Homers: What's going right

TO MARKET, TO MARKET: Iowans' interest in farmers markets is soaring, and that's good news for local economies. The number of markets has doubled since 1995, nearing 230, and is the second-highest per capita in the nation. Economic impact is estimated at nearly $60 million annually, nearly double from five years ago. Variety of offerings is also driving sales.

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GOOD RIDDANCE: Back-in angle parking along one street and two bridges in downtown Cedar Rapids, soon will come to an end, the City Council decided last week. We've heard mostly complaints since this experiment began in late 2008.

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ONE BILLION & COUNTING: Despite complicated disaster aid bureaucracy, Cedar Rapids and Linn County are piling up considerable state and federal assistance, though some is still in the pipeline. Aid for public infrastructure, individuals and businesses has topped $1 billion - still a fraction of total 2008 flood damages.

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IOWA LEADS: With Gov. Culver's signature, Iowa became the first state to approve all 10 of the Defense Department's priorities for supporting military members and their families.