Archive for March, 2009

Safe Prom/Graduation

Posted: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 7:33 am

Prom and Graduation season is just around the corner, and the Washington Police Department wants to make sure the celebrating is done safely and responsibly. Sergeant Sean Ellingson says his department will be coordinating with other agencies to have a stepped up presence during those times. Ellingson also says the city of Washington has a law on the books that provides stiff penalties for anyone who provides alcohol for minors. He adds that the Washington High School has a zero tolerance policy, meaning any student caught using drugs or alcohol will be ineligible for extracurricular activities.

Band members grateful for donation

Posted: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 7:30 am

Members of Washington’s Municipal Band say they are very grateful for the recent donation of 175-thousand dollars to improve the Central Park Bandstand. Wayne Brock, and John Winga are two members of the band who have been playing for 60 years. They visited John Jackson in Fairfield to ask for help renovating the bandstand. Winga and Brock say they plan on having Mr. Jackson come to Washington for the opening night of Band season, which will be the first Thursday in June.

Local doctor expects macular degeneration to increase

Posted: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 7:30 am

As the Baby-Boomers enter their golden years, a health issue is becoming increasingly common…macular degeneration. Doctor Rob Negrete, with Washington Eye Care Center, describes the affliction as the erosion of a part of the retina, which can cause vision loss. Negrete says one of the most difficult aspects of macular degeneration, is its difficulty to identify. He says it doesn’t cause any pain, which is why he recommends people over the age of 60 who experience changes in their vision should see an eye doctor. He says there is no cure for the disease, but studies suggest certain multi vitamins combined with a healthy diet can help.

Kalona looking to break the record

Posted: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 7:30 am

This year Kalona Days will mark the community’s 130th birthday. Kalona Days Co-Director Susan Finley says they are attempting to construct the worlds largest quilt Cake. She says it will be a normal edible cake that will be decorated like quilt patterns. Finley says it will be a contest and anyone may enter. She says you can come to the Kalona General Store and pick up a pattern. Finley says they are hoping Kalona days will be put into the Guinness book of world records with this cake. Kalona Days will be June 19 – 21

Study shows 4-H’s positive impact

Posted: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 7:29 am

A new study suggests 4-H can help make young people better citizens, leaders and communicators. 4-H Youth Development State Specialist Kelli Tallman says she asked a random selection 4-H’ers to rate themselves on those skills before, and after joining the program. Tallman says 4-H also helps hone conflict resolution skills through group projects and various presentations. She also says those who take part in the program also display less risky behavior such as underage drinking.

Columbus Junction Athletics

Posted: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 7:29 am

Many students in Lousia County were impacted by last year’s record flooding. Mike Jay, Columbus Junction Athletics Director thinks sports programs gives students a good avenue to let loose. Jay says not only do athletics help students to vent any frustration they may have, but it helps them with their academics.

News Update: North Liberty man leads police on chase

Posted: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 7:28 am

A North Liberty man is facing a laundry list of charges after allegedly leading police on nearly an hour long chase in Washington County last night. 20 year old Steven Lee Myers Junior is charged with Operating While Intoxicated, Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Eluding, and multiple traffic violations. According to a release from the Washington Safety Center, officers tried to stop Myers south of Riverside. Myers refused to do so. They say the chase ended with myers striking a patrol car and hitting a ditch at 230th street and Washington Avenue. Myers is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Congrats to Donna Rinner!

Posted: Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 7:27 am

KCII announced their radio active bingo winner this morning. Donna Rinner, of Wayland says she turned in four bingo cards per week since the contest started on January 26th. When informed of the news, Rinner was pleasantly surprised. Since the contest started, KCII gave away $800 in gift certificates to weekly bonus bingo Winners. Rinner’s name was randomly selected out of 2300 qualifying bingo cards. The contest had listeners fill out the cards when they heard sponsor’s commercials and programs on KCII. Congratulations to Donna, and thanks to all the sponsors who made our radio active bingo contest a huge success.

The city of Washington is going to start cracking down on people who leave trash in their yards. Ordinance committee chairman Mike Roth says the city

Posted: Thursday, March 26th, 2009 at 7:26 am

More than 200 area high-school students, and a few parents came to Washington High School yesterday for college prep day. Among them was W-H-S junior Joey Villalpando. He says despite the current economic environment, he’s confident he’ll find work after college. Villalpando says he’s interested in finding a career in computers. William Mcconnell is another student interested in electronics. He also says he’s not worried about finding a job. Washington High guidance counselor Kathy Stender described the event as an excellent showing. She says she’s very pleased to hear about the students optimistic attitudes. She also says they know if they can find the means to go to college, there will be a job for them when they graduate.

Washington to crack down on trash ordinance

Posted: Thursday, March 26th, 2009 at 7:26 am

The city of Washington is going to start cracking down on people who leave trash in their yards. Ordinance committee chairman Mike Roth says the city has been, quote too soft on nuisance abatement in the past, and it shows in several areas of Washington. Roth says the city will aggressively address complaints. He says property owners will first be contacted about addressing the problem. He says if they choose to ignore the notice, they could be subject to a $250 dollar fine. Roth says residents can file a complaint, and keep their identity confidential by calling 653-6584. There will be a chance to get rid of unwanted items during the city wide clean up the week of April 20th. Roth says they will also be notifying residents who own dangerous buildings, and informing them that arrangements need to be made to have the structure fixed, or demolished.