Gomers: What's Going Wrong

NO EXCEPTIONS, BATMAN: For the second consecutive summer, the caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will be closed - even though state experts found no signs of the deadly white-nose syndrome in hibernating bats there. Wildlife officials fear that human cave explorers may inadvertently contribute to its spread nationwide. The park also provides beautiful camping, picnicking and trail areas but the caves are the biggest draw and attendance dropped last year, which hurts the Maquoketa area's economy.

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JAVA JUMP: Coffee has long been a price-stable beverage. But prices on the international market have nearly doubled over last year, putting pressure on local coffee shops and other retailers to manage costs. Poors crops in Brazil and Colombia and exploding demand worldwide from such huge countries as China are blamed.

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TREKIE ALERT: No TrekFest in Riverside this year? The nearly 30-year-old event is at risk after the city council nixed a $10,000 grant the Riverside Area Community Club says it needs to stage the event for the city known as the future birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk of “Star Trek” fame.

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