Cheese maker to establish milk transfer station in Washington

Washington's Industrial Park is getting a new business. The Washington Economic Development Group says Wisconsin based Montchevre produces goat cheese and is establishing a transfer station for milk in Washington. Montchevre President Arnaud Solandt says Washington is a good location because it's in the middle of their milk routes. Solandt says they hope to one day make a full scale production facility in Washington. Construction on the 2.75 acre site is expected to start this summer. To learn more about the company visit: http://www.montchevre.com/

Washington Pork

The H1N1 virus and a slumping economy haven't been kind to the pork industry. However some Washington County hog farmers seem to be growing. Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Miksch says they've seen a lot of expansion requests lately. Supervisors this week are slated to sign off on such an expansion. The meeting starts tomorrow (6/2) morning at 9:30 in the Washington County Courthouse.

Kewash Enhancement

An enhancement project is being proposed for the Kewash Trailhead. The plan would revamp the landscape of a two block section of trail at north Avenue D and west to north F. It would remove some or all of the second growth trees and replace them with a preferred. The effort could take place over the next year or two.

School's out safety

Area schools will be out for the summer soon and that means more kids out during the day. Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman is reminding residents to use extra caution as there will be increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Goodman says it's easy to get distracted by cell phones and car stereos. He urges drivers to focus on driving while behind the wheel.

Washington Co. Historical Society launches website

Washington County's Historical Society is launching a website. Board member Terry Oneill says they decided to put some of their content online so tourists can plan a trip through Washington County's historical landmarks. Oneill says there's no real centralized archive of historical information about Washington County. He's hoping this website will change that. The site can be visited at www.washingtoncountyhistoricalsociety-Iowa.org

Hamakuah needs volunteers

Summer vacation is near, and teens will be looking for something to do. Hamakuah Youth Center Director Deb Bodenstiener says that means expanded hours for them. She says that also means they need extra help. She says anyone interested in volunteering should contact Hamakuah Place in Washington.

Riverside Council

The Riverside City Council will be holding a meeting the city hall today at 5:30. The council will begin with a closed session with an open meeting beginning at 6:30. Items to be discussed include approval of the agenda, the sheriffs report, painting the water tower, and an update from the city administration. There will also be a public hearing in order to discuss the Elimination of Sanitary Sewer Inflow Program and the SRF Loan. The public is invited to give input, however due to time constraints all comments will be limited to three minutes.

Summer reading

With so many activities taking place this summer, the Kalona Public Library reminds you that one of the best activities is simply reading a book. Their Summer Reading program will be starting up June 9 and the theme this year is Be Creative. Marissa Tartaglia with the library says the program will also incorporate music and art activities. She says the program has events and activities for all ages from kindergarten to teens. Information on the Be Creative Summer Reading Program can be found at 319-656-3501.

Washington Co Historical Society Launches website

Washington County's Historical Society is launching a website. Board member Terry Oneill says they decided to put some of their content online so tourists can plan a trip through Washington County's historical landmarks. Oneill says there's no real centralized archive of historical information about Washington County. He's hoping this website will change that. The site can be visited at www.washingtoncountyhistoricalsociety-iowa.org

Babysitting Basics

Washington County Extension will be offering a second Babysitting Basics course June 15-19. Nancy Adrian with the Extension office says the course will cover topics such as age appropriate toys, activities, safety information, and first aid procedures. Adrian says the course is available for both boys and girls completing 5th grade and above. Registration forms can be picked up at the Extension office and are due by June 5 along with a $25 fee. For questions, contact Nancy Adrian at 653-4811.

Kalona City Council

The Kalona City Council will be meeting tomorrow in the Kalona Public Library. Items on the agenda include discussion of the farmers market, approval of cigarette permits for local stores, and discussion for the issuing of a liquor license for Tuscan Moon Grill. The meeting will be held in the librarys meeting room at 7:30 pm.

Jefferson Co. Board of Supervisors

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors will be holding an open meeting on tomorrow. The meeting will be held in the first floor meeting room of the Jefferson County Courthouse in Fairfield. Items on the tentative agenda include a meeting with the county engineer and attorney, discussion of a fireworks permit, and consideration of a disposal system contract. There will be an opportunity for comments from the public.

Washington SWEEP

Washington community members gathered in Central Park yesterday (5/29) to celebrate the Centennial Fountain's 70th anniversary. Among those present were Sarah Morrison Miller. She witnessed the fountain being built in the late 30's. She says her father was part of the committee that spearheaded the project. Morrison Miller says today the fountain is just as beautiful, and has served as a centerpiece for Washington.

Grassley Flood Relief

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the federal government is committed to providing assistance to victim's of last year's flooding. The New Hartford Republican says they have a plan in place in case FEMA money runs out. Grassley's not worried about that happening. He says there is still money allocated for Iowa that has not been spent yet. To date Washington County has received nearly $254,000 in federal aid.

Loebsack Stimulus

Some school administrators have expressed concern over how Iowa is using federal stimulus money. The state is using the funds to back fill cuts made by the Iowa legislature this spring. Congressman Dave Loebsack says it's meant to preserve jobs until the economy turns around. Iowa is getting $54-million in economic recovery money. Loebsack says in education, most of that money is going to title-1 programs, special education and reduced cost lunches.

BOS 28E

Washington County will continue to contract out certain mental health services to Southeast Iowa Case Management. Supervisors this week approved the new arrangement. Case Management Director Marcy Murphy says her agency acts as a sort of liaison. Her company provides services for 12 other counties in the region.

Kill A Watt

Washington County's Extension office is inviting area residents to see how much energy specific appliances in their homes use. The agency has partnered with the Iowa Energy Center to provide a meter that measures voltage, amperage, wattage, run time and total kilowatt-hours of electricity being consumed. The device works by plugging it in to any household outlet, and then plugging a 12 volt appliance into the meter. The extension has the devices for Washington County residents to check out free of charge for a one week period of time.

Family Wellness Carnival

Summer vacation is a time for fun in the sun and for families to take part in activities together. Bright Futures Chiropractic in Kalona is holding a Family Wellness Carnival today so that parents and kids can understand the importance a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Chris Grier says that the event will feature various games and activities as well as opportunities to learn about good health choices. Grier says the summer months provide the perfect time for families to begin a wellness routine that they can build on once school begins again.

MCC Sale

Mennonite Churches from all across southeast Iowa assembled at the Johnson County Fairgrounds for the annual MCC Sale. The event kicked off yesterday (5/29) with the opening of food, craft, and plant booths and continued with a marinated turkey or pork loin dinner. The two day event will also include live music as well as a quilt auction. Proceeds from the MCC Sale will go to support relief programs sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee.

Antique Show

On June 12, vendors from over eight states will be gathering in Kalona for the 6th annual Antique Show. Sponsored by the Kalona Historical Society, the show features items such as furniture, books, fine china, toys, jewelry, and more. Unique to this years show is a dealer on hand to buy your gold and silver and give you cash. The show will be held in the Kalona Historical Village and proceeds will go towards a new addition to the main building.