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by Bob Beach

Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad has received word that President Obama approved his request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 10 counties impacted by June severe weather. The counties included in the declaration are Allamakee, Benton, Buchanan, Butler, Cedar, Clayton, Delaware, Howard, Jones and Winneshiek.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director John Whitaker (left to right in top photo) visited Allamakee County Tuesday, July 30 to survey damage caused by flooding this spring.

by Kelli Boylen

by Bob Beach

Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler announced last week that the County has reached a settlement with SHF Industries, LLC, owner of the AgriStar meat processing facility in Postville, regarding unpaid property taxes. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, SHF Industries has paid the County a lump sum of $604,720.73 and all court proceedings related to the matter have been dismissed. The settlement covers the principal amount, but not interest of over $434,000 or legal fees incurred by the County totaling more than $168,000.

by Bob Beach

by Lissa Blake

Allamakee County has established a Flood & Storm Relief Fund to assist area residents and business owners who had to replace water heaters and/or furnaces or other heating units as a result of flooding that took place during the weekend of June 22-23. The reimbursement program will allot a maximum amount of $500 per household or business, with receipts or other proof of purchase required to participate in the program.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says there’s still plenty of restoration ahead after flooding in late June in Yellow River State Forest in Allamakee County. However, camping is open for business again, on a limited basis.