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.