Police Grants

The Washington Police Department is hoping to get a new officer, and some new equipment. Chief Greg Goodman says they've applied for a Cops Recovery Hiring Grant, and another that would help them buy tactical equipment. Goodman says they still haven't heard about either of those grants. He says an additional officer would reduce overtime costs.

Hospital Recession

Washington County Hospital and Clinics has dodged a bullet during the recession. CEO Don Patterson says they completed their new facility before tough economic times started to affect the Midwest hit. He says other hospitals in Iowa have had difficulty obtaining capital for new construction.

Wellman Cruise Night

The first Wellman Cruise Night starts tonight. Rick Stauffer headed up the project of putting the Cruise Night together and says the cruise night is Wellman Ball association Night. He says the Association will have a concession stand and a 50/50 drawing. Stauffer says the cruise nights will be themed Back to the 50s and 60s. Stauffer says all money raised will be donated to Kyle Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp which is a camp for kids with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. The Cruise night will be held in Wellman on 8th Ave. If it is raining too much it will be moved to tomorrow.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Washington Historic Preservation Commission and its national parent organization will release the results of a planning for preservation project next week. The effort aimed to identify historic properties in Washington. According to the National Register of Historic Places, a property must be at least 50 years old, and possess significance and integrity to be listed on the register. The public is invited to see what steps need to be taken to earn the recognition this Monday (5/18) at 7:00 pm at the Blair House.

2010 Community Chest

Non profit organizations that want to apply for inclusion in the 2010 Community Chest campaign are being asked to contact the group secretary Roberta Lampkin. Lampkin says new organizations will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork. She says they can provide assistance if needed. She also says the 2009 agencies will automatically be sent the necessary forms. For questions, or to start the application process, contact Lampkin at 319-653-2048.

Casting Call

Film makers shooting in Washington are looking for people to appear as extras in "Splatter." They're having an open casting call tomorrow (5/17) at the community theatre from noon to 5:00. Casting Director Ann Wilkinson says they are looking for people to play patrons at an upscale restaurant, or a funky bar. She says there will be a small deferred honorarium paid to those selected to appear in one of the scenes.

Highland Graduation

Graduation ceremonies for Highland High school will be held tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. Superintendent Chris Armstrong says he is very proud of the seniors and everyone involved of helping throughout the school year. He says we may see a few doctors out of this years class as well as people who just may change the world. Armstrong says parents and siblings of the graduates are welcome to use the floor seating. Friends and other family members of the graduates are welcome to use the bleachers.

Summer Reading Programs

The Kalona Public Library is now accepting registration for the Children and Teen Summer Reading Programs. Marissa Tartaglia, Youth Services Librarian says this years theme is Be Creative and focuses on art and music. She says the Children's Program is divided into Family Programs, Preschool Programs, K-2nd Grade Programs and 3rd-5th Grade Programs. To register, pick up a form at the Library. She says Registration ends May 30th and all programs are free of charge. For more information, please contact Marissa at 319-656-3501.