Grassley on health care

Senator Chuck Grassley says there are problems with the states current healthcare policies. One of his biggest concerns is the fact that many lower-income families are unable to afford insurance coverage which results in poorer health conditions. Grassley says people with preexisting medical conditions are often disqualified from coverage. He says even if they are allowed to join a plan, they often can't afford. The New Hartford Republican says his goals for health care reform would include making insurance "affordable and accessible."

Washington Co renews fuel contract

Agri-Land Farm Service will continue to provide fuel for Washington County's road department. Supervisors approved a new contract with the Winterset based cooperative at yesterday's (5/26) meeting. County Engineer David Patterson says Agri-Land will provide ethanol blended gasoline, two types of standard diesel fuel and bio-diesel. The only other bid for the contract came from Brighton based Cobb Oil. Their's was higher by $2,000.

WHS student receives Alliant scholarship

A student at Washington High School is getting a $1,000 scholarship from the Alliant Energy Foundation. Kelsey Bishop graduated this year and is one of twenty five students receiving the community service based scholarships. Bishop plans to study nursing at Mount Mercy College this fall. She's the daughter of Cameron and Kathy Bishop. Alliant says they considered leadership, volunteerism and the content of a 300 word essay when they selected the recipients.

Winter pushes back last day of school

With the ice and snow of winter the Mid Prairie School District had to cancel many days of school. Because of the canceled school days the last day of school for students was pushed back. The last day of school for students will be next Tuesday, June 2nd and they will be released one hour early. As it stands right now, the first day of school for the 2009-2010 school year will be Wednesday, August 26th.

Ending Polio

Washington County residents are being invited to Bike to End Polio. Myron Graber from the Washington Rotary Club says the event has a ride for everyone, ranging from short rides to even a 56 mile trek along county roads. Graber says 100 percent of the 25 dollar entry fee goes to polio fighting efforts, and the entry cost covers both snacks and a t-shirt. The Biking to End Polio Now event will begin with registration at 6:30 am on June 6. For information contact Myron Graber at 653-1674.

When to spray for bagworms

The Keokuk County Extension is urging property owners to hold off on spraying for bagworms. Education Director Gary Bickmeir says there has been considerable interest in Southern Iowa as people worry about the caterpillars defoliating their trees. For more information contact the Keokuk County Master Gardeners, or the Keokuk County Extension office.

Cash up for grabs at Kalona parade

There will be several ways to win money at this years Kalona Days. Kalona Days Director Dave Finley says cash prizes of $150, $75 and $50 will go to the top three entries in the Kalona Days parade. He says the parade will start at 10 a.m. and line up will be on the west ends of C and B Avenue and proceed east on B Avenue to 7th Street.

Washington BOS slated for closed session

Washington County Supervisors are slated to go into closed session this morning (5/26) to discuss an ongoing legal dispute with the city of Riverside. County Auditor Bill Fredrick says they helped levy funds for several infrastructure projects when the casino was built, and as a result Riverside is supposed to pay the county $175,000 per year out of the revenue they receive from the casino. Attorney's for Riverside say the contract caused the city to exceed its debt limit, therefore making in void under state law. The meeting starts at 9:30 this morning in the Washington County Courthouse.

Loebsack in Washington today

Congressman Dave Loebsack will be in Washington this afternoon (5/26). The Mount Vernon Democrat will be at Washington County Hospital and Clinics at 2:15 as part of his Healthcare Reform Tour. He'll be meeting with health care providers to get a better understanding of the services they provide and their payment delivery systems. Loebsack will also visit University Hospitals in Iowa City and Unity Healthcare in Muscatine. He says he's gathering information for the upcoming health care debate in Washington D-C.

Teen pregnancy numbers stable in SE Iowa

A spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of Southeast Iowa says teen pregnancy numbers have been fairly static in this region. Terri Bonar says much of the country has seen an increase. She says part of the reason for the nationwide hike is the use of abstinence only education. Bonar says areas of the country that utilize such methods actually have higher rates of teen pregnancy.

Washington Library update

The fence blocking the street in front of the new library in Washington will be coming down next month. City Administrator Dave Plyman says they'll still have to block traffic while a contractor works on the downtown improvement project. The library is expected to move into the new facility this summer. They say they're taking inventory and making decisions about what will travel with them. As a result the Teen Advisory Board will be selling video and audiotapes at the Ridiculous Days celebration on June 6.

Liquor request in limbo

Whether a Washington restaurant can serve alcohol in an outdoor setting is still up in the air. City councilors have left the item tabled at the past couple of meetings. Mayor Sandra Johnson says the ordinance committee is looking into the request from Cafe Dodici. Johnson says if the ordinance committee drafts guidelines to allow the restaurant's request the item will likely be un-tabled. She says if they don't come up with anything she'll ask councilors to take it off the table and put the issue to rest.

Louisa Co to receive more disaster funds

The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) announced the state approved additional disaster recovery projects in seven cities affected by natural disasters in 2008. Louisa County will receive $1,557,000 through the CDBG and $11,865,000 through the EDA Disaster Relief Grant to. The City of Columbus Junction will receive $920,000 through the CDBG and $2,930,000 through the EDA Disaster Relief Grant. The funding sources are the Community Development Block Grant Contingency and Imminent Threat Funds.

Kalona Pool

It feels like summer outside and many kids and parents are ready to start heading to the pool. Kalona Parks Superintendent Todd Fitzsenry says they have been working very hard to make sure that the Kalona City Pool is open and ready. Fitzsenry says they will be open from 1pm until 6pm on weekends until school is out for the summer.

Two killed in three vehicle crash

Two people were killed and five were injured in a three vehicle car accident in Washington County Saturday. The Iowa State Patrol says 30 year old Samuel Langstaff and 29 year old Jacqueline Langstaff, both of Indianola died after the crash at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Highway 92. 17 year old Andrew Brock and 16 year old David Haifley both of Washington, along with 19 year old Travis Filben of Keota were taken to University Hospitals in Iowa City. 26 year old Jared Freel and 15 year old Spencer Miller of Washington were taken to Washington County Hospital. Police say Brock failed to stop at the intersection and smashed into the Langstaff's vehicle pushing them in front of a semi driven by Freel. They say charges in the accident are pending.

Memorial Day activities

There are several local events to mark Memorial Day. At 8:00 am the Boy Scouts will conduct a flag raising at the Post Office. There will also be a ceremony at 8:30 at the Crooked Creek Bridge to honor Marines and Sailors. Retired Navy Chief Richard Goodall will be the speaker. At 10:00 am there will be a ceremony at Elm Grove Cemetery honoring all veterans, with Dave Stouffer speaking.

Schmitz: legislative session good for military members

As Americans observe Memorial Day, a Southeast Iowa state lawmaker says the 2009 legislative session did a lot for veterans and active military members. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says they passed measures to help with everything from college education, to assisted living. One piece of legislation Schmitz is particularly pleased with protects active duty National Guard members by making it a misdemeanor to foreclose on or repossess their homes.

Local vet's thoughts on Memorial Day

A local veteran says Memorial Day shouldn't be a sad time, but rather a day that celebrates America's armed forces. Dan McClure says it sometimes difficult for non-military people to understand what it was like to endure combat. He says for that reason it seems like the biggest supporters of veterans are often times other veterans. McClure says Memorial Day is more about honoring those who have passed on, than those that are still alive.

U of I to poll Washington

University of Iowa's political science department is going to be conducting a survey of Washington. City Administrator Dave Plyman says he's working with the mayor and U of I officials to formulate the questions. The survey is being conducted through the Mikva Challenge, which is a Chicago based service organization. Political science professors at U of I will bring inner city high school students from the windy city to teach them about public opinion polling.

WMU chooses new Supt.

The Winfield Mount Union School District has chosen a new superintendent. A new contract has been extended to Patrick Cohen of Mt. Pleasant. Cohen has served as principal or assistant principal for the Mt. union schools for the past 7 years, where he also served as a teacher. The contract will be presented to the school board for approval on Wednesday. Mr Cohen will begin work as superintendent on July 1st.