Search and Rescue Drill this weekend

Local public safety entities will hone their search and rescue skills in Washington this weekend. Washington Police Officer and canine handler Brett Sorrells says they're hosting a drill. He says it will consist of both classroom and field training. Sorrells says the Star 1 Search and Rescue Team, of which he is a member, will take part in the search. He says he's unable to release the specifics of where the drill will take place, but wants residents to know about so they won't be alarmed by an increased law enforcement presence.

Four arrested on meth charges

Four southeast Iowans are facing drug charges after police uncovered a meth lab in Jefferson County. Officers from three different agencies responded to a chemical smell in Batavia this week. Janice Kay McVey, Kenneth Francis McVey, Daniel David Sels, and Michael Anthony Nulph are charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. Janice McVey, Sels, and Nulph are also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance.

Mayor reflects on Lt Governor Visit

Kalona officials say they're pleased with how Lt. Governor Patty Judges visit went this week. Mayor Jerry Kauffman says they are very interested in promoting tourism in Kalona and having the Lt. Governor stop by was a learning experience. He says one aspect Judge really liked was the glass exhibits at the historical village. Kauffman says Kalona is one of the top tourist destinations in the state and they try to actively promote that throughout Iowa.

Brighton residents invited to visioning meeting

Brighton residents will meet Monday (8/10) to discuss what needs improvement in town. Nancy Adrian with the Washington County Extension says these visioning meetings have been held since last August and residents have already come up with some ideas. She says some of these have been establishing health clinics in town, carpooling, and local housing renovations. She says the meetings are an informal session where participants vote on which three areas they feel need the most attention.

Schmitz hopeful transportation spending will spur economy

A state senator from southeast Iowa says an increase in transportation funding should help boost the state's slumping economy. Fairfield Democrat Becky Schmitz says she hopes the program will improve infrastructure, put people to work and cycle more money through her district. Opponents of the plan says it's unwise to spend more money when revenues are down.

Downtown nearing completion

Washington's downtown is getting closer to being completed. City Administrator Dave Plyman says portions of Washington Street on the south side of the square are now open. Plyman says the project is on schedule from a contractual perspective. He says it's still expected to be completed this month.

Engineer gets NRCS grant

The Washington County Engineer's Office is getting a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Head Engineer David Patterson says the money is being spent to repair a road that's in danger of sliding into the English River. Patterson says the grant would cover 80 percent of the overall project with a 20 percent match. He estimates the repair would cost around $85,000.

Apologetix in Washington

Popular music meets a Christian message tomorrow (8/8) in Washington. The Apologetix is a parody band that takes rock music, and changes the lyrics to a spiritual message. They're playing tomorrow night at (8/8) at Hamakua Place in Washington. Their songs include titles like Born Again Child which is a parody of Born to Be Wild.