Strong feelings on gay marriage

For it, or against it...almost everyone who attended a legislative briefing in Washington over the weekend had something to say about gay marriage. State Representative Larry Marek, and Senator Becky Schmitz say it's an extremely complicated issue. Marek and Schmitz point out that the legislature does not have the authority to reverse a state supreme court decision. They say the most viable solution for those opposed to gay marriage, is a constitutional amendment. Iowa could have a constitutional convention next year if voters so choose.

Mid income tax break could entice business

A measure that would give middle income Iowans a tax break, but take away the ability to claim federal taxes as a deduction at the state level could draw more business to the state. That news from State Senator Becky Schmitz, who was in Washington Saturday for a legislative briefing. Schmitz, alongside Representative Larry Marek, say the measure would mean a savings for about three-quarters of Iowa's population. Marek says Iowa is one of only a few states left that allow federal deductibility.

Main Street Washington brings home three awards

Washington's Main Street program took home three statewide awards Friday. Main Street Iowa recognized them for the annual SNOW holiday event, Creating unique notebooks to help volunteers and the renovation of the Bryson building on the downtown square. Washington Main Street Director Amy Vetter says she was excited to hear about the awards, and is looking forward to continuing the organization's mission.

State Main Street Director pleased with Washington's first year

The city of Washington joined the Main Street program last year, and the head of Iowa's Main Street organization says it's been a good year for them. State coordinator Jane Seaton says she's been impressed by what's happened so far. Seaton says she looks for wonderful things to continue to come from Main Street Washington. Seaton offered her comments during a statewide awards banquet on Friday.

1st ever Demon Dash for Cash

Close to two-hundred people came out to run in the first ever Demon Dash for Cash in Washington Saturday. The 5K walk or run was a fundraiser for Washington Schools. School Board President Eric Turner says proceeds will help purchase new books for Lincoln, Stewart, the junior high and high school. Organizer Terri Hartzler says it was designed to be a community exercise, in more ways than one. She says they hope to make it an annual event.

Kalona Council meeting

A regular meeting of the Kalona City Council will be tonight at the Kalona Library meeting room at 7:30. The Council will consider street repairs of 2nd Street and 3rd Street South of J Avenue for Chip Seal Coat Repair of $8,375 and Asphalt Paving of $56,970. The Council will also hear from Don Yoder and Phil Ropp in regards to Kalona Valley Apartments and discussion of Solid Waste Ordinance. Again the meeting is tonight at the Kalona Library meeting room at 7:30.

Local artists displays work

Local Artist Paulette Buckingham will be offering art composition and interpretation programs at the Kalona Public Library for adults and children. Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia says the Adult Program will be held Monday, April 27th from 7-8PM and will focus on identifying the elements of a work and how those elements determine its quality. The Childrens Program will be held on April 30th from 1:30-2:30pm in the Velma Skola Program Room. The Childrens Program will include a hands-on art activity. . For more information, please contact the youth services librarian at 319-656-3501

Wellman garage sale

The Wellman City wide garage sale will be held in just a few short weeks. The garage sale will be held Saturday, May 2nd from 8 a.m. to Noon and maps will be available at Wellman businesses starting April 30th. They will available at Casey's, Freeman Foods, Reggie Tire and Federation Bank. More information will be available when it gets closer to the event.