Time to start pre-application process for DNR grants to help improve local lakes, rivers and streams

From DNR’s EcoNewsWire, 12/13/2018 “DES MOINES — The DNR is now accepting pre-application questionnaires for grant funding that helps locally-led groups develop water quality improvement efforts in Iowa communities. Offered by the DNR’s Watershed Improvement Program, Watershed Planning Grants help local groups passionate about improving water quality create a nine-element Watershed Management Plan, which identifies…

FISHING REPORT: High water stymies Cedar River fishing

Dropping a line in the Cedar River in Charles City this week is almost guaranteed to be relaxing. Chances are good you won’t be pulling in many fish.While high water is plaguing the river, other nearby fishing spots have more promise. Here are the latest fishing reports from the Iowa DNR for the Cedar River,…

Mayor Erb: Clean-up Day, bridge collapse and rural revival

By Charles City Mayor Jim Erb It’s spring time in Iowa, the planting season is almost here and we have a lot to anticipate this year.  The question is where does one start?  One starts with Spring  Cleanup, which is basically the same opportunity for our residents as has been available in past years.  The Cleanup…

Charles City closes river beneath crumbling bridge

CHARLES CITY — The crumbling of the old railroad bridge on the Charley Western Trail is not without a tinge of irony. “We approved an agreement just last Monday with a bridge engineering firm to inspect that bridge,” Charles City Administrator Steve Diers said Monday. “Needless to say we have more than inspection needs right…

Midway Bridge boat access could be ready by July

CHARLES CITY — A new boat ramp into the Cedar River could be ready as early as July. The river access will be next to the Midway Bridge south of Charles City. A state grant will cover $9,900 of the $13,300 estimated cost of the access. Floyd County will provide $3,400, according to minutes of…