Gazette Daily News Podcast, October 7 and October 8
Welcome to the weekend!
This is Stephen Colbert from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I’m here with your update for Saturday, October 7th, and Sunday, October 8th, 2023.
According to the National Weather Service, Saturday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Sunday, will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 65, cooling to a low around 39 Sunday night.
Iowa Democrats release details of mail-in caucus plan
Iowa Democrats will wait until Super Tuesday in early March to release the results of its planned mail-in caucus presidential preference contest that begins months earlier.
Iowa Democrats will be able to register for the mail-in absentee process starting Nov. 1, according to new details released by the party. Presidential preference cards will be mailed starting Jan. 12.
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart briefed reporters Friday ahead of a meeting of the Democratic National Committee's rules committee, which has yet to sign off on Iowa Democrats’ presidential preference plan.
Cedar Rapids considering rules for controlling feral cat population
A proposed ordinance intended to control the population of free-roaming cats in Cedar Rapids is causing concern among animal welfare activists over provisions that include setting a threshold for ceasing to feed to animals.
The changes, if adopted by the City Council, would make Cedar Rapids one of several cities in Eastern Iowa to adopt rules for “trap-neuter-return” — a common way of keeping community cat populations under control without having to euthanize them.
Family farms turning pumpkin patches, orchards into tourist draws
From new pumpkin patches to lavender fields to honey to maple syrup, family farms have become popular destinations for families to enjoy the outdoors, connect with farmers and the local food system, reduce screen time and entertain, educate and stimulate children.
Johnson and Washington counties have teamed up on a new marketing effort to create a regional brand and promote the area as an agritourism destination.
At the state and local level, government and business leaders have sought to promote and leverage Iowa’s natural assets and entrepreneurial farm operations to further grow agritourism and engage the public in Iowa’s agricultural operations, whether through farm or winery tours, cider houses, hay rides, apple- and berry-picking or other activities.
Besides the Johnson and Washington county effort in the Corridor, Linn County also is working to boost agritourism, seeing its potential to attract visitors.
Go to TheGazette.com to read our full interview with with Sarah Thompson, rural development director of Greater Iowa City Inc., about the effort and the potential to increase agritourism in Iowa.
Don’t forget to register for our free 2023 Iowa Ideas conference!
Iowa Ideas is an annual virtual conference designed to gather Iowans from all perspectives to explore, discuss and offer solutions on issues impacting the state. Every attendee has the ability to customize their own schedule, with over fifty sessions across nine tracks. The free virtual conference will take place October 12-13. Register for free at IowaIdeas.com.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
