United Group Insurance

Iowa early News Headlines: Tue., Nov. 17th 2015

News

November 17th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — MidAmerican Energy says a wind turbine being built in southern Iowa will be the nation’s tallest. The utility is building the turbine in Adams County as part of a 64-turbine development that should be completed by the end of the year. Unlike regular towers built of steel, the taller tower will be concrete. The tower will rise to 377 feet, compared to a typical 263 feet, and when the blade is added the height will reach 554 feet. That’s nearly as tall as the Washington Monument.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The chairwoman of Iowa Utilities Board is taking the unusual step of withholding funding from the state’s renewable energy research center until its leaders satisfy her questions about its programs. But Geri Huser’s move may violate a law that requires the funding be appropriated to the Iowa Energy Center at Iowa State University once it’s collected by the utilities board. If the delay continues, the center may have to suspend grant programs and lay off workers.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Health officials say two central Iowa men have died from the flu and the state now has one of the highest flu virus activity rates in the nation. The state Department of Public Health’s medical director says the men who died were 41 and 60 years old. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island currently have the highest rate of flu activity.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad says he wants to ensure state residents are safe following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, but that he may not have the authority to bar Syrian refugees from entering the state. Several governors said today they will bar refugees from their states, but federal officials say the governors lack the authority. The Republican Branstad acknowledged that states may not be able to take such action because it’s a federal program.