Archive for April, 2009

A 16 year is facing felony charges in connection with three burglaries in the city of Washington. Sergeant Sean Ellingson says they will file three counts of burglary and three counts of theft in connection with break ins at the Washington Junior High, Griggs Music Shop and Rider Sales. Ellingson says its difficult to put a dollar amount on all the items taken from the three locations, but feels all of them will fall under second degree theft which is between one and ten thousand dollars. He says computer items taken from the Junior High are valued at at least seven thousand dollars. He says there are other burglaries being investigated and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Washington Police.

About 2,500 homes in rural Washington County are using un-permitted septic systems. That’s according to Environmental Health Administrator Jeff Thoman. He says discharging wastewater without the proper septic system in place can present a major health hazard. Thoman says there are grants and low interest loans available to help homeowners bring their septic systems up to date. To find out more contact the Washington County Department of Environmental Health.

Congressman Dave Loebsack launched a new Recovery Act map that charts where and how Recovery Act funds are being spent in the second district. According to a new report released by the US Government Accountability Office, Iowa intends to effectively and efficiently tracking the federal funds. Loebsack says Iowa is one of 16 states being monitored by the GAO on the implementation of the Act.He encourages people to review the Recovery Act Map, which is being updated as each new project is announced. Residents of the second district can visit Congressman Loebsacks website to see where Recovery Act dollars are being spent.

Kalona Days organizers have announced 3 new events for the early summer celebration. Kalona Days Director Dave Finley says the new events are nail driving contest which is a competition for the fastest time in driving 43 nails into a 4x 4 section of wood. Finley says there will also be a salsa judging as well as a watermelon seed spitting contest. The winners of each contest will receive various amounts of Kalona Kash. Kalona Days is sponsored by the Kalona Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact Dave Finley at (319)656-3535

Cinco de Mayo is next week and most people celebrate the weekend before. Deputy Caudel with the Louisa County Sheriff’s office says in the past they have not had too much of a problem with people taking there parties to the streets. He says they wont be doing anything different this year. Caudel says if people plan to drink to always be responsible. He says have a designated driver with you or take a taxi. He says being safe can not only save your life but the lives of those around you.

April is considered the beginning of construction season in the Midwest. Ben Booth, with Iowa One Call says something everyone from professional contractors to back yard handymen need to do, is call before they dig, to avoid impacting underground utilities. Booth says if you don’t contact Iowa One Call 48 hours before digging, and disrupt a service, you can be held liable for it. He says their service is free and the best way to get a hold of them in Iowa is by dialing 8-1-1. For more information visit the Iowa One Call website.

A local health official says her department is monitoring reports on swine flu from state and federal agencies. Washington County Public Health Adminstrator Edie Nebel recommends, as with any influenza, frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough. She also says if you do feel ill, to stay home. There have been no cases of swine flu reported in Washington County or Iowa.

A Columbus Junction man is back home after being hospitalized over the weekend following a car accident on the Highway 92 bridge over the Iowa River. University of Iowa Hospital officials say 50 year old Manuel Martinez was discharged, after being airlifted to their facility Friday. According to a report from the Iowa State Patrol, Martinez’s vehicle smashed into a trailer being pulled by a tractor, driven by 27 year old Benjamin Lacina of West Branch. The report indicates Martinez’s vehicle then collided with a pickup truck driven by 52 year old Peggy Griffin of Lets. Police say charges are pending.

At least 100 area residents believe the Washington County Recorder shouldn’t issue same sex marriage licenses. That’s how many signatures were on a series of petitions left at Connie Pence’s office yesterday (4/27). Pence says things have been quiet despite the fact that yesterday was the first day that gay couples could obtain marriage licenses in Iowa. She says no one came in to apply for such a license, and there have been no protesters. Pence has previously said she will issue same sex marriage licenses to those who seek them, in accordance with the law.

The Louisa County Recorder says things were quiet yesterday, despite it being the first day that recorders could issue same sex marriage licenses. Recorder Leanne Black says she’s heard of problems in other areas. Black says if any couple wishes to obtain a marriage license, she will do her job. She says they don’t have any hard copies of the licenses, but do have digital copes ready to print out. Black says she has yet to see the first same sex marriage license request.