Highway Crash

Two people were transported to University of Iowa Hospital after a collision at the Highway 92 and US 218 intersection on Thursday. According to the Iowa State Patrol, James Butner of OFallon, Missouri failed to stop when exiting the southbound lane of 218 when he struck Bruce Heckhart of Ottumwa heading east on Highway 92. Two other individuals in Heckharts vehicle were uninjured.

Rescue Drill

Emergency personnel will be sweeping an area near Washington today on a search and rescue mission. The STAR-1 team is conducting a simulation to test their skills and qualify new members. Washington Police Officer and STAR-1 member Brett Sorrells says they can't specifically disclose where it will take place. STAR-1 is an Iowa based search and rescue training operation. They hold exercises such as this one to train their members and other emergency officials on how to handle a missing person situation.

Heat Wave Health

With weekend temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s, residents are advised to take precautions when going outside. Washington County Public Health Administrator Edie Nebel says high temperatures combined with low hydration can result in some serious health problems. Nebel says the two most frequent problems encountered are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. She says exhaustion is characterized by a rapid pulse and stomach or headaches, while stroke can even result in death if ignored. Nebel says its important to get inside and cool off and drink liquids if you begin to feel too hot.

Safety Manual

Washington County is updating its employee safety manual. Safety committee member, and sheriff's deputy Darren Dennler says the county's insurance carrier told them they need to have a manual in place, or rates would be increased. Dennler says the manual applies generally to all county employees. He says the various departments are developing more specific ones.

Road Closure

190th Street will be closed from Cedar Ave. to Dogwood Ave. due to construction next Thursday. According to the Washington County Engineers Office, a bridge will be replaced with a triple box culvert on G26. The Engineers Office advises residents to use Highway 92 to W38 as a detour. No completion date has been set.

Wellman Community Center

Wellman has been given the go-ahead to build a new community center for the town and surrounding area. Wellman YMCA branch director Angie Boyse says the city has never had a facility like this before despite support for it. Boyse says the new facility will have all the amenities associated with a YMCA such as weight rooms, a gymnasium, and fitness classes. She says while the project is being supported by the YMCA in Washington, the facility will serve as a community center for Wellman and smaller surrounding communities.

4-Hers at State

Twenty 4-H'ers from Washington County will have non livestock exhibits at the Iowa State Fair this month. Categories include things like educational exhibits, working exhibits and public speaking. 4-H Youth Coordinator Katie Peiffer says livestock entries don't advance from the county level the way these projects do. She says 4-H'ers with livestock simply following a nominating process. To see a full list of non livestock projects at the fair, head to KCII Radio Dot Com.

Apologetix

Some familiar tunes with a different message will be featured at Hamakua Place in Washington tonight. The Apologetix is a band that takes popular rock songs and adds lyrics with a Christian message. Lead Singer J Jackson says it's something a lot of people can get in to. The Apologetix will perform at 7:00 tonight at Hamakua Place. Tickets are $15 at the door.