Ad-Express and Daily Iowegian, Centerville, IA

Local News

Share your thoughts!

The Daily Iowegian welcomes your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean. We reserve the right to remove comments that are obscene, racist or abusive and statements that are false or unverifiable. Repeat offenders will be blocked. You may flag objectionable comments for review by a moderator.
comments powered by Disqus
September 12, 2007

Albia officials say news release about new factory a hoax

By Dan Ehl - Managing editor

Albia and Monroe County economic development officials aren’t sure who sent out a news release about a new industry coming to town, but they are pretty positive it’s a hoax. At least they are hoping that a Chinese clothespin factory won’t be moving in a plant that will serve as a halfway house for “convicted sex offenders and others who have committed violent crimes.”

 Dan Tometich of the Albia Industrial Development Corporation said both the Daily Iowegian and Ottumwa Courier have called asking about an email from a real Chinese company called Linhai Hongyi Plc. If a new factory was coming to town, Tometich said, he is sure he would have heard of it.

The apparently bogus release stated, “Linhai Hongyi Plc. is pleased to announce plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Albia. When fully operational, the plant will employ a staff of approximately fifty-four employees.

“The facility, which will be located just south of the Albia city limits, will manufacture traditional wood spring clothespins.

“The plant will serve as a halfway house for convicted felons upon release or parole, and will consist of both residential and manufacturing components. Employees will live onsite in dormitory-style housing, complete with a cafeteria and pub, which will serve beer and wine but no hard liquor.

“The program will be available only to individuals deemed to be at a moderate to high risk of recidivism. Convicted sex offenders and others who have committed violent crimes will be subject to an extra level of screening prior to admission to the program. In order to achieve positive integration into the Albia community, employees will be encouraged to participate in local church and school volunteer projects.”

There is a Linhai Hongyi Arts & Crafts Factory in Baishuiyang, Zhejiang, China, as stated in the e-mail. The company promotional material says it is one of the biggest professional manufacturer of plastic and wooden pegs and was established in 1990.

Text Only
Local News
Featured Ads
Poll

This week the Iowegian wants readers to think about the recent decision by the Centerville Municipal Waterworks Board of Directors to increase the fee for late payment of water bills. In a story published in Wednesday's Ad Express, board members announced a 10 percent late fee after two days late, a $50 red tag fee for accounts unpaid after seven days late and a $25 shut off fee, water service terminated after two weeks late. The board said the decision to increase the fees associated with late payment is to encourage customers to pay their bills on time. So, the question this week is, "Are these fees too much to ask for?"

A. Yes, they are.
B. No, they are not.
C. I'm not affected so I don't care.
     View Results
Obituaries
Iowegian on Facebook
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com