Washington Sheriff Moves to Jail

The Washington County Sheriff's Office has completed their move to the new jail. There was thought they may have had to delay the move a couple of weeks to finish getting systems such as phones set up but in a release yesterday, it was announced the relocation is complete. The sheriff has said he wants to be based at the jail to be able to quickly respond to problems that may come up. The phone number to reach the sheriff's office will remain the same.

Washington Band Stand Renovations

Renovation work on the Washington bandstand on the square could begin in August. City Parks Board Member Don Pfeiffer says that is dependent on the amount of money the board is able raise. He says they have secured a $130,000 grant from the Riverboat Foundation and they'd need to raise around another $170,000. Some of the things they want to do include replacing the tiered stage with a flat stage and improve acoustics. Pfeiffer says they plan to begin fund raising events very soon and hope to have enough before summer starts to be able to begin work in August.

County Supervisor Meeting

Washington County Supervisors will look at quotes for roadway painting at their meeting today. The Washington County Engineer's office will present the quotes to supervisors. They will also consider an equipment purchase to be used on county secondary roads, fill a Brighton Township Trustee position and get a structural report on the English River Bridge. The Supervisors' meeting starts at 9:30am in the basement of the courthouse.

Edible Insect Program At Marr Park

Most Americans don't eat insects but there is program on Saturday talking about the many people around the world that do. According to Marr Park Naturalist Pam Holz the United States and Europe are the only places that don't eat insects. Holz says they are putting on Bug Banquet: Edible Insects, a program that talks about just what the title describes and the nutritional value. It will be Saturday at 1:00 pm at the Conservation Education Center at Marr Park. The cost is $3.

IMS Concert

Come enjoy an afternoon concert of musical talent presented by Iowa Mennonite School students. The concert will be given on Sunday, March 8th at 3:00 p.m. in Celebration Hall at Iowa Mennonite School. This concert is a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and donations will be accepted at the door. Light refreshments will also be served.

Kalona Days

Kalona is gearing up for Kalona Days, festival director Dave Finley is now accepting applications for food vendors, arts & crafts vendors, as well as groups, organizations and businesses that wish to have a booth or display at this 2 day event. Kalona will celebrate its 130th birthday during the festival with a parade, entertainment, contests, classic car show, dance and games for all ages. Organizers are constructing what may be the largest quilt cake of its kind in America. For information or a vendor application please call the Kalona General Store 319-656-3535.

Low Income Energy Assistance

Alliant Energy is reminding qualified Iowa residents that they can apply for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds now through April 15. To obtain energy assistance, qualified utility customers can apply for LIHEAP funds until April 15, 2009. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For more information on where or how to apply for LIHEAP funds, people can contact their local community action agency or visit www.dcaa.iowa.gov and click on Bureau of Energy Assistance.