Archive for March, 2009

Washington Schools looking to save money

Posted: Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 at 4:25 am

The Washington School District is looking to trim its budget in the upcoming fiscal year. Superintendent Dave Sextro says they have been able to make some cut backs by offering early retirement, and then leaving some of those positions vacant. Sextro says they make every effort to make cuts that won’t directly affect students. Spending reductions, and the budget for next year are just a few of the items on the agenda for tomorrows school board meeting.

Floodwaters damage local roadways

Posted: Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 at 4:24 am

Heavy rainfall over the past few days is taking its toll on local roadways. Washington County Engineer David Patterson says between ten and twelve locations had to be barricaded in places where floodwaters covered the road. He says the extent of the damage won’t be known until the waters recede. The National Weather Service doesn’t expect that to happen until late this tomorrow.

Louisa Flooding

Posted: Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 at 4:24 am

Louisa County Officials have closed County Road H22, known locally as the K Road indefinitely to keep water on the west side of the temporary levee that crosses that roadway. Kathy Vance with the ISU Extension says crews built the levee up another 5 feet over the last few days making it impassable to traffic, but better for water control and it is holding the water back from the Oakville bottoms. Vance says the County Engineer and emergency management personnel are keeping an eye on Highway 99 east of Wapello.

Kalona Flooding

Posted: Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 at 4:23 am

The rivers have started to rise because of the weather over the past few days. The National Weather Service forecasts major flooding along the Iowa River in Wapello, Lone Tree and Columbus Junction, as well as at the English River near Kalona. Kalona Mayor Jerry Kauffman says over the weekend the English River did crest and spilled over the roads but no major damage was done. Kauffman says some homes got some water in their basements and the water had started to pool in spots downtown, but as soon as the rain stopped the water receded.

Kalona gearing up for tourist season

Posted: Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 at 4:22 am

Tourism Season is coming soon and a lot of places are getting ready. Nancy Roth with the Kalona Historical Village says they stay prepared all winter long. She says their tourism season usually starts in early April. Roth says they dont have too much to do to get ready. She says they will start opening the buildings that were closed for the winter in late March when the weather starts to stay warmer. Roth says the village still attracts tourists throughout the winter but the busiest part of the season is around June and July and during Kalona Days.

IMS Boys Basketball Team At State Tournament

Posted: Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 4:56 am

The IMS boys basketball team makes their return to the state tournament in Des Moines today. IMS is playing Ventura, who is making their first trip to the state tournament in school history. Ventura is a town of about 700 people 14 miles west of Mason City. As for IMS, their last two trips, in 05 and 07, they reached the finals and lost close games. You’ll be able to hear the game right here on the one to count on KCII. The game is scheduled to start at 2 pm.

Farm Bureau Concerned About County Secondary Roads

Posted: Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 4:55 am

The Washington County Iowa Farm Bureau is hoping find a solution to improving county secondary roads. Regional Manager for the Iowa Farm Bureau Jerry Anderson says the conditions of these roads are not very good primarily because they were built to handle limited traffic and vehicles from the 50’s and 60’s. Anderson says today there is more traffic and heavier vehicles. The Farm Bureau recently held a workshop with county officials to discuss some possible solutions. Now Anderson says the plan is to survey members to identify which solution they favor, and work with supervisors to take action along those lines.

Lincoln Literacy Night Thursday

Posted: Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 4:55 am

Lincoln Literacy Night is coming to Lincoln Elementary Thursday night. One of the organizers and Lincoln Teacher Linda Shields says this is for parents and children. She says they will have four informative sessions going on for parents. Those include how to motivate kids to read, fun ways to improve your child’s vocabulary, bullying, and what programs are offered at the library. The kids will take part in games and story time. The parents will have time to go to two of the sessions so they want to choose the two they find most beneficial. Lincoln Literacy night will be Thursday from 6-7:30 at Lincoln Elementary.

College Planning Night

Posted: Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 4:55 am

Seniors are preparing for college. Mid Prairie High school is holding a College Prep night tonight at 7pm. School Councilor Sarah Kos says they are brining in people from around the state to allow the seniors and juniors to ask questions and learn what to expect in college. Kos says it is geared mainly towards seniors but juniors are welcome to attend as well. The Prep night will be tonight at 7pm at the Mid Prairie High School

Souper Bowl Supper Next Monday

Posted: Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 4:55 am

You are invited to a Souper Bowl Supper and it has nothing to do with football. The Second Annual Souper Bowl Supper will be held in the cafeteria at Washington High School next Monday. There will be a variety of soups and all the trimmings and drinks, prepared by the high school Nutrition and Fitness class. The soups will be served in handmade ceramic bowls made by the Ceramics and Sculpture classes. The proceeds go to Washington HACAP. You can purchase tickets in advance for $6. The Souper Bowl Supper is next Monday from 4:30 to 6:30. You can call 653-2143 for ticket information.