WIUM Local

The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors appears willing to help one of the county’s largest employers.

Representatives of Great River Medical Center have approached the county about issuing $60-million in bonds on the hospital’s behalf.

The money being borrowed would be split between the construction of a new building and to refinance some of the hospital’s previous debt.

The Klein Center nursing facility will have about 160 bed, which is an increase compared to the current structure.

“Pretty Girl” is the name for a playful cat at the McDonough County Animal Shelter. She has called the shelter home since November. Like too many other cats there, she hasn't had a “bite” for adoption.

The Humane Society of McDonough County is hoping a March promotion will encourage more adoptions of cats.

Society board member Kathy Chambers said the group hopes to team up with the county to offer discounted adoption fees on cats for the month.

Lee County must wait a little longer to put its proposed budget for next year on display.

The Board of Supervisors was ready to set a public hearing on the roughly $26-million spending for Tuesday, Feb. 21.

That plan changed, though, after the county received an email from the state that said its proposed property tax rate must be changed.

CPC Administrator Ryanne Wood says Lee County brings in tax revenue to help pay for day-to-day services for those with mental health or other developmental disabilities.

Monmouth and Verizon have agreed, in principle, on a lease for an antenna on top of the city's water tower.

City Administrator Eric Hanson said Verizon will get more than just the antenna space.

He said, “We were able to negotiate an above-market rate for that space on the tower because they wanted to put in the ancillary building.”

Hanson said the building will house equipment.  It will be built on city property nearby.

Expenses will exceed revenues for the Macomb Park District this year, but its executive director said the loss can be absorbed.

The district projects it will spend around $1 million in its operating budget while taking in approximately $900,000. The operating budget covers just about everything the district does with the exception of capital projects.

Executive Director Ray Peterson said the district will rely on cash reserves to make up the difference.