Friday, June 5, 2009

Severe weather possible

The National Weather Service says isolated thurnderstorms are possible late this afternoon and into this evening. They say a complex system is developing in Nebraska, and could reach eastern Iowa by midnight. Severe weather is possible throughout the weekend and into next week. The National Weather Service says it's too early to identify specific threats, but they say there is potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding. In case of severe weather stay tuned to KCII for Severe Weather Action Team Coverage.

Washington Council votes down liquor request

A downtown Washington restaurant will not be able to serve alcohol in an "outdoor cafe" setting. Washington Council members voted to deny the request from Cafe Dodici at this week's meeting. At large councilor Merle Hagie was the only yes vote. He says the matter at least deserved further research.

Downtown construction to begin

Construction crews are expected to start milling this morning (6/5) as part of Washington's downtown enhancement project. City Administrator Dave Plyman says work will be done on Washington Street, between Marion and Second Avenue. Plyman says in addition to a new street surface, the project also includes new brick work on the sidewalks, and new curbs and gutters. The city engineer's office says they will not allow crews to block any of the parade routes for tomorrow's Ridiculous Days celebration.

MP hires asst. business manager

The current business manager at Mid Prairie schools will be getting some new help in the coming months. Cindy Steege of the Solon School District was hired during a special school board meeting to become the new assistant business manager at Mid Prairie. Superintendent Mark Schneider cited her professionalism, initiative, and communication with the public and faculty as big selling points. He says Steege is already familiar with the system at Mid Prairie because Solon uses many of the same software programs they do.

Grassley on Obama speech

A U.S. Senator from Iowa is hopeful President Barack Obama's call for a peace accord with the Muslim world is a success. Republican Chuck Grassley says it's a relationship that's been strained for far too long. While Grassley, and other U-S leaders are hopeful Obama's message spawns more dialog, Al-Jazeera reports mixed reactions from the Arab World. Grassley says any amount of insight the east and west can give each other is a step in the right direction.

"Kidzfest" opens tonight

Washington County Hospital and Clinics "Kidzfest 2009" is this evening (6/5) in downtown Washington. Hospital spokeswoman Carrie Garman says now that schoos is out, it's a good time to promote healthy ideas like regular exercise and a balanced diet. Garman also says there will be a variety booths, demonstrations and activities. She says the event is free and open to the public. "Kidzfest" runs this evening from 4:30 to 8:30 in Downtown Washington.

Kalona rockers at Hamakua this evening

Hamakua Place youth center in Washington is having a free concert this evening (6/5). Center Director Deb Bodensteiner says the show will feature Kalona based Christian rockers The Ransom Project, as well as the Washington Faith Baptist Band. The show starts at 8:00 pm. Bodensteiner also says they'll be be kicking off a new program Tuesday (6/9) of next week at 7:00 pm called The Venturing. She says it's a young adult division of Boy Scouts, designed to help young people mature become responsible adults. For more information contact Hamakua Place.

Engineering is Elementary

Today (6/5) marks the last day of a special event taking place at Lincoln Elementary in Washington. This week, the school paired up with the U of I College of Engineering to teach kids the ways in which engineering principles can be used in daily life. The project has been running all this week for 3-4 graders in the Washington School District. While today marks the end of Washingtons session, Ed Raber with the Washington Economic Development Group says similar programs will be held in Wellman, Kalona, and Riverside.