Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Local vet: it's okay to eat pork

With swine flu in the news, a local veterinarian says its perfectly safe to eat pork. Doctor Terry Mangold, at Town and Country Vet Clinic, says people don't need to worry about catching swine flu by coming in contact with pigs either. Mangold says pork producers should watch their animals for symptoms of the disease which include heavy cough and pneumonia. He says swine flu is essentially a new strain of influenza that's mutated from other strains that effect humans, birds and swine.

WHS gets $50k grant

Washington High School is getting $50,000 in grant money for its engineering academy program. Principal Shane Ehresman says the money will be used to purchase equipment and software. He says engineering provides a multitude of important skills. The money is coming from the Iowa Community College System, the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the Kern Family Foundation.

Washington Police make burglary arrest

A 16 year is facing felony charges in connection with three burglaries in the city of Washington. Sergeant Sean Ellingson says they will file three counts of burglary and three counts of theft in connection with break ins at the Washington Junior High, Griggs Music Shop and Rider Sales. Ellingson says its difficult to put a dollar amount on all the items taken from the three locations, but feels all of them will fall under second degree theft which is between one and ten thousand dollars. He says computer items taken from the Junior High are valued at at least seven thousand dollars. He says there are other burglaries being investigated and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Washington Police.

Bringing Washington Co's septic systems into compliance

About 2,500 homes in rural Washington County are using un-permitted septic systems. That's according to Environmental Health Administrator Jeff Thoman. He says discharging wastewater without the proper septic system in place can present a major health hazard. Thoman says there are grants and low interest loans available to help homeowners bring their septic systems up to date. To find out more contact the Washington County Department of Environmental Health.

Tracking stimulus money

Congressman Dave Loebsack launched a new Recovery Act map that charts where and how Recovery Act funds are being spent in the second district. According to a new report released by the US Government Accountability Office, Iowa intends to effectively and efficiently tracking the federal funds. Loebsack says Iowa is one of 16 states being monitored by the GAO on the implementation of the Act.He encourages people to review the Recovery Act Map, which is being updated as each new project is announced. Residents of the second district can visit Congressman Loebsacks website to see where Recovery Act dollars are being spent.

3 new events at Kalona Days

Kalona Days organizers have announced 3 new events for the early summer celebration. Kalona Days Director Dave Finley says the new events are nail driving contest which is a competition for the fastest time in driving 43 nails into a 4x 4 section of wood. Finley says there will also be a salsa judging as well as a watermelon seed spitting contest. The winners of each contest will receive various amounts of Kalona Kash. Kalona Days is sponsored by the Kalona Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact Dave Finley at (319)656-3535

Be safe this Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is next week and most people celebrate the weekend before. Deputy Caudel with the Louisa County Sheriff's office says in the past they have not had too much of a problem with people taking there parties to the streets. He says they wont be doing anything different this year. Caudel says if people plan to drink to always be responsible. He says have a designated driver with you or take a taxi. He says being safe can not only save your life but the lives of those around you.

Call before you dig

April is considered the beginning of construction season in the Midwest. Ben Booth, with Iowa One Call says something everyone from professional contractors to back yard handymen need to do, is call before they dig, to avoid impacting underground utilities. Booth says if you don't contact Iowa One Call 48 hours before digging, and disrupt a service, you can be held liable for it. He says their service is free and the best way to get a hold of them in Iowa is by dialing 8-1-1. For more information visit the Iowa One Call website.