Today's Local News

Prairie Walk

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Marr Parks Prairie Walk will be held next week. Naturalist Pam Holz says this program will offer participants the chance to enjoy the beauty of Iowas natural prairie. She says the program will not only give residents a chance to enjoy nature, but will also educate them on Iowas natural diversity, landscape, and the history of the prairie. The Prairie Walk will be next Saturday beginning at 10:00 am.

SIDS Walk

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:52 am

The Iowa SIDS Foundation Walk for the Future is this weekend in Washington’s Sunset Park. Tricia Lipski is one of the event organizers. Her son Jacob fell victim to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 2005. Lipski says money raised by this weekend’s 5-K walk will go towards SIDS research. Registration for the walk is at 8:00 Saturday (8/22) in the big pavilion in Sunset Park. The walk itself starts at 9:00.

Governor launches long term care campaign

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Governor Chet Culver has launched an educational campaign centered around long term care insurance. Mary Weinand is a Family Resource Field Specialist for the ISU Extension Service. She says about 65 percent of seniors will require some type of long term care. She says it’s also beneficial for younger people to look into as well.

Transit Vehicles

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:51 am

US Senator Tom Harkin announced recently Iowa will receive more than $7-million for transit projects. Harkin says many Iowans rely on public transportation every day and these funds will help take care of their daily needs. 35 new transit vehicles will be purchased using these funds and many existing ones will receive new surveillance equipment.

Cruise nights this weekend

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Classic car enthusiasts will have plenty to do in Washington this weekend. Saturday (8/22) it’s the Back to the 50’s and 60’s cruise night on the square. There will also be a performance by the CR dance team that evening. On Sunday (8/23) it’s the annual PAWS Central Park Motor Expo. Registration is from nine to noon; the show runs from noon to four.

2nd tall corn sculpture on display at state fair

Posted: Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 5:54 am

A second metallic replica of the the world’s tallest corn stalk is on display at the Iowa State Fair this week. The record was set in 1946 by Washington County farmer Don Radda. Don’s daughter Julie, and her husband Wayne decided to build a replica for the Washington County Fair grounds earlier this year. It became so popular, they decided to build a second model. It’s currently on display at the Agriculture Building at the Iowa State Fair Grounds in Des Moines.

WFD receives $150k check

Posted: Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 5:54 am

The city of Washington’s new fire truck serves as they’re sort of flagship vehicle. Fire Chief Tom Wide says the engine can carry up to five firefighters, and dispense foam to extinguish two different types of fires. Wide received a $150,000 check from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation during a ceremony yesterday (8/13). WCRF Vice President Pattie Koller. She says the money is part of their bi-annual grant cycle given out to various government bodies and non profit groups.

Bond issue featured at Learn at Lunch

Posted: Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 5:53 am

This month’s Learn at Lunch put on by the Washington Chamber of Commerce and ISU Extension Service will feature the Common Ground for Washington School’s committee. They’re advocating issuing bonds for a massive facilities overhaul at the school district. The group’s Luke Horak and Joe McConnell will be talking about the upcoming referendum. School representatives will also be on hand to answer questions. To reserve a seat email Anne Moore at the Chamber of Commerce no later than 9:00 Monday (8/17) morning.

$500k for passenger rail

Posted: Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 5:53 am

$500,000 of Governor Culvers I-JOBS funds will be going to passenger rail efforts. Riverside State Representative Larry Marek says hes highly in favor of the proposed Chicago to Iowa City rail link. He feels it would be a great alternative mode of transportation. He says with gas prices rising, the $40 round trip ticket would make it a more economical way of traveling. He says if all goes well the rail link could be completed in two years.

State Empowerment considering regional shift

Posted: Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 5:53 am

Community Empowerment agencies could be shifting to regional system. Tasha Beghtal serves as program coordinator for both Henry and Washington Counties. She says the state is looking at moving away from county by county management. She says as a result, Henry and Washington Counties have been considering merging. They’ll be discussing the proposal at a meeting next Thursday (8/27) at 4:30 PM in the Federation Bank building in Washington

DNR investigating fish kill

Posted: Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 5:53 am

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating fish kills in Johnson and Keokuk Counties. The first happened in German Creek near Sigourney. The DNR says workers saw fish trying to leap out of the water, which indicates a toxic substance in the stream. That evening they found dead catfish, bluegills and minnows. They say initial water samples show low levels of ammonia. DNR says another kill happened in the Picayune creek near Kalona. A specialist found high levels of ammonia after a property owner reported manure odors late Tuesday night. Dead Suckers, Chubs and Minnows were found. The state agency says the investigations are ongoing.

Loebsack in CJ

Posted: Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 5:52 am

Congressman Dave Loebsack will be in southeast Iowa next Saturday. He will be stopping in Columbus Junction to discuss cost and access to healthcare. Loebsacks Communications Director Sabrina Siddiqui says the congressman will be holding a series of these meetings across southeast Iowa in order to gauge residents feelings.

Fair review

Posted: Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 5:52 am

There will be a Washington County Fair evaluation meeting at the fairgrounds August 27 in the upstairs meeting room. 4-H Youth Coordinator Kati Peiffer says 4-Hers, parents, leaders, committee members, and the Fair Board are all invited to attend. She says they will discuss positives from this past year and take suggestions for next years fair.

34 municipal positions up for election in November

Posted: Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4:50 am

Eight Washington County communities will hold elections for mayor and city councilors this November. The Washington County Auditors Office says 34 positions will be up for election. The first date to file is August 24, the deadline is September 17.

City waiting on test results to lift boil order

Posted: Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4:50 am

The city of Washington is waiting on test results before it lifts a boil order on the north side of town. Last week a water main burst causing water to flow into the sanitary sewer which backed up into at least half a dozen homes. City Administrator Dave Plymann says insurance companies for the city, a contractor working near the water main, and homeowners will determine who’s at fault, and who has to pay the claim.

Keota man killed in crash

Posted: Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4:50 am

A 72 year old Keota man was killed in a Tuesday crash in Mahaska County. The Iowa State Patrol says James V. Bowen was driving westbound on Highway 92 when he crossed the center line and collided with a semi tractor. The semi then collided with a third car. The State Patrol says the driver of the semi was transported to a hospital while the driver of the third car was not injured. Funeral arrangements for Bowen are pending with the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota.

Garden Crops

Posted: Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4:49 am

Corn and soybeans could be hurt by an early frost, but that’s not the case for certain garden crops. Keokuk County Extension Director Gary Bickmeier says things like lettuce, broccoli, and spinach are slightly behind the average, but remain hearty during colder weather. Bickmeier says other things like tomatoes must be picked once they turn green and then ripen indoors.

Nature Loop started

Posted: Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4:49 am

A new barn quilt loop got started this week in Washington County. Barn quilt committee co-chair Julie Mangold says the “Crow’s Nest” quilt on the side of Steve Greiner’s barn is the kick off of the nature loop, which will run through the southwest part of the county. Mangold says the nature loop is the third barn quilt trail the county has to offer. There’s also the Amish loop through the northeast part of the county, and the liberty loop through the southeast. She says they also hope to develop the agriculture loop in the northwest.

Grassley refutes "Iowans for Tax Relief"

Posted: Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4:49 am

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is refuting claims by the group “Iowans for Tax Relief” that he’s working with Democrats on a healthcare bill. Grassley says he’s there to ensure that the country doesn’t end up with a “government run” system. The New Hartford Republican says the country’s healthcare system does need some work, but feels congress could make it worse if they’re not careful. The “Iowans for Tax Relief” began circulating an email this week urging people to politely voice their concerns over the single payer system at Grassley’s town hall meetings. Meanwhile, a Democratic state lawmaker from eastern Iowa is calling on Grassley to dispel what he calls myths about the healthcare debate. Iowa City State Senator Joe Bolckom says Grassley should focus on healthcare consumer reforms.

TNL

Posted: Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4:42 am

This evening’s (8/13) Thursday Night Live activities in downtown Washington will feature the music of Patrick Hazel. The Chamber of Commerce says Pat has traveled with world with his unique style of music. They say he’s “classical trained and Mississippi River raised.” He uses a harmonica, keyboard and his voice for an earthy blues sound. Pat takes the stage at 6:30. The farmer’s market starts at 5:00