News Update - Restricted lane on Hwy 92

Hwy 92 is restricted to one lane in Washington until next Monday. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, maintenance work will restrict traffic to one lane on Iowa 92 in Washington today through next Monday. Temporary traffic lights have been installed to assist traffic through the work zone in front of the new Wal-Mart store on the east end of Washington.

Washington Co. to lay out 5 year road plan

Washington County Supervisors are slated to approve the annual five year road construction program at tomorrow's meeting. County Engineer David Patterson says they have about nine-million dollars budgeted for the five year period. He says the amount of money they have to work with hasn't changed much since he's been in Washington County, but how much construction materials cost has skyrocketed. Patterson says to combat the price inflation, the county road department is at a minimum staff level. He says they've also saved money by replacing bridges with unique, and cheaper railroad car structures. Patterson's department is required to submit the five year road construction program to the Iowa Department of Transportation each year.

G-36 interchange expected to be done by June

A long awaited road repair project is expected to be done soon. Resident Construction Engineer at the Mount Pleasant branch of the Iowa Department of Transportation Jeff Johnson, says they hope to get started on the G-36 interchange very soon. Johnson says they had hoped to have the project done by last fall, but soil conditions, combined with on earlier than expected winter forced them to hold off until now. G-36 is where 218 and 27 intersect Washington County road G-36.

Washington City Council to revisit Dodici liquor license request

The Washington City Council will revisit a liquor license request from Cafe Dodici at this week's meeting. The restaurant would like to serve alcohol at tables located on the sidewalk outside the establishment. At the last council meeting, members decided they would table the request. If allowed, this would be the first outdoor license in Washington. Cafe Dodici co-owner Lori Williams feels she has proven herself, and run respectable business. Councilors are worried about what kind of precedent allowing the license might set and whether or not the outdoor area would obstruct traffic. The meeting will be this Wednesday night at 7:00 in the Washington Public Library.

Red Cross Saving Lives

Those who want to know more about the American Red Cross are invited to a "Saving Lives" event tomorrow night in Washington. Spokeswoman Jennifer Pickar says information will be available on how people can get involved in volunteer programs. Pickar says the Red Cross can utilize volunteer's existing skills as well. So any retired police officers, EMT's or firefighters can be of great value. The "Saving Lives" event will be tomorrow night from 6:30 to 7:30 at Washington State Bank.

1st Responders blood drive

The Kalona First Responder's Spring Blood Drive will be tomorrow and Wednesday at Kalona United Methodist Church Hall, from 2-7 PM. Ethel Bontrager says donors should eat a good meal 4 hours prior to donating. She says free cholesterol screening and rewards points are offered to successful donors. The donations will support patients at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. For appointments or questions, call at 656-2481.

IMS Piano Recital

Samantha Beachy and Melissa Gingerich, seniors at IMS, will present a shared recital of piano and cello music on Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in Celebration Hall. Pianists Joni Beachy, Midori Beachy, Maria Davis, Abbie Miller, and Hannah Bartel will be joining Beachy on selected piano ensemble pieces. Beachy and Gingerich will play collaborative works for cello and piano and Gingerich's teacher, Kate Vos, will also join her on a work for two cellos. Again the recital will be Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in Celebration Hall, a reception will follow the concert.

Keeping the crime rate low

Iowa has a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average. Gary Bickmeier, Keokuk County Extension Education Director says the use simple efforts to deter, delay and deny criminals from committing burglary is one possible reason. He says locks, lights and trimming trees and bushes helps increase security immensely. He says you should assess your vulnerability and identify the possible threat for burglary to better understand your risk. For information on this or other subjects contact the Keokuk County Extension Office at 800-515-2680.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month

April is Child abuse Prevention Month. MaryAnn Williams, with the Americorp's Community Program to Protect Children, says they've adopted pinwheels as a symbol for their campaign. She says they'll be visiting schools throughout April to spread their message. Williams says child abuse isn't just the obvious. She says it can include neglect, mental or psychological abuse.