Saturday, May 23, 2009

More police presence this weekend

Fewer people are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, but the Iowa State Patrol will still have an increased presence. District 13 Trooper Jason Marlow says they didn't have any major problems last year, but things are different this year with all the road construction. Police agencies across Iowa and much of the country are in the middle of a nationwide seatbelt enforcement effort.

Federal aide for Washington Co tops $253K

FEMA says Washington County has received nearly $254,000 in aide since last year's flooding. The federal agency says 19 households will receive $85,000 in housing assistance. The other state needs program has approved one Washington County household for nearly $2,500 in aide. FEMA says the U-S Small Business Administration has approved more than $50,000 in low interest loans for Washington County businesses. For more information on federal disaster aide, visit FEMA's website.

Wellman Parkside Center nearing completion

The Wellman Parkside Activity Center construction is still underway slowly but surely. City Clerk Donna Wade says with the harsh winter and wet spring construction has had to slow down and even stops at some points. Wade says they expect the project to be completed and the center ready for use by early fall of this year.

Washington FD gets new truck

The Washington Fire Department is getting a new truck. City Administrator Dave Plyman says the department was in desperate need of a new vehicle. Plyman says the new truck will cost about $300,000 half of which is being paid for with a grant from the Washington Riverboat Foundation.

Graduation safety

Area high schools are saying their goodbyes to the class of 2009. Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says it's an exciting time, but also needs to be safe. He says area residents and graduates each need to do their part. Washington is one of the first counties to enact a social host ordinance. It provides penalties for anyone who knowingly allows minors to drink alcohol on their property. Washington's graduation ceremony is tomorrow (5/24) afternoon at 1:30 at the high-school varsity gym.

SE Iowan completes Air Force training

A Southeast Iowa native has completed Airforce Basic Training. Airman Derek Boyse graduated at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio Texas. He completed an intensive eight week program. As a result Boyse is receiving four credits towards and associate degree in applied science through the Air Force Community College. Boyse is the son of Peggy Strickler of Kinross and Wyatt Boyse of Kalona. He's a 2008 graduate of the English Valley High School.

Riverside Farmer's Market

The 2009 season of the Riverside Casino & Golf Resorts Farmers Market is about to start. Jessica Athen, Special Events Coordinatorfor the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort says the first market will be held Sunday, May 31st and will continue until the end of September, with the last market on Sunday, September 27th. She says during the season, markets will be held in the Riverside Casinos parking lot the last Sunday of the month from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Vendor registration forms are available at theRiverside Casino & Golf Resort's Gift Shop and Resort Club. If you have any questions please contactJessica Athen at 319-648-1234 ext. 1975. She says Vendor space is available at no charge.