Archive for May, 2009

Washington School Audit

Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:54 am

An audit of the Washington School District shows declining enrollment and a falling solvency ratio. Mary Babinat, with Newton Based Nolte Cornman and Johnson, says a solvency ratio is an industry term for working capital. Her report indicates it dropped for the district by more than eight percent between 2006 and 2008. Babinat says part of that is related to the district's falling enrollment. Babinat delivered her report at last night's school board meeting.

WCHC CEO’s thoughts on health care reform

Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:54 am

The CEO at Washington County Hospital and Clinics says President Obama's goal to reform health care isn't going to be an easy task. Don Patterson says changes in the industry will have to be done little by little, because of it's complex nature. Patterson admits that not everyone in the U-S has adequate access to health care. He says Iowa, and Washington County in particular are probably above average.

Nursing shortage not seen in Washington

Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:54 am

A nursing supervisor at Washington County Hospital and Clinics says her facility is not experiencing a nursing shortage like some areas of the country. Pat Huber says the nationwide deficiency is two prong. She says skilled nurses are being lost to retirements, and the demand for nurses climbs as the Baby Boomers enter their golden years.

Bauer named to board of health

Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:53 am

The Washington County Board of Public Health is whole again. The supervisors this week appointed Lori Bauer to fill a vacancy left by Mike Christensen. Supervisor Chairman Jim Miksch says they were fortunate not to have to consider the recently enacted gender balance rule in their decision, because the board of health already has a good ratio.

Kalona Council adopts ID theft prevention

Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:53 am

The Kalona City Council is taking steps to reduce the chance for identity theft among their utility customers. Councilors recently adopted a resolution that adds 22 points in addition to precautions already in place under the Postal Information and Security System. Councilman Steve Lafaurie developed the additional information. He's researched the "red flag" procedures. City Administrator Dough Morgan will serve as the compliance officer.

Paperless Police

Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:52 am

A local police officer believes law enforcement will eventually go paperless. Greg Goodman is Chief of Police for the city of Washington. He says they've already reduced the amount of paper they use in their record keeping. Goodman also says they're also in the process of getting laptops for their squad cars so they can instantly access information while in the field.

Floral guru at Washington Farmer’s Market

Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Floral guru Anita Davis will be the featured guest at tonight's Farmer's Market in downtown Washington. Market Master Bob Shepherd says Davis and others from the Louisa County Fair Flower Department will bring perennial divisions from their home gardens to sell. He says proceeds from this sale will go towards restoring display gardens outside Floral Hall, which were destroyed by last year's flooding. The Farmer's Market begins at 5:00 this evening in Washington's Central Park.

Kalona Cash at Kalona Days

Posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:52 am

There will be several opportunities to win Kalona Cash at this year's Kalona Days. Director Dave Finely says there will be the usual games like bingo. He says there will also be competitions like the watermelon seed spitting, and a nail driving contest. Finley says there will also be a 50/50 drawings. KCII. will have the Big Red Radio on hand and will announce winners each hour.

Washington engineer anticipates hikes in fuel costs

Posted: Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 at 4:35 am

The Washington County Engineer is anticipating high fuel prices again this summer. David Patterson says demand goes up during warm weather as more people travel, and government agencies undertake the bulk of their construction projects. The board of supervisors yesterday (5/12) approved letting the annual fuel contract for Patterson's office.

Planting season much better than last year

Posted: Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 at 4:35 am

Despite a wet spring, farmer's are making good progress this planting season compared with last. Washington County Extension Education Director Gene Mohling says about 85% of corn is in the ground, and nearly 20% of soybeans have been planted. Mohling says the one drawback of this is a lower price. Last year delays and flooding drove the price of both commodities up significantly.