Saturday, April 25, 2009

1 airlifted after Columbus Jct crash

A Columbus Junction man was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospital after a traffic accident on the Highway 92 bridge over the Iowa River last night. According to a report from the Iowa State Patrol, 50 year old Manuel Martinez was taken by Air Care after his vehicle smashed into a trailer being pulled by a tractor, driven by 27 year old Benjamin Lacina of West Branch. The report indicates Martinez's vehicle then collided with pickup truck driven by 52 year old Peggy Griffin of Lets. Police say charges are pending.

April Showers...and thunderstorms

Scattered thunderstorms are expected through out the rest of the weekend. The National Weather Service says a few of those could become severe, bringing hail, and high winds. NWS says the greatest threat for severe weather is between 2 and 8 pm, with the threat diminishing after sunset. Round two will roll into the area tomorrow afternoon and evening. There is the potential for large hail and more damaging winds. The National Weather Service says isolated tornadoes are possible with this type of activity. Two to four inches of rainfall are possible by late Monday. In case of severe weather, stay tuned to KCII for Severe Weather Action Team Coverage.

Washington couple on a clean water mission

Water is essential to life as we know it. Yet, there are those on the planet who don't have access to a safe supply of it. Since 2005, John and Mary Jo Hays of Washington have made it their goal to change that through the Pure Water For All Foundation. John Hays says he's seen instances, where children had to drink water used to wash clothing. John Hays and his Wife Mary Jo will share their experiences this Monday (4/27) morning at 10:00 at the Halcyon House. It's free and open to the public.

Financial fair next month

The recession has impacted everything from Wall Street to main street, and many are searching for answers to financial problems. Washington State Bank will be having a financial fair to address some of those problems. WSB loan officer Brandon Long says the economic turmoil felt by larger financial institutions, hasn't effected smaller banks such has his. He says the financial fair will feature WSB Vice President Sue Basten. She'll share strategies for a volatile market and her thoughts on the future of the banking industry. The fair is Tuesday May 5. Visit the bank's website for details.

Iowa's air

Iowa got a B on the clean air section of the first ever state department of natural resources environmental report card. Dennis Ostwinkle, with DNR's region 6 in Southeast Iowa, says Muscatine and Scott County have been put on a federal watch list for exceeding allowable air pollution standards. Ostwinkle says this can cause problems for people who are asthmatic. He says burning trash is another air quality concern. Ostwinkle says it's an illegal practice, but many do it anyway. To find out more about local air quality, visit the DNR website.

MP students at tech fair

The Mid Prairie High School Tech Club had a great showing at the ITEC Technology Fair this month in Cedar Rapids. Jordan Adam, Barry Schintler and Cody Michel received a red ribbon for their Pivot animation project. Alex Thurman and Gabe Yoder received a blue ribbon for their Focus Fairy video on safe driving for teens. Josu Rivera earned a blue ribbon for his baseball-playing robot, and Chase Cady earned a blue ribbon and a 1st place purple ribbon for his Guitar Hero playing robot. Cady was also invited to present at the ITEC Regional Conference in the fall.

Lake Belva Deer

Lake Darling will still be dry until next year, which could drive up attendance at other local lakes. Keokuk County Conservation Board Executive Director Dave Long isn't expecting an influx. He says they are taking reservations for their cabins, but the campsites are on a first come first serve basis. He says they will open the beach in early May.

WCHC Volunteers

More than 70 Washington County Hospital and Clinics volunteers were honored at a luncheon at Cafe Dodici this week, in honor of National Volunteer Week. WCHC Foundation Director Kathleen Brinning says the hospital has more than 100 people who offer up their time. She says volunteers are crucial to the survival of any hospital. She says it doesn't require a huge time commitment. Brinning says since they are open all the time, they can find a schedule to fit almost anyone. For more information about volunteering call 319-863-3920

Onesies for SIDS

Washington's Noon Kiwanis recently donated onesies to Washington County Hospital and Clinics' Obstetrics department. These weren't your normal infant apparel. The onesies are designed to bring awarness to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. They read "Fragile, This Side Up." on the front, and have the clubs name and logo on the back. Experts are unaware of a specific cause for SIDS, but believe its safer for babies to sleep on their backs. Other Kiwanis clubs in Iowa have made similar donations.