Q. Many programs have been canceled due to 24-hour coverage of the floods, why did they then feel it was necessary to run six hours of golf on Saturday and continue airing it also on Sunday and Monday? How many viewers have been watching this?

A. "KWWL's decision to air U.S. Open golf coverage with flood information on the bottom of the screen, and with hourly flood updates, was designed to serve both audiences - those who wanted flood coverage and the many people who told us they wanted to watch the tournament. At that point, the floods were not generating "breaking news" developments. However, KWWL was prepared to return to more extensive coverage as warranted. Without wanting to diminish the significance of the floods, some viewers thanked us for giving them a little normalcy in the midst of the disaster," said Jon Okerstrom, KWWL news director.

Q. I'm in a Section 8 one-bedroom apartment; my utilities are included. My landlord put a lock on the digital thermostat so I can't turn the temperature up or down. Is that legal?

A. The Waterloo Housing Code states: "A dwelling unit shall be capable of maintaining a thermal environment healthy for the human body." Waterloo Fire Rescue interprets that provision to mean the landlord would be within their rights as long as this requirement is being met.

Q. Why are residents at Country View still allowed to smoke, since that means employees there can smoke, too? Isn't it unfair to other county employees who can't smoke on any other county property?

A. Residents of Country View can smoke outside the building in designated areas because it is their home. Employees, as of the interpretation of the smoking policy adopted July 1 for Black Hawk County government buildings, are not allowed to smoke on Country View grounds.

Q: Is smokeless tobacco included in the no smoking ban?

A: According to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Web site, the Smokefree Air Act pertains only to smoking, which is defined as "inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other tobacco product in any manner or in any form."

Q: When did the tax-free weekend come about?

A: The Iowa Sales Tax Holiday began in 2000 when it was passed by the Iowa General Assembly, according to the Iowa Retail Federation Web site. The holiday is always the first Friday and Saturday in August and does not include Sunday. This year the holiday lands on Aug. 1-2.

Q. Are there plans for Waterloo to get a new band shell?

A. We are not aware of any band shell plans. There are plans for an outdoor performance area as part of the Cedar River front amphitheater near the Center for the Arts. It is not going to be a "shell."