WIUM Local

A Fort Madison tradition marked a significant milestone this year.

The Charlie Korschgen 4th of July Kiddie Parade got its start in 1913.

Andy Andrews was Grand Marshall for the 100th Anniversary of the event.

He has been involved in the organization of the Kiddie Parade for more than 50 years.

Andrews says it got its start when Korschgen decided to teach the neighborhood kids about patriotism and July 4.  He says the first parade had just 14 kids.

Macomb's downtown historic district presents the city with a chance to show off something unique. It also presents some challenges.

The big challenge facing aldermen this week concerned the level of oversight the city should have when building owners want to make changes to their facades.

Ron Purdum asked the city for permission to cover the seven-foot tall windows on the second floor of his building at 113 South Side Square.

“I see nothing wrong with it,” Purdum told aldermen. “It would eliminate the glass breakage. It would eliminate the heat loss or most of it.”

Carthage will take some extra measures to make sure festivities this week don't become “too hot.”

The city is expecting larger than usual crowds for the Independence Day celebration. This year the city is also marking the 175th anniversary of its founding.

Temperatures will peak in the 90s for the rest of the week.

Carol Carr is a member of the celebration committee.  It will provide sites where people can escape the heat.

Keokuk could have a new police chief in place by the end of the week.

Mayor Tom Marion is recommending Administrative Captain Dave Hinton for the post.

Hinton has been with the Keokuk Police Department for more than 20 years.

Marion says Hinton stood out from the other five candidates, who are also members of the department.

Veterans, past and current park board members, and others took part in the Veteran's Park dedication ceremony in Macomb.

“When you look at the young kids playing out here on any afternoon, that's what people served for. To provide that opportunity,” said Park Board President John Hemingway, who is a veteran.

During the ceremony, McDonough County American Legion Post 6 and Macomb VFW Post 1921 presented an American flag to Park District Executive Director Ray Peterson, who oversaw acquisition and development of the 80-acre site.

Carthage is trying a new solution to a persistent problem last year-water discoloration. The city's drinking water was never unsafe, just unsavory. It was frequently a dull green. The city liberally applied chemicals to the water with little effect.

Second-ward Alderman Gary Smith says the three aerators will bubble air through the lake. The action will thoroughly mix the layers of water and reduce algae formation.

He says, “This is kind of an ongoing process. It might take a year to get the lake rehabilitated.”