The recovery of crops damaged by the derecho in August has been a mixed bag as the harvest nears its end. An estimated 3.6 million acres of corn in Iowa got slammed by winds up to 100 miles-an-hour. That left stalks almost flat to the ground and others remained standing with a pronounced tilt. At … [Read more...]
Many still need help cleaning up 2 months after derecho
Today is the two-month mark since the derecho blew across the state and there is still debris that some people just can’t take care of themselves. Mark Nolte of Iowa City talked with KCRG TV about helping in the immediate aftermath of the storm. “It was crushing when you saw the need block … [Read more...]
FEMA opening disaster center in Ames, Cedar Rapids center closed
FEMA is making adjustments to the drive-through derecho disaster recovery centers in Iowa. Spokesman John Mills says the center in Cedar Rapids closed Saturday evening. "In Marshalltown, the recovery center will be open for one more week and close at the end of the day on Saturday, October 3rd. … [Read more...]
Federal derecho disaster center opening in Marshalltown
FEMA is opening its second temporary disaster center in Marshalltown this morning to continue work with the derecho recovery. Spokesman John Mills says the drive up center will be open at 9 a.m. and stay open until 6 p.m. He says it is right behind the Marshalltown VA clinic and they are asking … [Read more...]
Bettendorf woodworker turns downed trees into art
An eastern Iowa woodworker who's won international acclaim for his art is finding endless opportunities following last month's powerful derecho that downed many thousands of trees. Seventy-eight-year-old Steve Sinner of Bettendorf says he chooses his raw materials very carefully and managed to … [Read more...]
School starting in rural district with intense derecho damage
K-12 students in an eastern Iowa district that took a huge hit from last month's derecho are starting school in-person today. The Benton Community School District serves eight rural communities in Benton, Tama and Iowa Counties. Parts of the school district's buildings are still unusable, but … [Read more...]
FEMA encouraging derecho victims to sign up for assistance
Linn County was the first to be approved for individual federal disaster assistance after the derecho. FEMA spokesman John Mills says they've already been able to process several claims. "FEMA has already approved more than $1.7 million in individual assistance grants for homeowners and renters … [Read more...]
U.S. Ag Secretary to tour derecho damage in central Iowa
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is scheduled to visit central Iowa on Thursday to survey the damage from last month's derecho. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says there's certainly plenty to see, as the storm's powerful winds did significant damage to homes, businesses, utility poles, … [Read more...]
ISU Extension holding webinar on dealing with derecho crop damage
With millions of acres of Iowa cropland flattened by last month's derecho, a webinar is planned for tomorrow targeting Iowa farmers who need to address the challenges of managing those destroyed crops. While officials initially estimated 14-million acres were impacted, field agronomist Meaghan … [Read more...]
Attorney General holding office hours in Cedar Rapids for derecho questions
The Iowa Attorney General’s Office is setting up a temporary office in Cedar Rapids today and Wednesday. Spokesperson Lynn Hicks says Investigator Al Perales will be on hand. "Al will be there to answer any questions that consumers have regarding consumer protection issues after the storm," Hicks … [Read more...]