The Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Association of REALTORS® and the Iowa Mortgage Association today announced the launch of the 2,500 Bucks homeownership month campaign. The campaign encourages Iowans to visit IowaHouseHunt.com throughout the month of June to learn about all aspects of buying a home in Iowa, including $2,500 down payment assistance grants, as well as a chance to win $2,500, no strings attached during the month of June.

The IowaHouseHunt.com web site is a new resource for Iowa home buyers, which provides information on the steps to purchasing a home in Iowa, a free home buyer education course, information about the Iowa Finance Authority’s programs and links to participating lenders and Realtors that can guide them through the process.

To participate in the 2,500 Bucks campaign, all Iowans, eighteen and older should visit IowaHouseHunt.com before July 4 to enter the sweepstakes for $2,500. A second chance to win $2,500 is available by visiting the Iowa Finance Authority facebook page and posting a photo of something that symbolizes “$2,500”. The entry with the most votes will win $2,500.

It won’t officially be summer for a few weeks yet, but many Iowans are already taking their summer road trips — and some of them will be riding on under-inflated tires. Anne Forristall-Lake, president of the Rubber Manufacturers Association, says only 17-percent of drivers surveyed know how to properly check their tire pressure. “Open the door and look on the inside of the driver’s side door for the little sticker,” Forristall-Lake says. “It also has the proper tire pressure for the tires on that particular car. It’s in the owner’s manual as well.”

When you check a tire’s pressure, the temperature of the tire is key. “Check your tires cold,” she says. “When you drive a tire, heat builds up and that causes inflation. If your tires are warm when you check them, you might get a false reading.” Every year, she says there are 11-thousand accidents nationwide that are tire-related. If you have a blow-out, you’ll need to change out the damaged tire for a spare, but some new vehicles don’t come equipped with a spare.

“Sixty-percent of people never check the pressure in their spare,” Forristall-Lake says. “If you’re lucky enough to still have an actual spare tire in your trunk, it’s important to make sure that you check the tire pressure and the condition of that tire as often as you’re checking your other tires.”

About one in three drivers don’t know how to tell if their tires are bald. To see if the tires are road-worthy, turn a penny upside down and stick it in the tire tread. If you can see the top of President Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tire.

(Radio Iowa)

The U-S Small Business Administration is offering a “Boots to Business Reboot” entrepreneurship training program for veterans and their spouses, Tuesday, June 28th, from 8:30-a.m. to 4:30-p.m., at the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce (149 W. Broadway), in Council Bluffs. Officials say “Boots to Business Reboot” introduces veterans to the fundamentals of business ownership, and leads participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and developing a business plan. It’s available for free to veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and their spouses.

Part one of the course is a one-day Introduction to Entrepreneurship program. Part two is an eight-week, online course “Foundations of Entrepreneurship,” led by instructors from the Institute for Veteran and Military Families at Syracuse University. It offers in-depth instruction on the elements of a business plan, techniques and tips for starting a business. Applicants must complete the one-day course to be eligible for the eight-week course.

The SBA says after completing “Boots to Business Reboot,” participants will have the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, connect with local resources, and launch their own small business.

The training program is free, but you’re responsible for the cost of your own lunch. To register, or for more information, call Vicky Corbin at 712-325-1000, or e-mail vcorbin@councilbluffsiowa.com.

Two men were arrested on drug charges in Creston this (Friday) morning. Creston Police say 18-year old Dyrrel Malik Thornton Culbertson, and 20-year old Fransisco Martinez, both of Creston, were arrested at 3-a.m. Culbertson was charged with Possession of Marijuana – 1st offense. Martinez was arrested for Possession of Marijuana – 2nd offense. Both men were later released from the Union County Jail on $1,000 bond, each.