Saturday, July 11, 2009

Audit shows revenue up, spending down

A report from State Auditor David Vaudt shows Washington County brought in nearly $26 million in tax revenue during the fiscal year that ended June 30th. The report shows the county retained 7.5% more revenue for county operations versus the last fiscal year. Washington County spent $15-million, down a little more than 16% versus last year. Transportation, public safety along with health and social services were the biggest expenses identified in the state report.

Four Republicans vie for gubernatorial nomination

Four Republicans have declared they will seek the governor's office in Iowa next year, and the executive director of the Iowa GOP says there could be even more. Jeff Boeyink tells KCII it's better to have too many candidates, than not enough. So far, Sioux City businesses man Bob Vander Plaats, state Senate minority leader Paul McKinely, western Iowa State Representative Christopher Rants and Cedar Rapids businesses man Christian Fong have all tossed their hat in the ring for the Republican nomination in 2010.

Loebsack holds small business workshop

Eastern Iowa small business owners are invited to chat with U.S. Representative Dave Lobesack today (7/11). Loebsack is having a workshop to discuss provisions and avenues that could provide aid for struggling small businesses. The Mount Vernon Democrat says many businesses were hit hard by last year's floods, and the declining economy. Loebsack says a number small business advocacy groups will be on hand. The workshop starts at 1:00 (7/11) this afternoon at the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce Building.

Washington Co. Dive and Rescue

Firefighters, EMT's and police officers are all recognizable rescue workers. There is another group of individuals who serve in a different sort of environment. Tim Wells is head of Washington County's Dive and Rescue team. He says they undergo rigorous training. Wells says they have a six person team, and are deployed to any situation that involves a body of water. He says they've also been deployed to neighboring counties.

WMU School Board

The Winfield-Mt. Union School Board will have their hands full during their upcoming meeting (7/13). The board will face a number of issues ranging from bids for milk, bread, and fuel contracts for the upcoming school year, and even an early retirement policy for district employees. Other items on the agenda include the superintendents report, approval of substitute teacher pay for the upcoming year, and approval of the high school handbook. The meeting will be held at 6:30 Monday eveing in the media center.

Corn Country Cruisers roll into Washington

The Corn Country Cruisers are back in Washington this weekend. Tonight they'll have an Elvis impersonator along with a number of classic cars on display. The show runs from 6-9 this evening on the north side of the square. The pre-cruise is at the former Pamida parking lot on the east side of town. The next cruise night in Washington is August eight. For more information call Randy at 319-694-5603.

Celebration Iowa

The city of Lone Tree will be celebrating what it means to be an Iowan next Monday. The traveling show group Celebration Iowa will make a stop in the southeast Iowa town and treat residents with a mix of singing, dancing, and a tribute to the people and history of the Hawkeye State. Celebration Iowa is a collection of high school students who tour the state and perform all summer long. The program started in 1982 and has grown into a non-profit outreach organization dedicated to helping residents in need across the state.