Artists use recycled materials

Two artists at this weekend's "Celebrate your Senses" event in Washington work in rather unconventional mediums. There was Lisa VanGilst of Oskaloosa. She runs a sort of salvage yard for purses. She says this guarantees a unique purse. Another artist at the street festival takes things most of us throw away, and makes sculptures. Don Hutchings runs Black Crow Forge in Conesville, where he makes scrap metal into statues. Hutchings work might utilize a washer for a bird's eye, or a hog feeder pan for it's body.

National Farmer's Market Week

This is National Farmer's Market Week. Bob Shepherd is market master in Washington. He says in addition to providing a source for locally grown produce, it's also a good place for socializing. Shepherd says a five year old study indicates as much as $35-million gets spent at Iowa farmer's markets annually. Shepherd says they are planning another economic impact study. To hear more from Shepherd tune in to the KCII Morning Magazine at 7:30 when he'll be our guest on the Washington Page.

Cash for Clunkers still operating

A Washington car dealer says the government's "Cash for Clunkers" program has been very popular. John Gretter owns Gretter Autoland. He estimates around 300 people came to his dealership last week to inquire about the program. He says it's good for car dealers and related industries. The U-S Department of Transportation says the "Cash for Clunkers" program is still operating. It gives a discount to consumers who trade in cars and trucks for more fuel efficient models. For more information visit. www.cars.gov.

SEMCO takes wood waste

The head of the Southeast Iowa Multi County Solid Waste Agency says their organization is offering a new service. Bill Sloop says the can now accept wood waste such as lumber and brush and convert it into wood chips. He says people can use these chips for mulching, weed control, and keeping moisture around newly planted trees. Sloop says people can also save money by bringing yard waste and lumber to SEMCO for a lower cost than it would be if they just threw it away. He says this method can also help save space in landfills which will help drive down waste costs in the future.

Supervisors to hear quarterly reports

Quarterly reports are on the docket for Washington County Supervisors this week. They'll hear from general assistance, veterans affairs, the recorder and treasurer at the Tuesday meeting. They're also slated to review the investment report and adopt an updated code of ordinances. The meeting starts at 9:30 Tuesday morning in the Washington County Courthouse.

Kalona Council

The Kalona City Council will be focusing facelifts for some parts of the city during Mondays meeting at 7:30 pm. The council will be considering implementation of handicap parking spaces for some streets and discussing their downtown revitalization effort. The council will also consider replacing a pump in the citys well supply. The public will have the opportunity to voice their opinions with a five minute time limit.

Washington Park Board

The Washington Park Board is talking maintenance at tomorrow's meeting. Their slated to discuss painting at the skate park. They'll also review reports on drainage issues at Pizza Hut and a report on maintenance at the tennis court. The park board is also expected to consider allowing ninth grade football practice at Green Field. The meeting starts at 7:30 tomorrow night in Washington City Hall.

Leadership Washington

Leadership Washington is giving residents the chance to get up to date on all the issues facing the city. Assistant Chamber of Commerce Director Ann Moore says the 2009-2010 Leadership Washington program will celebrate its 20th anniversary. She says the program was put in place to educate residents about the problems and issues that face the community. Moore says if anyone would like to apply for this program, the deadline is August 15. Contact the Chamber for more details