Archive for April, 2009

Washington recorder will issue same sex marriage licenses

Posted: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 5:13 am

The first same sex marriage licenses can be issued next week in Iowa. Some groups opposed to gay marriage are offering to pay county recorders' legal expenses if they refuse to issue the licenses. Washington County Recorder Connie Pence says she's received no such offer, and will issue the the licenses, as required by law. Pence says they are still waiting on new forms that don't include the words bride and groom, but instead party A and party B. She says the appropriate paperwork for same sex marriage licenses are supposed to be at her office by Monday. 

Washington Farmer’s Market

Posted: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 5:12 am

This spring's cold and wet weather is putting a damper on local gardening. Washington Farmer's Market Master Bob Shepherd says the selection at this year's first farmer's market could be a little slim. Shepherd expects a good showing of early spring produce. He says there's always a good selection of baked goods that aren't dependent on the weather. The first Washington Farmer's Market will be Thursday May 14 in Central Park.

Washington Recycling

Posted: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 5:12 am

Today is Earth Day. Some will plant a tree, others might try to conserve energy. Washington County Supervisor Jim Rosien says local residents need to keep recycling in mind. He says the materials the county collects aren't worth as much as they used to be, but its better to recycle rather than see trash accumulate in road ditches, or in a landfill. He urges anyone with recycling questions to contact the Washington Recycling Facility at 653-6373.

Wellman water system on schedule

Posted: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 5:11 am

The Wellman Water system is getting an upgrade. Wellman City Administrator Dave Ross says everything is going well and they are on schedule to have the new reverse osmosis system put in place. Ross says the contractor expects to have the new system up and running by this time next year.

Wellman city clean up

Posted: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 5:11 am

The City of Wellman will be holding their city wide clean up the second weekend of May. City Clerk Donna Wade says they are getting volunteers to man the collection site. Wade says residents still need to buy a ticket for 5 dollars and then they can take all the trash they want to the collection site. Again the clean up days will be Friday and Saturday May 8th and 9th in Wellman, for more information or to purchase a ticket contact the Wellman City Hall.

Avoiding scams

Posted: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 5:11 am

Avoiding online scams seems to be getting more difficult. Con artists are becoming more sophisticated, and technology makes it easier for them to be convincing. Bob Brammer, with the Iowa Attorney General's Office, says its best to err on the side of caution. Brammer says its best to never give out personal information such as social security or bank account numbers over the phone, or internet. He says if you feel you've been the victim of a scam, to contact his office.

Scam Alert

Posted: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:21 am

KCII has received a tip about an internet scam targeting Iowans. A company calling itself WA Surveys out of Seattle is circulating Mystery Shopper emails to try to get people to shop at various locations, and write a report on the business' performance. They are playing on the name of the Secret Shopper program which is legitimate. The company tries to get people to establish a Citi Bank account so they can deposit payments. They ask the the victim to conduct these Mystery Shopping trips out of pocket and say they'll reimburse them through the Citi Bank account. The reason WA surveys is targeting Iowans, is because there is no Citi Bank branch in the state. If you feel you have been the victim of a scam, contact your financial institution and your local law enforcement agency.

Kalona Council welcomes new member

Posted: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:21 am

The Kalona City Council lost a member but gained a new one. Aaron Kos resigned from the Kalona City Council because he and his family are moving outside of the city limits. Kalona Mayor Jerry Kauffman says he will be missed and he enjoyed the assets Kos brought to the table. 47 year old David Kempf has been named to replace Kos on the city council. Kempf's appointment to the council was unanimously approved. Kempf is a Mid Prairie graduate and has lived in Kalona most of his life.

Flags at half staff today

Posted: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:21 am

Flags at government buildings will be at half staff today to honor a fallen Iowa soldier. 20 year old Cpl. Jason Pautsch of Davenport was among five Americans killed last week during an attack on a police headquarters building in Iraq. Governor Chet Culver has ordered the flags to be flown at half staff. It applies to both U-S and state flags. Businesses and residents who display flags are also encouraged to participate.

Work on Water Tower Park to begin

Posted: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:20 am

Washington's Water Tower Park is undergoing some changes. The city council recently approved using fill dirt to level off the southeast corner of the property. Parks Superintendent Tim Widmer says its hoped that they will eventually put a soccer field there. There was some resistance to the proposal from city councilman Bob Shepherd. He says a plan for that park has already been developed. Council members have only approved leveling the southeast east corner of the property. What it will become is still unclear. Most seemed to agree that Washington needs more green space.