Archive for June, 2009

"Birdies for Charity"

Posted: Thursday, June 18th, 2009 at 4:37 am

Golf enthusiasts can keep track of birdies and help a local non-profit group during this year's John Deere Classic. The "Birdies for Charity" asks people to pledge either a one time donation or commit a certain amount for every birdie made. Proceeds this year will benefit Lending Hands Adult Day Care in Washington. To pick up a pledge card or find out more contact Lending Hands 653-2661.

Keeping cool…and efficient

Posted: Thursday, June 18th, 2009 at 4:36 am

As the temperature heats up, many across southeast Iowa are concerned with maintaining a cool, comfortable home without raising utility bills. Gary Bickmeier with the Keokuk County Extension says there are many federal tax credits available for people looking to become energy efficient. He says these tax credits can be used to purchase items to make the home greener, which will pay off even more due to lower utility bills. To find a list of available credits and qualifications, visit energystar.gov/taxcredits.

Bike with the mayor

Posted: Thursday, June 18th, 2009 at 4:36 am

The third annual "Mayor's Bike Ride" is this weekend in Washington. The trek will tour the new pavement on Filmore Street, and head down the Kewash Trail to the bridge. Participants are meeting in Central Park this Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 am. The ride will also end in the park with refreshments. The cost is $10 which benefits local non-profit groups. Organizers say it's a relatively easy ride, and everyone is invited to join in.

M-P’s all school reunion

Posted: Thursday, June 18th, 2009 at 4:36 am

Mid Prairie High School will see alumni from many past years return for the All School Reunion on June 26 and 27. Superintendent Mark Schneider says the event will include many activities from a baseball game and golf tournament to a banquet. He says teachers from years past will be honored on a Wall of Fame and participants can also take part in a live and silent auction. Schneider says all are invited to the event, and all proceeds will fund scholarships for future Mid Prairie graduates.

Dense fog advisory in effect

Posted: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 5:08 am

Washington County and much of Southeast Iowa are under a dense fog advisory this morning. The National Weather Service says visibility will be reduced to less than a quarter mile in areas. They advise that motorists slow down, use their headlights and leave plenty of stopping distance in front of them. The fog advisory is expected to expire at 8:00 this morning (6/17)

Property tax delinquencies up

Posted: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 5:07 am

The number of delinquent property taxes is up this year in Washington County. Treasurer Jeff Garret says his office sold 47% more certificates at this year's tax auction, while the total dollar amount was up by a around 19%. Garret says the numbers suggest fewer high dollar parcels were delinquent. Garret says the tax auction gives investors a chance to buy up delinquent certificates, therefore keeping tax funding to various government bodies stable.

BOS sets wages

Posted: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 5:07 am

Washington County Supervisors have approved wage increases for next fiscal year. Board Chairman Jim Miksch says they had instructed all departments to try to keep their overall budget increases to less than 1.5%. However, he says they wanted to allow for 3.5% pay increases. Miksch says they have a number of union employees scheduled for such an increase, and the board wanted to be fair to the non union ones. 

Loebsack rep visits Washington

Posted: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 5:07 am

A representative of Congressman Dave Loebsack will be in Washington today (6/17) to field questions on the American Recovery and Reinvestment act. Jared Hershberger will be at the chamber of commerce building from from 1-3 pm. Loebsack says he wants to ensure accountability, transparency and oversight with the distribution of recovery act funds. Hershberger will also be visiting Mt Pleasant this morning. 

New PT at WCHC

Posted: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 5:06 am

Washington County Hospital and Clinics is increasing the size of it's physical therapy department. CEO Don Patterson says they've hired Breena Luers as a full time physical therapist. He says she will work with both inpatients and outpatients. Luers has a Doctorate in Physical Thereapy from Des Moines University. She says she looks forward to working with patients of all ages, but takes a special interest in children. Luers, and her husband Justin reside in Keota. 

Bagworm spraying

Posted: Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 5:06 am

Along with the common summer pests of mosquitoes, ticks, and gnats, area residents are also concerned about bagworms. Gary Bickmeier with the Keokuk County Extension says that the large number of bagworms in 2008 has created high interest in spraying for them this year. However, Bickmeier says not to spray too early, but to wait until bagworm eggs hatch and small larvae appear on trees. He recommends inspecting trees, especially ones where the insects were present last year, and if caterpillars and tiny bags are present, now is the time to spray.