Monday, April 27, 2009

Schmitz on legislative session

The Iowa Legislature wrapped up their session this weekend. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says every aspect of this session was affected by the deepening national recession. She says Iowa's revenue was cut short, while their was a sharper demand for state services. Schmitz says this session was historic, because they are still in the process of trying to help areas that were impacted by last year's floods. The Fairfield Democrat says she's pleased that the legislature approved items such as the alternative energy plan, and offering health insurance to 30-thousand people without coverage.

Dunbar happy with new sex offender law

Washington County's Sheriff says he's pleased with legislation that will modify Iowa's sex offender laws. Jerry Dunbar says the previous law, which didn't allow sex offenders to live within two thousand feet of an area where children were likely to be, was difficult to enforce. Dunbar says the new law creates "exclusion zones," which are areas where sex offenders are not allowed to be. They include places like playgrounds, schools or daycares.

Washington BOS

Economic development and environmental health are on the Washington County Board of Supervisor's plate this week. They'll hear a report from Washington County Environmental Health Department and the Washington Economic Development Group at tomorrow's meeting. They'll also consider approving a fireworks permit and make an appointment to the Washington Library Board. The meeting begins at 9:30 tomorrow morning at the Washington County Courthouse.

WCHC Board

The Washington County Hospital and Clinics Board will be discussing an identity theft prevention program at this week's meeting. They'll also hear a financial report, and consider a new bathing system and digital mammography. Board members will also hear about annual performance improvements. There will be a closed session to discuss either patient improvement initiatives, or marketing or pricing strategies. There will be a second closed session to consider personnel issues. The meeting is this Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the Robert Nicola Conference Room.

Small Business Network

The Keokuk County Small Business Network Program is tomorrow evening. The seminar will feature Healing Arts Massage owner Gini Garrett and Sigourney School Superintendent Todd Abrahmson, who will discuss the school's E Seal Program. They'll also be discussing location and timing and how it's factored into business decisions. The event is tomorrow evening at the Sigourney Pizza Ranch. To find out more contact the Keokuk County Extension office.

Kalona Sidewalk Sale

The Kalona Chamber of Commerce is promoting shopping locally. Larry Moehler, Chamber President says at the last chamber meeting there were discussing having a Sidewalk Sale and have decided to hold the event today. Moehler says they have also submitted an application for a grant from The Riverboat Foundation to start advertising Kalona and promote tourism.

A spring time delicacy

While wet weather might not be needed by local farmers, heavy rainfall combined with warm temperatures is conducive to fungi. In the Midwest that means Morel Mushroom hunting. Steve Anderson with Washington County's Conservation Board, says dead elm trees are a good place to look.He says Washington County has a wide array of public land for people to mushroom hunt on. Anderson says what's really special about Morels, is how little scientists know about how, or why they grow where they do.

WCHC Board

The Washington County Hospital and Clinics Board will be discussing an identity theft prevention program at this weeks meeting. They'll also hear a financial report, and consider a new bathing system and digital mammography. Board members will also hear about annual performance improvements. There will be a closed session to discuss either patient improvement initiatives, or marketing or pricing strategies. There will be a second closed session to consider personnel issues. The meeting is this Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the Robert Nicola Conference Room.

MP Student visits Grassley

Mid Prairie High School student recently had a chance to see an Iowa lawmaker in his natural element. Kyle Fischer visited Washington D-C, and visited with Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley says he enjoyed meeting Fischer, and hearing his views on federal legislation. Fischer is a junior at Mid Prairie and was at the Capital during the National Youth Leadership Conference. The organization also toured historic landmarks. A photo of Kyle Fischer and Senator Grassley can be seen on our website, at kciiradio.com.

Omlet Breakfast

On Saturday, May 2 the Kalona Rotary will be hosting their annual omelet breakfast fundraiser at the Kalona Methodist Church from 6:30 11:00 a.m. All proceeds from the breakfast will go towards the Kalona Elementary playground improvement project. This is the second year with them sponsoring the playground. Stop in and have an omelet to help support the Rotary and the playground

Blood Drive

This years MPHS blood drive will be held on May 1st. School Councilor Sarah Kos says Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to sign up with our student representative this week. She says the blood drive is being sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Anyone who is interested in donating blood is encouraged to attend. She says you do not have to be a student of have a student that attends Mid Prairie to donate. For questions or to set up a time to donate call the Mid Prairie High School.