Paperless Police

A local police officer believes law enforcement will eventually go paperless. Greg Goodman is Chief of Police for the city of Washington. He says they've already reduced the amount of paper they use in their record keeping. Goodman also says they're also in the process of getting laptops for their squad cars so they can instantly access information while in the field.

Floral guru at Washington Farmer's Market

Floral guru Anita Davis will be the featured guest at tonight's Farmer's Market in downtown Washington. Market Master Bob Shepherd says Davis and others from the Louisa County Fair Flower Department will bring perennial divisions from their home gardens to sell. He says proceeds from this sale will go towards restoring display gardens outside Floral Hall, which were destroyed by last year's flooding. The Farmer's Market begins at 5:00 this evening in Washington's Central Park.

Kalona Cash at Kalona Days

There will be several opportunities to win Kalona Cash at this year's Kalona Days. Director Dave Finely says there will be the usual games like bingo. He says there will also be competitions like the watermelon seed spitting, and a nail driving contest. Finley says there will also be a 50/50 drawings. KCII. will have the Big Red Radio on hand and will announce winners each hour.

Washington engineer anticipates hikes in fuel costs

The Washington County Engineer is anticipating high fuel prices again this summer. David Patterson says demand goes up during warm weather as more people travel, and government agencies undertake the bulk of their construction projects. The board of supervisors yesterday (5/12) approved letting the annual fuel contract for Patterson's office.

Planting season much better than last year

Despite a wet spring, farmer's are making good progress this planting season compared with last. Washington County Extension Education Director Gene Mohling says about 85% of corn is in the ground, and nearly 20% of soybeans have been planted. Mohling says the one drawback of this is a lower price. Last year delays and flooding drove the price of both commodities up significantly.

Advice from the chief of police

Washington's police chief is advising residents to review their security measures in the wake of a recent string of break ins. Greg Goodman says taking simple steps like locking your home and vehicle can significantly reduce your risk. He says motion activated lights can also greatly deter potential intruders.

MP Sup. won't receive raise

Mid Prairie Superintendent Mark Schneider won't receive a pay increase as he effectively becomes superintendent of Keota this summer. Mid Prairie staff received a 2.2% pay increase recently, but Schneider turned down his raise. He'll begin his duties as dual superintendent July 30th.

Alliant warns of scams

Alliant Energy is warning customers to beware of con-artists posing as utility workers. Alliant spokesman Dave Koch says workers in the field never collect money for any service. He says customers can always ask to see their Alliant Energy identification badge as well. Koch urges anyone who sees suspicious activity to call their local law enforcement agency.

Washington JH Band at Tulip Time

Mediacom customers can get a look at the Washington Junior High Band performing at the Pella Tulip Time Festival Parade. Band Director Craig McClenahan says the cable provider has made the performance available on their on demand channel. He says the parade can be seen by going to channel one and selecting "Mediacom Local."

Louisa RFL teams forming

The Louisa County Relay for Life event is a few months away, but a local American Cancer Society official says teams are starting to form. Kierstan Peck says the relay is on August first, when teams will gather at the L and M Elementary School. She says the event will go from noon on the first, until midnight on August second. For more information on how to start or join a team contact the American Cancer Society at 319-653-3768, 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.relayforlife.org.

4-H leadership opportunities

The Iowa 4-H is looking for students to volunteer during the 2009 summer camp season. Washington County 4-H coordinator Kati Peiffer says current freshman can serve as leaders in training with day camp for 6-10 year olds. She says sophomores and juniors can be counselors in training, and assistant cabin counselors for a week. To find out more, or register, visit www.iowa4hcamp.com.

Severe weather possible

Severe weather could be heading our way tonight (5/12) and tomorrow. The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities says rounds of thunderstorms will occur ahead of an approaching warm front. They say severe storms could occur in Southeast Iowa this evening and throughout the day tomorrow (5/13). Hail, and high winds are possible. In case of severe weather, stay tuned to KCII for Severe Weather Action Team coverage.

Schmitz says no to rate hike

A southeast Iowa lawmaker is urging her constituents to air their opinions at this week's Iowa Utilities Board meeting. Senator Becky Schmitz says they'll be taking public input on a proposed rate hike by Alliant Energy. The meeting is tomorrow (5/13) evening at the Ottumwa High School. Schmitz says people can also voice their opinion at the Iowa Utility Board's website.

MP teachers change schedule, not jobs

Three Mid Prairie Teachers have undergone a scheduling change. Luetaa Ropp, Norman Brooks and Collete McClellen resigned their schedule B duties, and switched to C. Superintendent Mark Schneider says the three have not resigned from their teaching positions at the school district as many have speculated.

Washington Sheriff seeks new K-9 car

The Washington County Sheriff's Department is hoping to get a new squad car, specially designed for their K-9 officer. Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says they use a regular cruiser right now. He says K-9's are an important tool in police work. Dunbar says they are applying for a grant, and are seeking public comment on the matter.

Kiwanis campaign for chaplain at childrens' hospital

Washington's Noon Kiwanis Club is having a prayer breakfast tomorrow. Kiwanis member Dan Voss says they're raising money to get a full time chaplain on board at University of Iowa's Children's Hospital. Voss says they hope to raise around one-million dollars towards the effort. The breakfast is tomorrow (5/13) morning. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Voss at 653-4313.

WHS vocalists head to Ames

Four students from Washington are singing in the Iowa High School Music Associations Outstanding Performers Showcase. WHS vocal director Robert Youngquist says Tyler Lynch, Brad Crone, Brian Langr and Caleb Boyd were selected for an Outstanding Performance Award for their quartet performance at statewide competition this spring. This special recital by all of Iowa's Outstanding Performer award winners is today (5/12) from 9:00 AM, Until 3:00 PM in the performance rooms of the Iowa State University Music Building.

Kalona has open spot on zoning commitee

There is a spot open on the Kalona Planning and Zoning commission. At the last city council meeting Mayor Jerry Kauffman said he would have a suggestion for an appointment to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Wendell Nisly. He noted that a new state law requires appointed boards be gender balanced by 2012.

4-H Deadlines this week

Washington County 4-Hers have a deadline coming up. 4-H/Youth Coordinator Kati Peiffer says 4-Hers will be unable to exhibit at county fair or State Fair if they have not turned in an enrollment form. She says livestock ID forms, also known as 106 forms, need to be turned in as well. Peiffer also says state conference registrations and fee need to be turned in by this Friday, May 15th. If you have any questions, please contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811.

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.