county's general fund will remain at $5.17 million, the same amount levied for since the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The county plans to spend down its anticipated year-end reserves of roughtly 30 percent to about 20 percent at the end of the next fiscal year.

The county plans to lower its levy rate for a residential property owner within a city by 59 cents to $8.40. A rural residential property owner will see a levy rate of $11.55 in the coming fiscal year, down 77 cents from this year's rate. Ag property will see a similar levy.

The county was aided in putting this year's budget together by a significant increase in county-wide taxable values. Due to the state-ordered 6 percent increase on the assessed values of all residential properties in the county and 5 percent increase on commercial properties, plus the 53 percent increase put on ag ground, the taxable value rose more than $81 million to $1.27 billion.

In addition, the state rollback rate increased pushing up the taxable value of commercial and residential property.

Even with the state-ordered valuation increases and the higher rollback rate, property owners won't be paying much more in county taxes next year. For a homeowner in a city with a house valued at $100,000 in the current fiscal year, the impacts of the rollback and equalization order using the county's proposed 2010-11 levy will result in only an $8 increase in county taxes paid - $410 in the current year versus $418 next fiscal year.

For a residential homeowner in a township, the increase is $12 - $562 to $574.

Ag land owners who saw assessed values jump more than 50 percent due to the state equalization order won't see significant impacts on the amount of taxes paid. A 66.2 rollback rate minimizes the tax impacts of the state's order resulting in a tax increase on ground valued at $100,000 of $18 in the coming fiscal year - $1,175 compared to 1,157 in the current fiscal year.

For the second year in a row, county elected officials asked that they not receive pay increases, a move honored by the Compensation Commission and approved by the supervisors.

The budget includes about $375,000 for building upkeep capital projects at the courthouse and Annex Building, including some tuck pointing work, as well as some equipment purchases at the community center. The county is also allocating money toward efforts to tear down the former care facility.

Fritz Maytag's efforts in microbrewing lauded

 

Newton Independent

Investors Business Daily's Patrick Cain writes a nice piece today on Frederick Louis Maytag III, the great-grandson of Maytag Company founder F.L. Maytag. The article focuses on Fritz Maytag's impact on the microbrewing industry and his subsequent steps into wine making and spirits. You can read it here.

Newton man sues city over sewer work

Newton Independent

A local man will get his day in court next month on his claim against the City of Newton over damage to his property he says was caused by city crews working on the sewer service to his residence.

Nathan Krier filed a small claims suit against the city "based upon the damage caused by (the city) in the performance used/or maintenance of the sewer system servicing (his) home on or about March 13, 2008.

Krier is seeking $2,875.12 in damages.

Attorneys for the city have denied the claim.

A March 19 trial is set in Jasper County District Court.

Indianola firm files lien against Newton motel project

By PETER HUSSMANN

An Indianola company became the 11th business to file a mechanic's lien against the Newton development group involved in the construction of the Prairie Suites motel near the Iowa Speedway.

Rick Phippen, owner of Premier Ceiling Systems, filed a claim entered into the Jasper County District Court system on Monday claiming HNF Development owes him $7,591.34 for work at the now-stalled motel project site.

The latest filing pushes the total value of the mechanic's liens filed since early December to nearly $560,000.

Also on Monday, Associate District Court Judge Thomas Mott ordered judgment against HNF in the amount of $476.27 in a small claims action brought by Heart of Iowa Cooperative, which merged with Sully Cooperative Exchange in 2008.

The suit was brought in January against HNF for "nonpayment for products and/or services" provided by the coop. The judgment was entered by "admission" of HNF. An additional $104 in court costs was added to the judgment.

Alan Halferty and Dave Fisher, the principles of HNF Development, previously stated they are working with an Ames motel developer to finish the project.

The City of Newton awarded HNF a $250,000 economic development grant, half of which has been paid with the remainder to be expended upon the project's completion.

New Chamber interim director introduces himself to membership

Newton Independent

A Des Moines area financial adviser and immediate past-president of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce will take over as the interim executive director of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber board president Bonnie Terpstra notified the membership of the change in leadership in a release late Monday afternoon. Craig Light replaces Annette West while the Chamber board conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

In an introductory release to members today, Light outlines his work and Chamber experiences, having served in a variety of capacities on the Urbandale board.

"As you have been made aware, there have been some changes that have taken place at the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and I am now serving as Interim Executive Director," Light notes.

"But first I would like to say that I already applaud and admire each of you for all you have done and for all you will continue to do in your Newton Chamber leadership and volunteer efforts. I already know all of the time, gifts and talents you devote to your organization. I know about your great efforts because I have been a member of several Chambers of Commerce.

"I have volunteered my time serving on a Chamber Board and serving as Chamber President. I know about your devotion because I have served as an Ambassador, served as membership services chair and have served multiple times as Master of Ceremony for the Annual Educator's Appreciation Receptions. So, again, thank you for your outstanding service and for the successes you have and are creating for our organization."

Light goes on to note one of his "greatest" father-son experiences involved his trip to the Iowa Speedway where he and his son were photographed with Rusty and Steve Wallace.

"Even though my stay may be brief as the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Interim Executive Director, my hope, my vision is that I play a positive and instrumental role in creating more "greatest days" for our members, our community and all that visit us," Light continues. "And in the end, I hope people will say, 'He did so in an excellent manner.'

"I am excited to be here because Newton is a championship community with a championship history and a championship future."

Light became known to Chamber board president Terpstra and immediate past president Liz Dodd at marketing and Chamber director training sessions in Des Moines. He has served on the Urbandale Chamber board since 2004 and was president in 2009. He has also served as an ambassador for the Urbandale Chamber since 2002 and has been selected as the "Ambassador of the Year" multiple times.

He owns Craig Light Investments and Insurance.

Iowa appliance rebate program ready to roll

By PETER HUSSMANN

About 9,000 Iowans are expected to take advantage of a rebate program that begins Monday that will give cash to those that get rid of their old appliances for new energy-efficient models.

Being run by the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, the State of Iowa Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate program is part of a $296 million federal initiative aimed at getting Americans to upgrade their washers, dishwashers and refrigerators to more energy-efficient appliances.

Iowa has more than $.2.7 million in rebate money available for appliances in six different categories.

On Monday, the state rolled out its program-specific rebate registration Web site and toll-free number for consumers and retailers to review. Once the program begins at 8 a.m. Monday, those seeking rebates will be able to register on a first come, first served basis at www.IowaApplianceRebate.com or by calling 1-877-267-7495.

The rebate program is open to Iowa residents only and rebate dollars will only be available to those purchasing an appliance on the approved list on or after March 1.

A fact sheet on the program can be viewed here and a product guideline can be viewed here. A presentation given to retailers about the program can viewed here and questions and answers arising from that meeting can be viewed here.

State officials expect the money to be completely allocated within two to four weeks from the start of the program. Individuals may also be placed on a waiting list to receive rebates if reserved funding goes unspent.

Whirlpool taking shots for closing Indiana plant

Newton Independent

The State of Iowa's decision to give Whirlpool $6.5 million to create 60 new jobs at its Amana refrigerator plant (and purportedly save the 1,600 jobs there if the demand is not met) is getting a lot of play on the Internet, including posts on such Web heavyweights as the Daily Kos and Huffington Post.

It's not just the Iowa grant (about $110,000 per job) that is getting mentioned. What is really drawing attention is Whirlpool's pending closure of its Evansville, Ind., refrigerator plant and its production move to Mexico. The closure will put 1,100 people out of work.

What's making people mad is that Whirlpool is doing this after receiving $19 million in federal stimulus funds to develop smart appliances. And that doesn't include the money Whirlpool will make when consumers soon go on appliance shopping sprees to take advantage of the $296 million in federal stimulus funds being used to provide rebates to buyers who upgrade their appliances to energy-efficient models. (Iowa's nearly $2.8 million share will be divvied up on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, but more on that later.)

The final straw came recently when Whirlpool's PR guru responded to one post by saying the corporation had no choice but to close the Indiana plant.

Fascinating, but really scary. You can read it here.

Newton man sentenced on child porn charges

Newton Independent

The following press release was issued by the U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of Iowa late today.

"On Feb. 22, Randy Lee Johnson Jr., 32, of Newton was sentenced to a term of 135 months (11.25 years) imprisonment for receiving and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.

"U.S. District Court Judge James Gritzner also ordered Johnson to serve a 10-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.

"On Sept. 9, 2009, a jury found Johnson guilty of the receiving and possessing child pornography charges.

"On Nov. 22, 2008, Johnson's computer was seized after a co-worker discovered child pornography on the computer. A forensic exam of Johnson's computer revealed that Johnson had downloaded in excess of 150 images of child pornography from the Internet and saved them to his computer hard drive."

The indictment states that between Aug. 1, 2008 and Nov. 14, 2008, Johnson "knowingly received visual depictions that had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce ... involving the use of minors... engaging in sexually explicit conduct."

The release does not indicate where Johnson worked at the time the charges were brought.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Des Moines Police and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.