Sheriff: 9/11, school shootings changed law enforcement

The Washington County Sheriff says the overall role of local law enforcement has changed since the terrorist attacks of 2001. Jerry Dunbar the shootings at Columbine, Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois have also had an impact. He says officers were once trained to "take cover and wait for loads of back up." He says now they need to be ready to "respond immediately."

M-P middle school lacking in NCLB standards

The Mid Prairie Middle School has been identified as a school in need of assistance according to No Child Left Behind standards. Superintendent Mark Schneider says main areas of concern are in special education, reading, and students with low socio-economic status. He says while theyre not happy being on the list, they are rationally looking for ways to improve results. Schneider says one way they are attempting to fix the situation is by reorganizing language and reading courses.

Mohling expects crop storage to be tight this fall

A local agriculture expert expects crop storage to be tight this fall. Gene Mohling is a regional director with the ISU Extension Service. He says farmers should be lining up places to stash grain as soon as possible if they can't keep it on farm. Mohling says the soybean crop is shaping up to be pretty average, but corn is on pace to break yield records. He says the biggest problems farmers are facing is disease, and the potential for an early frost. 

Voter turnout lacking during bond referendum

Around 40% of registered voters in the Washington school district cast ballot's in this week's election. County Auditor Bill Fredrick says that's not the highest turnout for a bond vote. It was 29% in December of last year, roughly 46 % in April of 2006, and a little more than 42% in in April of 2003. 

Fundraiser planned for teen who drowned

Friends and family of the late Clinton Fankhauser are having a fundraising dinner and dance tomorrow (9/12). Karen Minard says the event will be raising money for the family of the fifteen year old who drowned in the Iowa River in July. She says they will bring in four different bands to play and will have raffles throughout the night. Tickets can be purchased by calling her at 319-461-9051. 

Livestock Indemnity deadline approaching

The Washington County Farm Service Agency wants to remind all producers that the deadline for the Livestock Indemnity Program is Monday (9/14). It offers assistance to producers who have experienced livestock death due to blizzards, extreme heat or cold, and other inclement weather. Losses must have occurred after January 1, 2008 in order to be eligible. For more information, contact your local FSA office. 

Picture day at WJHS

Picture day is coming up at the Washington Junior High. All students and staff members will be photographed for school records on September 17. Picture packets were sent home with students earlier this month. If they choose to buy a package they need to have their coin envelope filled out with the money enclosed by next Thursday. For more information call the junior high office. 

Nature for toddlers program

The Washington Conservation Board is hosting a nature for toddlers program tomorrow. The "Little Dippers: Silly Seeds" program is geared toward kids three and younger. It includes a short story, craft time and a hike to look for seeds. All children must be accompanied by an adult. To register contact the Kirkwood Washington Center at 653-4655.