Archive for February, 2009

Washington County Supervisors

Posted: Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 10:46 am

Washington County Supervisors will vote on going out to bid for the project to build the work release area of the county jail. The Supervisors meet at 9:30 this morning. The project at the jail was not included in the original construction because the county wanted to make sure they didn't go over the $5-million approved by voters. Supervisors will also discuss their funding level for the county recycling center. Finally they'll act on a board appointment to the land use and planning commission.

Law Enforcement Increase

Posted: Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 10:46 am

The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved a 3 1/2 % increase in the amount cities in the county will pay the Sheriff's Office for contract law enforcement. Sheriff Dunbar says the cost of law enforcement to Kalona rose from just under $69,000 to just over $70,000. Sheriff Dunbar says the majority of the money goes to deputy salaries.

Unemployment Meeting

Posted: Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 10:45 am

Workers unemployed because of the summer flood or current economic climate, can learn about services out there that can help. The Kirkwood Dislocated Worker Program is putting on an informative meeting tomorrow at the Washington County Fairgrounds in the new building. Attendees can find out what assistance is out there including some special assistance for those out of work because of the flood last summer. The meeting starts 9:00 am tomorrow morning.

Box Tops for Education

Posted: Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 10:45 am

You can donate money using scissors. Stuart Media Specialist Kathleen Kishel says you can look on your cereal boxes or other items around the house for the Box Tops for Education labels from General Mills items. Kishel says they can be sent in and redeemed for ten cents for each label. Kishel says last October they sent in a batch and got a check in December for $900s. Kishel says she uses the money to replace worn books in Stewart's library. Just send your labels to the school with a student or drop them off.

Farm Bill Program

Posted: Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 10:44 am

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 contains a wide variety of legislation affecting everything from school lunches to milk checks. Keokuk County Extension Education Director Gary Bickmeier says new payment rules basically attribute USDA commodity payments to individual taxpayers, regardless of the number and nature of farm business they are involved in. An informative meeting on the Farm Bill Program for Keokuk County will be held February 26th beginning at 6:00 pm at the Expo Fairgrounds in Sigourney. Registration is not required but is encouraged in case of weather cancellations. For registration or further information contact the Keokuk County Extension Office at 641-622-2680.

Mid Prairie Bomb Threat

Posted: Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

The Mid Prairie High school received of a bomb threat last week. Sheriff Dunbar says it has been determined the threat was false. He says the investigation is still on going. He says the main deputy in charge of the investigation is located at the school. Dunbar says they are talking to people and is certain that the person or persons responsible will be held accountable

Young Professionals Day at Capitol

Posted: Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Washington young professionals, you are invited to take a day and see the state government at work. You’re invited to Young Professionals Day at the Capitol. Young Professionals of Iowa Board Member Adam Mangold says it’s a great chance to see what goes on in state government, seeing both houses in session and talking with state lawmakers from the area. Young Professionals Day at the Capitol is February 23rd. If you are interested you can contact Mangold at 653-2421.

US Census

Posted: Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

With 2010 just around the corner, the U.S. Census Bureau is preparing to do that head count they do every ten years. Darrel Hysler works in the Cedar Rapids Office and says they are mandated by the Constitution every ten years to count the U.S. population. Hysler says they are currently hiring local workers to help with the process. He says the jobs pay between $11.75 and $15 an hour and have flexible hours which is good for someone out of work and looking around. If you are interested call 866-861-2010. 

Government Offices Closed Today

Posted: Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Local government offices are closed today for the President’s Day holiday. The county courthouse and county offices will not be open. Also Washington city offices will be closed and the Post Office will be closed. They will reopen tomorrow. 

Kalona City Council

Posted: Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

The Kalona City Council will be holding their meeting tonight. Carri Bell, representative from the Kalona Elementary will be there to give an update on the Kalona Elementary Playground Project. Also Parks & Recreation Superintendent Todd Fitzsenry will be giving a proposal for upcoming improvements in the park. The Kalona City Council meeting will be held at the Kalona Public Library meeting room tonight at 7:30.