Friday, February 27, 2009

Home Foreclosure

State Representative Larry Marek is backing a plan to prevent foreclosures on Iowa homes. Four proposed bills deal with the subject. One would make it illegal for bankers or brokers to mislead borrowers or make false statements. They also would not be able to charge fees for loans that don't materialize, or accept undisclosed compensation for their service. Another bill would mandate that homeowners are given the number to a foreclosure hotline at the beginning of a foreclosure. Finally the foreclosure on homes of military reserve member or their family while serving on active duty would be prohibited.

Washington School Facilities Consultants

Washington Community Schools is in the process of having their facilities reviewed by a consultant, who intends to provide the district with a recommendation, most importantly the high school. Board President Eric Turner says these two consultants have been working with the Iowa School Boards Association, and have reviewed other districts for the association. He says the Washington board felt their services would be useful, so the consultants are carefully looking at all of the district's facilities as well as past plans presented to voters. Turner says in the end they will provide the board with a concise recommendation concerning buildings in the district.

Kalona Rec Center

The Kalona Rec Center may have received some damage this winter with the snow and melting ice. Todd Fitzsenry the Parks and Recreation Director says there may have been a leak into the building from the roof that has caused some damage to the racquetball courts. Fitzsenry says he has spoken with the Kalona City Council and they are aware of the problem and will be working on getting a builder to look at the building and see what can be done.

Disaster Area Taxes

Special income tax benefits apply to many who were affected by the natural disasters in the Midwest last summer. Phyllis Zalenski, Family Resource Management Specialist with the Iowa State University Extension says even those who did not suffer direct property losses may be eligible for tax benefits. Some counties are eligible for all the tax provisions while others are eligible only for some of the tax benefits. The best thing is for people to consult a tax expert and to always ask questions.

IMS boys move to sub-state

The IMS boys basketball team has made it to sub-state. IMS beat Central City last night 62-51 in the district final game. They next will play Prince of Peace for the right to go to Des Monies and play in the state tournament a week from Monday. Prince of Peace is 19-5 while IMS is 23-1, their only loss was to 3A Keokuk. Tomorrow's sub-state game will be played at Cedar Rapids Prairie and will start at 6:30pm.

Water Shop Open House

The Water Shop in Kalona has been growing and they have decided to show the public what they do. Co-Owner Audrey Miller says they are holding the open house to show their appreciation for the support that they have received from the area community and to give them an opportunity to see the facility and what they have to offer. The open house is Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Home Shopping Extravaganza

If you missed out on saving with the Home Shopping Extravaganza, you'll have another chance but the times will be very different. KCII is returning to the air with our radio auction and items will be starting at 60% off. The auction will be Saturday morning from 7:30-9am, then there will be a break for the Coaches Corner, and then back on the air from 11am-12pm. You can also join us on Monday from 8am-12pm.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

National Award To Washington For Blood Drives

The organization, America's Blood Centers is presenting a national award to the City of Washington. Iowa Blood Drives Bi-Monthly Civic Sponsorship Rotation puts on blood drives in the community throughout the year to generate donations for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Yale Jarvis coordinates the drives. He received a letter from America's Blood Centers saying Washington is going to be awarded the 12th Annual National Humanitarian Service Award. The award recognizes a civic group that has encouraged the spirit of volunteering.

Sheriff's Office Move Delayed

The Washington County Sheriff's Office will soon be relocating to the new jail but their moving plans have been delayed slightly. Sheriff Dunbar says they were hoping to be moved out there last week. Dunbar says the person that is helping switch systems, such as the phones, has been ill and if he can't make it out this week, the office may have to wait a couple more weeks for the move. The sheriff says the main purpose for the move is to be able to quickly address problems that may come up at the jail.

New Chamber Director Starting Friday

The Washington Chamber's new director will start on the job Friday. The chamber board announced last week they had hired Tim Coffey. Coffey has been running a fund raising consulting firm in Washington primarily working with non-profit groups. He says as he takes the position he wants to work closely with WEDG and Main Street Washington to market the city in a higher visibility way. He also would like to make the benefits of being a chamber member more visible, with the hope of increasing membership.

Former Keokuk Resident Accused Of Murder In Missouri

Missouri officials have charged a former Keokuk County resident with first degree murder in the death of his roommate who also used to live in Keokuk County. According to Daviess County Sheriff Officials, Carlos Sarmiento is accused of killing Lance Davis. Keokuk County Sheriff Jeff Shipley says both men used to live in Keokuk County about two or three years ago.

Attorney Generals Warns Of Phishing Scams

The Washington Chamber of Commerce has recently circulated a warning issued by the Iowa Attorney General's Office warning of various phishing scams going around the state. Bob Brammer with the Attorney General's Office says these scams primarily involve email or text messages. He says they all are seeking personal information from you such as social security number or credit card number. Brammer says legit companies don't ask for such information in email. He says the only time you should be asked for your credit card number, is if you have gone to a website, selected items to purchase, and are closing out the purchase. Finally Brammer says while many times you may hear of individuals being scammed, small businesses should also be cautious.

Mid Prairie Home School

The Mid-Prairie Home School Supervisors are talking to the state lawmakers about Home School Drivers ed. Superintendent Mark Schneider says he hasnt really studied the issue too much yet. Schneider says he has a lot of faith in the home school department and believes that they would not be going after something if it didn't have merit. Schneider says the home schooling teachers at Mid-Prairie are some of the best he has worked with.

Fruit Tree & Brambles Clinic

Wondering how to get the most out of fruit trees? Keokuk County Extension Education Director Gary Bickmeier says they have a clinic coming up that covers just that. He says the Fruit Tree and Bramble Care and Selection clinic will look at several things including how to properly care for fruit trees. The program will be March 12th at 5:30 at Marie Atwood's across from the Sigourney John Deere. The cost is ten dollars and to register you can call 800-515-2680.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Sextro Contract Renewed

The Washington School Board President says the district's interim superintendent's work and help dealing with the district's budget was key in the board's decision to keep him another year. Board President Eric Turner says he feels many are pleased with Interim Superintendent Dave Sextro's performance in his first year in the district and Turner feels he's brought some trust back to the district. Sextro was hired at the beginning of the school year for one year after Dave Schmitt resigned in August.

Mourning loss of employee

The Riverboat Casino and Golf Resort is mourning the loss of one of their employees. Spokeswoman Sharon Haselhoff says Tina O'Leary of Lone Tree had been a dealer at the casino since they opened and a model employee. Haselhoff says the casino wants to extend their deepest sympathies to family and friends of Tina O'Leary and her tragic loss will be felt throughout the company. O'Leary was the victim of a murder suicide in Lone Tree over the weekend.

Work Release Area at Jail

Washington County Supervisors have approved putting the project to build the work release area of the county jail out to bid. The supervisors have had the item on their agenda the last couple of weeks but wanted to get a few questions answered, primarily if additional work would affect warranties on equipment and systems in the current facility. After receiving a report that it wouldn't be a problem they approved a bid letting for March 24. The work release area and a covered drop off area were in the original plans but the county wanted to get the main facility constructed first and then make sure there was enough money approved by voters for the add-ons.

Demon Basketball

The Washington Demon girls' basketball team saw their season come to an end last night, one game short of the state tournament. Last night in Fairfield, the Keokuk Chiefs beat the Demons 44-36. Demon Head Coach Phil Long says he felt his team left all on the floor and that's what he wanted. It is the furthest the Demons have been in the post season tournament since they last qualified for state in 2002. This was the first Regional Final team Phil Long as taken as head coach and comes in his fourth season.

Mid Prairie Honors Retirees

The Mid Prairie School Board honored the teachers that are retiring at the end of the school year. At the board meeting on Monday, 4 teachers were presented a plaque for their outstanding achievements and years of service to Mid Prairie. Being honored were Special Education teacher Mr. Dalton, who has been with mid prairie for 11 years; Librarian Mrs. Conway, who has been there for 22 years; and Reading Teacher Mrs. Shellady and Band Teacher Mrs. Curtis who have both been with Mid Prairie for 31 years.

Public Library Programs for kids

The Washington Public Library has a few programs coming up for local little ones. Story time for preschool readers will start next Tuesday at 9:30. Wee Read for toddlers with an adult will be Tuesday at 10:30. Also the library will put on Create Your World a creative writing club for writers K-5th grade which begins next Wednesday at 4:00 pm. And for a little older kids, the Scribblers Club, a teen creative writing club for 6th-12th graders begins Monday at 4:00 pm. You can register at the Washington Public Library's front desk.

Story Times

During the month of March, on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:00am in the childrens area of Kalona Public Library, the Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia will be holding story times for preschoolers. Tartaglia says story times help build early childhood literacy skills through listening, finger plays, rhymes and songs. The story time themes for March are as follows: Dr. Seuss, Leprechauns, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Fairytales & Knights. Melina Lagios. Also a guest librarian at the Kalona Public Library will conduct the March 18th story time in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Eric Carles, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. For additional information, contact Marissa at 319-656-3501.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Washington Man One Of Two Found Dead In Lone Tree

The body of a Washington man was one of the two bodies found in a Lone Tree home over the weekend. According to the Johnson County Sheriff's office 51 year old Timothy Mellinger of Washington died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound in a murder suicide. The other body discovered was that of 39 year old Tina O'Leary who died of asphyxiation. The Sheriff's office and Iowa DCI say Mellinger and O'Leary were involved in a relationship that ended around Thanksgiving last fall. They suspect Mellinger killed O'Leary and then took his own life.

Highway 22 Road Work

Roadway patching today will reduce Iowa 22 to one lane in the city of Riverside, according the Iowa Department of Transportation. The patching project is set to run from Iowa 1 to U.S. 218 and be completed by late this afternoon. Flaggers will be in place to assist motorists through the work zone.
The Iowa DOT urges motorists to caution in the area, obey flagger instructions and posted signs, reduce distractions and always wear seat belts.

Schmitz Stance On Prevailing Wage

State Senator Becky Schmitz says she supports the idea of state lawmakers passing a prevailing wage bill. Such a bill would require workers on projects funded by state dollars, be paid by the typical wage for the area identified by the state labor department. Schmitz says this practice is used in many cases today when the state uses federal money on projects and will be used when stimulus package money comes to Iowa, so it's not an out of the box proposal. Schmitz said at a weekend town hall meeting in Washington that she'd vote for such a bill. However, Schmitz says since it couldn't pass in the House, it is highly unlikely they'll spend time introducing such a bill in the Senate. Opponents of prevailing wage have expressed concern about being forced to pay a higher wage, could drive up governmental project costs.

County Supervisors

Washington County Supervisors will again consider bidding out the project to build the work release area of the county jail. The area was included in the original plans, but the county held off to make sure there was enough money in what voters approved to build the work release area. Now that they are comfortable there is a enough money they plan to bid the project. However, supervisors have held off approving putting the job out to bid because there have been concerns about how much responsibility the original builder would have and if warranties will be affected if additions are made. The supervisors meet this morning at 9:30.

Teacher In-Service

You probably know how your child spends a teacher in service day, but what about their teacher? One of the ways Washington Community School District has used in-service days this year to implement a standard practice for teachers in the district designed to improve student reading comprehension. District Curriculum Director Veta Thode says some of these include stating what will be covered in the class, writing it on the board, reading to or with students, and giving very detailed explanations not assuming prior knowledge of a subject. Thode says these are non-negotiable practices that apply to all teachers.

Wellman Water Supply

The Wellman water supply is getting a make over. City Administrator Dave Ross says everything seems to be going well in getting the new reverse osmosis system put in. Ross says they are working with H.R. Green Company and getting all the details worked out and they should have a construction date set very soon. Ross says that even though the water bill will rise to pay fore the system it is worth it in the long run, he says the water people will receive is cleaner and healthier than it has ever been.

Demons Girls Basketball Team in Regional Final

In local sports, the Washington Demon girls basketball team will play the Keokuk Chiefs tonight for the right to go to the state tournament next week. The Demons reached the Regional Final round after beating Mount Vernon on Saturday. Tonight's game was originally scheduled to be played at Iowa City Regina, but the state has moved the game to Fairfield, and will start at 8-pm instead of 7-pm. You'll be able to hear the game on KCII we'll be on the air around 7:45 with the pre-game show. You can also listen to the game at www.kciiradio.com .

Kalona Elementary Playground Projec

The Kalona Elementary School Playground Improvement Committee is conducting a Caseys Partnership Card fundraiser from March 2nd to March 27th, Jan Knebel, Playground Improvement Chairperson sa

Monday, February 23, 2009

Marek Votes No Prevailing Wage

A state lawmaker from Washington County ended up being the deciding vote in the house on the prevailing wage bill in. The bill would have required a wage set by the labor department be used on projects involving state money. The wage would be based on the average wage in the area. Representative Larry Marek says he wasn't pressured to vote for it as much as some reports suggest. He says in the end he represents the people in the county and the district and received input from numerous people against it so he voted against it Friday. The bill failed on a 50-50 vote. In addition to the input from constituents, Marek was also concerned the bill would increase the costs of several large projects coming up in the county. Marek made his remarks at a legislative briefing on Saturday in Washington; you can hear that briefing at kciiradio.com

County Budget

The budgeting process is continuing for Washington County Supervisors. Supervisor Wes Rich says going in they decided to give county employees a 3.5% salary increase except for the supervisors themselves. They also asked that departments keep their budgets to around the amount they had this fiscal year and not to go over 1.5%. He says they have not reached a bottom line point yet, they have still been working on budget work sessions, but the process will be coming to a close soon.

Underage Drinking Law

State Lawmakers are considering legislation comparable to Washington's ordinance that makes it illegal to knowingly allow minors to consume alcohol on your property. County Attorney Barb Edmondson says one thing being looked at is altering the state law that makes it illegal to provide alcohol to minors to also make it a crime to knowingly allow minors to consume on your property.

Military Academy Appointments

Congressman Dave Loebsack is looking for area students interested in attending one of the military academies. Representative Loebsack says there is a shortage of mid-level career officers in the armed forces. The only way a student can attend one of the academies is through congressional appointment. You can find information about applying for a nomination at Representative Loebsack's website, www.loebsack.house.gov

Kalona Days

Kalona Days are being prepared. Kalona Days Chairman Dave Finley says the organizational meeting for new and returning committee members is scheduled for tomorrow at 5:00 PM in the Kalona Chamber Building. Finley says this years event will be presented on June 19 20 in the streets of downtown Kalona in celebration of Kalonas 130th birthday.

New Geothermal System

The WACO School District is still getting a new geothermal system installed. Superintendent Greg Ray says the system was supposed to be completed by the New Year. He says the construction process has been hit with many obstacles such as weather. Ray says he has spoken to the school board and informed them that the system should be installed by the end of the year and will be able to activate the system by the beginning of the next school year.

Movie Day

The Kalona Library will be holding a movie night this Thursday. Youth Services Librarian, Marissa Tartaglia says when schools are cancelled or get out early they like to hold activities at the library to give the kids something constructive to do. She says in conjunction with the early-out on Thursday the 26th, the Kalona Public Library will be showing the movie Wall-E from 1:30pm to 3:10pm.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Underage Drinking Law

State Lawmakers are considering legislation, comparable to Washington's ordinance, that makes it illegal to knowingly allow minors to consume alcohol on property. County Attorney Barb Edmondson says one law being looked at is altering the state law that makes it illegal to provide alcohol to minors and to also make it a crime to knowingly allow minors to consume alcohol on property. 

Military Academy Appointments

Congressman Dave Loebsack is looking for area students interested in attending one of the military academies. Representative Loebsack says there is a shortage of mid-level career officers in the armed forces. The only way a student can attend one of the academies is through congressional appointment. You can find information about applying for a nomination at Representative Loebsack's website,www.loebsack.house.gov.

Kalona Days

Kalona Days are continuing preperations. Kalona Days Chairman Dave Finley says the organizational meeting for new and returning committee members is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:00 pm in the Kalona Chamber Building. Finley says this year's event will be June 19 and 20, in the streets of downtown Kalona in celebration of Kalona's 130th birthday.

Movie Night

The Kalona Library will be holding a movie night this Thursday. Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia says when schools are cancelled or get out early they like to hold activities at the library to give the kids something constructive to do. She says in conjunction with the early-out on Thursday, the 26th, the Kalona Public Library will be showing the movie Wall-E from 1:30pm to 3:10pm.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Legislative Briefing

State Senator Becky Schmitz and Representative Larry Marek are coming to Washington to update residents on issues state lawmakers are working on. The Chamber is putting on the Legislative update which will be in the county courthouse this morning at 10. If you can't make it, you can listen to KCII at 1pm as we will broadcast a recording of the update on the radio and online atwww.kciiradio.com

Parents as Driving Teachers

The Mid Prairie Home School Program is trying to get a bill passed through legislation. Home School Supervising Teacher Andrea Farrier says it looks like they have democratic sponsorship in both the house and the senate for parent-taught driver's education for home schooling families. She says things are not finalized yet but the bills have been submitted to LSA, and she is very hopeful about their potential to get out of the transportation committees and to the floor for debate.

Prevailing Wage

Two Washington County Supervisors went to Des Moines to voice their opposition to the prevailing wage bill. Supervisors Adam Mangold and Wes Rich left yesterday. Mangold says after reading the proposed legislation, his interpretation is that a wage would be set by the state from information they gather from workers around the state, and that would be applied to all projects in which state money is used. Mangold says he feels this will increase the costs of projects to local governments. Mangold says according to Iowa Republican Party officials, they believe State Representative Larry Marek from Riverside will be the deciding vote. Marek said last Saturday he planed to vote against, then this week it is Mangold's understanding he changed his mind. Now after talking to constituents again, Mangold believes Marek will vote against it. 

Stimulus Money for Education

Earlier this week Iowa Congressman Dave Loebsack reported to the Washington School District, they'd get around $500,000 from the stimulus package, but it may not be that simple. Interim Superintendent Dave Sextro says the Iowa Department of Education says that the money will be earmarked for title one education. Sextro says the department is urging districts to sit back and relax until they get final notification on how much will be coming. According to Sextro title one is a program that gives students who struggle with reading and math extra help to bring them up to their grade levels.

Tax Preparation Awareness

As you prepare your taxes this year, there might be a few credits you are able to claim that you might not have known about. ISU Extension Family Resource Management Specialist Mary Wienand says one you want to be aware of is the earned income credit. She says because people's situation may change, such a change may have put them within the requirements to be able to claim the earned income credit which can be worth as much as $4800. She also says some tax payers are unaware there is a $500 credit for childcare on your state taxes. Finally you might be eligible for free tax preparation assistance. You can learn more at www.irs.gov.

Read Across America

Students in Kalona Elementary School will join millions of their peers across the country to celebrate the ninth annual National Education Association's Read across America Day on Monday, March 2. Second Grade Teacher, Kerri Bell says NEA's Read Across America Day, which falls on Dr. Seuss's birthday, expects more than 45 million readers, both young and old, to pick up a book and read. Kalona Elementary Family Literacy Night will be Monday, March 2 from 6-7:00p.m. in the Kalona Elementary Media Center

Wellman House Fire

The investigation into a Wellman house fire has been concluded. The fire seriously damaged a home owned by Tim Hathaway. Wellman Fire Chief Jeff Fair says the home was engulfed in flames before they arrived on the scene. Fair says the home was so badly damaged there was no way to conclude what had started the fire. The home is considered a complete loss. He says the investigation has been closed.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Senator Grassley visits

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley held a town hall meeting in Washington, and talked a little about congressional efforts to address the economy. Senator Grassley says the government is not wanting to be in the bank investment business, so the hope is banks will buy back the stocks the government has purchased in the next two years. He says the government did something similar with Chrysler about thirty years ago. Yesterday's meeting was part of a bigger series of meetings Grassley is holding to gather input from constituents.

Schmitz Labor

The recent discovery of the activities at the Atalissa turkey processing plant and at the meat packing plant in Postviille, has State Senator Becky Schmitz calling for stronger enforcement. At Atalissa it was discovered mentally disabled men were living in poor conditions and at Postville, child labor laws were being violated. Schmitz says the state needs to address these problems. She says failure to enforce labor protection laws especially those concerning wages, cheats workers, drives down wages and is unfair to those businesses compliant to labor laws.

County Attorney vs. Underage Drinking

Washington County's Attorney was recently at the State Capitol talking about ways Washington has fought underage drinking. Barb Edmondson spoke at a press conference sponsored by Iowa Alliance of Coalitions for Change. It's a youth coalition formed to fight underage drinking. Edmondson describes strategies to reduce underage drinking such as social host ordinance passed both by the City of Washington and the county. She also serves on state and national committees that address juvenile issues such as underage drinking.

Demon Dash for Cash

Washington Community Schools and Bodywrx are putting on a 5K Run/Walk and Mile Run/Walk to raise money for local schools. They are calling Demon Dash for Cash, Teri Hartzler is the chair of the event. She says it will be April 18th at the Washington Junior High. The proceeds go towards the purchase of books for the media centers and libraries for the four schools in the district. Hartzler says there are sponsorship packages available.

Paving Work

Kalona will be getting new paving work done. The Kalona City Council approved moving ahead on paving 10th Street from Highway 22 to the middle school by beginning to bid for design work. One block of F Avenue would also be paved. City Administrator Doug Morgan said the engineers had given the probable cost at $149,000. The street would most likely have 7 inches of concrete at 31 feet in width. He noted the entrance to the school was currently 25 feet wide, so the last block of the paving project would narrow to conform to the school entrance. The City Council agreed that this paving work should be number one priority this year.

Valentine Craft Event

The Kalona Library held a Craft Event on Valentines Day. Youth Services Coordinator
Marissa Tartaglia says on Valentines Day kids came to the library to make different things. Tartaglia says youth have been coming to the library more and more, she says every week it seems that more kids are attending the library and participating in different events such as the craft event and reading groups.

ISU Crawfordsville Research Farm Educational Meeting and Annual Meeting

Everyone is invited to the ISU Crawfordsville Research Farm Educational Meeting. The annual meeting for the SE Iowa Agricultural Research Association will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5 in the Washington County Extension office in Washington. Gary Bickmeier, the Keokuk County Extension Education Director says after a short business meeting, Kevin Van Dee, farm superintendent for the SE Iowa Research & Demonstration Farm will give an update on research occurring on the farm. Again the event will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5 in the Washington County Extension office in Washington.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Washington Y Director

The Washington Community Y will be looking for a new director. Darren Pickles has accepted a job in the Lancaster metro area in Pennsylvania. He will be the branch director for the Lancaster Y which is opening a new 45,000 square foot facility on 10 acres of land. Pickles says this opportunity just kind of fell on him and it was the toughest decision he's had to make. Pickles last day at the Washington Community Y is March 6th.

Prevailing Wage

One Washington County Supervisor is opposed to the idea of requiring prevailing wage on state funded projects. Supervisor Wes Rich says lawmakers are looking at requiring the area's prevailing wage be used on projects that involve state money. Rich says the requirement of using prevailing wage will likely force projects to cost more which could lead to higher taxes.

Kalona Days

Kalona days aren't far off and they'll need a new committee chair. Dave Finley says because of the lack of support from the chamber he has resigned from the Kalona Days committee. Finley says he thought the chamber would give the committee the money they raised last year to help with this year's Kalona Days, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Finley says they have been invited to a special Kalona Chamber of Commerce meeting to be held in the chamber building, tomorrow morning at eight to discuss the funding of Kalona Days.

All-State Showcase

The Washington High School Speech team is sending three events to Ames to perform at the All-State Speech Festival, and they are asking for your help. The students are heading up Friday and will perform on Saturday. To help with costs for the trip they will be performing for local residents tonight at the high school auditorium. They'll take donations at the door to help with the costs of the trip. The performance starts at 7:30pm.

Kalona Elementary Playground

The Kalona Elementary Playground Improvement Committee is asking the Kalona City Council for help with their project. Kerri Bell says they started raising money to improve the playground at Kalona Elementary in 2006 and they have raised over $86,000. She says they still need to raise up to $250,000 to complete the project.

Flood Rebuilding Seminar

Louisa Count Extension is putting on a seminar geared towards homeowners rebuilding or remodeling after the summer flood. The Flood Rebuilding Seminar is sponsored by Iowa State University and Louisa County Extension. Louisa County Extension Education Director Kathy Vance says the all day seminar will bring together specialists from Iowa State University and Iowa Community College to provide the latest information in their fields. The seminar will be held at the Oakville Community Building in Oakville on Monday, March 2. To register or for more information contact the Louisa County Extension office at 319-523-2371.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

$500,000 to Washington Schools

The national stimulus bill President Obama signed yesterday should be sending extra money to Washington schools. U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack of Iowa visited Washington school district yesterday and reported the district would receive an estimated $500,000. He says the district can use the money as it sees fit.

New Chamber Director

The Washington Chamber of Commerce has named a new director. The board has hired Tim Coffey as their new executive director. Coffey moved to Washington in 2001 from Mason City and opened Coffey and Associates, which is a fund raising consulting business. Chamber Board President Sue Basten says Coffey brings an incredible amount of non-profit experience and will bring a new type of energy and enthusiasm to the chamber. Coffey replaces Susan Wellington who left to become the executive director of Lending Hands Adult Day Care.

City Council Meeting

The Washington City Council has a public hearing tonight on allowing the city to guarantee the repayment of capital loans using property taxes. City Administrator Dave Plyman says they are looking at issuing $3.5 million in bond notes for a project. This tells the investor that the city guarantees the note will be repaid and if needed, the city will levy property taxes to repay the loan. The hearing will be part of the council's meeting tonight at seven at the Washington Public Library.

Recycling Center

A reduction in the value of materials collected at the county recycling center is causing the Supervisors to have to commit more money to its operation. Washington County Supervisors took action yesterday to allocate $28,0000 provided the city also funds the recycling center at that level. The $28,000 is up from $16,000 this fiscal year. Supervisor Jim Rosein told fellow supervisors the reason for the increase is the value of the recycled materials has declined.

Kalona City Council

The Kalona Historical Village is very thankful to the city council. The Kalona Historical Village Executive Director Steve Reif was present at the city council meeting on Monday to stand before the council and attendees to express the villages heartfelt thanks. The city council approved the villages request to help with funds to help pay some expenses.

Improv night at Kalona Library


Improv night is coming to the Kalona Library. Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia says there will be around six or seven teens that will be putting on a show for the public. She says the show will be like the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway. Tartaglia says the Teen Advisory Group will be the participants and it will be Monday at 6:45pm in the Kalona Library.

Riverside City Council

The Riverside City Council is looking at projects coming up within the next year. City Clerk Tina Thomas says the City Engineer spoke to the city council on Monday about going to bid for work on a commercial road in Riverside. Thomas also says the council set a date for a public hearing on the 2009-2010 budget estimate. The date for the public hearing will be on March 9th at 6pm.
$500,000 to Washington Schools
The national stimulus bill President Obama signed yesterday should be sending extra money to Washington schools. U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack of Iowa visited Washington school district yesterday and reported the district would receive an estimated $500,000. He says the district can use the money as it sees fit.

New Chamber Director
The Washington Chamber of Commerce has named a new director. The board has hired Tim Coffey as their new executive director. Coffey moved to Washington in 2001 from Mason City and opened Coffey and Associates, which is a fund raising consulting business. Chamber Board President Sue Basten says Coffey brings an incredible amount of non-profit experience and will bring a new type of energy and enthusiasm to the chamber. Coffey replaces Susan Wellington who left to become the executive director of Lending Hands Adult Day Care.

City Council Meeting
The Washington City Council has a public hearing tonight on allowing the city to guarantee the repayment of capital loans using property taxes. City Administrator Dave Plyman says they are looking at issuing $3.5 million in bond notes for a project. This tells the investor that the city guarantees the note will be repaid and if needed, the city will levy property taxes to repay the loan. The hearing will be part of the council's meeting tonight at seven at the Washington Public Library.

Recycling Center
A reduction in the value of materials collected at the county recycling center is causing the Supervisors to have to commit more money to its operation. Washington County Supervisors took action yesterday to allocate $28,0000 provided the city also funds the recycling center at that level. The $28,000 is up from $16,000 this fiscal year. Supervisor Jim Rosein told fellow supervisors the reason for the increase is the value of the recycled materials has declined.

Kalona City Council
The Kalona Historical Village is very thankful to the city council. The Kalona Historical Village Executive Director Steve Reif was present at the city council meeting on Monday to stand before the council and attendees to express the villages heartfelt thanks. The city council approved the villages request to help with funds to help pay some expenses.

Improv night at Kalona Library
Improv night is coming to the Kalona Library. Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia says there will be around six or seven teens that will be putting on a show for the public. She says the show will be like the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway. Tartaglia says the Teen Advisory Group will be the participants and it will be Monday at 6:45pm in the Kalona Library.

Riverside City Council
The Riverside City Council is looking at projects coming up within the next year. City Clerk Tina Thomas says the City Engineer spoke to the city council on Monday about going to bid for work on a commercial road in Riverside. Thomas also says the council set a date for a public hearing on the 2009-2010 budget estimate. The date for the public hearing will be on March 9th at 6pm.

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Sue Basten, Washington Chamber of Commerce Board President Hiring a new chamber director
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa
12:50 p.m. Wes Rich, Washington County Supervisor
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

News Photo Archive

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

U-S Representative Loebsack's visit

Iowa U-S Representative Dave Loebsack is visiting the Washington Community School District today. Interim Superintendent Dave Sextro says Congressman Loebsack will be in the district's central office from 10:00-11:30am. Sextro says Loebsack wants to discuss green schools and green construction. Loebsack is also interested in hearing from juniors or seniors wanting appointments to one of the military academies. Sextro says the public is welcome to attend Loebsack's visit.

Wellman fire under investigation

The investigation into a Wellman house fire continues. Friday evening's fire seriously damaged a home owned by Tim Hathaway. The fire fighters determined there was no one inside the house during the blaze, and there were no injuries as a result of the fire. The Washington County Safety Center says the Fire Marshall and the Wellman Fire Department are looking into the cause.

Washington County Supervisors

Washington County Supervisors will vote on going out to bid for the project to build the work release area of the county jail. The Supervisors meet at 9:30 this morning. The project at the jail was not included in the original construction because the county wanted to make sure they didn't go over the $5-million approved by voters. Supervisors will also discuss their funding level for the county recycling center. Finally they'll act on a board appointment to the land use and planning commission.

Law Enforcement Increase

The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved a 3 1/2 % increase in the amount cities in the county will pay the Sheriff's Office for contract law enforcement. Sheriff Dunbar says the cost of law enforcement to Kalona rose from just under $69,000 to just over $70,000. Sheriff Dunbar says the majority of the money goes to deputy salaries.

Unemployment Meeting

Workers unemployed because of the summer flood or current economic climate, can learn about services out there that can help. The Kirkwood Dislocated Worker Program is putting on an informative meeting tomorrow at the Washington County Fairgrounds in the new building. Attendees can find out what assistance is out there including some special assistance for those out of work because of the flood last summer. The meeting starts 9:00 am tomorrow morning.

Box Tops for Education

You can donate money using scissors. Stuart Media Specialist Kathleen Kishel says you can look on your cereal boxes or other items around the house for the Box Tops for Education labels from General Mills items. Kishel says they can be sent in and redeemed for ten cents for each label. Kishel says last October they sent in a batch and got a check in December for $900s. Kishel says she uses the money to replace worn books in Stewart's library. Just send your labels to the school with a student or drop them off.

Farm Bill Program

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 contains a wide variety of legislation affecting everything from school lunches to milk checks. Keokuk County Extension Education Director Gary Bickmeier says new payment rules basically attribute USDA commodity payments to individual taxpayers, regardless of the number and nature of farm business they are involved in. An informative meeting on the Farm Bill Program for Keokuk County will be held February 26th beginning at 6:00 pm at the Expo Fairgrounds in Sigourney. Registration is not required but is encouraged in case of weather cancellations. For registration or further information contact the Keokuk County Extension Office at 641-622-2680.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Mid Prairie Bomb Threat

The Mid Prairie High school received of a bomb threat last week. Sheriff Dunbar says it has been determined the threat was false. He says the investigation is still on going. He says the main deputy in charge of the investigation is located at the school. Dunbar says they are talking to people and is certain that the person or persons responsible will be held accountable

Young Professionals Day at Capitol

Washington young professionals, you are invited to take a day and see the state government at work. You're invited to Young Professionals Day at the Capitol. Young Professionals of Iowa Board Member Adam Mangold says it's a great chance to see what goes on in state government, seeing both houses in session and talking with state lawmakers from the area. Young Professionals Day at the Capitol is February 23rd. If you are interested you can contact Mangold at 653-2421.

US Census

With 2010 just around the corner, the U.S. Census Bureau is preparing to do that head count they do every ten years. Darrel Hysler works in the Cedar Rapids Office and says they are mandated by the Constitution every ten years to count the U.S. population. Hysler says they are currently hiring local workers to help with the process. He says the jobs pay between $11.75 and $15 an hour and have flexible hours which is good for someone out of work and looking around. If you are interested call 866-861-2010. 

Government Offices Closed Today

Local government offices are closed today for the President's Day holiday. The county courthouse and county offices will not be open. Also Washington city offices will be closed and the Post Office will be closed. They will reopen tomorrow. 

Kalona City Council

The Kalona City Council will be holding their meeting tonight. Carri Bell, representative from the Kalona Elementary will be there to give an update on the Kalona Elementary Playground Project. Also Parks & Recreation Superintendent Todd Fitzsenry will be giving a proposal for upcoming improvements in the park. The Kalona City Council meeting will be held at the Kalona Public Library meeting room tonight at 7:30.

Riverside City Council

The City of Riverside will be holding their city council meeting tonight. Carol Riggan will speak to the council about a figure 8 event for Trek Fest. The council will be discussing the hotel/motel tax yearly set aside amount and a resolution which is a salute to hospitalized veterans. The council will meet at 6:30 PM at the City Hall. 



Home Shopping Extravaganza

KCII's Home Shopping Extravaganza kicks off tomorrow. The three day radio auction allows listeners to call in and purchase gift certificates that are good for items or dollars amounts at many local businesses, at a reduced price. There are also certificates available for businesses across Iowa. The auction begins tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday at 10-am which is three hours earlier than past years.

On demand Audio

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Joe Nichols, GM of KCII - Home Shopping Extravaganza
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa 
12:50 p.m. Adam Mangold, Young Professionals of Iowa - YP Day at Capitol
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

News Photo Archive

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Boy Scout Supper

Warm up with a Boy Scout soup supper this evening. Troop 235 has their annual soup supper at St. Mary's Parish Center in Riverside from 4:30-7:30pm. The cost is $6 and children 5 and under get in free. They'll have all you can eat soups, veggies, cheese, and crackers, desserts, and drinks. Carry out is available. 

U.S Census Bureau

With 2010 just around the corner, the U.S. Census Bureau is preparing to do that head count they do every ten years. Darrel Hysler works in the Cedar Rapids Office and says they are mandated by the Constitution every ten years to count the U.S. population. Hysler says they are currently hiring local workers to help with the process. He says the jobs pay between $11.75 and $15 an hour and have flexible hours which are good for someone out of work and looking around. If you are interested call 866-861-2010. 


Kalona City Council

The Kalona City Council will be holding their meeting tomorrow. Carri Bell, Representative from the Kalona Elementary will be present to give an update on the Kalona Elementary Playground Project. Also at the meeting Todd Fitzsenry, Parks & Recreation Superintendent, will be giving a proposal for upcoming improvements in park. The Kalona City Council will be held at the Kalona Public Library meeting room tomorrow at 7:30pm.

Mid Prairie Schools

The Mid Prairie School District will be holding school tomorrow. Normally Presidents Day is a day off for students but Superintendent Mark Schneider says with the numerous cancelled days during the winter they are making up days. He says making up days now will prevent them from having to push back the last day of school too far into summer.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Wellman Fire

The Washington County Public Safety Center received a 911 call yesterday around 6:50pm for a house fire in Wellman. No one was inside the residence. The Washington County Public Safety Center says the home sustained considerable damage and the fire is still under investigation. The fire was at 1756 120th St in Wellman. Wellman Fire department, Kalona Fire Department, Washington County Sheriff and Washington County secondary roads were called to the scene as well as Eastern Iowa Light & Power along with the Red Cross.

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Government Offices Closed


Local government offices will be closed Monday for the President's Day holiday. The county courthouse and county offices will not be open. Also Washington city offices will be closed and the Post Office will be closed. They will reopen Tuesday.

Senator Becky Schmitz


State Senator Becky Schmitz says the primary focus so far this session has been on dealing with the current economic climate and it's impact on state government. Schmitz says she knows the deepening national recession puts a strain on the budgets of Iowa middle-class families. She says that's why she is wanting to hear constituent suggestions for balancing the state budget without raising taxes. Schmitz asks that comments be sent to becky.schmitz@legis.state.ia.us.

Mid Prairie Snow Day


The Mid Prairie School District is making up snow days. Superintendent Mark Schneider says Monday was normally scheduled to be a day off for students for Presidents Day but with the many cancellations that the snow has caused they will be holding school to make up for those cancelled days. Schneider says it will be a normal school day with school starting and stopping at regular hours. He says making up the snow days through the year helps to keep the last day of school from getting pushed back too far.

Hunter education courses


Hunter education courses will be offered in Washington in just a little over a week. The DNR puts on the class. Anyone born after 1972 has to have a hunter education certificate when they purchase a license. The seven session class will be at Washington Junior High February 24th, 25th, and 26th and March 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Class will be from 3:30-5pm each day. Participants should be at least twelve years old. Registration forms will be available at Washington Junior High and are due February 23rd. You can call Jim Cuddeback for more information at 319-653-4789.

Singing Valentines

The Metro Mix Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is taking orders now to sing for your special someone. Abby Dodd with the group says arriving unannounced, a quartet will search out the recipient in an office, home, restaurant, school or almost any setting. Reservations for singing valentines can be made by calling 319-361-8509

Valentines Day Cards

The Kalona Post office has seen an increase in Valentines Day cards being sent out. Post Master Gae Walton says this year she has seen more people sending and receiving Valentines Day Cards. Walton says she believes that it is due to the economy that people are just sending cards to show there love and affection rather than sending out bigger bulkier gifts.

Crawfordsville Lions Supper

Have breakfast for supper and help a good cause. The Crawfordsville Lions are having their pancake, sausage, and egg supper this evening from 4-7pm at the WACO Elementary School in Crawfordsville. Tickets for adults are six dollars at the door and tickets for kids 12 and under are three dollars and preschoolers are free. Half of the proceeds benefit Jenna Waters.

Friday, February 13, 2009

School Stimulus

It appears the removal of the school construction item in the economic stimulus package Congress has been working on, has a direct impact on Washington. Iowa U-S Representative Dave Loebsack plans to visit the Washington School District at ten o'clock Tuesday morning. Interim Superintendent Dave Sextro says his understanding is that Loebsack was going to discuss the spending of around $800,000 the district was going to get as part of the package, but that was removed. Sextro says Loebsack still plans to visit and discuss green schools and green construction.

Keota School board looking for a change

The Keota School Board is talking about a change in superintendents. Board President Jared Lyle says they have been talking to different school districts about sharing a superintendent and last week met with the Mid Prairie board president and vice president about the possibility of sharing a superintendent starting with the 2009-10 school year. Mid Prairie Superintendent Mark Schneider says this is strictly a discussion item at this time. Schneider says this will be on the agenda for the next board meeting on Monday, February 23rd.

Paws and More Micro-chipping

Paws and More is encouraging you this Valentine's Day to keep your pet close to your heart with a micro-chipping event. A micro-chip with your contact information is implanted just under the skin around the neck of your pet and can be scanned to retrieve contact information. The micro-chipping is being offered for $25, which is a reduced rate. You can stop by Paws and More behind Casey's today, tomorrow, or Sunday between noon and four. No appointment is needed.

Speech All-State

The Washington High School Speech Team is sending three events to the All-State Speech Festival in Ames a week from Saturday. Speech Coach Jan Gallagher says you have to score high at a state competition to be invited. She says they received all-state recognition before but have never been invited to perform at the festival. Gallagher says they are going to put on a performance for residents next Thursday at 7:30pm in the high school auditorium to raise money for the trip.

IMS Singing Valentines

IMS Students are selling singing valentines on Saturday. Kristen Brenneman with IMS says the students travel around the area such as Wellman, Washington, Iowa City, and other communities, singing valentines to people. She says they have been doing this for over 5 years. For those interested you can call IMS at 319-656-2073 and speak with Mary Lou. The cost to sing to a single person is $35 and to sing to a group of people is $65. They'll be singing from 8am to 4pm.

County Engineer Award

The Washington County Engineers' office has received recognition from the Iowa Concrete Paving Association for a recent project. County Engineer Dave Patterson says it was for an overlay project they this past summer on old Highway 218 north of Highway 22. Patterson says they replaced a deteriorating asphalt road with a nice concrete overlay. He says they were also able to add paved shoulders. He says a team reviewing projects around the state deemed it the Best Concrete Overlay Award.

Keokuk County Salt supply

Keokuk County salt supplies are looking fine. Keokuk County Supervisor Ernie Griener says they were prepared this year. According to Greiner the Keokuk County Highway department had over 700 tons of salt ready. Griener says they should have plenty for the rest of the season.

On Demand Audio

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Mary Wienand, ISU Extension
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa
12:50 p.m. Darrel Hysler, US Census Bureau
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

News Photo Archive

Thursday, February 12, 2009

School Budget Cuts

The Washington Schools Interim Superintendent is advising the board cut $612,000 from the budget. The recommendation comes after the district went $63,000 over it's spending authority last fiscal year and in the midst of anticipated cuts coming from the state. Interim Superintendent Dave Sextro says going in they wanted to stay away from cutting teachers that had direct student contact. The district will have six early retirements at the end of this school year, under this proposal those positions would either not be filled or the anticipated salary would be lower. Also the custodial staff would be reduced and some services contracted out. Sextro has asked the board to act on the recommendation at their March board meeting.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Washington High School is hosting parent/teacher conferences this evening. The conferences will be held in the varsity gym. Parents can pick up their student's schedule and mid-term grade cards at the door. Parents are encouraged to visit with each teacher. The parent/teacher conferences will be from 4:30-8pm this evening in the high school gymnasium.

Washington County Riverboat Foundation Grants

Washington County Riverboat Foundation has posted application for their spring grants. Executive Director Jim Logan says they anticipate a large number of applications judging from their past experience. He urges first time applicants to refer to their website for guidelines as to what they are looking for and the actual application. He says they can only award grants to truly non-profit groups or governmental bodies. Applications will be due April 10th.

Work Release

Washington County intends to seek bids for work to complete the area of the jail that will house their work release program. The area was in the original design plans but the county held off including it in the actual construction because they wanted to make sure they were within the $5 million approved by voters. Sheriff Dunbar says the program allows inmates to serve jail time but leave during the day to go to work. Those inmates pay $50 a day in cash up front to be apart of the program and are checked up on during the day.

Mid Prairie Drama Performance

Mid-Prairie drama students are just back state competition and will be putting on a performance for the public. Mid Prairie Drama Director Tamara McClintock says she felt they did very well at the competition and they have decided to put on a show free for the public. McClintock says the production is tonight at 7pm at Mid Prairie High School.

Washington County Empowerment Board

The Washington County Empowerment Board is having their meeting Thursday, February 26th from 4:30-6:00pm at the Kalona Library. Washington County Empowerment Coordinator Tasha Beghtol, says empowerment is a statewide initiative that provides local funding for programs to benefit families with children as old as five. Again their meeting is on Thursday, February 26th from 4:30-6:00pm at the Kalona Library.

Keokuk Board of Supervisors

The Keokuk Board of Supervisors are looking at the budget for the next fiscal year. Supervisor Ernie Griener says the board spoke with Sheriff Jeff Shipley and the Keokuk County Highway Department about their budgets for the 2010 fiscal year. The board also spoke with County Recorder Melissa Bird and a S.T.I representative about remote access technology to improve services of the county offices.

On Demand Audio

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Pastor Bob Wallenberg
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa
12:50 p.m.
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

News Photo Archive

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

County Salaries

Washington County Supervisors have approved the Compensation Board's recommendation for county elected officials for next fiscal year. The recommendation leaves the supervisor salaries unchanged at just over $33,000. The other officials would get a 3 1/2 % increase. The increase applies to the County Attorney, Auditor, Recorder, Treasurer, and Sheriff. That would take effect July first.

County Road Solutions

How to keep county gravel roads in good shape? That was the focus of a recent public work session requested by local members of the Iowa Farm Bureau. County Engineer Dave Patterson says one of the big issues is higher traffic, but the county is not seeing a rise in funds coming in. Patterson says in talking with area residents some suggest ways of generating more funds such as implementing impact fees for new developments or different types of registration fees for vehicles or a secondary road assessment district.

School Board Meeting

The Washington School board will receive a recommendation on budget cuts at their meeting tonight. Interim Superintendent Dave Sextro says the board will receive an update on the Governor's latest budget cuts. Sextro says he will present his expenditure reduction recommendation to the board for the consideration. The board will also act on a contract that would have Sextro stay on as interim superintendent for one more year. The meeting is tonight at 7pm.

Paws and More in Kalona

More area residents will have the option of contributing a dollar a month to Paws and More through their water bill. This is an opt in program that already exist for Washington water users. Angie Talbot with Paws and More says she went to the Kalona, Wellman and Riverside city councils and asked if they could establish a similar program in those cities. The three councils approved the request and residents will now have an option to make the donation to Paws and More.

Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner

The Washington AM'ers Kiwanis Club is putting on their 7th Annual Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner and Ice Cream Social tonight. The all you can eat event costs $8 in advance and $9 at the door for adults and $5 in advance and $6 at the door for children. It will be at the Washington Junior High from 4pm to 7pm tonight. The money from the event goes to fund AM'ers Kiwanis projects such as Secret Santa.

Columbus Junction Council

The Columbus Junction City Council is looking at the purchase of a flood pump. City Clerk Julie Heindel says the council will discuss the purchase. The pump would take water that overflows from the river and pumps it back in. She says the council is considering the purchase after last summer's flood. The council will discuss the idea at their meeting tonight at 5:30 in the new Civic Center/City Hall.

Kalona Sewer Project

Work is continuing on the Kalona sewer project. City Administrator Doug Morgan says it's coming along smoothly. Morgan says the cold winter weather has not disrupted any work. C.L Carroll Company is doing the work and Morgan says the project is expected to be complete by the late summer.
Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Dr. Bill Tweeton, Kiwanis AMers Spaghetti Dinner
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa 
12:50 p.m. 
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

News Photo Archive

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Tuesday, February 10 - Washington County News

Washington County Supervisors
Washington County Supervisors will hear a recommendation on what county elected officials should make next fiscal year. The Compensation Board will provide their recommendation to the board at todays meeting. Also the board will re-look at reconfiguring their meeting room to better accommodate the board's expansion to five supervisors. Finally they'll consider final approval for the completion for an area that will house the county jail's work release program. The meeting begins tomorrow morning at 9:30.

Senator Chuck Grassley Town Hall Meetings
Senator Chuck Grassley will be holding town hall meetings in 24 counties next week. Senator Grassley says he has met with Iowans in every county, every year that he has represented Iowa in the United States Senate. He says its this exchange of ideas that gives him greater insight directly from Iowans that he can take to Washington D.C. Grassley will be in Louisa County on Wednesday, February 18th at the Wapello Ambulance Building. The next day he'll be at Washington County Hospital and Clinics, in the Robert Nicola Conference Room, in Washington from 7:15 8:15 a.m.

Pork Farmer Award
A Washington County pork producer has been awarded a prestigious award within the state's pork industry. Rob Stout is among this year's recipients of the Master Pork Producer Award. Stout was presented with a brass belt buckle at the 37th annual Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines. He is part owner of Wellman Feeder Pig Inc. and has received three Pork Quality Assurance Level three certification status and his farm is registered with the National Animal Identification System.

Washington Public Health Website
Washington County Public Health and Home Care has a new site. The new site went online today. Director Edie Nebel says you can find a lot of information about their services, a calendar for upcoming vaccination clinics, and links to national websites such as the CDC. Nebel says the hope in developing the new site was to have something that was both easy to navigate around and update. Their web sit is
www.washph.com.

Kalona Days
Kalona Days preparation is getting underway. Dave Finley and his wife Susan are the Co-Directors for Kalona Days again this year. Dave Finley says this years theme is Celebrating Our Heritage. He says it is in honor of Kalonas 130th birthday. Finley says there are a lot of things to do before the big day.

Washington Speech and Drama
Washington High School had several students get high marks at a weekend state speech and drama competition. Jan Gallagher is one of the coaches and says they competed in Pella, at one of four state competitions going on in Iowa on Saturday. They had nine events and eight of them received division 1 ratings, which is the best you can get. Seven of those groups got division one ratings from all of their judges.

Purple Martin Workshop
The 4th annual Purple Martin Workshop will be March 28th. Jim Walters says the Workshop will have a variety of speakers talking about the birds and there will also be different activities. Walters says the 4th Annual Purple Martin Workshop will be at the CAM Iowa Clothing Center at 1005 Nutmeg Ave near Kalona. There is a $2.00 admission and children under 10 are free. Lunch will also be available. For information, contact Jim Walters at 319-466-1134.

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Shelia Hanson, PAWS and More Animal Shelter
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa
12:50 p.m. County Engineer David Paterson, County Roads
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

News Photo Archive

Monday, February 9, 2009

Monday, February 9 - Washington County News

Smoking Ban
Last year state lawmakers passed a ban on smoking in public places, but that might be adjusted. State Representative Larry Marek from Riverside says the ban applied to places such as restaurants and bars. House File 211 would allow for these places to designate an opened air section such as a patio for smoking. He stresses it would not change things inside. Marek says many have signed on to House File 211.

County Roads
County roads and the future of those roads will be the focus of a work session tonight. County Engineer David Patterson says this is an opportunity to talk about the condition of county roads. He says the hope is to discuss solutions for addressing problems such as funding to keep them in good condition to dealing with higher traffic among other things. The work session will be at 7 tonight at the Washington County Fair Building.

Mid Prairie School Board
The Mid prairie School board will be meeting on Thursday, February 12th. Superintendent Mark Schneider says they will be discussing the Special Education Program plan and report and the Gifted & Talented Program. Schneider says at the meeting the board will be going over the 2009-10 School Calendar. He says the board will be focusing on finance by looking at possible summer infrastructure projects

Sweetheart Supper
The Washington Community Y is putting on their annual Sweetheart Supper on Friday. The evening will include entertainment for you and your valentine and on the menu will be rib-eye steak, cheesy potatoes, veggies, salad and a brownie desert served with cherry nut ice cream. The cost is $8 per person and you can make reservation by calling 653-5300. Reservations should be made by Wednesday so they know how many steaks will be needed.

Good Sense Budget course
The Lower Deer Creek Church in Kalona is holding a budget course on February 15th. Jim Hershberger says the course is to help people understand and put together a budget and to help meet financial goals. Hershberger says it is a 3 week course and the class is for anyone even if they are not affiliated with the church. Again the class starts on Sunday, February 15th. Anyone who is interested can call the church office.

Pipeline awareness and education meeting
Alliant Energy and the Iowa Pipeline Association offers pipeline awareness and education meetings for emergency responders. Representatives from the Iowa Pipeline Association and pipeline regulatory consultants will provide information on pipeline safety, hazard awareness, and characteristics of the products/materials transported through pipelines. A portion of the training will include two new tabletop exercises. The program will be Tuesday, February 24th at the Keokuk County Community Center in Hedrick. To register, visit www.iowa-piepline.com. All programs will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Weed Class
The Washington County Extension will be site of a weed, insect, and pesticide class for commercial pesticide applicators. Nancy Adrian with Washington County Extension says the course is needed as part of a pesticide applicators licensing. It will be on Wednesday from 9 to 11:45 am at the Washington County Extension office.

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Fran Stigers, Washington Community Y
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa
12:50 p.m.
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

News Photo Archive

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Sunday, February 8 - Washington County News


Bee Keeper Courses
Calling all interested bee keepers. There is a class coming to the Kirkwood Washington Center later this month for beginning bee keepers. Andrew Joseph works for the State of Iowa and says the four week course starts February 17th, and the next three Tuesdays after that. The cost is thirty-nine dollars for the class and twenty-five for the manual. You can register by calling Kirkwood Washington Center at 653-4655.

Smoking Ban
Last year state lawmakers passed a ban on smoking in public places, but that might be adjusted. State Representative Larry Marek from Riverside says the ban applied to places such as restaurants and bars. House File 211 would allow for these places to designate an opened air section such as a patio for smoking. He stresses it would not change things inside. Marek says many have signed on to House File 211. 

Speech Team 
The Washington High School Speech Team competed at the state speech contest on Saturday and fared very well. Of the 9 groups that competed, 8 received Division I ratings. The students now have a chance to make the All-State competition in Ames on February 21st. The coaches are Jan Gallagher, Lynn Loula, and Amy Adrian.

Budget Course
The Lower Deer creek Church in Kalona is holding a budget course on February 15th. Jim Hershberger says the course is to help people understand and put together a budget and to help meet financial goals. He says it is a three week course. Hershberger says the class is for anyone even if they are not affiliated with the church. Again the class starts on Sunday, February 15th. Anyone who is interested can call the church office.

Pancake Supper
The Kalona Optimists club is preparing for there fundraising events in March. Doug Morgan says they are having a pancake supper on March 5th. He says the funds raised will go to help the youth of Kalona. Morgan says the event will be held at Kalona Middle School.

News Photo Archive

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Saturday, February 7-Washington County News

State Budget Cuts
State lawmakers are preparing to cut the state's budget. State Representative Larry Mareck from Riverside says Iowa is looking at around a 6% cut across the board. He says we are in better shape than some other state around us but that doesn't make it any better. Merick says one thing they can do to turn things around is take steps to make Iowa more attractive to new industries.

Tax Refund Loans
Tax season is nearly here and as you prepare an area state lawmaker warns about the temptation of refund loans. State Senator Becky Schmitz says it maybe tempting to borrow on your refund and pay the loan off when your refund check arrives, but she says in many cases the interest is excessive considering it's backed by your tax return. Schmitz says these loans might have been more reasonable in the past but with e-file the time to process your return is much faster.

Kalona Tourism
Some business owners in Kalona feel that the economy has not affected Kalona tourism very much. Edie Kemp owner of the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast says the people around Kalona do what they want to do when they want to do it. She says she has not seen a big down turn in tourism. Kemp says when it comes to people doing things with their family, people will do what it takes to take care them.

Prospective Student Day
IMS is having a Prospective Student Day. Larry Swartzendruber says the day is for students in 8th grade that may wish to attend IMS to come out and visit the campus and meet teachers and students. He says it gives students a chance to see students life and what is taught in the classrooms. The event is Friday, February 13. Swartzendrubber says they hold the Prospective Student Day every year but are contemplating holing it more often to increase exposure to IMS.

Ainsworth Breakfast Buffet
The Ainsworth Opera House is putting on their first fund raiser of the New Year this morning. They have a breakfast buffet going on from 7-10am. They are serving biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, breakfast casseroles, fresh fruit, pancakes, rolls, coffee cake, and more plus coffee, juice and milk. The cost is seven dollars for adults and children ten and under are free. That again is going on at the Ainsworth Opera House from 7-10 this morning.

Bee Keeping Class
Calling all interested bee keepers. There is a class coming to the Kirkwood Washington Center later this month for beginning bee keepers. Andrew Joseph works for the State of Iowa and says the four week course starts February 17th, and the next three Tuesdays after that. The cost is $39 for the class and $25 for the manual. You can register by calling Kirkwood Washington Center at 653-4655.

4-H Skate Party
The Washington County 4-H County Council held a countywide 4-H Skating Party on Sunday, January 25, at the Wellman Rec. Center. Kati Peiffer, the 4-H-Youth Coordinator says 211 4-Hers, family members, and friends took advantage of the fun by roller-skating. She says the skaters had time to free skate, as well as do the limbo and racing games. The Skating Party is one of the many countywide activities held for 4-Hers throughout the year.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Friday, February 6 - Washington County News

City Council approves soil work contract
The Washington City Council approves a contract to have services done by Geo-Technical engineering services for the proposed Wastewater treatment facility. TEAM Services will do that work. City Administrator Dave Plyman says that this company did similar work for the library project that includes soil borings.

Schmitz want Iowa to be a wind energy leader
The State Senator that covers Washington County says that renewable energy is a strong part of the Iowa economy. Becky Schmitz says she wants to see Iowa as a leader in renewable energy. Schmitz has some listening posts scheduled in Washington County. Today in Wellman at City Hall at 9:30, Kalona Public Library at 10:45, and in Riverside at Murphy's at noon.

IMS Fine Arts
The IMS Fine Art series ended last weekend. Mary Lou Gingrich with IMS says she feels the Series has been a success. She says that through out the fall and winter they had close to a packed house for every event. Gingrich says the series goes through the fall and winter and the spring and fall is when they have school productions.

Master Gardeners plan sale
The Washington County Master Gardeners set the date for their spring plant sale. According to Nancy Adrian From the extension office, the group will do that May 16. The group met last week and had a program from Carolyn Schmidt about a botanical garden in Cape Town, South Africa. Schmidt's daughter is a missionary in Cape Town and they visited her last year. The next meeting will be on February 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office.

Sound of Washington
A new group in Washington is a special needs choir. Kim Eckler is one of the founders of Sound of Washington and says the idea started because someone she knew is nearly bed ridden, and enjoyed singing. Eckler says they wanted to be able to provide a way to get out in the community and sing. The group meets Tuesdays at 6 at the Washington Mennonite Church.

American Legion Riders
The American Legion Riders in Washington plan a fund raiser next week. Barb Duder from that group says that on Valentines Day, they have a soup supper at the National Guard Armory in Washington. Duder says that the riders are cooking a variety of soup February 14 from 4:30 to 7:30, again at the National Guard Armory.

Pathway School fundraiser
Pathway Schools is holding an auction to raise money for a scholarship. Edie Kemp says there will be many items on the auction. Its Friday, February 20 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Columbus Junction salt supply
The Columbus Junction area was running very low on salt when winter arrived. City Clerk Julie Heindel says during the first part of winter their supplier was not sending any of the salt they needed. Throughout the winter they have been getting salt from a variety of places so they could keep the streets.

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Kim Eckler, Sound of Washington
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa
12:50 p.m. Larry Marek, State Representative
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

Friday, February 6 - Washington County News

City Council approves soil work contract
The Washington City Council approves a contract to have Geo-Technical engineering services for the proposed Wastewater treatment facility. TEAM Services will do that work. City Administrator Dave Plyman says that this company did similar work for the library project that includes soil borings.

Schmitz want Iowa to be a wind energy leader
The State Senator that covers Washington County says that renewable energy is a strong part of the Iowa economy. Becky Schmitz says she wants to see Iowa as a leader in renewable energy. Schmitz has some listening posts scheduled in Washington County. Today in Wellman at City Hall at 9:30, Kalona Public Library at 10:45, and in Riverside at Murphy's at noon.

IMS Fine Arts
The IMS Fine Art series ended last weekend. Mary Lou Gingrich with IMS says she feels the Series has been a success. She says that through out the fall and winter they had close to a packed house for every event. Gingrich says the series goes through the fall and winter and the spring and fall is when they have school productions.

Master Gardeners plan sale
The Washington County Master Gardeners set the date for their spring plant sale. According to Nancy Adrian From the extension office, the group will do that May 16. The group met last week and had a program from Carolyn Schmidt about a botanical garden in Cape Town, South Africa. Schmidt's daughter is a missionary in Cape Town and they visited her last year. The next meeting will be on February 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office.

Sound of Washington
A new group in Washington is a special needs choir. Kim Eckler is one of the founders of Sound of Washington and says the idea started because someone she knew is nearly bed ridden, and enjoyed singing. Eckler says they wanted to be able to provide a way to get out in the community and sing. The group meets Tuesdays at 6 at the Washington Mennonite Church.

American Legion Riders
The American Legion Riders in Washington plan a fund raiser next week. Barb Duder from that group says that on Valentines Day, they have a soup supper at the National Guard Armory in Washington. Duder says that the riders are cooking a variety of soup February 14 from 4:30 to 7:30, again at the National Guard Armory.

Pathway School fundraiser
Pathway Schools is holding an auction to raise money for a scholarship. Edie Kemp says there will be many items on the auction. Its Friday, February 20 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Columbus Junction salt supply
The Columbus Junction area was running very low on salt when winter arrived. City Clerk Julie Heindel says during the first part of winter their supplier was not sending any of the salt they needed. Throughout the winter they have been getting salt from a variety of places so they could keep the streets.

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. Kim Eckler, Sound of Washington
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa
12:50 p.m. Larry Marek, State Representative
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

News 2-5-08

Drainage solution proposed 
The Washington City Council hopes that a plan to install a new system of pipes in the north side of the city will help prevent problems with drainage. The City Council set a public hearing about a relief sewer project. City Administrator Dave Plyman says that they are looking at a way to get the water that's pumped out of basements to go to storm sewers. The public hearing is set for next week on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall. 

City Council hears trails proposal 
Washington City Council hears a proposal for a trails signage to connect the Kewash trail to downtown. Councilor Bob Shepherd 
told the council money they are required to pay from a penalty from the DNR could fund it, and this proposal would have signs and a route established. Shepherd says the five thousand dollars wont fully cover the project, but some other funds may be available. 

Movie canceled because of school schedule 
A movie day in Kalona has been canceled. Todd Fitzsenry says because the Mid-Prairie school district is planning to have school on their normally scheduled day off, they had to cancel that on Presidents Day.

Home School Department 
The Mid-Prairie Home School department is looking for changes to state legislation. Andrea Farrier a supervising teacher with the Mid-Prairie Home School says she went to Des Moines to speak with legislators last week. She says she is trying to get them to introduce a new bill to allow parents of home schooled students to teach drivers ed. 

Keokuk Extension meeting 
A Field Agronomist will discuss problems and solutions to fertilization decisions just prior to the Private Pesticide Training. February 18, the Keokuk County Extension office scheduled two sessions, one beginning at 1 p.m. and the other beginning at 6:30 p.m.. The Private Pesticide Training begins at 1:30 and 7 pm. Both sessions will be held at the Expo Grounds in Sigourney.

Emergency Management meeting 
The Washington County Emergency Management Commission gets together next week. They plan to talk about an update to a grant, purchase of equipment and certification of their budget. Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Smith has said that their budget looks roughly the same as the past, but there might be less money available for grants. The commission meets Feb 11 at 7 p.m. at the courthouse

High School blood drive
Washington High School students plan the annual blood drive in March, and they are ready to take appointments. Its on Wednesday, March 11 in the Washington High School gym from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment contact Erik Buchholz at 653-2143 or Ryan Bell at ryanbell09@hotmail.com. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Extension office summer trip 
The Southeast Iowa Extension offices are planning a trip to Kansas City, Missouri. It's June 17 to 18. According to the Washington County Extension Office, some highlights of the trip are a visit to The Money Museum, and a tour of the Kansas Speedway. Organizers plan a formal dinner theater and a visit to Science City and Cabelas.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Wednesday, February 4 - Washington County News

Increased fees for Law Enforcement
The Washington County Supervisors increased fees for contract law enforcement services. The board used a formula to determine how much to charge each city that does not have a police department and that pays for law enforcement from the sheriff's office. A chart showing the figures shows most cities had an increase to their payments except Crawfordville which went down 7 percent. Sheriff Dunbar says paying employees is the main factor for increases. Kalona is up 19 percent to about 70 thousand dollars. Other cities include Riverside with a 24 percent increase, and Wellman with a 16 percent increase

Zoning Commission public hearing
The Washington County Zoning Commission is done with another public hearing. Secretary Jacob Thorius says that about half of the fifty residents that showed up on Monday had input to offer the commission. Thorius says that some people don't want zoning, others do, but many believe something needs to be done to direct future growth.

Mid-Prairie making up classes
The Mid-Prairie school district is using days off for class. Superintendent Mark Schneider says they have already held class on a normally scheduled day off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Schneider says they will be holding class on President’s Day February 16, which is normally a day off.

Riverboat Foundation opening
The Washington County Riverboat Foundation is taking applications to fill a director position. Jim Logan is the Executive Secretary and says that they are looking for someone to represent the rural area of Washington County. The seat was left empty when Larry Marek became State Representative and stepped down to avoid conflict of interest. Applications are available online at http://www.washingtoncountyriverboatfoundation.org

City Council addressing drainage
The Washington City Council is addressing an issue with drainage on the north side of the city. City officials say the area around Highland Avenue is poorly draining, and the council assigned a committee to talk with residents and offer some possible solutions. That issue is on the agenda tonight for the council, they could set a public hearing on a relief sewer.

Grasshorse plans move
A Winfield company is moving to Mount Pleasant. Vivan Jennings with Grasshorse Technologies says they are an emerging animation business that focuses on animated content for entertainment organizations. Jennings says they have been located in Winfield for about a year and half but they needed a bigger location due to growth.

Community Center works around construction
The Washington Central Park Community Center has been getting around the construction on the south side of the square. Work on the new library began in the spring, and that's right next door to the community center. Max Cousins says people are still able to get there. Listen to the Washington Page today for more from Max Cousins about what is coming up for the center.

Wapello Rural Water seeks input
The Wapello Rural Water Association is holding a survey to see who might like rural water brought to their property. Kathy Alex says they are getting some funding from rural development and they need to see how many people would like the water service so they know how much to budget. The area they are looking at is south of English River and north of Crooked Creek and east of Highway 1 and west of 218. The number to call for information is 1-800-906-8388.

Washington Page
7:30 a.m. & 12:55 p.m. – Max Cousins, Central Park Community Center
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

In Touch With Southeast Iowa
12:50 p.m. – Jim Logan, Washington County Riverboat Foundation
Listen to the interview on the Radio Plus page.

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