Saturday, May 2, 2009

Flags lowered to honor fallen soldier

Funeral services for a fallen Iowa soldier are today, and flags at government buildings will be at half staff in his honor. Staff Sergeant Leroy Webster was killed in action while on patrol in Iraq late last month. Webster is from Hartley, in Northwestern Iowa. Governor Chet Culver's directive applies to all U-S and state flags. The half staff mandate applies to all state, federal and county buildings. Business and individuals who display the flag are also encouraged to participate as a sign of respect to Webster and his family.

WWTP extended hours

Extended hours at the Washington Waste Water Treatment Plant and Compost Facility begin today (5/2). The facility will be open from 7:00 to 10:00 am on Saturdays during the month of May so Washington residents can dispose of yard waste and tree trimmings. They are also open during the week from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. the staff at WWTP reminds you that "if you didn't grow it, don't throw it." If you have questions call 653-2638.

WWTP extended hours

Extended hours at the Washington Waste Water Treatment Plant and Compost Facility begin today (5/2). The facility will be open from 7:00 to 10:00 am on Saturdays during the month of May so Washington residents can dispose of yard waste and tree trimmings. They are also open during the week from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. the staff at WWTP reminds you that "if you didn't grow it, don't throw it." If you have questions call 653-2638.

WHS Prom

Be on the look out for formal gowns and tuxedos around Washington today (5/2) ...it's the WHS Prom. This year's theme is "Night at the Royal Ball." Washington High student and prom committee member Mike Adrian says its a bittersweet time for him and his fellow senior classmates. Adrian says things will get started at 4:00 this afternoon at the high school with the grand march. He says 130 prom pairs have signed up to have their pictures taken. After that, it's off to dinner followed by the dance at the high school gym. After prom is at the junior high, and starts after the dance.

WHS Seniors seeking pictures for slideshow

Washington High School's senior class is looking for photos for their senior slideshow. Committee member Andrew Schneider says they are also looking for quotes to accompany the pictures. He says this is an excellent time to get out the photo album before your senior heads out into the world. Schneider says the slideshow will be displayed during senior night, on May 20. He says its the last night for the class to be together outside of graduation. Photos for the slideshow can be emailed to aschneiderjr@gmail.com, or zigger46@hotmail.com

WHS Vocals final concert

The Washington High School Vocal Department's final concert of the year is this Monday evening. Director Robert Youngquist says the program is entitled "You are the New Day!" and will feature performances by the concert choir the Hi-Fi's and the womens' choir under the direction of Michael Jewel. The program begins at 8:00 pm in the Washington Senior High Auditorium. Youngquist says the later start time was needed because of the availability of the choir's guest accompanist. He says future programs will revert to the normal start time.

Kalona Golf Tournament

The Mid Prairie Athletic Boosters are holding their annual golf tournament today. Jeff Leach, the manager with the Kalona Golf Club, says it will be a 4 person best shot tournament to help raise money for the Mid Prairie Athletic department. Leach says the Mid Prairie golf team uses the Kalona Golf Club during their season and this is a good way to help them out. For more information or to register a team, contact the Golf club at 319-656-3844

MP Drama presents: The Boyfriend

The Mid Prairie Drama Department is holding there spring production of The Boyfriend this weekend. Drama director Tamara McClintock says the show will be tonight at 7:30. McClintock says this is the play that the famous actress Julie Andrews got her big start in. She says there are around 50 cast member in this production. She says the show is a fun piece that is sort of like Mama Mia in that there are a lot of song and dance numbers. Again the show is tonight at 7:30pm in the Mid Prairie Auditorium and tickets are 6 dollars.

Gardening tips

It's gardening season, and that can leave a lot of first timers with questions. Keokuk County Extension Education Director Gary Bickmeir says flowers and vegetable plants purchased from greenhouses or garden centers should not be planted directly in the garden. He says the intense sun and strong winds may kill the vulnerable seedlings. Bickmeir says bedding plants should be "hardened," which means acclimated to outdoor growing conditions. For more information contact the Keokuk County Master Gardeners at 800-515-2680.