Archive for April, 2009

BOS Preview

Posted: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:18 am

Three Washington County agencies will present their quarterly reports at this mornings board of supervisors meeting. Reports from the sheriff, auditor and recorder are the first three items on the agenda. Supervisors will also discuss office space at the safety center, as well as operational expense allocation. The meeting begins at 9:30 in the lower level of the Washington County Courthouse.

Volunteer Week

Posted: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:18 am

In addition to being National Volunteer Week, this is also Volunteer Week in the City of Washington. Mayor Sandra Johnson made the proclamation at the last city council meeting. She says volunteerism is vital to any community. Johnson says Washington has wonderful volunteers. This Thursday local service organizations will be presented with an award from America's Blood Centers for spearheading blood drives. Johnson says they had a great turnout for the volunteers city clean up as well.

1st Spring Preview Show a Success

Posted: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:17 am

Washington County 4-H County Council sponsored the 1st annual Washington County Spring Preview Cattle Show on Saturday, April 18th. The show was an IJBBA sanctioned show, held at the Washington County Fairgrounds. 105 youth from across the state exhibited cattle.Kati Peiffer,4-H/Youth Coordinator, says reserve champion breeding heifer went to Elley Neuzil of Ainsworth. $150 in prize money was sponsored by the Riverside Ramblers 4-H Club. She says the event was a huge success with plans underway for next year. She says a large group of volunteers made the show possible.

Kalona Days still seeking food vendors

Posted: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:17 am

Kalona Days director, Dave Finley is still seeking more food booth vendors to fill out the June 19 20 event. He says they still have a few prime spots in the food court. It is a great opportunity for individuals, groups, clubs and churches to make a good profit over the two day event. Finley says fees are only $50 which covers both days. He says this is a fraction of what other similar events charge. The fees help defray the costs of Kalona Days which is presented by the Kalona Chamber of Commerce. For information or vendor applications call (319)656-3535 at the Kalona General Store.

Strong feelings on gay marriage

Posted: Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 4:22 am

For it, or against it…almost everyone who attended a legislative briefing in Washington over the weekend had something to say about gay marriage. State Representative Larry Marek, and Senator Becky Schmitz say it's an extremely complicated issue. Marek and Schmitz point out that the legislature does not have the authority to reverse a state supreme court decision. They say the most viable solution for those opposed to gay marriage, is a constitutional amendment. Iowa could have a constitutional convention next year if voters so choose.

Mid income tax break could entice business

Posted: Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 4:22 am

A measure that would give middle income Iowans a tax break, but take away the ability to claim federal taxes as a deduction at the state level could draw more business to the state. That news from State Senator Becky Schmitz, who was in Washington Saturday for a legislative briefing. Schmitz, alongside Representative Larry Marek, say the measure would mean a savings for about three-quarters of Iowa's population. Marek says Iowa is one of only a few states left that allow federal deductibility.

Main Street Washington brings home three awards

Posted: Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 4:20 am

Washington's Main Street program took home three statewide awards Friday. Main Street Iowa recognized them for the annual SNOW holiday event, Creating unique notebooks to help volunteers and the renovation of the Bryson building on the downtown square. Washington Main Street Director Amy Vetter says she was excited to hear about the awards, and is looking forward to continuing the organization's mission.

State Main Street Director pleased with Washington’s first year

Posted: Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 4:19 am

The city of Washington joined the Main Street program last year, and the head of Iowa's Main Street organization says it's been a good year for them. State coordinator Jane Seaton says she's been impressed by what's happened so far. Seaton says she looks for wonderful things to continue to come from Main Street Washington. Seaton offered her comments during a statewide awards banquet on Friday.

1st ever Demon Dash for Cash

Posted: Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 4:19 am

Close to two-hundred people came out to run in the first ever Demon Dash for Cash in Washington Saturday. The 5K walk or run was a fundraiser for Washington Schools. School Board President Eric Turner says proceeds will help purchase new books for Lincoln, Stewart, the junior high and high school. Organizer Terri Hartzler says it was designed to be a community exercise, in more ways than one. She says they hope to make it an annual event.

Kalona Council meeting

Posted: Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 4:19 am

A regular meeting of the Kalona City Council will be tonight at the Kalona Library meeting room at 7:30. The Council will consider street repairs of 2nd Street and 3rd Street South of J Avenue for Chip Seal Coat Repair of $8,375 and Asphalt Paving of $56,970. The Council will also hear from Don Yoder and Phil Ropp in regards to Kalona Valley Apartments and discussion of Solid Waste Ordinance. Again the meeting is tonight at the Kalona Library meeting room at 7:30.