USDA estimate shows bean acres up, corn acres down

The U.S. Ag Department is estimating that corn acres nationwide will drop by about eight million this spring, with the corn acres in Iowa down one-million. Soybean acres are expected to be up over 11-million nationwide — including a one-million acre increase in...

Wartburg wins doubleheader against Dubuque

Junior pitcher Angela Hartwig of Long Grove picked up wins in both ends of the doubleheader and senior infielders Ashley Steines of Camanche and Ashley Rogers of Dubuque each belted home runs, leading No. 10-ranked Wartburg to a 3-2, 5-2 sweep of the University of...

Bill would increase fines against poachers

A bill under consideration at the statehouse would address what wildlife experts call "outdated" laws on the illegal taking of animals. The measure, recently approved by the House Natural Resources Committee, would sharply increase the damages that convicted...