Archive for February, 2009

Home Foreclosure

Posted: Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 9:19 am

State Representative Larry Marek is backing a plan to prevent foreclosures on Iowa homes. Four proposed bills deal with the subject. One would make it illegal for bankers or brokers to mislead borrowers or make false statements. They also would not be able to charge fees for loans that don't materialize, or accept undisclosed compensation for their service. Another bill would mandate that homeowners are given the number to a foreclosure hotline at the beginning of a foreclosure. Finally the foreclosure on homes of military reserve member or their family while serving on active duty would be prohibited.

Washington School Facilities Consultants

Posted: Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 9:19 am

Washington Community Schools is in the process of having their facilities reviewed by a consultant, who intends to provide the district with a recommendation, most importantly the high school. Board President Eric Turner says these two consultants have been working with the Iowa School Boards Association, and have reviewed other districts for the association. He says the Washington board felt their services would be useful, so the consultants are carefully looking at all of the district's facilities as well as past plans presented to voters. Turner says in the end they will provide the board with a concise recommendation concerning buildings in the district.

Kalona Rec Center

Posted: Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 9:19 am

The Kalona Rec Center may have received some damage this winter with the snow and melting ice. Todd Fitzsenry the Parks and Recreation Director says there may have been a leak into the building from the roof that has caused some damage to the racquetball courts. Fitzsenry says he has spoken with the Kalona City Council and they are aware of the problem and will be working on getting a builder to look at the building and see what can be done.

Disaster Area Taxes

Posted: Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 9:19 am

Special income tax benefits apply to many who were affected by the natural disasters in the Midwest last summer. Phyllis Zalenski, Family Resource Management Specialist with the Iowa State University Extension says even those who did not suffer direct property losses may be eligible for tax benefits. Some counties are eligible for all the tax provisions while others are eligible only for some of the tax benefits. The best thing is for people to consult a tax expert and to always ask questions.

IMS boys move to sub-state

Posted: Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 9:18 am

The IMS boys basketball team has made it to sub-state. IMS beat Central City last night 62-51 in the district final game. They next will play Prince of Peace for the right to go to Des Monies and play in the state tournament a week from Monday. Prince of Peace is 19-5 while IMS is 23-1, their only loss was to 3A Keokuk. Tomorrow's sub-state game will be played at Cedar Rapids Prairie and will start at 6:30pm.

Water Shop Open House

Posted: Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 9:18 am

The Water Shop in Kalona has been growing and they have decided to show the public what they do. Co-Owner Audrey Miller says they are holding the open house to show their appreciation for the support that they have received from the area community and to give them an opportunity to see the facility and what they have to offer. The open house is Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Home Shopping Extravaganza

Posted: Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 9:17 am

If you missed out on saving with the Home Shopping Extravaganza, you'll have another chance but the times will be very different. KCII is returning to the air with our radio auction and items will be starting at 60% off. The auction will be Saturday morning from 7:30-9am, then there will be a break for the Coaches Corner, and then back on the air from 11am-12pm. You can also join us on Monday from 8am-12pm.

National Award To Washington For Blood Drives

Posted: Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 9:05 am

The organization, America's Blood Centers is presenting a national award to the City of Washington. Iowa Blood Drives Bi-Monthly Civic Sponsorship Rotation puts on blood drives in the community throughout the year to generate donations for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Yale Jarvis coordinates the drives. He received a letter from America's Blood Centers saying Washington is going to be awarded the 12th Annual National Humanitarian Service Award. The award recognizes a civic group that has encouraged the spirit of volunteering.

Sheriff’s Office Move Delayed

Posted: Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 9:05 am

The Washington County Sheriff's Office will soon be relocating to the new jail but their moving plans have been delayed slightly. Sheriff Dunbar says they were hoping to be moved out there last week. Dunbar says the person that is helping switch systems, such as the phones, has been ill and if he can't make it out this week, the office may have to wait a couple more weeks for the move. The sheriff says the main purpose for the move is to be able to quickly address problems that may come up at the jail.

New Chamber Director Starting Friday

Posted: Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 9:05 am

The Washington Chamber's new director will start on the job Friday. The chamber board announced last week they had hired Tim Coffey. Coffey has been running a fund raising consulting firm in Washington primarily working with non-profit groups. He says as he takes the position he wants to work closely with WEDG and Main Street Washington to market the city in a higher visibility way. He also would like to make the benefits of being a chamber member more visible, with the hope of increasing membership.