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Around the Region

A quick look at news from around the tri-state region.

WEST BURLINGTON, IA
Every Southeastern Community College students can now get extra help with their classes as the new Academic Achievement Center has been open on the West Burlington campus for about one month.

Joan Williams, VP for Student Services, says the facility is staffed with professional reading, math, and writing tutors.

She says prior to the new center, the college would only provide peer-to-peer tutoring for students who had specific academic needs.

A similar facility will open in Keokuk next month.

DES MOINES, IA
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says fewer than 100,000 deer were harvested during the 2013 season.

That's a 14% decline from 2012 and the lowest mark in roughly 20 years.

The agency says the reduced number will be taken into consideration during upcoming discussions on hunting seasons.

The number of licenses also fell by about 18,500 compared to 2012.

FORT MADISON, IA
Contracts talks are underway between Fort Madison and the unions representing workers at the public library and the water department.
    
The library employees want a $1/hour raise in the first year of a three-year deal, along with the elimination of a cap on maximum insurance coverage.

Wages and benefits would be negotiated in the final two years.

The only change being sought by the water department employees is a $1/hour wage increase during each year of a three-year-contract.

This as the city wants to freeze wages, require employees to pay more for health insurance and change vacation and sick leave policies.

WEST BURLINGTON, IA
Southeastern Community College hopes a scheduling change will lead to some extra students on campus.

The college is now offering "late-start" courses, which run 8-12 weeks and start during a semester.

Enrollment in the initial offerings, which include astronomy, history, and psychology, averages 12.

The "late-start" courses meet more often or for an extended period of time, compared to a standard 16-week course.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.