Monday, March 16, 2009

Lane Closure on Hwy 1

March 16, 2009 Traffic will be restricted to one lane on Iowa 1 southbound from Iowa 92 to Iowa 78 in Washington County because of a culvert replacement project, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times during construction. Flaggers will be used to assist traffic through the work zone. The project is expected to be completed by 3 p.m. today.

Washington Co. Supervisors continue road talks

The Washington County Board of Supervisors will lay out how they plan on spending some federal stimulus money at this weeks meeting. They'll be discussing, and possibly approving an agreement for the Federal Highway Stimulus Program Project. This comes as welcome news during a time when many agree local roads are in need of help. Recently the Washington County Iowa Farm Bureau held a workshop meeting with County Supervisors and the County Engineer to discuss possible solutions to the deteriorating secondary road problem. County Engineer David Patterson says these roads are most vulnerable this time of year as the ground starts to thaw. Patterson says this is why they're putting an embargo on certain unpaved routes. The board of supervisors will meet this Tuesday morning at 9:30 at the Washington County Courthouse.

Flood legislation

After signing disaster legislation as the first new law this year, Governor Culver announced that Iowans in 14 counties affected by last summers natural disasters can apply for unmet needs grants created by the legislation. Applications for the unmet needs grants are currently being accepted by Long-Term Recovery Committees for people in Benton, Buchanan, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Dubuque, Franklin, Fremont, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Montgomery, Polk and Scott counties. Applicants have until June 30, 2010, to apply for any existing funds. Applicants may call the Iowa Concerns Hotline at 1-866-849-0323.

Local school boards might share superintendent

The school boards of the Keota Community School District and Mid-Prairie Community School District have agreed to a joint meeting tonight. The Keota School Board informally approached the Mid-Prairie School Board members more than two months ago about sharing a superintendent. Mid-Prairie Superintendent Mark Schneider told school board members Monday, March 9, that he had met with the Keota Board the week before in closed session to discuss the matter. The Board will meet tonight in the media Center at Mid Prairie High school at 7pm.

Sigourney Schools receive grant

Senator Tom Harkin announced that the Iowa Department of Education will award Iowa school districts $5.8 million in Harkin Grants to repair, modernize, and build new schools. Sigourney Community School District will receive $146,185. The grant will help purchase and renovate the former 10,000 square foot Wohler Building, currently used as an auction house, located on Highway 92 close to Sigourney High School and Alternative School.

4-H fair well in lean times

While many government funded entities are struggling financially, one local group isn't as strapped for cash as most. Kati Peiffer, with the Washington County Extension's 4-H program, says while it would always be nice to have more money, they get plenty of help from local businesses and families who support the program. Be sure to tune in to KCII Monday March 16 at 1:00 pm for a special edition agriculture magazine featuring Peiffer. The topic is agriculture education.

The changing face of agriculture

For someone outside the agriculture community, the industry probably doesn't conjure thoughts of cutting edge technology. However, quite the opposite is true. GPS, genetic engineering and specialized drainage and irrigation techniques are just a few examples of major advances that have been made in ag technology. Despite this, Washington County Extension Education Director Gene Mohling says market awareness is one of the biggest changes hes seen in recent years. He says a few generations ago might not have paid attention to what was happening in other countries. However, that's not the case today. Be sure to tune in to KCII Monday March 16 at 1:00 pm for a special edition agriculture magazine featuring Mohling. The topic is agriculture education.

Congratulations Washington Speech Team!

Congratulations to the seven Washington High School students who participated in state-level individual speech competition in Vinton on over the weekend Of the eleven events that continued past the district contest, nine received Division I ratings from a panel of three judges, while two earned Division II. Each student had at least one event receive the Division I rating. Brian Langr, Mackenzie Roth, Andrew Schneider, Greg Schneider, Steffany Adrian, Nolan Breard, and Regan Loula are to be commended for their efforts! All-state nominations will be announced Monday March 16.