Archive for April, 2009

While wet weather might not be needed by local farmers, heavy rainfall combined with warm temperatures is conducive to fungi. In the Midwest that means Morel Mushroom hunting. Steve Anderson with Washington County’s Conservation Board, says dead elm trees are a good place to look.He says Washington County has a wide array of public land for people to mushroom hunt on. Anderson says what’s really special about Morels, is how little scientists know about how, or why they grow where they do.

The Washington County Hospital and Clinics Board will be discussing an identity theft prevention program at this weeks meeting. They’ll also hear a financial report, and consider a new bathing system and digital mammography. Board members will also hear about annual performance improvements. There will be a closed session to discuss either patient improvement initiatives, or marketing or pricing strategies. There will be a second closed session to consider personnel issues. The meeting is this Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the Robert Nicola Conference Room.

Mid Prairie High School student recently had a chance to see an Iowa lawmaker in his natural element. Kyle Fischer visited Washington D-C, and visited with Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley says he enjoyed meeting Fischer, and hearing his views on federal legislation. Fischer is a junior at Mid Prairie and was at the Capital during the National Youth Leadership Conference. The organization also toured historic landmarks. A photo of Kyle Fischer and Senator Grassley can be seen on our website, at kciiradio.com.

On Saturday, May 2 the Kalona Rotary will be hosting their annual omelet breakfast fundraiser at the Kalona Methodist Church from 6:30 11:00 a.m. All proceeds from the breakfast will go towards the Kalona Elementary playground improvement project. This is the second year with them sponsoring the playground. Stop in and have an omelet to help support the Rotary and the playground

This years MPHS blood drive will be held on May 1st. School Councilor Sarah Kos says Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to sign up with our student representative this week. She says the blood drive is being sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Anyone who is interested in donating blood is encouraged to attend. She says you do not have to be a student of have a student that attends Mid Prairie to donate. For questions or to set up a time to donate call the Mid Prairie High School.

A Columbus Junction man was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospital after a traffic accident on the Highway 92 bridge over the Iowa River last night. According to a report from the Iowa State Patrol, 50 year old Manuel Martinez was taken by Air Care after his 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 pickup truck driven by 52 year old Peggy Griffin of Lets. Police say charges are pending.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected through out the rest of the weekend. The National Weather Service says a few of those could become severe, bringing hail, and high winds. NWS says the greatest threat for severe weather is between 2 and 8 pm, with the threat diminishing after sunset. Round two will roll into the area tomorrow afternoon and evening. There is the potential for large hail and more damaging winds. The National Weather Service says isolated tornadoes are possible with this type of activity. Two to four inches of rainfall are possible by late Monday. In case of severe weather, stay tuned to KCII for Severe Weather Action Team Coverage.

Water is essential to life as we know it. Yet, there are those on the planet who don’t have access to a safe supply of it. Since 2005, John and Mary Jo Hays of Washington have made it their goal to change that through the Pure Water For All Foundation. John Hays says he’s seen instances, where children had to drink water used to wash clothing. John Hays and his Wife Mary Jo will share their experiences this Monday (4/27) morning at 10:00 at the Halcyon House. It’s free and open to the public.

The recession has impacted everything from Wall Street to main street, and many are searching for answers to financial problems. Washington State Bank will be having a financial fair to address some of those problems. WSB loan officer Brandon Long says the economic turmoil felt by larger financial institutions, hasn’t effected smaller banks such has his. He says the financial fair will feature WSB Vice President Sue Basten. She’ll share strategies for a volatile market and her thoughts on the future of the banking industry. The fair is Tuesday May 5. Visit the bank’s website for details.

Iowa got a B on the clean air section of the first ever state department of natural resources environmental report card. Dennis Ostwinkle, with DNR’s region 6 in Southeast Iowa, says Muscatine and Scott County have been put on a federal watch list for exceeding allowable air pollution standards. Ostwinkle says this can cause problems for people who are asthmatic. He says burning trash is another air quality concern. Ostwinkle says it’s an illegal practice, but many do it anyway. To find out more about local air quality, visit the DNR website.