Area Retail Sales Up in 1st Qtr.

Des Moines County Supervisor Tom Broeker revealed some surprising retail numbers yesterday(Tues) — local sales were up 5% over last year in the first quarter.

Supervisor Jim Cary voiced his continuing frustration in working with the Regional Utility Service System…or RUSS…board, because two members…Mahaska and Wapello Counties…won’t pay their dues and keep blocking the other eight counties from making any agreements, because the vote has to be unanimous.  Cary says RUSS has a project it should be doing in the Mooar-Powdertown area, but it can’t happen if the two “rogue” counties continue to hold out.