Hy-Vee: pork sales still strong in Midwest

Despite recent media coverage of swine flu, Hy-Vee says they haven't noticed any sharp decline in pork sales. Chris Freisleben, with Hy-Vee's corporate office, says people in this region are more attuned to agricultural issues, and likely had a better understanding of how the H1N1 virus spread. She says they don't have any concrete numbers at this point, but nothing has set off any warning signals regarding a decline in pork sales. 

ISU Economist: pork sales suffer nationwide

An economist at Iowa State University says unfounded concerns that pork products may be tied to the H1N1 influenza outbreak are starting to be reflected in the market place. John Lawrence is director of ISUs Beef Center. He says the market price of hogs has declined by nearly $5, per hundred weight since late April. Lawrence says the decline comes at a time of year when pork prices usually rise, and continue to increase into the summer. He says biosecurity is a high priority for Iowa Pork producers, and the outbreak will reinforce the awareness of tactics needed to ensure safety in U.S. products.

Name change for aquatic center still pending

There's a petition going around Washington asking residents to support naming the city's aquatic center after former YMCA swim coach Milo Steele. Parks Superintendent Tim Widmer says the name would be appropriate, but they want to consider everyone's opinion. Widmer says any decision on the matter would not be solely up to the park board. He says it would also require city council approval. He asks anyone with an opinion on the matter to express it to the park board.

FDIC coverage increased

In an effort to boost confidence, the federal government has increased the amount of money they'll cover through the Federal Deposit Insurance Company. Washington State Bank loan officer Brandon Long says that's a double edged sword for smaller banks. He says more than 30 banks have failed during this recession, but no one has lost money in an FDIC insured account. He says the coverage increase is tentatively set to expire in December, but there have been rumors of the federal government extending it.

Washington BOS

Washington County Supervisors will appoint a weed commissioner at this week's meeting. Auditor Bill Fredrick says this person will be in charge of controlling noxious plant life this summer. The supervisors will also make an appointment to the Board of Health. Several road related items are also on the agenda, including contracts for culvert projects and surface overlays on Vine Avenue, and establishing a bid letting date for the annual fuel contract. The meeting starts at 9:30 am this Tuesday in the lower level of the Washington County Courthouse.

Washington Farmer's Market this week

Washington's first farmer's market of the season is this Thursday. Market Master Bob Shepherd says despite this spring's wet weather, asparagus, rhubarb and radishes are sure to be available. Shepherd says there will also be bedding plants, hanging potted plants and baked goods. He says "Bits 'n Blades" will be on hand weather permitting to sharpen scissors, knives and other tools. The farmer's market starts at 5:00 pm in Central Park. 

Salsa Judging at Kalona Days

Theres going to be a new event at this years Kalona Days. $50 in Kalona cash, as well as bragging rights, will go to the person who makes the best salsa. JWs Foods is sponsoring the first ever salsa contest during the early summer Celebration. A panel of judges will rate salsas on a scale of 1-10 in appearance, balance of flavor and texture. Entry forms and rules are available by through Kalona Days Director Dave Finely. 

Dunbar encourages residents to congratulate a grad

A local law enforcement official wants area residents to remember what it was like when they approached high school graduation. Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says its a time when young people realized they are now considered adults. He says the new graduates this year have the same thoughts. Dunbar encourages residents to take the time, and shake the hands of the new graduates while wishing them well. He says its up to all of us to give our future leaders the confidence and support they need to be successful.

WHS Baccalaureate Services

Baccalaureate services for Washington High's class of 2009 are a week from today (5/17). The Christian worship service is open to all family and friends of the senior class. Several seniors will be involved in the praise band, vocal choir and puppets. Anyone who has pictures of the graduates' faith experiences, and would like to share them to during the ceremony's video show, should contact Lynette Sievers by the end of the day today.

BOS Preview

Washington County Supervisors will appoint a weed commissioner at this week's meeting. Auditor Bill Fredrick says this person will be in charge of controlling noxious plant life this summer. The supervisors will also make an appointment to the Board of Health. Several road related items are also on the agenda, including contracts for culvert projects and surface overlays on Vine Avenue, and establishing a bid letting date for the annual fuel contract. The meeting starts at 9:30 am this Tuesday in the lower level of the Washington County Courthouse.

Home School Fundraiser

Mid Prairie's Home School Assistance Program is hosting a fundraiser at Barnes & Noble in Coralville on Saturday May 16th. Community Supporters can make purchases in the store from 9 am to 10 pm on that day and the program will receive a percentage back for supplies for our Lending Library. They will be hosting two events that are free and open to the public that evening. 6:00 PM will be a fun game night with prizes and at 7:00 PM they will have a Pajama Story time. Attendees are encouraged to wear pajamas to the event. Staff teachers will be reading stories and doing activities while sipping hot chocolate samples from the Barnes & Noble Cafe.

Graduation Thoughts

This is the time people are thinking about high school graduation. Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says Remember the thoughts that ran through our minds; we all realized we were now considered adults, high school was behind us, and the world was laid at our feet. He says these new graduates have the same thoughts. Dunbar says when you meet one of these new graduates, take the time to give them a firm hand shake, look them in the eye, and sincerely wish them well. Its up to all of us to give these leaders of our future the confidence and support they need to be successful.

Severe Weather in SE Iowa

A series of severe thunderstorms moved through Southeast Iowa last night, bringing heavy rains, quarter sized hail, and winds in excess of 60 miles per hour. KCII received reports of a semi trailer being blown over in Keokuk County, and damage to a sign on Highway 218 in Washington County. The KCII Severe Weather Action Team went on the air just before 7:00 last night, and finished coverage a little after 8:00 when the warning expired.

Corn Country Cruisers open 2009 season

The Corn Country Cruisers are having their first cruise night of this season this evening on Washington's Downtown Square. Organization member Ken Linmeyer says it will be meet the pros night. He says they'll have representatives from Mid America Engine Builders, King's Hot Rod Shop and Papa Clutch Customs. The cruise night runs from 5-9 this evening in downtown Washington.

Help Washington letter carriers stamp out hunger today

Washington letter carriers are collecting donations for the "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive this morning (5/9). Carrier Andy Miller says they're asking residents to put non perishable food items outside their house to be picked up along with the mail. This is the first year Washington has participated in the campaign. Miller says after they collect the food, they'll take it to the post office to be weighed. After that it heads to local food banks.

Sheriff's open house

Washington County residents are invited to get a look at the new sheriff's office again today. Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says he wants to give them a chance to see the facility that was paid for with their tax dollars. The public is invited to the open house. It goes from 9:00 am to noon today (5/9)

Free food stand literature at Extension

Community festival season is just around the corner, and the Washington County Extension Office wants to make sure food stand operators are ready. The extension's Nancy Adrian says selling a variety of food and beverages can be an effective fundraising activity, however organizers and workers need to be aware of certain regulations. She says the extension office has the publication "Food Stand Operations-What you Need to Know" available for free. To obtain a copy, contact the extension office.

WCHC offers breast cancer seminar

Washington County Hospital and Clinics is having a free breast cancer public forum Monday. Dr Terri Howes from the Iowa City Cancer Treatment Center, Dr Abbie Thrower from Cancer Care of Iowa City and WCHC Radiologist Dr. Douglas Boatman will discuss breast cancer treatment and diagnosis. There will be a question and answer session. The seminar is this Monday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:00.

MP Baccalaureate

The Mid Prairie Baccalaureate Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 20th at 7pm. Scott Swartzendruber with the Kalona Mennonite Church says there will be many presenters and music for the seniors. He says the senior band and Choir will perform special music for the graduates and families. He says this service is sponsored by the council of Mid Prairie Churches.

Market sheep and goats weighed in

Washington County 4-Hers and FFA members this month weighed in market sheep and goats for the 2009 Washington County Fair on Saturday,. 4-H/Youth Coordinator Kati Peiffer says a total of 45 kids weighed & tagged a total of 259 head of sheep. This is a slight increase from last years numbers at weigh-in.She says Eighty-one sheep were nominated for the Iowa State Fair through retinal scans and two head were nominated for Ak-Sar-Ben through DNA hair samples