Iowa's governor came to Sioux City to recognize a foundation that helps children attend private schools. Tuesday night, Terry Branstad honored the Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation. Over the past six years, it has provided more than $9 million dollars in tuition assistance to 12,000 students in 17 Catholic Schools in the Sioux City Diocese. The foundation relies on gifts from Iowa taxpayers who can deduct part of the donation from their taxes.
The head of the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System asks congress for more funding for it. Troy Larson says $200 million is needed for 200 more miles of pipeline. This week, 11 cities and rural water systems in Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota began receiving treated Missouri River water from the pipeline, but nine other cities are still waiting.
The South Dakota Supreme Court will expedite a hearing on the appeal of Hyperion's air quality permit for its proposed oil refinery in Union County. Hyperion officials say delays and litigation have prevented them from securing money from investors to move forward on the 10-billion dollar project. The hearing is set for October 3rd. Hyperion has to meet a March deadline to begin construction of the refinery.
National Farmers Market Week starts Sunday, but the state of Nebraska is kicking off the celebration Wednesday. Nebraska has more than 70 farmers' markets, including one in South Sioux City and 500 produce growers statewide. State Ag Director Greg Ibach says the week is a way to celebrate their hard work while enjoying some of the freshest produce available.
