Homers & Gomers

HOMERS: WHAT'S GOING RIGHT

AMERICAN GOTHIC:

The famous American Gothic House in Eldon will open to the public in April. Built in 1881, the house was used in the backdrop of Grant Wood's 'American Gothic” painting, which was painted in 1930 in Cedar Rapids. Saturday tours will begin April 11.

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AREA RIVERS:

According to the National Weather Service, there is a very slight chance the Cedar River will flood this spring. The weather service predicts that there is only a 7 percent chance the Cedar River will reach its 12-foot minor flood stage in Cedar Rapids and less than a 5 percent chance the Iowa River will reach its 22-foot minor flood stage in Iowa City.

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LOCAL ECONOMY:

Iowa State University and the city of Cedar Rapids have joined together to support the growth of the city's agricultural and bioscience-based industries. In an effort to boost the local economy, an ISU research and extension scientist will work with the city in developing new initiatives and opportunities for ag industries.

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GOMERS: WHAT'S GOING WRONG

TEACHER ARRESTED:

A Marshalltown teacher was arrested last week and charged with public intoxication. Carissa Bryant, a sixth-grade teacher at Lenihan Intermediate School, was placed on administrative leave after being arrested for teaching while drunk. Reports indicate her blood alcohol content was 0.19.

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BURNING OIL:

Fire broke out at a train derailment on Thursday near Galena, Ill. The BNSF cars, some of which were carrying Bakken crude oil, derailed causing the fire and the subsequent evacuation in a one-mile radius. Air and water quality will continue to be monitored by the company.

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TECHNOLOGY:

Bad news for the technology industry. Women are leaving the field due to a hostile male culture and lack of advancement. With computing jobs expected to double in the next five years, this could leave the industry with a shortage of qualified workers.

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