Gomers

SCARCE FUNDS: The good news: In only five days, Iowa farmers snapped up $1.4 million in state cost share funds for new nutrient reduction strategies, showing just how eager farmers are to do their part to improve water quality in the state.

The bad news: There would have been a lot more money to help meet the demand if Gov. Terry Branstad hadn't vetoed a $11.2 million appropriation the Legislature approved this past spring for conservation practices.

We hope the governor pays attention to that demand, and that more funding becomes available for these important improvements next year.

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BORER SPREADS: Emerald Ash Borer larvae were found last week in Mount Pleasant, making Henry County the 10th county in Iowa in which the invasive pest has been confirmed.

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MONEY MISSING: A special investigation by the state auditor found that lax policies and poor oversight led to at least $74,000 in missing ticket revenue for the University of Iowa's Hawkeye Express from at least three Hawkeye game days during the 2011 season.

The train began transporting fans from Coralville to Kinnick Stadium in 2004. The UI has said that, beginning this season, the UI Parking and Transportation Department will handle all ticket sales and associated revenue.

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