U-S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Tuesday, announced that 106 projects in 29 states, Guam and Puerto Rico have been selected for funding to produce renewable energy and make energy efficiency improvements. Among them, in Adair, Meadow Ridge Wind Energy, LLC is receiving a guaranteed loan of $582,000, that will be used to purchase and install a 1.5 million kW wind turbine. The turbine is expected to generate 5.77 million kWh of electricity annually, enough to meet the annual electricity requirements of more than 500 homes. And, Cumberland Rose Wind Energy, LLC will receive a $582,000 loan for a similar project. The projects are located in the Greenfield and Atlantic areas.

Funding is made available through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill.

REAP provides grants and loan guarantees for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to reduce energy consumption and costs, use renewable energy technologies in their operations and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. For a complete listing of recipients today, click here: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/rdREAPRecipientsAugust2012.pdf.

Officials with the Red Oak Police Department report one person was arrested early this (Wednesday) morning, on drug charges. 50-year-old Kelly Jo Cave, of Red Oak, was taken into custody for allegedly being in  possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. Cave was taken into custody in the 100 block of East Hammond Street in Red Oak at around 12:45 a.m.  She was being held in the Montgomery County jail on $2,000 bond.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A 33-year-old Arkansas man has admitted distributing crack cocaine in northwest Iowa. Federal prosecutors say Jamaron Bingham, of Osceola, Ark., was convicted Monday in federal court in Sioux City. He admitted conspiring to sell crack cocaine in the Sioux City area from November 2010 through August 2011.  Bingham told investigators that he usually drove to Arkansas every two weeks to pick up 2 to 4 ounces of crack and return to distribute it for sale. His sentencing date has not been set. Bingham faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. He has a previous conviction for selling cocaine.

Sheriff’s Officials in Montgomery County are investigating incidents of burglary and vandalism in Grant. Authorities received a report Tuesday morning about an attempted burglary at The Hayloft, in Grant. When deputies arrived, it was determined someone had tried to pry open the front door of the business, using an unknown tool. Damage to the door was estimated at $100. Less than an hour later, the Montgomery County Communications Center received a report of Criminal Mischief having occurred at a residence in the 200 block of south U Avenue in Grant. Officials say someone cut a car tire belonging to a resident in the community. The damage was estimated at $85.

Anyone with information pertaining to those incidents are encouraged to call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, or, Crimestoppers, at 1-800-432-1001.

(Used 5-p.m. Tuesday News)