Keokuk
A 6th person has been arrested as part of a meth-making investigation in Keokuk.
Lindsay Riddle, 26, of 1813 Bank Street has been charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine near a city park and in the presence of a minor.
The Lee County Narcotics Task Force says she faces up to 35 years in prison.
Authorities discovered items used in the “shake-and-bake” method of meth production while executing a search warrant at Riddle’s residence last month.
Fort Madison
Superintendent Ken Marang says the Fort Madison School District’s new 4th-8th grade building on the city’s west side is really taking shape.
He says there was a slight delay due to some settling issues with the foundation.
Marang says the warm weather has allowed crews to get back on track to complete the 115,000 square foot building by July.
He says a decision has yet to be made as to what will be done with the two buildings the new school will replace: Denmark Elementary and Fort Madison Middle School.
Keokuk
A group of Keokuk residents are preparing to sue the Board of Adjustment, after its ruling on Lexington Square’s proposed expansion.
Attorney Curt Dial says he needs a copy of the final ruling in favor of the nursing home for a court filing by some of the residents of Greenbrier Court.
They opposed the expansion because of how they feel it will impact their neighborhood.
The residents of Greenbrier Court also used the workshop to ask the city council why the nursing home was able to expand its parking lot without a city permit.
The city says it is reviewing its code to see if a permit was needed for the project.
Lee County
Lee County is looking to expand its economic development “tool box” through the development of a General Plan and an Urban Renewal Plan.
The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission plans to submit a proposal for doing the work during next week’s board meeting.
Executive Director Mike Norris says the General Plan will focus on a variety of issues: Economic Development, Transportation, Housing.
He says that plan will pave the way for the Urban Renewal Plan, which allows for the creation of TIF districts.
