Archive for May, 2009

Winter pushes back last day of school

Posted: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 4:30 am

With the ice and snow of winter the Mid Prairie School District had to cancel many days of school. Because of the canceled school days the last day of school for students was pushed back. The last day of school for students will be next Tuesday, June 2nd and they will be released one hour early. As it stands right now, the first day of school for the 2009-2010 school year will be Wednesday, August 26th.

Ending Polio

Posted: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 4:30 am

Washington County residents are being invited to Bike to End Polio. Myron Graber from the Washington Rotary Club says the event has a ride for everyone, ranging from short rides to even a 56 mile trek along county roads. Graber says 100 percent of the 25 dollar entry fee goes to polio fighting efforts, and the entry cost covers both snacks and a t-shirt. The Biking to End Polio Now event will begin with registration at 6:30 am on June 6. For information contact Myron Graber at 653-1674.

When to spray for bagworms

Posted: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 4:29 am

The Keokuk County Extension is urging property owners to hold off on spraying for bagworms. Education Director Gary Bickmeir says there has been considerable interest in Southern Iowa as people worry about the caterpillars defoliating their trees. For more information contact the Keokuk County Master Gardeners, or the Keokuk County Extension office.

Cash up for grabs at Kalona parade

Posted: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 4:29 am

There will be several ways to win money at this years Kalona Days. Kalona Days Director Dave Finley says cash prizes of $150, $75 and $50 will go to the top three entries in the Kalona Days parade. He says the parade will start at 10 a.m. and line up will be on the west ends of C and B Avenue and proceed east on B Avenue to 7th Street.

Washington BOS slated for closed session

Posted: Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 4:12 am

Washington County Supervisors are slated to go into closed session this morning (5/26) to discuss an ongoing legal dispute with the city of Riverside. County Auditor Bill Fredrick says they helped levy funds for several infrastructure projects when the casino was built, and as a result Riverside is supposed to pay the county $175,000 per year out of the revenue they receive from the casino. Attorney’s for Riverside say the contract caused the city to exceed its debt limit, therefore making in void under state law. The meeting starts at 9:30 this morning in the Washington County Courthouse.

Loebsack in Washington today

Posted: Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 4:12 am

Congressman Dave Loebsack will be in Washington this afternoon (5/26). The Mount Vernon Democrat will be at Washington County Hospital and Clinics at 2:15 as part of his Healthcare Reform Tour. He’ll be meeting with health care providers to get a better understanding of the services they provide and their payment delivery systems. Loebsack will also visit University Hospitals in Iowa City and Unity Healthcare in Muscatine. He says he’s gathering information for the upcoming health care debate in Washington D-C.

Teen pregnancy numbers stable in SE Iowa

Posted: Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 4:11 am

A spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of Southeast Iowa says teen pregnancy numbers have been fairly static in this region. Terri Bonar says much of the country has seen an increase. She says part of the reason for the nationwide hike is the use of abstinence only education. Bonar says areas of the country that utilize such methods actually have higher rates of teen pregnancy.

Washington Library update

Posted: Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 4:11 am

The fence blocking the street in front of the new library in Washington will be coming down next month. City Administrator Dave Plyman says they’ll still have to block traffic while a contractor works on the downtown improvement project. The library is expected to move into the new facility this summer. They say they’re taking inventory and making decisions about what will travel with them. As a result the Teen Advisory Board will be selling video and audiotapes at the Ridiculous Days celebration on June 6.

Liquor request in limbo

Posted: Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 4:11 am

Whether a Washington restaurant can serve alcohol in an outdoor setting is still up in the air. City councilors have left the item tabled at the past couple of meetings. Mayor Sandra Johnson says the ordinance committee is looking into the request from Cafe Dodici. Johnson says if the ordinance committee drafts guidelines to allow the restaurant’s request the item will likely be un-tabled. She says if they don’t come up with anything she’ll ask councilors to take it off the table and put the issue to rest.

Louisa Co to receive more disaster funds

Posted: Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 4:10 am

The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) announced the state approved additional disaster recovery projects in seven cities affected by natural disasters in 2008. Louisa County will receive $1,557,000 through the CDBG and $11,865,000 through the EDA Disaster Relief Grant to. The City of Columbus Junction will receive $920,000 through the CDBG and $2,930,000 through the EDA Disaster Relief Grant. The funding sources are the Community Development Block Grant Contingency and Imminent Threat Funds.