Washington Sheriff receives $30k grant

The Washington County Sheriff's Department is getting $30,000 in grant money for equipment purchases. Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says they usually apply for the grant, but don't receive the full amount. Dunbar says they'll use the money for radar units, portable breath testers for alcohol as well as overtime costs and mileage on their vehicles. The money is coming from the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau, or GTSB.

Intentional grass fire

If you see a fire near Marr Park this Friday night...don't be alarmed. The Washington County Conservation Board will be holding a controlled prairie burn. Naturalist Pam Holz says prairie lands need to be burned off periodically. Holz says the burn also helps keep invasive species out. She says the event can be quite spectacular to see. The public is invited to an informational session Friday April 3 at the Park at 7:30 pm. The burn will take place at 8:00. Holz says it can happen very quickly, and urges attendees not to be late.

Your garden variety vegetables

Fruit bearing bushes and vines like strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, are a staple of many midwestern gardens. However, they can present some challenges. Shelia Gerot is a Washington County Master Gardener. She says there are a few rules to follow. She says strawberries shouldn't be planted too deep. She says they have a little crown that needs to be kept at the ground level. Gerot also says you shouldn't pick any fruit during the first year first of the plant's life, that way the roots can get established and put on a better crop the following year.

Your garden variety fruits

Fruit bearing bushes and vines like strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, are a staple of many midwestern gardens. However, they can present some challenges. Shelia Gerot is a Washington County Master Gardener. She says there are a few rules to follow. She says strawberries shouldn't be planted too deep. She says they have a little crown that needs to be kept at the ground level. Gerot also says you shouldn't pick any fruit during the first year first of the plant's life, that way the roots can get established and put on a better crop the following year.

Field Kayak and Canoe event

Pack a lunch and grab a friend. The Louisa County Conservation group is holding a kayak and canoe event on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Lake Odessa. Katie Hammond, with the Louisa County Conservation says this guided trip on the Odessa Water Trail will be an adventurous paddle winding through the panoramic wildlife area. The paddling trip will start and end at Snively Campground. Participants of all ages and levels of experience are encouraged to attend though children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. She says all participants will need to register by April 20th. Online registration, maps and additional information are available at www.NaturallyLouisaCounty.com or call 319-523-8381.

Story times

During the month of April, on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:00am in the Childrens Area of the Kalona Public Library, Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia will be holding story times for preschoolers. She says story times help build early childhood literacy skills through listening, finger plays, rhymes and songs. The Story time themes for April are spring, Easter, wild about libraries, silly poetry, and dinosaurs. For more information, contact Marissa at 319-656-3501.

Family fun night

The Kalona Elementary Boosters are holding there 24th annual Family Fun night tonight. Ryan Schlabaugh says the purpose of the Family Fun Night is to provide a kid friendly activity and help raise money for the Kalona Elementary School. He says there will be a lot of fun games and activities for everyone. He says they have items donated to them by business throughout the area including some tickets both local and major sports team events. The Family Fun night will this evening from 5:30 until 8pm at the Mid Prairie Middle School.

Sounds of the 60s and 70s

The sounds of the 60's and 70's can be heard this Tuesday in Washington. Sound of Washington, which is a relatively new organization, is putting on the concert. Kim Ecklor helped co-found the choir for special needs adults. She says her and a friend got the idea from their workplace. She says they worked with a woman who was bedridden, who had a wonderful singing voice. Sounds of the 60's and 70's will be held this Tuesday at Hamakuah Place. A free will donation will be taken.