Farmer's Market kicks off '09 season

The Washington Farmer's Market kicked off their 2009 season in the city's Central Park last night. Market Master Bob Shepherd says it provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to get a start, and Washington to showcase what it has to offer. Farmer's market's continue every Thursday night this summer on Washington's down town square. 

Washington summer events

Many Midwestern communities have signature events like Kalona Days, Keota Fun Days, and Riverside's Trek Fest. Amy Vetter, with Main Street, says plans are in the works for such an event in Washington. Vetter says they are also working on Ridiculous Days which will be June 6 in Washington's downtown. She says it's a sort of bazar of local businesses. Vetter says this is one of, if not the oldest Ridiculous Days events in Iowa. 

Extension to become more "issue focused"

Washington County's Iowa State Extension director says his agency's restructuring will make it more issue focused. Gene Mohling says it will streamline how and where resources are utilized by identifying areas that share common interests. Mohling says as the extension service shifts from individual counties, to a regional focus, they'll be able to work together more effectively. 

Master Gardeners plant sale

The Washington County Master Gardeners are having a plant sale tomorrow (5/16). Master Gardener Barb Mottet says the sale will run from 8-11 am at the Washington County Fairgrounds, in the old school house. Mottet says there will be a variety of perennials for sale as well as garden related items. 

Kalona Library holds art event

Mid Prairie Schools dismiss early on May 21st, and the Kalona Public Library wants to give students something to do. Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia says they'll be offering on art program in the Velma Skola Program Room. She says kids and teens are invited to participate in a variety of art activities. She says registration is not required, and the program is free of charge. For more information call the library at 319-656-3501.

Fish n' Fun

The Louisa County 4-H and Conservation Service are teaming up to offer a Fish 'n Fun day nest month. Katie Hammond, with Lousia County Conservation, says the day will start with a casting competition, followed by training session and a fishing derby. She says there will be prizes for the biggest fish, most fish and smallest fish. She says rods, reels and tackle boxes are a few of the prizes up for grabs. Hammond says participants should bring their own fishing equipment and bait. Fish N' Fun is June 13. For more information contact the Louisa County Extension office.

Washington School Audit

An audit of the Washington School District shows declining enrollment and a falling solvency ratio. Mary Babinat, with Newton Based Nolte Cornman and Johnson, says a solvency ratio is an industry term for working capital. Her report indicates it dropped for the district by more than eight percent between 2006 and 2008. Babinat says part of that is related to the district's falling enrollment. Babinat delivered her report at last night's school board meeting.

WCHC CEO's thoughts on health care reform

The CEO at Washington County Hospital and Clinics says President Obama's goal to reform health care isn't going to be an easy task. Don Patterson says changes in the industry will have to be done little by little, because of it's complex nature. Patterson admits that not everyone in the U-S has adequate access to health care. He says Iowa, and Washington County in particular are probably above average.

Nursing shortage not seen in Washington

A nursing supervisor at Washington County Hospital and Clinics says her facility is not experiencing a nursing shortage like some areas of the country. Pat Huber says the nationwide deficiency is two prong. She says skilled nurses are being lost to retirements, and the demand for nurses climbs as the Baby Boomers enter their golden years.

Bauer named to board of health

The Washington County Board of Public Health is whole again. The supervisors this week appointed Lori Bauer to fill a vacancy left by Mike Christensen. Supervisor Chairman Jim Miksch says they were fortunate not to have to consider the recently enacted gender balance rule in their decision, because the board of health already has a good ratio.

Kalona Council adopts ID theft prevention

The Kalona City Council is taking steps to reduce the chance for identity theft among their utility customers. Councilors recently adopted a resolution that adds 22 points in addition to precautions already in place under the Postal Information and Security System. Councilman Steve Lafaurie developed the additional information. He's researched the "red flag" procedures. City Administrator Dough Morgan will serve as the compliance officer.

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."