Fairfield News

Tender plants covered against the overnight cold were common in the area this morning. The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for tonight with a hard freeze expected and temperatures in the low to mid-20s. Those who didn?t cover tender plants last night might want to protect them tonight or face potential garden disaster in the morning.

Wednesday is the deadline for applicants seeking to replace Fairfield City Administrator Jeff Clawson, whose resignation takes effect April 27.Councilman Daryn Hamilton reported Monday 48 applications from 26 states have been received.The list of candidates will be narrowed to 10 for phone interviews Monday. The top five candidates will then be invited to Fairfield April 27 and 28 for tours of the city, ...

The Jefferson County Treasurer?s Office will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.The office will be closed to driver?s license and property tax services during that time.

Construction of the Fairfield Wastewater Treatment Plant?s backup generator is on schedule, councilman Daryn Hamilton reported Monday.He said the plant should be ready to switch to its new power system with the backup generator April 17.The $1.2 million project involved wiring throughout the plant and a small expansion of the existing control building. An upgraded emergency power system was mandated by the ...

A federal appeals court on Monday rejected a legal challenge to the Iowa commission that nominates candidates to serve on the Iowa Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by conservatives that challenged the Judicial Nominating Commission?s makeup at a time when the panel was vetting applicants to replace three justices ousted by voters after ...

Gov. Terry Branstad is stepping up pressure on Democratic lawmakers to move on his proposal to overhaul Iowa?s property tax system.Speaking at his weekly news conference Monday, Branstad noted he?s had positive meetings with lawmakers on the issue, but he concedes there?s no agreement on a package.Lawmakers are planning to devote most of their time this week to building a new state budget. They hope to end this ...

The Iowa Senate approved an education reform bill Monday that would give public school teachers more time to collaborate with their colleagues through peer reviews.The measure, passed on a 26-24 vote, will return to the House, which previously approved a sharply different version.Gov. Terry Branstad and Republicans who hold a House majority back a measure that calls for third-graders to meet reading benchmarks ...

These traffic charges were filed with the Jefferson County Clerk of Court:Karen L. Helmick, Douds, financial liability coverage.Jon Thomas Hickman, Quincy, Ill., speeding.Nancy Annette Moser, Burlington, speeding.Austin Douglas Twohawk, Vermillion, S.D., failure to wear a seat belt.

There is no snooze button. If you unplug it, a battery takes over. As wake-up time approaches, you cannot reset the alarm time.It could be the world?s most exasperating alarm clock.Once it goes off, to stop it you must get out of bed, go into the kitchen or bathroom, and punch the day?s date into a telephone-style keypad. That?s the only way to stop the loud ?ding-ding,? designed to sound like a customer ...

The Ernie Hinkle property in Birmingham is quite colorful right now with thousands of tulips in bloom. However, the national weather service has issued a freeze watch for this area for tonight which could put an end to the floral show.

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors voted this morning to join Eastern Iowa Airport?s foreign trade zone.?What this allows is our manufacturers and businesses, both existing businesses and new businesses, to participate in this. It will not cost the county or the taxpayers any money whatsoever,? supervisor Lee Dimmitt said.?This is a great economic development tool that we will be able to offer to not ...

PACKWOOD ? Using a portable radio to make a call for backup can make all the difference when rescuing people from a burning building or pulling a farmer out of a grain bin.Thanks to one local farmer and America?s Farmers Grow Communities, Packwood Fire and Rescue can continue to make those calls and keep its community and surrounding area safe.Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, gives farmers the ...