Tax deadline approaches

To some, the most hated day of the year is April 15th, tax day. Dan Bontrager with Bontrager tax in Kalona says to make sure that you get everything you need done before the due date because the penalties can be high. He says most people know about getting a penalty for filing late, but he says most people don't know that there is a second penalty for paying late as well. Bontrager says an extension to file doesn't always mean an extension to pay. He says if you think you might be late it is better to be safe than sorry and file for an extension, and if you question anything to contact a professional. He says it could save you more money than you think.

Same sex marriage won't change procedure

Iowa's status as the first Midwestern state to allow same sex marriage won't change things much for county officials. Washington Recorder Connie Pence says they are waiting on new marriage license forms that won't request information regarding the bride and groom. Pence says they hope to have the new documents before April 27. She says they have yet to see their first application for a same sex marriage.

Speaker highlights diversity in Iowa

According to the U-S Census Bureau, Hispanics and Latino's are the fastest growing demographic in the country. How do they adjust to the U-S? how is the U-S adjusting to them? Himar Hernandez is a community development specialist with the ISU Extension in Ottumwa. He says one aspect of American culture he struggled with, was some of the unwritten rules. Hernandez says the U-S has become less like the "great melting pot" it was once labeled, and has allowed immigrants of all cultures to maintain their heritage, while still participating in the American way of life. Hernandez will be in Washington for a Learn at Lunch Monday April 20 at the ISU Extension Building. Contact the Washington Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Street closures

Starting next Monday, April 20th Vine Avenue (W64) will be closed from 135th to 150thStreet for construction. McCulley Culverts Inc. will be performing work on two culverts located on Vine Avenue in preparation for concrete paving work that will be occurring later this summer. Residents are encouraged to use Highway 218 as a detour route.

Lake Darling clean up

The Friends of Lake Darling are hosting their annual park clean up day on Saturday at 9am. Park Manager Merill Lucas says the friends group has been hosting this event for a number of years and they average around 25 volunteer each year. Lucas says this is the perfect time of year for this event because litter that is hidden by snow or tall grass at other times is visible. Anyone interested in participating should meet at the Lake Darling State Park shop near the entrance at 9am on Saturday. For more information call 319-694-2323

Washington Mental Health to hold WRAP sessions

The Washington Mental Health Center is holding a free Wellness Recovery Action Planning sessions, or WRAP. The six week seminar is designed for anyone who is searching for direction, balance and personal empowerment. Sessions will be held every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30. To find out more or get registered, contact Connie at the Washington Mental Health Center 653-6161. The first of six WRAP sessions will be tomorrow evening.

Mid Prairie prom this weekend

Its that time of year again: prom season. The Mid Prairie prom is this Saturday, April 18th. School Secretary Carmela Ulin says the theme of the Prom this year is a Touch of Class and the colors are purple, black and silver. She says the post prom party will be at Colonial Lanes in Iowa City from midnight until 3am. She says there will be bowling, putt putt, billiards and different games to play. Both the Prom and after party are considered lock in events, once the students enter they may not leave and then return again. Post prom at Colonial Lanes will shut there doors and will not allow entry after 1am to make sure that all students are safe and to promote sobriety.

Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt

Between three and four hundred local children went on the prowl for candy during the A-M Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt on Saturday. Organization member Don Wells says it was one of their better turnouts. He attributes part of that to the nice weather. Wells says they hid more than 100 pounds of sweets throughout Washington's Sunset Park. He also says the children were divided into three age groups: preschoolers and kindergarten, first and second grade, and then third through sixth grade.