Friday, June 19, 2009

Severe Weather

A round of severe thunderstorms tore through Washington County and much of southeast Iowa earlier this evening bringing strong winds, intense lightning and heavy rainfall. KCII received numerous reports of downed power lines and trees as well as damage to vehicles and buildings. WeatherEye reports winds in excess of 70 miles per hour, while we recorded nearly in inch of rainfall in a little more than an hour's time at our downtown Washington Studio. The KCII Severe Weather Action Team went on the air at about four-thirty and concluded coverage at about 5:40.

More Information
Click for pictures of after the storm

Severe weather possible today, tonight

The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms are likely to occur in Southeast Iowa today, and this evening. They say the atmosphere is very unstable and well organized thunderstorms will be capable of producing strong straight line winds and intense rainfall. Minor flooding and flash flooding could happen in certain areas. In case of severe weather stay tuned to KCII for Severe Weather Action Team Coverage.

Fairfield man killed in motorcycle crash

The Iowa State Patrol is investigating a Jefferson County crash that resulted in the death of a Fairfield Man. Police say 50 year old Robert Daley II was killed when his motorcycle slammed into a pickup truck driven by 17 year old Jordan Bradfield, also of Fairfield. They say Bradfield was turning into a private drive off Libertyville Road, when Daley, who was traveling in the opposite direction, struck the passenger side of the truck. No other information was immediately available.

Kalona halts Rec Center project

The roofing and siding touchups on the Kalona Rec Center will be put on hold for a while. Kalona City Council members recently received a petition arguing that the city did not follow state law during the bidding process for contractors. According to Iowa Code, if a public improvement project bid exceeds 100-thousand dollars, the city government cannot divide it into two parts. The filer of the petition says they are not seeking any damages from the city, but only wants the city to follow the proper channels and follow the law.

Teens arrested for burglary

Three area youth have been charged for a burglary at the Kalona BP convenience store that occurred early yesterday morning (6/18). The Washington County Sheriffs Office reported that cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of money was taken from the store. Aaron Bender, Miles Coppes, and Katelyn Davis were all charged with possession of tobacco under age. Bender and Coppes were also charged with burglary and theft. The stolen items have since been recovered.

WEDG says more industrial space needed

The director of the Washington Economic Development Group says the city is in need of more industrial land. Ed Raber told councilors this week most most of the industrial park is spoken for. Raber says Washington does own additional land that's zoned for industry, but isn't obligated or part of an industrial park. He says in the long term he'd like to see WEDG and the city partner to create a new designated industrial area.

WEDG says more industrial space needed

The director of the Washington Economic Development Group says the city is in need of more industrial land. Ed Raber told councilors this week most most of the industrial park is spoken for. Raber says Washington does own additional land that's zoned for industry, but isn't obligated or part of an industrial park. He says in the long term he'd like to see WEDG and the city partner to create a new designated industrial area.

County Zoning

Washington County is considering a zoning ordinance, which could interfere with local cities' ability to grow. Without such an ordinance, cities are allowed to claim a two mile radius outside their limits. However, if the county implements zoning, that land would fall under their jurisdiction. The contractor working with the county recommends towns declare "urban reserve districts" in areas they want to see future growth. The county zoning commission, and the city of Washington have a joint meeting scheduled July 14, to discuss such districts.

Engineer prepared for gas hikes

The Washington County Engineer says higher fuel costs this summer shouldn't hinder any of their projects. David Patterson says they usually expect, and budget for the increase, but do have plans in place if the price skyrockets like last year. He says that might include holding off on rock hauling until the price comes down. The Iowa Department of Energy Independence reports the price for a gallon of unleaded gas with 10% ethanol was up 40-cents this month compared to May.

Summer food service

Columbus Community School District is participating in the USDAs Summer Food Service Program. The objective of the program is to ensure that children in the community receive the same nutritious meals that they receive under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs during the school year. Serving locations are at Roundy Elementary and Conesville Community Center. Meals will be provided to all children of the area free of charge and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Local businesses benefit from Father's Day

Father's Day is this weekend and that means gifts for dad. Washington Hy-Vee Store Director Chuck Underhill says they usually see an increase in sales in their meat department around this time. Underhill says they also see a rise in gift card and greeting card sales. He also says there's more traffic through their garden center, as people shop for dads with green thumbs.