Friday, August 28, 2009

Loebsack to visit Washington

Congressman Dave Loebsack is in Washington tomorrow (8/29) for a town hall meeting at the high . One likely discussion topic is healthcare reform. Loebsack has told KCII many of the problems stem from issues with Medicare and other programs. He says while Americas quality of healthcare is one of the best, the problem is making it accessible to everyone. The Loebsack will be speaking at the high school auditorium Saturday morning at 9:30 am.

M-P Candidates take questions

Candidates for Mid-Prairie School Board took questions last night during a public forum. Some areas of discussion included the new administration sharing agreement with Keota, the Home School Assistance Program, and the role of a board members. Incumbents Jim Hussey and Jack Dillon, are vying for three at large seats against newcomers Stacia Bontrager and Angi Wilson. To hear highlights from the Mid-Prairie Candidates forum, tune in to In Touch With Southeast Iowa all next week during the KCII Mid Day Magazines.

Final Satellite voting and Demon opener

The Demon Football Team opens the season tonight (8/28), but those in attendance will be able to do more than take in football. Washington County Auditor Bill Fredrick says they will be offering the final satellite polling place ahead of school elections. Tonight's polls will will be open from 4:30 to 9:00 at Case Field.

Season flu shots expected to be early

Washington County's public health administrator says they could be offering seasonal flu shots a little earlier than normal this year. Edie Nebel says that's because they'll be offering a vaccine for the H1N1 virus as well. She says nothing is definite at this point. She says it's also unclear how much H1N1 vaccine Washington County will receive.

Supervisor hopes to lobby state on voting 911 commissioners

A Washington County Supervisor hopes to lobby the state legislature to allow more voting members on the local 911 Commission. Steve Davis says Iowa law prevents contracted entities from having a vote on such commissions. He says they hope to be in contact with lawmakers to have the rules changed.

Keokuk, Wash, Jefferson Counties hardest hit by heavy rain

Parts of southeast Iowa says more than seven inches of rainfall between Wednesday and early Thursday. State Climatologist Harry Hillaker says parts of Washington, Jefferson and Keokuk Counties were hit the hardest Hillaker says while it's been a very wet year, The state is still not on pace to set any precipitation records.

Home tax credits offered

As the economy starts to recover, more incentives are becoming available for first time homebuyers. Iowa Association of Realtors President Terry Knapp says first time buyers can receive up to $8,000 in tax credits. Knapp says low mortgage rates and high inventory in Iowa have kept the state's housing market stable. He says purchases must be made by November 30 to qualify.

Better communities program

Washington residents will have a chance to learn how to better their community September 8. The YMCA will host Kent Zimmerman, CEO of the Wallace Centers of Iowa who will discuss building communities through dialogue, active learning, and citizen engagement. Zimmerman will also show participants how they can apply for certain grants to improve the community.