The Sioux City Community School District is moving forward on a new Bryant Elementary, though it is still to be determined what the plan will be. The school board voted Monday to have Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman and his team meet with people who live near the current school. The district is still pondering the best site for a new school, whether it be on the current site, Leif Erickson Park or the Sunken Gardens and Hubbard Park.
Siouxland farmers welcome the second big snowfall in three weeks time. Sunday's storm is not a drought-buster, but ISU Agronomist Joel DeJong says snow melt gets into lakes and rivers which have a tendency to recharge the soil around them. DeJong says the soil needs about 6 to 8 inches of moisture this spring and another 14-inches during the growing season to give adequate moisture to crops.
With 800 new jobs in the last decade in Lyon County, Iowa, the county and Rock Rapids are facing a housing crunch. Leaders hope a property tax measure will spur housing development that will ease the housing shortage and boost its population. If passed, the measure would offer tax relief to builders of single family homes, apartments, and condos which are worth $10,000 or more. The program would also be open to those who are renovating homes. There's a 30-day public comment period on the measure which ends March 27th.
Sioux City city leaders looked at a plan that could cut the cost of the next election in half. Mayor Bob Scott and Councilman Keith Radig requested the county auditor reduce the number of polling places. The plan would create a handful of satellite stations to replace 30 polling places. The county auditor says the move would not keep people from casting their ballot because many vote absentee. The council has not set a date to vote on matter.
