Energy Freedom: Iowa Family Cuts Power Use Dramatically
Dan and Kim Isbell, elementary teachers in the Vinton Shellsburg district, cut daily energy use from 46 kilowatts to about 3.5, converting heat to propane and adopting compact fluorescents and efficient appliances. They credit an Iowa Legislature program funding the Energy Center at Iowa State University, offering half the system cost as an interest free loan through a local lender, arguing it is a future investment comparable to buying an SUV.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dan Isbell
Kim Isbell
Vinton-Shellsburg
University of Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
Isbells
Iowa
Iowa Energy Center
Iowa State University
Isbell Family Builds Solar Wind Powered Home in Rural California
Dan and Kim Isbell retrofit their Vinton home with propane heating, compact fluorescent bulbs, and a high efficiency California refrigerator with triple insulation. They power the house with an 87 foot wind turbine delivering 1,500 watts and ten 12 volt solar panels adding 1,200 watts, with sun powering more than wind and a battery back up for three days. A solar oven also cooks chili when sun shines.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Isbells
Dan Isbell
Gothic Iowa scene sparks fundraising statues project
The 1930 painting American Gothic by Wood influences a new sculpture plan in Eldon Iowa. Seven sponsors including Guaranty Bank will fund fiberglass statues from a California firm. Statues will debut late spring, be sold later to raise funds, and face a review to avoid controversial designs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wood
Eldon
Iowa
Nan
B.H. McKeeley
Sarah Else
The
Renaissance Group
Guaranty Bank & Trust
Harold Becker
California
Heating aid fights over funding and deficits in energy relief
Gov Vilsack and Republicans clash over a supplemental heating assistance package as bills rise with a harsh winter. Vilsack proposed 20 million funded by extending a natural gas surcharge while Republicans push 15 million and deny further reallocations. Vilsack vetoed 2.5 million, trimming relief to about 10.5 million. He backed moving up to 6.5 million from groundwater protection to heating aid, a move Republicans defend as needed funding. The bill follows a tax suspension on utility bills and projects multiyear revenue impacts, with totals rising through 2007 and beyond.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Maniccia
Vilsack
Legislative
Also Mentioned on This Page
Dan
Vinton
Ished
David DeWitte
Davidd
Bolerolla Co
Peter Ie
Chicago
Michigan Avenue
Hanois
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