Agronomist to speak on hail damage

Eastern Iowa farmers whose crops have sustained hail damage are being encouraged to attend the Crop Technology Tour this evening (7/28). Iowa State University agronomist Jim Fawcett will be on hand to answer questions about hail damage loses. There will also be information on bean aphids, soybean rust and nitrogen and manure management. The event starts at 6:00 tonight (7/28) at the Jeff Bermel farm, just outside Keota. For more information contact the Keokuk County Extension.

Headliner for "Celebrate your Senses" chats with KCII

The headlining act for this "Celebrate your Senses" says he's excited to perform in Washington. Bob Dorr of Bob Dorr and the Blue Band will play in downtown Washington this weekend. Dorr says their music covers a wide array of genres. Dorr says the band includes horns, harmonica and four vocalists. The "Blue Band" will be accompanied by the winner of this weekend's battle of the bands. For more information, contact Main Street Washington. Tune in to the KCII Morning Magazine on Wednesday (7/29) for the Washington Page which includes the full interview with Dorr, and a song off one of his CDs.

"Common Ground" committee chair: it's time

A co-chair for a citizens committee advocating an update of Washington School facilities says the overhaul is long over due. Joe Mcconnell is with the "Common Ground for Washington Schools" group. Mcconnell says in addition to being important for educational reasons, having quality school facilities is also important to economic development. The organization is having an informational meeting tonight (7/28) at 7:00 in the high school auditorium.

Supervisors talk tax suspensions

Washington County Supervisors will be looking at two property tax suspensions at today's meeting. County Treasurer Jeff Garret says one deals with a property owner who receives government aide, while the other is trying to show a financial hardship. Garret Iowa law allows for suspension in either situation. He says it doesn't lessen the amount of taxes due, but is a sort of forebearance on payment. The meeting starts at 9:30 this morning (7/28) at the Washington County Courthouse.

Acreage report deadline pushed back

With July nearly over, the Iowa Farm Service Agency wants to remind all farmers that the deadline to report acreage for this year is fast approaching. FSA Executive Director Dennis Olson says due to extreme weather conditions this year, the deadline has been pushed back to August 14. Olson says this deadline applies to producers who wish to report failed acreage as well. For more information contact your local county FSA office or visit fsa.usda.gov.

Louisa Co. Fair this week

The Louisa County Fair is being held this week and like all Midwest fairs, livestock is the main attraction. Louisa County Extension Director Kathy Vance says the livestock showings are as much for non-agriculturists as they are for enthusiasts. Vance says the Louisa Fair is almost a smaller version of the Iowa State Fair . She says its a good way to have fun with the entire family without spending too much money.. The fair will run all this week at the county fairgrounds in Columbus Junction.

Harkin greets FFA members

Two FFA members were recently invited to Washington, D.C. to take part in the FFA State Presidents Conference. The members were also able to meet with U.S. Senator Tom Harkin during their stay. Harkin says FFA exemplifies the strong character traits and qualities Iowa farmers should look up to. FFA represents nearly 12-thousand students in 230 high schools across the state.

4-H post season approaching

What some consider the post season of 4-H is just a few weeks away. The Iowa State Fair runs August 13 through the 23. Marketing Director Laurie Chapel says the 4-H exhibits are a staple of the fair. Chapel says this year's fair will also feature a variety of music acts, including Kelly Clarkson, Shinedown and Big and Rich. She encourages people to visit the fair's website for package deals on tickets and events.