Monday, May 25, 2009

Two killed in three vehicle crash

Two people were killed and five were injured in a three vehicle car accident in Washington County Saturday. The Iowa State Patrol says 30 year old Samuel Langstaff and 29 year old Jacqueline Langstaff, both of Indianola died after the crash at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Highway 92. 17 year old Andrew Brock and 16 year old David Haifley both of Washington, along with 19 year old Travis Filben of Keota were taken to University Hospitals in Iowa City. 26 year old Jared Freel and 15 year old Spencer Miller of Washington were taken to Washington County Hospital. Police say Brock failed to stop at the intersection and smashed into the Langstaff's vehicle pushing them in front of a semi driven by Freel. They say charges in the accident are pending.

Memorial Day activities

There are several local events to mark Memorial Day. At 8:00 am the Boy Scouts will conduct a flag raising at the Post Office. There will also be a ceremony at 8:30 at the Crooked Creek Bridge to honor Marines and Sailors. Retired Navy Chief Richard Goodall will be the speaker. At 10:00 am there will be a ceremony at Elm Grove Cemetery honoring all veterans, with Dave Stouffer speaking.

Schmitz: legislative session good for military members

As Americans observe Memorial Day, a Southeast Iowa state lawmaker says the 2009 legislative session did a lot for veterans and active military members. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says they passed measures to help with everything from college education, to assisted living. One piece of legislation Schmitz is particularly pleased with protects active duty National Guard members by making it a misdemeanor to foreclose on or repossess their homes.

Local vet's thoughts on Memorial Day

A local veteran says Memorial Day shouldn't be a sad time, but rather a day that celebrates America's armed forces. Dan McClure says it sometimes difficult for non-military people to understand what it was like to endure combat. He says for that reason it seems like the biggest supporters of veterans are often times other veterans. McClure says Memorial Day is more about honoring those who have passed on, than those that are still alive.

U of I to poll Washington

University of Iowa's political science department is going to be conducting a survey of Washington. City Administrator Dave Plyman says he's working with the mayor and U of I officials to formulate the questions. The survey is being conducted through the Mikva Challenge, which is a Chicago based service organization. Political science professors at U of I will bring inner city high school students from the windy city to teach them about public opinion polling.

WMU chooses new Supt.

The Winfield Mount Union School District has chosen a new superintendent. A new contract has been extended to Patrick Cohen of Mt. Pleasant. Cohen has served as principal or assistant principal for the Mt. union schools for the past 7 years, where he also served as a teacher. The contract will be presented to the school board for approval on Wednesday. Mr Cohen will begin work as superintendent on July 1st.

MP Reunion

On June 26 to 27, 2009, the Mid Prairie Foundation is inviting all the Mid Prairie alumni from the past 40 years to attend the second All School Reunion. Jeffrey Swartzentruber with the reunion committee says the weekend kicks off with a doubleheader at the High School baseball field and the culmination of the weekend will be the Alumni Banquet at the high school from 6 to 8 with a lot of activities in between. Swartzentruber says there will be a lot more activities that they are planning and will keep everyone updated.

Grassley on credit card legislation

One of Iowa's Representatives on Capital Hill says recent credit card legislation will empower consumers. Senator Chuck Grassley says the measure will end the practice of allowing companies to make contractual changes without notifying consumers. The New Hartford Republican says Americans should be able to choose who they do business with, and this legislation allows them to make an informed decision when it comes to credit cards.