Monday, September 7, 2009

Labor Day

Government offices, financial institutions and many businesses are closed today in observance of Labor Day. The Washington County Mini Bus will also not be running. Labor day was first celebrated in1882 when workers in New York City marched from city hall to Union Square in the first ever Labor Day Parade. Congress declared it a legal holiday 12 years later.

Transit Officers

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is hiring some transportation officers. Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says they've been asked to house more federal inmates than initially expected in the new jail. Dunbar says they were unable to find enough certified officers for the job. He says that's why they're creating a pool of candidates who will undergo training and work for the department on a part time basis.

School Elections

Voters across Iowa head to the polls tomorrow to elect school board members. In Washington Five candidates are seeking three open seats. There are contested races in districts five and seven. In Mid Prairie, four candidates are seeking three at large seats. Two of them are incumbents. In Highland there are no contested races, and all running are incumbents.

Heidie Vittetoe

A Washington School Board candidate up for reelection tomorrow says her experience is one of her biggest assests. Heidie Vittetoe is running unopposed in district 6. Vittetoe was initially scheduled as a guest on the Washington Page for KCIIs Candidates series last week, but requested her time be given to the Common Ground for Washington Schools group.

Kalona City Council

The Kalona City Council will decide on a number of city revitalization plans during their meeting this Tuesday. Chamber member Laurie Mostek says much of the focus of the project has been improving the streets and infrastructure in town. The council will also discuss approval of 53-thousand dollars for the lift station project among other issues. The public is invited to come and voice their opinion, but will be limited to five minutes per person.

Energy Expo

The Beach Boys arent the only ones focusing on renewable energy in southeast Iowa this week. The Iowa Renewable Energy Association, or I-Renew, will hold a renewable energy and sustainability expo this Saturday. I-Renew Executive Director Mike Carberry says the group will cover everything from solar to geothermal energy and ways to make buildings energy efficient. Carberry says they will also discuss green jobs and how to live a healthier lifestyle.

Operation ReLeaf

Alliant Energy is encouraging residents to promote resource conservation by planting trees this fall. Allaints Nancy Craig says in the Operation ReLeaf campaign offers three-thousand landscaping trees to residents for as low as $25. She says planting trees is an appealing and cost-efficient way to reduce home heating and cooling costs. Craig says order forms are available on Alliant Energys website or by calling the DNR at 515-281-6749.

Doggie Paddle

The third annual Washington Dog Park's "Doggie Paddle" is this Wednesday. Before park officials drain the pool in Sunset Park, dog owners are invited to let their pooch have a dip. Admission is five dollars per dog, and they must be current on their shots. Proceeds benefit the Washington Dog Park. Paws and More will also be on hand offering microchipping. The Doggie Paddle runs from 4-8 this Wednesday.