Gomers -- What's going wrong

FEWER MEALS FOR AT-RISK ELDERLY: Meals on Wheels is a long-established program that delivers nutritious meals to low-income, frail seniors. In this region, it's part of The Heritage Agency, which last year provided nearly 400,000 home meals in Linn, Johnson, Benton, Cedar, Jones, Johnson, Iowa and Washington counties. The number of participants rose 8 percent in fiscal 2013, while the agency saw its federal funding cut $44,000 - which meant 54,000 fewer meals delivered - and expects more cuts this fiscal year.

llll

TOO MUCH LEAD: Iowa's rate of lead poisoning is four times the national average, state health officials say. Children are especially vulnerable to this toxic substance, found in older lead-based paints, and some toys and jewelry, and in some soil and water supplies. Cedar Rapids resident Leslie Kung is leading local efforts to raise awareness and fix problems.

llll

SCAMMERS: “Phishing” scams for personal information are reaching University of Iowa students, faculty and staff via campus email in rapidly increasing numbers this semester. Many of the scams are quite convincing, and the UI is beefing up security efforts.

Comments: editorial@thegazette.com or (319) 398-8262