Archive for May, 2009

Kalona Days Bingo

Posted: Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at 5:21 am

Kalona Days will bring back activities that people have enjoyed in the past. Kalona Days Director Dave Finley says one activity people have mentioned they thoroughly enjoyed was Bingo. He says bingo games will start after the 9:30 AM parade finishes on Saturday June 20th sponsored by Freedom Security Bank of Kalona. Games can earn players Kalona Cash. He says these certificates are used like cash in Kalona businesses. Players may purchase bingo cards for $0.25 each for each game played. Half of the amount collected for each bingo game will be divided equally between the game winner(s). The winners will also be presented a raffle ticket that will enter them into a drawing after the last game of the day is played for a grand prize of $50 in Kalona Cash. Bingo games will be played in the Freedom Security parking lot.

WJHS Teacher thankful for Orange & Black

Posted: Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at 5:20 am

A teacher at Washington Junior High says she's very thankful to all the local businesses who donated to their annual Orange and Black Day. Connie Hoffman Szenby says the event wouldn't have been possible without their help. Szenby says Orange and Black is a community service day, where students do yard work around town.

Washington Supervisors expected to discuss revenue sharing agreement

Posted: Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Washington County Supervisors plan to go into closed session at tomorrow's (5/19) meeting to discuss an ongoing dispute with Riverside over a revenue sharing agreement. County Attorney Barb Edmondson says the contract was forged when the Casino was built. Riverside has said it creates constitutional debt, which would make the agreement void under state law. Edmondson has said she believes the contract is legal and enforceable.

Washington Schools still figuring out stimulus money

Posted: Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 4:52 am

The Washington School District is getting almost $370,000 in federal stimulus money. Superintendent Dave Sextro says the state has instructed them to use that money to backfill cuts made earlier this year. He says this poses a problem when the stimulus money runs out, if the state funding level remains the same. Sextro says they'll meet with the state board of education next month, and hopefully find out more information.

WMU looking for new superintendent

Posted: Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Winfield Mount-Union School District is looking for a new Superintendent. Current Superintendent Lynn Ubben says she is moving to another district to be closer to her family. Ubben says they have selected four candidates. Interviews are scheduled to be start this week. The board intends to make their selection late this month, with the new superintendent assuming duties beginning July 1.

WPD Dog earns national recognition

Posted: Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 4:50 am

A search and rescue dog from Washington is receiving national recognition. WPD K-9 handler Brett Sorrell's says his partner Storm has been named the Search and Rescue Canine of the Year by the National Association for Search and Rescue. Sorrells says Storm's sense of smell is so keen, she's been able to identify unique scents through water.

ISU crop specialist: soybean to soybean OK

Posted: Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 4:50 am

Last spring's flooding and wet weather forced many Southeast Iowa farmers to plant soybeans, where they had hoped to plant corn. Iowa State University Crop Specialist Palle Peterson says while planting that ground to soybeans again isn't desirable, it shouldn't pose a major problem. Peterson says the yield loss should be less than 5% as compared with a regular crop rotation.

Small business seminar

Posted: Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 4:50 am

Small business owners and operators are meeting at the Pizza Ranch in Sigourney next week. Keokuk County Extension Education Director Gary Bickmeir says the group meets on the last Tuesday of every month. He says this month's speakers will be the owner's of Jody's Togs and the owners of the Country and More Store. They'll talk about increasing customer traffic by diversifying products and services. The program is at 6:00 Tuesday, May 26. Contact the Keokuk County Extension office for more information and to register.

4H clothing event deadline

Posted: Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 4:49 am

Washington County 4-Hers are reminded that June 1 is the sign-up deadline for the clothing event. All 4-Hers are eligible to participate. Kati Peiffer, 4-H/Youth Coordinator says youth may participate in the fashion revue, the clothing selection, $15 challenge or all three. She says the clothing event judging will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 3:30 p.m. at the Washington County Extension Office on the fairgrounds. Please contact the Washington County Extension Office by June 1, if you are interested in participating at 319-653-4811.

NASAR Award

Posted: Sunday, May 17th, 2009 at 6:38 am

A search and rescue dog from Washington is receiving national recognition. WPD K-9 handler Brett Sorrell's says his partner Storm has been named the Search and Rescue Canine of the Year by the National Association for Search and Rescue. Sorrells says Storm's sense of smell is so keen, she's been able to identify unique scents through water.