Local vet: it's okay to eat pork

With swine flu in the news, a local veterinarian says its perfectly safe to eat pork. Doctor Terry Mangold, at Town and Country Vet Clinic, says people don't need to worry about catching swine flu by coming in contact with pigs either. Mangold says pork producers should watch their animals for symptoms of the disease which include heavy cough and pneumonia. He says swine flu is essentially a new strain of influenza that's mutated from other strains that effect humans, birds and swine.

WHS gets $50k grant

Washington High School is getting $50,000 in grant money for its engineering academy program. Principal Shane Ehresman says the money will be used to purchase equipment and software. He says engineering provides a multitude of important skills. The money is coming from the Iowa Community College System, the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the Kern Family Foundation.

Washington Police make burglary arrest

A 16 year is facing felony charges in connection with three burglaries in the city of Washington. Sergeant Sean Ellingson says they will file three counts of burglary and three counts of theft in connection with break ins at the Washington Junior High, Griggs Music Shop and Rider Sales. Ellingson says its difficult to put a dollar amount on all the items taken from the three locations, but feels all of them will fall under second degree theft which is between one and ten thousand dollars. He says computer items taken from the Junior High are valued at at least seven thousand dollars. He says there are other burglaries being investigated and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Washington Police.

Bringing Washington Co's septic systems into compliance

About 2,500 homes in rural Washington County are using un-permitted septic systems. That's according to Environmental Health Administrator Jeff Thoman. He says discharging wastewater without the proper septic system in place can present a major health hazard. Thoman says there are grants and low interest loans available to help homeowners bring their septic systems up to date. To find out more contact the Washington County Department of Environmental Health.

Tracking stimulus money

Congressman Dave Loebsack launched a new Recovery Act map that charts where and how Recovery Act funds are being spent in the second district. According to a new report released by the US Government Accountability Office, Iowa intends to effectively and efficiently tracking the federal funds. Loebsack says Iowa is one of 16 states being monitored by the GAO on the implementation of the Act.He encourages people to review the Recovery Act Map, which is being updated as each new project is announced. Residents of the second district can visit Congressman Loebsacks website to see where Recovery Act dollars are being spent.

3 new events at Kalona Days

Kalona Days organizers have announced 3 new events for the early summer celebration. Kalona Days Director Dave Finley says the new events are nail driving contest which is a competition for the fastest time in driving 43 nails into a 4x 4 section of wood. Finley says there will also be a salsa judging as well as a watermelon seed spitting contest. The winners of each contest will receive various amounts of Kalona Kash. Kalona Days is sponsored by the Kalona Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact Dave Finley at (319)656-3535

Be safe this Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is next week and most people celebrate the weekend before. Deputy Caudel with the Louisa County Sheriff's office says in the past they have not had too much of a problem with people taking there parties to the streets. He says they wont be doing anything different this year. Caudel says if people plan to drink to always be responsible. He says have a designated driver with you or take a taxi. He says being safe can not only save your life but the lives of those around you.

Call before you dig

April is considered the beginning of construction season in the Midwest. Ben Booth, with Iowa One Call says something everyone from professional contractors to back yard handymen need to do, is call before they dig, to avoid impacting underground utilities. Booth says if you don't contact Iowa One Call 48 hours before digging, and disrupt a service, you can be held liable for it. He says their service is free and the best way to get a hold of them in Iowa is by dialing 8-1-1. For more information visit the Iowa One Call website.

WPH monitoring for swine flu

A local health official says her department is monitoring reports on swine flu from state and federal agencies. Washington County Public Health Adminstrator Edie Nebel recommends, as with any influenza, frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough. She also says if you do feel ill, to stay home. There have been no cases of swine flu reported in Washington County or Iowa.

Columbus Jct man home after Friday crash

A Columbus Junction man is back home after being hospitalized over the weekend following a car accident on the Highway 92 bridge over the Iowa River. University of Iowa Hospital officials say 50 year old Manuel Martinez was discharged, after being airlifted to their facility Friday. According to a report from the Iowa State Patrol, Martinez's vehicle smashed into a trailer being pulled by a tractor, driven by 27 year old Benjamin Lacina of West Branch. The report indicates Martinez's vehicle then collided with a pickup truck driven by 52 year old Peggy Griffin of Lets. Police say charges are pending.

Washington Recorder receives anti-gay marriage petition

At least 100 area residents believe the Washington County Recorder shouldn't issue same sex marriage licenses. That's how many signatures were on a series of petitions left at Connie Pence's office yesterday (4/27). Pence says things have been quiet despite the fact that yesterday was the first day that gay couples could obtain marriage licenses in Iowa. She says no one came in to apply for such a license, and there have been no protesters. Pence has previously said she will issue same sex marriage licenses to those who seek them, in accordance with the law.

Mostly quiet on first day of gay marriage

The Louisa County Recorder says things were quiet yesterday, despite it being the first day that recorders could issue same sex marriage licenses. Recorder Leanne Black says she's heard of problems in other areas. Black says if any couple wishes to obtain a marriage license, she will do her job. She says they don't have any hard copies of the licenses, but do have digital copes ready to print out. Black says she has yet to see the first same sex marriage license request.

Pure Water for All

More than 20 people were on hand at the Halcyon House yesterday to hear about the Pure Water for All Foundation from John and Mary Jo Hays. The Washington couple formed the non profit organization in 2005. Mary Jo says its rewarding to bring safe water to underdeveloped parts of the world. If you'd like to get involved, contact John and Mary Jo Hays. Monetary donations can be sent to the Pure Water for All Foundation, at 403 West Main Street in Washington.

Kalona Quilt Show

The Kalona Quilt Show brought thousands of people to the community over the weekend. Katie Karnes with the Wooden Wheel in Kalona says they had over 1000 people visit the quilt show. She says people come from all over to view the quilts, including Texas, California and Utah. Two-thirds of the quilts on display were new, meaning they haven't been part of the show before, and the rest are antique quilts. Karnes says all in all it was a good 3 day event with the weather steady and many nice people enjoying not only the quilts but Kalona as well.

Kalona Arabic program grant runs out

The Kalona Elementary Arabic Program federal Grant is running out. Zahra Alattar is the Arabic Teacher and says that this year will be the last for the program. She says the students have been learning more than just a language. She says it teaches students to open their minds to other cultures in the world and to look at things a different way. Alattar is hopeful the district can find an alternative funding source.

Early childhood

A traumatic event can impact a child for the rest of their life. Likewise, healthy activities can have a positive effect. Shalon Hoyle, with the YMCA of Washington's early childhood program, says having kids just play together can be significant. Hoyle says they one of their biggest goals is to have preschoolers learn how to interact socially with their peers, so they are more comfortable when they get to kindergarten.

Schmitz on legislative session

The Iowa Legislature wrapped up their session this weekend. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says every aspect of this session was affected by the deepening national recession. She says Iowa's revenue was cut short, while their was a sharper demand for state services. Schmitz says this session was historic, because they are still in the process of trying to help areas that were impacted by last year's floods. The Fairfield Democrat says she's pleased that the legislature approved items such as the alternative energy plan, and offering health insurance to 30-thousand people without coverage.

Dunbar happy with new sex offender law

Washington County's Sheriff says he's pleased with legislation that will modify Iowa's sex offender laws. Jerry Dunbar says the previous law, which didn't allow sex offenders to live within two thousand feet of an area where children were likely to be, was difficult to enforce. Dunbar says the new law creates "exclusion zones," which are areas where sex offenders are not allowed to be. They include places like playgrounds, schools or daycares.

Washington BOS

Economic development and environmental health are on the Washington County Board of Supervisor's plate this week. They'll hear a report from Washington County Environmental Health Department and the Washington Economic Development Group at tomorrow's meeting. They'll also consider approving a fireworks permit and make an appointment to the Washington Library Board. The meeting begins at 9:30 tomorrow morning at the Washington County Courthouse.

WCHC Board

The Washington County Hospital and Clinics Board will be discussing an identity theft prevention program at this week's meeting. They'll also hear a financial report, and consider a new bathing system and digital mammography. Board members will also hear about annual performance improvements. There will be a closed session to discuss either patient improvement initiatives, or marketing or pricing strategies. There will be a second closed session to consider personnel issues. The meeting is this Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the Robert Nicola Conference Room.