Gomers: What's going wrong

MORE POVERTY: More Iowa children are living in poverty, according to the latest figures from Iowa Kids Count. In 2000, 10.8 percent of the state's children lived in homes with income below the government's poverty level.

As of 2007, the most recent data, the number grew to 13.7 percent. Given the economic recession of the past two years, the percentage may be even higher now. Another indication: In 2008, one-third of Iowa students were eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches.

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CLEAR THE WAY: The number of complaints about sidewalks not being cleared of ice and snow has increased over the past three years, Cedar Rapids officials say. The city is clearing walks where property owners don't respond to official notice, billing them at least $150 for the work. Three consecutive harsh winters are likely tied to the increase of complaints.

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SLOW THAW, PLEASE: With saturated ground and a heavier snowpack than the big flood years of 2008 and 1993, potential for major flooding this spring in Iowa is high. As of last week, Cedar Rapids was projected most at risk among Eastern Iowa cities.