Monday, July 20, 2009

Sieren named 2009 Fair Queen

Shelby Sieren has been named as the 2009 Washington County Fair Queen. She was selected from 13 other young women from throughout the area last night. The event at the Washington Community Center and was emceed by last year's Miss Iowa, while last year's Washington County Fair Queen Served as one of the Judges. KCII will be catching up with Sieren at the fair later today during our live coverage.

Today's fair events

The Washington County Fair Continues today. Livestock weigh in for 4-H and FFA members starts at 8:00. Today's shows are pet, poultry and dog agility. At 1:00 this afternoon there's the livestock judging contest, the scavenger hunt runs from 2-3, at 5:00 there's the 4-H working exhibits, and the silliest decorated cake contest. At 5:30 the 4-H Clover Kids "Great Gardeners Fest" starts. Tonight's grandstand entertainment is sanctioned tractor and truck pull. It starts at 7:00.

Narcotics team receives JAG grant

The Washington-Louisa Narcotics Enforcement Team is getting a little more than 96-thousand dollars from the Federal Byrne Justice Administration Grant. Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says this allows them to continue to fund an officer that focuses on drug enforcement. This officer is shared between the cities of Washington and Columbus Junction, as well as Louisa and Washington Counties. Dunbar says they are seeking additional funds through the JAG program for overtime expenses.

U of I prof. Remembers moon landing

40 years ago today, human beings made their first visit to the moon. University of Iowa physics professor Stephen Spangler was a college student at the time. He says he watched news coverage of the event from his family's farm in Henry County. Spangler says the moon landing was one of those events where people remember exactly where they were at the time. He says it was special because it's usually great tragedies that capture the world's attention, while this was a great triumph.

Washington business owner on RAGBRAI

A Washington business owner is making a trek across Iowa the annual RAGBRAI event. Rodney Stogdill owns Rider Sales. While he's not peddling across the state, he will be peddling items to keep bicyclists on the road. Stogdill is serving as one of a number of official bike shops providing service to RAGBRAI riders. He's not the only local connection to the statewide event. A number of Washington County teams are making the journey. Bicyclists are also rolling through Brighton later this month.

Hunter safety

One of the most popular activities for Iowans is hunting, but as all seasoned hunters know safety is crucial. For those wishing to obtain hunting licenses, the Washington County Conservation Board will be holding a hunter safety class August 4, 6, and 8. Naturalist Pam Holz says state law requires all those born after January 1, 1967 to take a safety course before obtaining a license. Holz says the class is open to anyone age 11 and over, though certification wont become valid until ones twelfth birthday.

LT Farmer's Market honored

The city of Lone Trees Farmers Market has caught the attention of some people in high places. The market will be pairing with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to celebrate the 10th annual Farmers Market week. Market Manager Helen Lemley says August 3 had been proclaimed Lone Tree Farmers Market Day and there will be many perks for shoppers. Lemley says they will be distributing $1.00 coupons to shoppers and 150 lucky shoppers will receive a free market tote bag.