Today's Local News

Hunter safety

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:50 am

For southeast Iowas hunters, time is running out to take Washington County Conservations hunter safety course. Naturalist Pam Holz says three class sessions will be held and attendance at all three are required to obtain a license. Holz says anyone born after January 1, 1961 is required to take a safety course before hunting and anyone at least 11 years old is eligible. The first class begins next Tuesday (8/4). If you would like to register, call the Kirkwood Washington Center at 653-4655.

Ag banker expects good net revenue for corn crop

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:31 am

The Iowa Farm Bureau says the state could be heading for a record corn crop this year. Nick Beinhart is the ag representative at Farmer’s Savings Bank of Keota. He says a higher yield generally means lower prices. Beinhart still expects a good net revenue despite an increase in input costs over the last few years. The USDA estimates Iowa corn yields could be between 175 and 185 bushels per acre. The record is 180.

FSA Starts wetlands program

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:30 am

The Iowa Farm Service Agency has announced a program to help protect clean water sources. State FSA Executive Director John Whitaker says the Farmable Wetlands Program is a volunteer program that will work to restore wetlands, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitats. Whitaker says there are added incentives for producers to take part in the program, including a 100-dollar bonus per acre and a 120 percent rental rate. Interested producers should contact their local FSA office.

Three SE IA counties cut waste

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:30 am

Washington, Jefferson and Keokuk Counties have been able to cut waste by 25-percent since 1988. Bill Sloop is manager of the Southeast Iowa Multi County Solid Waste Agency. He says the reduction is in line with goals set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Sloop credits increased recycling as one of the main reasons for the reduction. He encourages residents in the three counties to continue follow the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto.

Cross country runner talks to Great Places Washington

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:30 am

A woman on a quest to run across the country made a stop in Washington yesterday (7/29). 23 year old Katie Visco started her journey in Boston, and plans to end it in San Diego. Visco talked to Great Places Washington at Cafe Dodicci before she and her father made got back on the road. Her dad, Jim Visco, serves as the support team. He drives a van creates pit stops for her to rest at. To learn more, visit www.paveyourlane.com

Louisa Co. to host Lewis and Clark program

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:29 am

Louisa County was recently selected by Humanities Iowa to host Lewis and Clarks Perilous 1804 Journey in the countys historical center. Museum Manager Connie Street says the program will give residents the opportunity to experience and learn about the pairs trek west. She says this program will also focus on some often overlooked chapters in their journey. Street says the event will be held this Sunday at the Heritage Center and admission is free.

One act play for Celebrate your Senses

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:29 am

Celebrate Your Senses this year will feature some old fashioned comedy for a modern day audience. The 30-minute comedy Box and Cox will be performed in the State Theater in downtown Washington at 12:15 pm, and director Lynn Loula says the historic building will add a great atmosphere for the play, which takes place in the 1840s. Loula says the play centers on a woman who rents an apartment to two men who work at different times, one in the day and one at night, who ultimately discover her plot. She says the older style of comedy adds to the humor and novelty of the show, which will make it even funnier to a modern audience.

Special two hour TNL

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:29 am

A special two hour Thursday Night Live is being held this evening (7/30) in downtown Washington. Entertainment includes “Talent Education of Washington.” and “Ola Babckock Miller” portrayed by Rosemary Harris. Miller was born and raised in Washington County. She was Iowas first female Secretary of State and without money, authorization or the blessing of the legislature started what became the Iowa Highway Patrol. Harris will have photos and memorabilia to share. There will also be a current state trooper and car on hand to demonstrate how the agency has changed. Thursday night live starts at 5:00 with the Farmer’s Market. Entertainment will start at 5:30, the Municipal Band takes the stage at 8:00

Door prizes needed for ladies fun day

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:28 am

The Washington Chamber of Commerce is looking for donated items for door prizes at the upcoming Ladies Fun Day. They can be dropped of at the chamber building, or be picked up. Ladies Fun Day is August 4th at the Washington Golf Course and Country Club. It’s a nine hole best ball tournament. Tee times are available from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Carts need to be reserved by Friday (7/31). Contact the chamber of commerce for more information.

Common Ground for Washington Schools kicks off campaign

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:53 am

Around 50 people last night (7/28) attended a public meeting on a long range plan for Washington School Facilities. Some of the biggest question areas included city infrastructure, a timeline and financing. The overall response from those in attendance was positive. The meeting was put on by the “Common Ground for Washington Schools” political action committee. Co-chair Joe Mcconnell says he was happy with the turnout. A vote on issuing bonds which would pay for the first phase on the plan is set for this September.

Crop update

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Iowa’s farming season started out too wet, but now some producers are asking for rain. The USDA says cool temperatures have kept most crops healthy. In southeast Iowa, 85 percent of topsoil moisture is in the adequate range, while 91 percent of subsoil moisture is adequate. 55 percent of local corn has silked, that’s about 20 percent behind average. 20 percent of southeast Iowa soybeans are setting pods, that’s nearly 26 percent behind normal.

Supervisors hold off on tax suspension

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Washington County Supervisors are holding off on making a decision on whether to allow a tax suspension. County Treasurer Jeff Garrett says the request was made under a state law that allows suspension if a person is “unable to contribute to the public revenue.” Supervisors agreed to delay making a decision so they could further investigate the issue. Garrett says last year’s taxes for the petitioner are paid, and this would allow them to have a sort of forebearance on paying property taxes this October.

Marek on high speed rail

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Officials in several Midwestern states, including Iowa, are lobbying the federal government for a high speed rail system. Riverside State Representative Larry Marek says the rail link between Chicago and Iowa City would be a great asset for commuters and travelers who frequent the Windy City. He says in the days of high gas prices, a 40-dollar round trip train ticket is a significant advantage over driving to Chicago. Marek says while some switch tracks need to be repaired, they are hopeful the project can be completed in the next two years.

Vietnam Memorial rolls through Washington County

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:52 am

A mobile memorial to those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War was escorted through the area by the Washington Patriot Guard Riders yesterday (7/28). The wall is a half scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. It met up with Washington’s Patriot Guard Riders in Ainsworth, went through the city of Washington on its way to Richland. It’ll be set up there until Sunday (8/2).

Main Street needs crayons

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Main Street Washington’s Celebrate your Senses event is coming up this weekend, and they’re looking for some crayons. Executive Director Amy Vetter says they’ll use them for children’s activities in Central Park Saturday. She says donations need to be dropped off at the chamber building by 4:30 Friday afternoon. Celebrate your Senses is a day long street festival featuring art displays and live music.

U of I rated high on green list

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:51 am

The University of Iowa is getting high marks for being environmentally minded. The Environmental Protection Agency recently honored the Big Ten school as being one of the top 20 organizations which runs on its own green power. The Universitys Liz Christiansen says they strive to integrate renewable energy and sustainability with education. One hallmark of the Universitys green program is the use of oat-based hulls in its boilers. The oat hulls reduce the amount of CO2 emissions and remove the need to use coal.

Lobesack: more flood recovery needed

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Congressman Dave Loebsack wants to see more money go towards disaster relief in Iowa. Loebsack says the current system presents too many problems and hurdles for individuals looking for relief and flood recovery. He says confusing regulations, slow response times, and inadequate help are making it hard for individuals to receive proper funds. Loebsack says while many Iowans have done well in restoring many neighborhoods, there is always room for more help.

"Common Ground" committee chair: it’s time

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:38 am

A co-chair for a citizens committee advocating an update of Washington School facilities says the overhaul is long over due. Joe Mcconnell is with the “Common Ground for Washington Schools” group. Mcconnell says in addition to being important for educational reasons, having quality school facilities is also important to economic development. The organization is having an informational meeting tonight (7/28) at 7:00 in the high school auditorium.

Headliner for "Celebrate your Senses" chats with KCII

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:38 am

The headlining act for this “Celebrate your Senses” says he’s excited to perform in Washington. Bob Dorr of Bob Dorr and the Blue Band will play in downtown Washington this weekend. Dorr says their music covers a wide array of genres. Dorr says the band includes horns, harmonica and four vocalists. The “Blue Band” will be accompanied by the winner of this weekend’s battle of the bands. For more information, contact Main Street Washington. Tune in to the KCII Morning Magazine on Wednesday (7/29) for the Washington Page which includes the full interview with Dorr, and a song off one of his CDs.

Agronomist to speak on hail damage

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:38 am

Eastern Iowa farmers whose crops have sustained hail damage are being encouraged to attend the Crop Technology Tour this evening (7/28). Iowa State University agronomist Jim Fawcett will be on hand to answer questions about hail damage loses. There will also be information on bean aphids, soybean rust and nitrogen and manure management. The event starts at 6:00 tonight (7/28) at the Jeff Bermel farm, just outside Keota. For more information contact the Keokuk County Extension.