The effects of the government shutdown will be felt in Washington this weekend. The 294th Area Support Medical Company, made up of about 80 Iowans, was scheduled to have a training exercise at the Washington Readiness Center. According to Colonel Gregory Hapgood, with the Iowa National Guard, they’ve cancelled all training planned for this weekend due to the shutdown. He says, not only does this complicate their operations, it will impact the local economy. He says, when there is training, soldiers utilize Washington’s motels, restaurants and other services.

Since the shutdown, the Iowa National Guard’s workforce has been cut in half, with over 1,000 full time federal technicians being furloughed.