Archive for May, 2009

MCC Sale

Posted: Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 4:05 am

Mennonite Churches from all across southeast Iowa assembled at the Johnson County Fairgrounds for the annual MCC Sale. The event kicked off yesterday (5/29) with the opening of food, craft, and plant booths and continued with a marinated turkey or pork loin dinner. The two day event will also include live music as well as a quilt auction. Proceeds from the MCC Sale will go to support relief programs sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee.

Antique Show

Posted: Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 4:05 am

On June 12, vendors from over eight states will be gathering in Kalona for the 6th annual Antique Show. Sponsored by the Kalona Historical Society, the show features items such as furniture, books, fine china, toys, jewelry, and more. Unique to this years show is a dealer on hand to buy your gold and silver and give you cash. The show will be held in the Kalona Historical Village and proceeds will go towards a new addition to the main building.

Local banker says they have the capital to weather commercial loan decline

Posted: Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 5:19 am

Almost a third of Iowa's banks reported two percent or more of their loans as non performing last quarter. That's a mark not seen in more than 15 years. Federation Bank President Dale Torpey says his institution is among those feeling the sting of the commercial loan market. He says while there is some trouble, they have plenty of capital to weather it. He also says Their portfolio is diverse enough to keep them protected. 

SE Iowa crop update

Posted: Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 5:19 am

USDA statistics show 93% of corn in Southeast Iowa is in the ground, while 60% of the crop has emerged. The federal agency's report indicates 21% of soybeans have emerged while 67% have been planted. Corn planting was delayed in some areas as due to wet weather, prompting more soybeans. State Climatologist Harry Hilaker says last week's weather was welcomed by southeast Iowa farmers as temperatures were more than 5 degrees above average, and rainfall was well below normal. 

Washington residents invited to SWEEP

Posted: Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 5:19 am

Washington's Centennial Fountain is being celebrated with a SWEEP this morning (5/29), or Supporting Washington Economic Enhancement. Main Street's Amy Vetter says the Central Park centerpiece is 70 years old, and has been a major focal point of the downtown. She says residents are invited to the park this morning (5/29) at 8:30 and encouraged to bring a broom.

Study: nearly 1/2 of Louisa Co residents are commuters

Posted: Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 5:18 am

A recent study by Iowa Workforce Development shows almost half of Louisa Countys 12,000 citizens seek employment in other counties. Elias Gutierrez with Louisa County Development says the countys proximity to larger working zones and bigger employers make it easy for residents to find suitable employment there. Despite the exodus of workers, however, Gutierrez says many still find Louisa a great place to live, which gives the county a competitive advantage.

DNA samples needed for Ak-Sar-Ben

Posted: Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 5:18 am

All youth intending to exhibit swine or feeder calves at Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Exposition in Omaha, Nebraska in September must have DNA samples collected by June 15th. Kati Peiffer, 4-H/Youth Coordinator says DNA samples must be collected by an Extension staff member. She says nominating through the Iowa State Fair process is not acceptable for Ak-Sar-Ben. An additional sample must be collected. Contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811 to schedule a time for your samples to be collected. 

VB Co Relay 4 Life

Posted: Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 5:18 am

Van Buren County residents are invited to help in the fight against cancer. Kierstan Peck Community Relations with the American Cancer Society says the American Cancer Society Walk/Run of Van Buren County is a unique fundraising event in which participants walk or run a 3 mile or 1 mile course. She says this years walk/run will take place on Saturday, June 6 at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. If you are a cancer survivor and would like to take part in the Walk/Run of Van Buren County please call Wanda Clemenson, walk/run chairperson at 319.293.6209. All survivors receive a 2009 Walk/Run of Van Buren County t-shirt.

Kalona Cash

Posted: Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 5:17 am

People can use more than just money in Kalona. The chamber of commerce says Kalona Kash is a great way to get what you want while supporting Kalona businesses. They say during Kalona Days many of the prizes will be large amounts of Kalona Kash. She says Kalona Kash can be used in any business in Kalona and is treated the same as regular money. 

Unemployment numbers fall in April

Posted: Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 5:15 am

Unemployment rates fell by more than half a percentage point last month in Washington County. Statistics gathered by the Iowa Workforce Development Board show Washingtons unemployment rate for March was 4.5%, and 3.9% in April. Statewide jobless claims dropped a tenth of a percent to 5.1%. last month. IWD Director Elisabeth Buck says the numbers suggest Iowas economy may be in the early stages of a turn. She cautions that the market is still very week and any recovery is expected to be modest and prolonged.