Keota man killed in crash

A 72 year old Keota man was killed in a Tuesday crash in Mahaska County. The Iowa State Patrol says James V. Bowen was driving westbound on Highway 92 when he crossed the center line and collided with a semi tractor. The semi then collided with a third car. The State Patrol says the driver of the semi was transported to a hospital while the driver of the third car was not injured. Funeral arrangements for Bowen are pending with the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota.

City waiting on test results to lift boil order

The city of Washington is waiting on test results before it lifts a boil order on the north side of town. Last week a water main burst causing water to flow into the sanitary sewer which backed up into at least half a dozen homes. City Administrator Dave Plymann says insurance companies for the city, a contractor working near the water main, and homeowners will determine who's at fault, and who has to pay the claim.

34 municipal positions up for election in November

Eight Washington County communities will hold elections for mayor and city councilors this November. The Washington County Auditors Office says 34 positions will be up for election. The first date to file is August 24, the deadline is September 17.

Grassley refutes "Iowans for Tax Relief"

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is refuting claims by the group "Iowans for Tax Relief" that he's working with Democrats on a healthcare bill. Grassley says he's there to ensure that the country doesn't end up with a "government run" system. The New Hartford Republican says the country's healthcare system does need some work, but feels congress could make it worse if they're not careful. The "Iowans for Tax Relief" began circulating an email this week urging people to politely voice their concerns over the single payer system at Grassley's town hall meetings. Meanwhile, a Democratic state lawmaker from eastern Iowa is calling on Grassley to dispel what he calls myths about the healthcare debate. Iowa City State Senator Joe Bolckom says Grassley should focus on healthcare consumer reforms.

Nature Loop started

A new barn quilt loop got started this week in Washington County. Barn quilt committee co-chair Julie Mangold says the "Crow's Nest" quilt on the side of Steve Greiner's barn is the kick off of the nature loop, which will run through the southwest part of the county. Mangold says the nature loop is the third barn quilt trail the county has to offer. There's also the Amish loop through the northeast part of the county, and the liberty loop through the southeast. She says they also hope to develop the agriculture loop in the northwest.

Garden Crops

Corn and soybeans could be hurt by an early frost, but that's not the case for certain garden crops. Keokuk County Extension Director Gary Bickmeier says things like lettuce, broccoli, and spinach are slightly behind the average, but remain hearty during colder weather. Bickmeier says other things like tomatoes must be picked once they turn green and then ripen indoors.

TNL

This evening's (8/13) Thursday Night Live activities in downtown Washington will feature the music of Patrick Hazel. The Chamber of Commerce says Pat has traveled with world with his unique style of music. They say he's "classical trained and Mississippi River raised." He uses a harmonica, keyboard and his voice for an earthy blues sound. Pat takes the stage at 6:30. The farmer's market starts at 5:00