Monday, May 4, 2009

Keota man passes away following crash near Wellman

A 24 year old Keota man has passed away after being involved in a car accident near Wellman last week. Ryan Detweiler passed away yesterday (5/3) at University Hospitals, in Iowa City. Detweiler taken by ambulance to the hospital after being involved in a crash at the intersection of 170th and Juniper Avenue. The Washington County Sheriff's Office says 15 year old Jared Gent, of Wellman failed to yield and collided with Detweiler. The two were taken University Hospitals, where Gent was treated and released. Funeral services for Ryan Detweiler are being handled by Powell Funeral Home in Keota. Police say charges are pending.

Wellman could hire public works director tonight

The city of Wellman has been looking for a public works director for a few weeks now. City Administrator Dave Ross says they have interviewed many people. Ross says he would like the public works director to start working as soon as possible. He says the Director will be in charge of many different operations in Wellman including water, sewer and parks. Ross says they will know by this evening if the applicant has passed all background checks and then the city council can appoint that person into the new public works director position.

Wind energy in Washington Co.

A southeast Iowa lawmaker says Washington County could be come the wind energy capital of the state. Representative Larry Marek says he and other local government officials have been working with Kansas based Trade Wind Energy to develop a plan. Marek says the wind farm would likely be located in the northern part of Washington County. He says it would stretch from Riverside to the Keokuk County line, and could well be the largest wind farm in Iowa.

Secondary roads funding a continued concern

Many people in Washington County were hopeful the state legislature would provide funding to improve secondary roads during the recent session. Ed Raber, with the Washington Economic Development Group, says the governor's bonding plan does provide some money, but not as much as many had hoped.

Washington BOS talks roads

Washington County Supervisors are talking roads at this week's meeting. They're slated to approve an agreement to provide inspection services for the state department of transportation. They'll also discuss purchasing right of way easements for highways. The supervisors are also expected to give a credit card to the county engineer's office. The meeting begins at 9:30 tomorrow morning in the lower level of the Washington County Courthouse.

Volunteers needed for Kalona Days Fun Run

Volunteers for the are needed to help the annual Kalona Days Fun Run. Kalona Days Director Dave Finley says they need people to coordinate publicity, mailings and advanced registration. Finley says they are also looking for help with the many activities during the evening of the run. He says without such volunteers, the fun run wouldn't be possible. The 1 or 5-k run is scheduled for June 19. For more information contact Finley at 319-656-3535.

Story time at Kalona Public Library

The Kalona Public Library is having story times for kids each Wednesday in May. Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia says story times help build early childhood literacy skills, through listening, finger plays, rhymes and songs. Themes include jungle animals, Cadecott winners, transportation and aliens. For more information contact Tartaglia at 319-656-3501.

Open meetings laws

Open government meetings and transparency in policy making are considered crucial to democracy. Yet Iowa's open meeting laws are sometimes unclear, especially in the face of changing technology. Kathleen Richardson is the executive secretary of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. She says whether or not things like email, online social networking or even phone calls are covered by the law is a murky area. KCII's news team recently participated in an open meetings webinar conducted by Richardson.