Zoning commission to discuss comp plan

The city of Washington's Planning and Zoning Commission is reviewing the current comprehensive plan at this week's meeting. They'll also be taking a look at some recommended changes to ordinances that deal with district maps and annexation. In addition, commissioners will hear a rezoning petition by Wal-Mart. The meeting is this Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the Washington Public Library. Building and Zoning Administrator Jason Geyer says any interested parties and all citizens may appear and be heard.

WSB Financial Fair

Washington State Bank is having their fourth annual financial fair this week. WSB Vice President Sue Basten. She'll be discussing strategies for a volatile market and how the banking industry has changed. Basten will also discuss the Federal Deposit Insurance Company's transaction guarantee program. To find out more, or register for the seminar visit Washington State Bank's website. The financial fair is this Tuesday from 2 to 5 pm at the bank.

Combination Art Show and Piano Recital

IMS senior Abbie Miller, daughter of Tony and Diane Miller, will present a combination art show and piano recital in Celebration Hall Saturday evening, May 9th at 7 p.m. The program will feature several two piano works as well as a trio consisting of piano, violin and cello. A special arrangement of the old hymn, Softly and Tenderly, written for strings, tin whistle, piano and vocalist will also be performed. Miller will be assisted by her classmates, friends, and family. The public is invited to this event, art gallery, and the reception which follows.

Kalona Days Fun Run Seeks Volunteers

The annual Kalona Days Fun 1k, 5k run set for June 19 is seeking individuals to help organize this years event. Dave Finley, Kalona Days Director says volunteers are needed to coordinate publicity, mailings, advance registration as well as those who can help with the many activities the evening of the run. He says without volunteers the Fun Run will not be possible. For information please contact Dave Finley, Kalona Days Director (319)656-3535

Flags lowered to honor fallen soldier

Funeral services for a fallen Iowa soldier are today, and flags at government buildings will be at half staff in his honor. Staff Sergeant Leroy Webster was killed in action while on patrol in Iraq late last month. Webster is from Hartley, in Northwestern Iowa. Governor Chet Culver's directive applies to all U-S and state flags. The half staff mandate applies to all state, federal and county buildings. Business and individuals who display the flag are also encouraged to participate as a sign of respect to Webster and his family.

WWTP extended hours

Extended hours at the Washington Waste Water Treatment Plant and Compost Facility begin today (5/2). The facility will be open from 7:00 to 10:00 am on Saturdays during the month of May so Washington residents can dispose of yard waste and tree trimmings. They are also open during the week from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. the staff at WWTP reminds you that "if you didn't grow it, don't throw it." If you have questions call 653-2638.

WWTP extended hours

Extended hours at the Washington Waste Water Treatment Plant and Compost Facility begin today (5/2). The facility will be open from 7:00 to 10:00 am on Saturdays during the month of May so Washington residents can dispose of yard waste and tree trimmings. They are also open during the week from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. the staff at WWTP reminds you that "if you didn't grow it, don't throw it." If you have questions call 653-2638.

WHS Prom

Be on the look out for formal gowns and tuxedos around Washington today (5/2) ...it's the WHS Prom. This year's theme is "Night at the Royal Ball." Washington High student and prom committee member Mike Adrian says its a bittersweet time for him and his fellow senior classmates. Adrian says things will get started at 4:00 this afternoon at the high school with the grand march. He says 130 prom pairs have signed up to have their pictures taken. After that, it's off to dinner followed by the dance at the high school gym. After prom is at the junior high, and starts after the dance.

WHS Seniors seeking pictures for slideshow

Washington High School's senior class is looking for photos for their senior slideshow. Committee member Andrew Schneider says they are also looking for quotes to accompany the pictures. He says this is an excellent time to get out the photo album before your senior heads out into the world. Schneider says the slideshow will be displayed during senior night, on May 20. He says its the last night for the class to be together outside of graduation. Photos for the slideshow can be emailed to aschneiderjr@gmail.com, or zigger46@hotmail.com

WHS Vocals final concert

The Washington High School Vocal Department's final concert of the year is this Monday evening. Director Robert Youngquist says the program is entitled "You are the New Day!" and will feature performances by the concert choir the Hi-Fi's and the womens' choir under the direction of Michael Jewel. The program begins at 8:00 pm in the Washington Senior High Auditorium. Youngquist says the later start time was needed because of the availability of the choir's guest accompanist. He says future programs will revert to the normal start time.

Kalona Golf Tournament

The Mid Prairie Athletic Boosters are holding their annual golf tournament today. Jeff Leach, the manager with the Kalona Golf Club, says it will be a 4 person best shot tournament to help raise money for the Mid Prairie Athletic department. Leach says the Mid Prairie golf team uses the Kalona Golf Club during their season and this is a good way to help them out. For more information or to register a team, contact the Golf club at 319-656-3844

MP Drama presents: The Boyfriend

The Mid Prairie Drama Department is holding there spring production of The Boyfriend this weekend. Drama director Tamara McClintock says the show will be tonight at 7:30. McClintock says this is the play that the famous actress Julie Andrews got her big start in. She says there are around 50 cast member in this production. She says the show is a fun piece that is sort of like Mama Mia in that there are a lot of song and dance numbers. Again the show is tonight at 7:30pm in the Mid Prairie Auditorium and tickets are 6 dollars.

Gardening tips

It's gardening season, and that can leave a lot of first timers with questions. Keokuk County Extension Education Director Gary Bickmeir says flowers and vegetable plants purchased from greenhouses or garden centers should not be planted directly in the garden. He says the intense sun and strong winds may kill the vulnerable seedlings. Bickmeir says bedding plants should be "hardened," which means acclimated to outdoor growing conditions. For more information contact the Keokuk County Master Gardeners at 800-515-2680.

Two injured in crash near Wellman

Two Washington County men were hospitalized yesterday after a car accident southeast of Wellman. Jared Gent, and Ryan Detweiler were both taken to University Hospital in Iowa City. Police say Gent failed to yield at the intersection of 170th and Juniper Avenue, and collided with Detweiler. Hospital officials say Gent was treated and released. No other information was immediately available.

Washington Schools review flu procedures

As swine flu cases continue to be discovered, Washington's schools superintendent says he's in the process of reviewing their emergency health plan. Dave Sextro says he met with school nurses and is sending letters home to parents explaining what the plan is. Sextro says students and their parents are encouraged to practice frequent hand washing. He says parents should keep their students home if they are feeling ill. There have been no cases of the H1N1 virus discovered in Washington County.

Tamiflu works against H1N1

The chief nursing officer at Washington County Hospital and Clinics says they do have an effective treatment method for the new influenza strain. Bonnie Kester says an antiviral medication introduced last year, is working against the H1N1 virus. Kester says they have procedures in place to deal with flu infections, including negative pressure containment rooms. Kester reminds area residents to follow the normal influenza precautions of frequent hand washing, covering your mouth when you cough and staying home if you don't feel well. No cases of H1N1 have been discovered in Washington County.

JWV co-owner not calling it Swine Flu

Using "swine flu" to describe the recently discovered H1N1 virus has taken its toll on the pork market. Heidie Vittetoe is co-owner of JWV Pork in Washington. She says the fear now associated with swine isn't based on science, but it is understandable. Vittetoe says at this time it's unclear what the long term impact will be on the pork industry. She says it's unfortunate that this new strain of influenza came about at this time of year. She says they generally look for an upswing in the market at this time.

WMU at Physics Olympics

Winfield Mount-Union recently participated in the Regional Physics Olympics held in Hedrick.Superintendent, Lynn Ubben says the entries included Grant Fricke and James Smith in the "Optical Slalom" event using lasers, Jordan Kruger and Emery Davis in the "Mousetrap Car Race" and also the "Challenge Problem", and Skylar Davis and Brennan Haymond in the "Catapult Ping Pong Ball Launch". She says the team learned a lot and had fun doing so. Chris Roules, WMU physics teacher, is very proud of her students and looks forward to having WMU compete again in future years.

Final WCA show tonight

The final show of the Washington Concert Association's season is this evening. WCA President Linda Miksch says it will feature Canadian musician April Verch. Miksch says the performance will include a wide array of musical stylings. Miksch says they'll be offering free admission to the concert with the purchase of a pass to the 2009-2010 season. She says if youre not sure if you want to commit to season tickets, you can still get in to the show for $15.

KMU seeks clothing donations

KMU seeks clothing donations
The Kalona United Methodist Church will be collecting good clean used, hats, shoes, coats, scarves, school bags, bedding and towels. Marcia Miller with the Lower Deer Creek church in Kalona says due to space and time issues, please bring any items you want to donate to the red double door entry on the west side of the church on Today through Thursday May 14th only.She says the give away will be held on Friday and Saturday August 7th and 8th. Miller says last year's give away was a huge success, serving 106 families in the Mid-Prairie School District. Any items remaining afterwards will be donated to The Crowded Closet. If you have questions call the KUMC office at 656-2642.