Smoking Ban
Last year state lawmakers passed a ban on smoking in public places, but that might be adjusted. State Representative Larry Marek from Riverside says the ban applied to places such as restaurants and bars. House File 211 would allow for these places to designate an opened air section such as a patio for smoking. He stresses it would not change things inside. Marek says many have signed on to House File 211. 

Speech Team 
The Washington High School Speech Team competed at the state speech contest on Saturday and fared very well. Of the 9 groups that competed, 8 received Division I ratings. The students now have a chance to make the All-State competition in Ames on February 21st. The coaches are Jan Gallagher, Lynn Loula, and Amy Adrian.

Budget Course
The Lower Deer creek Church in Kalona is holding a budget course on February 15th. Jim Hershberger says the course is to help people understand and put together a budget and to help meet financial goals. He says it is a three week course. Hershberger says the class is for anyone even if they are not affiliated with the church. Again the class starts on Sunday, February 15th. Anyone who is interested can call the church office.

Pancake Supper
The Kalona Optimists club is preparing for there fundraising events in March. Doug Morgan says they are having a pancake supper on March 5th. He says the funds raised will go to help the youth of Kalona. Morgan says the event will be held at Kalona Middle School.