Archive for February, 2009

Former Keokuk Resident Accused Of Murder In Missouri

Posted: Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 9:04 am

Missouri officials have charged a former Keokuk County resident with first degree murder in the death of his roommate who also used to live in Keokuk County. According to Daviess County Sheriff Officials, Carlos Sarmiento is accused of killing Lance Davis. Keokuk County Sheriff Jeff Shipley says both men used to live in Keokuk County about two or three years ago.

Attorney Generals Warns Of Phishing Scams

Posted: Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 9:04 am

The Washington Chamber of Commerce has recently circulated a warning issued by the Iowa Attorney General's Office warning of various phishing scams going around the state. Bob Brammer with the Attorney General's Office says these scams primarily involve email or text messages. He says they all are seeking personal information from you such as social security number or credit card number. Brammer says legit companies don't ask for such information in email. He says the only time you should be asked for your credit card number, is if you have gone to a website, selected items to purchase, and are closing out the purchase. Finally Brammer says while many times you may hear of individuals being scammed, small businesses should also be cautious.

Mid Prairie Home School

Posted: Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 9:04 am

The Mid-Prairie Home School Supervisors are talking to the state lawmakers about Home School Drivers ed. Superintendent Mark Schneider says he hasnt really studied the issue too much yet. Schneider says he has a lot of faith in the home school department and believes that they would not be going after something if it didn't have merit. Schneider says the home schooling teachers at Mid-Prairie are some of the best he has worked with.

Fruit Tree & Brambles Clinic

Posted: Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 9:03 am

Wondering how to get the most out of fruit trees? Keokuk County Extension Education Director Gary Bickmeier says they have a clinic coming up that covers just that. He says the Fruit Tree and Bramble Care and Selection clinic will look at several things including how to properly care for fruit trees. The program will be March 12th at 5:30 at Marie Atwood's across from the Sigourney John Deere. The cost is ten dollars and to register you can call 800-515-2680.

Sextro Contract Renewed

Posted: Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 at 9:11 am

The Washington School Board President says the district's interim superintendent's work and help dealing with the district's budget was key in the board's decision to keep him another year. Board President Eric Turner says he feels many are pleased with Interim Superintendent Dave Sextro's performance in his first year in the district and Turner feels he's brought some trust back to the district. Sextro was hired at the beginning of the school year for one year after Dave Schmitt resigned in August.

Mourning loss of employee

Posted: Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 at 9:11 am

The Riverboat Casino and Golf Resort is mourning the loss of one of their employees. Spokeswoman Sharon Haselhoff says Tina O'Leary of Lone Tree had been a dealer at the casino since they opened and a model employee. Haselhoff says the casino wants to extend their deepest sympathies to family and friends of Tina O'Leary and her tragic loss will be felt throughout the company. O'Leary was the victim of a murder suicide in Lone Tree over the weekend.

Work Release Area at Jail

Posted: Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 at 9:11 am

Washington County Supervisors have approved putting the project to build the work release area of the county jail out to bid. The supervisors have had the item on their agenda the last couple of weeks but wanted to get a few questions answered, primarily if additional work would affect warranties on equipment and systems in the current facility. After receiving a report that it wouldn't be a problem they approved a bid letting for March 24. The work release area and a covered drop off area were in the original plans but the county wanted to get the main facility constructed first and then make sure there was enough money approved by voters for the add-ons.

Demon Basketball

Posted: Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 at 9:10 am

The Washington Demon girls' basketball team saw their season come to an end last night, one game short of the state tournament. Last night in Fairfield, the Keokuk Chiefs beat the Demons 44-36. Demon Head Coach Phil Long says he felt his team left all on the floor and that's what he wanted. It is the furthest the Demons have been in the post season tournament since they last qualified for state in 2002. This was the first Regional Final team Phil Long as taken as head coach and comes in his fourth season.

Mid Prairie Honors Retirees

Posted: Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 at 9:10 am

The Mid Prairie School Board honored the teachers that are retiring at the end of the school year. At the board meeting on Monday, 4 teachers were presented a plaque for their outstanding achievements and years of service to Mid Prairie. Being honored were Special Education teacher Mr. Dalton, who has been with mid prairie for 11 years; Librarian Mrs. Conway, who has been there for 22 years; and Reading Teacher Mrs. Shellady and Band Teacher Mrs. Curtis who have both been with Mid Prairie for 31 years.

Public Library Programs for kids

Posted: Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 at 9:10 am

The Washington Public Library has a few programs coming up for local little ones. Story time for preschool readers will start next Tuesday at 9:30. Wee Read for toddlers with an adult will be Tuesday at 10:30. Also the library will put on Create Your World a creative writing club for writers K-5th grade which begins next Wednesday at 4:00 pm. And for a little older kids, the Scribblers Club, a teen creative writing club for 6th-12th graders begins Monday at 4:00 pm. You can register at the Washington Public Library's front desk.