Gomers: What's going wrong

RED TAPE: It's been two years since a fire devastated downtown Maquoketa. Charred remains of a half block of buildings haven't been cleaned up. City officials blame the delay on paperwork required by the Environmental Protection Agency in obtaining a federal grant for cleanup work.

* * *

PLANES, FOG DON'T MIX: Four people were injured in two small-plane crashes within 24 hours of each other near The Eastern Iowa Airport a week ago. Extreme fog was a likely factor. Fortunately, no one died. Pilots must be instrument-certified to fly in such conditions. Early reports indicated that one of the pilots was not.

* * *

SCAMMERS: Always there are those who want to capitalize on tragedy. Better Business Bureau officials warned Iowans last week that scammers are trying to imitate the Red Cross texting system to raise money for Haitian earthquake victims. By texting the code “90999” and inserting “HAITI” in the text message, donors could send $10 to the Red Cross, billed to the customers' cell phone account. Be sure to verify the legitimacy of any solicitor before you give. One tool is www.bbb.org/charity