More police presence this weekend

Fewer people are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, but the Iowa State Patrol will still have an increased presence. District 13 Trooper Jason Marlow says they didn't have any major problems last year, but things are different this year with all the road construction. Police agencies across Iowa and much of the country are in the middle of a nationwide seatbelt enforcement effort.

Federal aide for Washington Co tops $253K

FEMA says Washington County has received nearly $254,000 in aide since last year's flooding. The federal agency says 19 households will receive $85,000 in housing assistance. The other state needs program has approved one Washington County household for nearly $2,500 in aide. FEMA says the U-S Small Business Administration has approved more than $50,000 in low interest loans for Washington County businesses. For more information on federal disaster aide, visit FEMA's website.

Wellman Parkside Center nearing completion

The Wellman Parkside Activity Center construction is still underway slowly but surely. City Clerk Donna Wade says with the harsh winter and wet spring construction has had to slow down and even stops at some points. Wade says they expect the project to be completed and the center ready for use by early fall of this year.

Washington FD gets new truck

The Washington Fire Department is getting a new truck. City Administrator Dave Plyman says the department was in desperate need of a new vehicle. Plyman says the new truck will cost about $300,000 half of which is being paid for with a grant from the Washington Riverboat Foundation.

Graduation safety

Area high schools are saying their goodbyes to the class of 2009. Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says it's an exciting time, but also needs to be safe. He says area residents and graduates each need to do their part. Washington is one of the first counties to enact a social host ordinance. It provides penalties for anyone who knowingly allows minors to drink alcohol on their property. Washington's graduation ceremony is tomorrow (5/24) afternoon at 1:30 at the high-school varsity gym.

SE Iowan completes Air Force training

A Southeast Iowa native has completed Airforce Basic Training. Airman Derek Boyse graduated at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio Texas. He completed an intensive eight week program. As a result Boyse is receiving four credits towards and associate degree in applied science through the Air Force Community College. Boyse is the son of Peggy Strickler of Kinross and Wyatt Boyse of Kalona. He's a 2008 graduate of the English Valley High School.

Riverside Farmer's Market

The 2009 season of the Riverside Casino & Golf Resorts Farmers Market is about to start. Jessica Athen, Special Events Coordinatorfor the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort says the first market will be held Sunday, May 31st and will continue until the end of September, with the last market on Sunday, September 27th. She says during the season, markets will be held in the Riverside Casinos parking lot the last Sunday of the month from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Vendor registration forms are available at theRiverside Casino & Golf Resort's Gift Shop and Resort Club. If you have any questions please contactJessica Athen at 319-648-1234 ext. 1975. She says Vendor space is available at no charge.

Riverboat foundation awards $700k

38 local organizations are getting more than $700,000 in grant money from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. Some of the biggest allotments include $90,000 for athletic facilities improvements at Mid Prairie Schools, more than $78,000 for the Washington Area Softball Association to build an indoor hitting facility and $75,000 for the Brighton Fire Department to purchase a pumper.

Washington to borrow $3.5 million

Washington is levying $3.5 million in bonds for a new water tower, and a new sewer plant. City Administrator Dave Plyman says the debt will be paid off over a 20 year period with property taxes. He says water rates will also have to be increased. Plyman says the money will also be used to purchase land for the new sewer plant to be located on. He says some of it might be used to expand Elm Grove Cemetery.

Vacancy on Kalona zoning commission

Kalona City Council members have yet to fill a vacancy on the city's planning and zoning commission. City Clerk Karen Christener says members tabled action on the matter at this week's meeting. She says the council is also considering quotes for roof and siding replacement at the community center. Councilors did approve street closures for Kalona Days. They tabled a request to serve alcohol at an outdoor area during the festival.

Washington Choral: "Let Freedom Ring"

The Washington Choral Society is kicking off the Memorial Day Weekend tonight (5/22) with the "Let Freedom Ring" concert. The organization's Mike Jewel says the event is a way to honor veterans, and those currently serving in the armed forces. The concert is this evening at 7:00 at Washington's United Methodist Church. Admission is 10 dollars for adults and five for students. Veterans and active military members get in free.

Entertainer this weekend at YMCA

Family entertainer Mike Presby will be at the Washington YMCA tonight and tomorrow. Presby describes himself as an illusionist and magician. His act includes comedy and live animals. Presby says his show is geared towards audience members of all ages. He'll put on his act at the -Y- this evening at 7:00 and again tomorrow afternoon at 12:30. For more information or to get tickets contact the YMCA of Washington.

KCII announces scholarships

Megan Adams of Mid Prairie and Riley Sheetz of Keota are the recipients of the 2009 KCII Business to Business scholarships. KCII General Manager Joe Nichols says these scholarships are especially important during these tough economic times. Nichols encourages area high school juniors to look for applications for the KCII Business to Business scholarships next spring.

RFL Meeting

Relay for Life of Louisa County is having a meeting June 1st to share the importance of the event with local residents. The meeting is at 7:00 pm at the L & M Elementary School cafeteria. For more information, or to volunteer contact Kierstan Peck at 319-653-3768.

News Update-Washington County Riverboat Foundation Releases Grant

The Washington County Riverboat Foundation board last night awarded $700,180.00 for their spring grant period. Below you can download the list of recipients.

More Information Click Here To Download List

Reaction to the $36 million proposal for WSCD

Reactions are mixed after a $36-million proposal for overhauling Washington School facilities was laid on the table this week. Washington County resident and former educator Bill Frakes says he likes the idea of preserving the high-school building, but not annexing the current junior high to a new facility. The biggest question remains funding. The Construction Advocate Team recommends using state sales tax money, and a few rounds of bonding.

New Stewart principal excited to start

The new principal at Washington's Stewart Elementary school says she's excited to start her job and evaluate the school. Rhoda Harris is coming from the Deep River Millersburg School District. She says taking a look at test scores will be her first goal. Miller's current position is being eliminated this summer as Deep River Millersburg is reorganizing with English Valley. Her first official day on the job in Washington will be August first.

Washington Council okays "Celebrate Your Senses"

The Washington City Council is green lighting an early August Celebration in the downtown area. Members have approved closing a portion of Main Street, and allowing alcohol to be served at "Celebrate Your Senses." The only resistance at last night's meeting came from at large Councilor Karen-Wilson Johnson. She feels the event can be just as successful without serving alcohol.

Miksch: Washington Co. legally correct

The chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors feels a revenue sharing agreement between Riverside and the county is valid. Jim Miksch says he doesn't see any reason why the city shouldn't continue payments. When the casino was built, a TIF and urban development district were created. As a result, the city agreed to make annual payments to Washington County.

MP Schools to receive $300k

The Mid Prairie School district will receive more than 300 thousand dollars for expansion of Title I and IDEA programs. Superintendent Mark Schneider says the Title I program provides funds to high risk students who are in even greater need during the economic downturn and IDEA is the major federal program that provides funding for special education and related services to students with disabilities. Schneider says he and his staff are exploring exactly how the money will be used.