Washington poll reached more women, elderly

A public opinion poll indicates Washington residents are, for the most part, satisfied with their community. The numbers a preliminary at this point, and pollsters from the Mikva Challenge say they could be misleading. Nearly 67% of the more than 600 people surveyed were women, while more than half were over the age of 65. They say that compares with US Census numbers that indicate a median age of 42, with 30% of the population over the age of 65. The data is being processed by the University of Iowa, and will be adjusted to make it more representative.

County updating ordinances with state law

Washington County is in the process of reviewing it's code of ordinances. Auditor Bill Fredrick says they've hired a company to review the ordinances, and make sure there is no conflict with state law. The board of supervisors will have a public hearing on adopting the new ordinances at next week's meeting. Fredrick says ordinances are usually only implemented for situations unique to Washington County.

Land shift leads to more cash rentals

A recent study indicates a majority of Iowa's farmland is owned by people close to retirement. ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist Jim Jensen says this is leading to a decrease in share crop leasing, and more cash rentals. Jensen says as farmland values decline, more producers see leasing as a viable option. He says they're are some things to keep in mind when considering leasing. Jensen will be having a series of seminars across eastern Iowa this month. Contact the Johnson County Extension Office for more information and to register.

Brighton Visioning

Officials in Brighton are asking for the publics opinion on what changes should be made in the city. City Clerk Linda Burger says there are surveys now available for residents to complete and turn in by July 31 which will give planning committees an idea of where some areas of concern are. Burger says the Horizons project is in its third stage and has already worked on city beautification and child safety projects as well as a city resource guide. Surveys can be found at Brighton City Hall.

4-Hers receive grants

Four Washington County youth were recently honored with $2,000 scholarships from Hills Bank. Seneca Cuddeback of Brighton, Ryan Gent of Wellman, Lauren Moeller and Shelby Sieren of Keota were awarded the scholarships as part of the Hills Bank 4-H Leadership Grant program. ISU Extension Education Director Gene Mohling says the four recipients will receive $500 for each semester for two years. He says they can be used at any of Iowas accredited universities and colleges.

14 vie for Fair Queen title

Fourteen young women from around the area will compete in this year's Washington County Fair Queen Contest. Coordinator Shirley Greiner says in addition to the competition, there be other entertainment. Greiner says this year's contest will be emceed by Anne Michael Langguth, who was Miss Iowa 2008. She says one of this year's judges is last year's fair queen, Natalie Friese. The contest starts at 7:00 this Sunday (7/19) at the Washington Community Center.

PAWS & More-Pizza Hut fundraiser

Pizza lovers and animal lovers will have something in common in Washington this evening (7/14). From 5-8 the Washington Pizza Hut will donate a portion of it's proceeds to PAWS and More Animal Shelter. If you can't make it out for dinner, the non profit group is always looking for volunteers and animal foster homes. They also have a long list of items such as cat food, paper towels and pet taxis, they are in need of. For more information contact PAWS and More.