Scam Alert

KCII has received a tip about an internet scam targeting Iowans. A company calling itself WA Surveys out of Seattle is circulating Mystery Shopper emails to try to get people to shop at various locations, and write a report on the business' performance. They are playing on the name of the Secret Shopper program which is legitimate. The company tries to get people to establish a Citi Bank account so they can deposit payments. They ask the the victim to conduct these Mystery Shopping trips out of pocket and say they'll reimburse them through the Citi Bank account. The reason WA surveys is targeting Iowans, is because there is no Citi Bank branch in the state. If you feel you have been the victim of a scam, contact your financial institution and your local law enforcement agency.

Kalona Council welcomes new member

The Kalona City Council lost a member but gained a new one. Aaron Kos resigned from the Kalona City Council because he and his family are moving outside of the city limits. Kalona Mayor Jerry Kauffman says he will be missed and he enjoyed the assets Kos brought to the table. 47 year old David Kempf has been named to replace Kos on the city council. Kempf's appointment to the council was unanimously approved. Kempf is a Mid Prairie graduate and has lived in Kalona most of his life.

Flags at half staff today

Flags at government buildings will be at half staff today to honor a fallen Iowa soldier. 20 year old Cpl. Jason Pautsch of Davenport was among five Americans killed last week during an attack on a police headquarters building in Iraq. Governor Chet Culver has ordered the flags to be flown at half staff. It applies to both U-S and state flags. Businesses and residents who display flags are also encouraged to participate.

Work on Water Tower Park to begin

Washington's Water Tower Park is undergoing some changes. The city council recently approved using fill dirt to level off the southeast corner of the property. Parks Superintendent Tim Widmer says its hoped that they will eventually put a soccer field there. There was some resistance to the proposal from city councilman Bob Shepherd. He says a plan for that park has already been developed. Council members have only approved leveling the southeast east corner of the property. What it will become is still unclear. Most seemed to agree that Washington needs more green space.

BOS Preview

Three Washington County agencies will present their quarterly reports at this mornings board of supervisors meeting. Reports from the sheriff, auditor and recorder are the first three items on the agenda. Supervisors will also discuss office space at the safety center, as well as operational expense allocation. The meeting begins at 9:30 in the lower level of the Washington County Courthouse.

Volunteer Week

In addition to being National Volunteer Week, this is also Volunteer Week in the City of Washington. Mayor Sandra Johnson made the proclamation at the last city council meeting. She says volunteerism is vital to any community. Johnson says Washington has wonderful volunteers. This Thursday local service organizations will be presented with an award from America's Blood Centers for spearheading blood drives. Johnson says they had a great turnout for the volunteers city clean up as well.

1st Spring Preview Show a Success

Washington County 4-H County Council sponsored the 1st annual Washington County Spring Preview Cattle Show on Saturday, April 18th. The show was an IJBBA sanctioned show, held at the Washington County Fairgrounds. 105 youth from across the state exhibited cattle.Kati Peiffer,4-H/Youth Coordinator, says reserve champion breeding heifer went to Elley Neuzil of Ainsworth. $150 in prize money was sponsored by the Riverside Ramblers 4-H Club. She says the event was a huge success with plans underway for next year. She says a large group of volunteers made the show possible.

Kalona Days still seeking food vendors

Kalona Days director, Dave Finley is still seeking more food booth vendors to fill out the June 19 20 event. He says they still have a few prime spots in the food court. It is a great opportunity for individuals, groups, clubs and churches to make a good profit over the two day event. Finley says fees are only $50 which covers both days. He says this is a fraction of what other similar events charge. The fees help defray the costs of Kalona Days which is presented by the Kalona Chamber of Commerce. For information or vendor applications call (319)656-3535 at the Kalona General Store.