Celebrate your Senses to be featured in video series

Main Street Washington's inaugural Celebrate Your Senses event is being featured in a video series by an Iowa based blogger and regional magazine editor. Allen Huffman is with Clear Lake based Regional Renaissance Reporter. He learned about Celebrate your Senses while at Trekfest, in Riverside. The preview video is available on YouTube. It can be found by running a search for Celebrate your Senses.

Early frost could threaten crops

Iowa is on pace to set a record for corn yields, and the southeast part of the state is no exception. Gene Mohling with the ISU Extension service says most areas have enough moisture to sustain corn and soybean crops until harvest. Mohling says crop maturity is slightly behind due to an unusually cool and wet season. He says this could be troublesome in the event of an early frost.

WCHC purchases digital mammography equipment

Washington County Hospital and Clinics is now able to offer high tech treatment in fighting breast cancer. WCHC spokeswoman Kathleen Brinning says the facility has purchased scanners and computers which can store information and test results digitally. Brinning says this will eliminate the need to develop film prints of scans and reduce the need for repeat scans due to under or over exposure. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have any questions, call the hospital at 319-863-3964.

Harkin: healthcare reform resistance based on misinformation

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says a great deal of money can be saved on medical costs through prevention. He blames resistance to healthcare reform on "misinformation" and "scare tactics" Harkin says there are a lot of people who stand to lose money if the system is overhauled. The Democrat is traveling around Iowa, hosting town hall style meetings on healthcare reform.

WPD traning new K-9

The Washington Police Department is training a new four legged officer. Canine Handler Brett Sorrells says Ultro is a 15 month old Belgian Malinaw, who will be trained in a couple of different areas. Sorrells says he's had Ultro for about a month. He says the two of them are in the "bonding stage." Sorrells says that involves getting the animal used to his surroundings and other people.

WFD receives $150K grant

The Washington Fire Department will get some extra help in purchasing a new engine. The Washington County Riverboat Foundation will present the fire department with a $150,000 check during a ceremony Thursday. The Riverboat Foundation supports various non-profit and government projects that improve. They invite all to the presentation ceremony at 10:00 am.

Where to get vitamin D

10 percent of American kids dont get enough vitamin D. Thats according to a recent study by USA Today. Washington County Public Health Administrator Edie Nebel says vitamin D is primarily obtained through sunlight and not enough time in the sun can result in a deficiency. Nebel says kids need at least ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure a day along with the vitamin D found in foods. She says additional nutrition can be found in vitamin supplements. Nebel says kids need plenty of vitamin D in order for healthy bone development.

Park Board approves new reservation policy

The Washington Park Board has adopted a new policy for reserving the large pavlion in Sunset Park. It can be reserved for 25-dollars per day. Parks Superintendent Tim Widmer says the reservation will be advertised for six days before the event. He says the new policy only applies to the big pavilion, and that all other shelters are on a first come first serve basis. For more information or to make a reservation contact Widmer at 653-5220.