NEWS UPDATE - 1 killed in rollover accident

A 16 year old Tiffen girl was killed, and two other teens were hospitalized after a rollover accident on I-380, near North Liberty last night. The Iowa State Patrol Says Alyssa Benedict was a passenger in the van, and that she was not wearing her seatbelt. Another passenger, 16 year old Rachel Petersen of Tiffen, and the driver 15 year old Rachel Stewart of North Liberty were taken to the University of Iowa Hospital. Police say Stewart lost control when the van entered the median and overturned, coming to rest on its top. They say the accident remains under investigation.

Greiner pulling for Brandstand's return

A former state lawmaker from Keota is lobbying hard to see former governor Terry Brandstad return to office. Sandy Greiner says Brandstand's previous experience dealing with the farm crisis in the 1980s would be helpful in the current economic climate. Greiner says Brandstads experience with the Flood of 93 will also help him with recovery efforts after last summers floods. She says the Draft Brandstad PAC is currently encouraging him to run again. More information can be found at www.draftbrandstand.com

To till, or not to till

A U.S. Department of Agriculture study suggests conventional tillage practices could actually hold back more carbon than a no-till operation. Researchers have found that below the surface, plowed fields hold just as much, if not more carbon than no till. However, they say no till fields will contain more carbon, if they are left that way. A common practice is to plow one year, and no till the next. Iowa State University Soil Scientist Mahdi Al-Kaisi says leaving crop residue has many other benefits, including a reduction in erosion.

Supervisors approve English Valley Estates

Washington County Supervisors have given the green light to a subdivision near Kalona. English Valley Estates will be located just west of town. Assistant County Engineer Jacob Thorius told supervisors this week, the last thing developers will have to do, is raise the elevation of the site. Supervisors approved the final plat for the project. That means construction can begin as soon as all DNR specifications are met.

Downtown construction schedule pushed back

Construction on the south Side of Washington's square is taking longer than initially predicted. City Administrator Dave Plymann says progress on the new library and street upgrades were delayed because of material shortages. Plymann says crews are currently working on flooring and painting in the library. He says they hope to have everything wrapped up in a few weeks.

Snap-On No Compromise tour planned

Plans are in the works for a Snap-On Tools promotional event in downtown Washington. Joe Carroll is a Snap On sales developer based in Washington. He says the No Compromise tour will feature a custom built vehicle known as the Glo-Mad, which is a 57 Chevy Nomad, partially built out of Snap On Tools. The event is scheduled for October tenth in Downtown Washington.

Louisa businesses fair well with smoke free act

More than a year after the Smokefree Air act was passed, Louisa County Tobacco Use Prevention Coordinator Kaitlyn Wintermeyer says only three businesses have received violations in the past year. She says none of these businesses received a second notice. She says this shows how supportive employers are of the act.

Non profits invited to meet

Non-profit organizations in Washington are invited to a special Chamber of Commerce meeting next Thursday (9/10) at 3:30 pm. Executive Director Tim Coffey says the meeting will be especially valuable for volunteer or non-profit board members, as they will discuss new policies that organizations must follow. For more information and to reserve a seat, call 653-3272.

Final day of election interviews

This is the final day (9/04) of school board candidate interviews on KCII. We'll be airing the final segment of the Mid Prairie meet the candidates forum on In Touch With Southeast Iowa during the Mid Day Magazine. We'll also air an interview with members of the common ground for Washington School's committee on the Washington Page during the Morning Magazine.