Monday, June 15, 2009

M-P among top schools in country

Mid Prairie is one of the top high schools in the nation, according to a recent issue of Newsweek. The news magazine published a list of its top 1500 schools and high school principal Gerry Beeler says its the goal of all schools to put students first, but its always nice to get a little recognition. Beeler says its not uncommon for them to be recognized as a top high school. He says the University of Iowas Bell and Blank Center runs a similar study of top schools in Iowa, and Mid Prairie consistently ranks in the top ten.

MS to hold "Community Conversation"

Main Street Washington is looking for public input on what the future should hold for the city's downtown. Main Street Executive Director Amy Vetter says the "Community Conversation" will be the first in a series of public forums. The meeting is tomorrow (6/16) at 6:30 at the UP Church.

Harkin aide to visit Washington

More lawmakers are focusing on southeast Iowa this month as a top aide to U.S. Senator Tom Harkin will be visiting Washington County to discuss healthcare. Harkin says there needs to be a greater effort made at preventing illness, rather than treating it after it occurs. Harkin is the chair of Health Education Labor and Prevention, or HELP, and his staff has been traveling across Iowa to give communities better access to constituent services. Harkins aide will be in Washington June 25 at Washington County Hospital and Clinics at 8:30 am.

Supervisors seek candidates for eminent domain commission

Washington County Supervisors are looking for bankers, auctioneers, property managers, appraisers and loan issuers to serve on the eminent domain commission. Supervisor Adam Mangold says people who serve on the commission can excuse themselves from hearing a case if they feel there is a personal conflict. He also says they have enough volunteers from the city of Washington, and are looking for people from other communities to serve.

Sheriff Dunbar: remember the fireworks permits

Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says residents who want to have fireworks displays this 4th of July need to remember to get a permit. Dunbar says applications for the permits need to be received at least two weeks in advance. He says it's best to have someone who's been properly trained shoot off fireworks. Dunbar also says people need to be mindful of where the debris is going to land. To obtain an application contact the county auditor's office.

RFL '09 raises $74K

Area residents took steps against cancer this weekend during the Washington Relay for Life. Kim Hatfield is the local representative for the American Cancer Society. She says Relay for Life is their primary fundraiser. She says the money is used for research and to support cancer victims. The event raised more than $74,000.

Library event

The Washington Public Library hosting pictorial and oral account of two Iowans who embarked on a 1,400 mile canoe trip. Dennis Weidemann wrote "This Water Goes North." It tells the story of two Iowa farm boys who canoed from Minnesota to the Hudson Bay in Southern Canada. Weiddemann will share the story at 7:00 pm this Tuesday (6/16) in the Helen Wilson Gallery at the library. It's free and open to the public.