Washington Schools looking to save money

The Washington School District is looking to trim its budget in the upcoming fiscal year. Superintendent Dave Sextro says they've been able to make some cut backs by offering early retirement, and then leaving some of those positions vacant. Sextro says they make every effort to make cuts that won't directly effect students. Spending reductions, and the budget for next year are just a few of the items on the agenda for this evenings school board meeting.

Washington County Road Embargo

Vehicles weighing more than 5 tons will have to stay off of rural roads in Washington County for a while. County Engineer David Patterson says they will embargo roads which are susceptible to damage during the spring thaw. Patterson says free permits will be available for residents who must transport thinks like animal feed, heating fuel or gasoline. He says the restrictions are in effect whenever sings are in place.

Washington County Budget

Washington County plans on spending a little more than $20-million in the upcoming fiscal year. The board of supervisors approved the 2009-2010 budget at this mornings meeting. The tax levy will increase by nearly five percent. Board Chairman Jim Miksch says even though its a bigger increase than previous years, it was necessary to stave off future fiscal problems. He also says economic times have been better locally than other parts of the country, and world.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is one of more than 200 Iowa law enforcement agencies taking part in a special Traffic Enforcement program, or

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is one of more than 200 Iowa law enforcement agencies taking part in a special Traffic Enforcement program, or STEP. The enforcement is scheduled to run from March 12 to the 17, and is designed to encompass the Saint Patrick's Day weekend. Washington County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Darren Dennler says his agency will be out in increased numbers looking for speeding and O-W-I violations.

Caring for fruit

If you've considered or have planted black berries, raspberries, apples, pears, peaches or other fruits, you've probably wondered if you should be spraying, pruning, or doing any of a number of tricks that solve fruit growing problems. Gary Bickmeier, Keokuk County Extension Education Director says for answers to these and other questions, you should attend the Fruit Tree & Brambles Care and Selection Clinic Thursday, March 12th. The program has been moved to a new location due to wet grounds, it will now be held at the Expo in Sigourney at 5:30 pm. Tickets are available from any Keokuk County Master Gardener or by calling the Extension Office at 800-515-2680 or 641-622-2680.

Wet weather affecting travel

Water on the roadway caused the closure of Highway 99 just east of Wapello at the Wapello Bridge yesterday. It also affected Highway G62 until it climbs east toward X61 in Louisa County.Staci Griffin, Director of Louisa County Emergency Management, says, they strive to stay ahead of rising water and close the roads, but residents are reminded not to drive into standing water and call authorities if they see rising water on neighborhood roadways.

Daffodil Days

Daffodils for the American Cancer Society were delayed. Kierstan Peck, Community Relations with the American Cancer Society says the truck with the daffodils left Washington state early this week and is scheduled to be in Iowa City tomorrow. She says this means that the daffodils will be available for pick up or delivery in most areas on Friday. Peck says if Friday does not work, you may be able to pick up your flowers on tomorrow afternoon. For information give her a call at 319.653.3768