Archive for June, 2009

Washington Council considers renaming aquatic center

Posted: Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 5:19 am

At least 700 people are passionate about renaming Washington's aquatic center after former YMCA swim coaches Milo and Maxine Steele. That's how many names were collected for a petition making the request. Former members of the "Green Toads" recently addressed the city council, and attested to the Steele's commitment to volunteerism and community service. The council is now considering renaming the aquatic facility the Washington-Steele Aquatic Center.

Halcyon House celebrates 50 years

Posted: Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 5:19 am

The Halcyon House in Washington is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year. The senior living center has expanded its programming and facility since was established in 1959. Executive Director Chris Marshal in the future they hope to allow more people to stay in their homes longer. Marshal says they'll recognize the facility's 50th year, with a ceremony on June 19 in the front lawn. She says the public is invited to hear a reflection on the past, and what the future holds for the Halcyon House. 

ACS honors cancer survivors

Posted: Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 5:18 am

The American Cancer Society yesterday honored the nearly 11 million cancer survivors with National Cancer Survivors Day. The nationally-recognized commemoration honors cancer survivors across the country as well as the 110,000 survivors in Iowa. The American Cancer Society is a 3-million member grassroots organization that works to support patients and their families. The organization has fought to pass smoke-free laws, improve healthcare access, and raise money for cancer research.

Summer reading programs

Posted: Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 5:18 am

With so many activities taking place this summer, the Kalona Public Library reminds you that one of the best activities is simply reading a book. Their Summer Reading program will be starting up tomorrow and the theme this year is Be Creative. Marissa Tartaglia with the library says the program will also incorporate music and art activities. She says the program has events and activities for all ages from kindergarten to teens. Information on the Be Creative Summer Reading Program can be found at 319-656-3501.

New state committee formed in anticipation of further cuts

Posted: Sunday, June 7th, 2009 at 7:05 am

Iowa is receiving hundreds-of-millions of dollars in federal stimulus and recovery money, but a Southeast Iowa state lawmaker says tough budget times arent over. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says Its unlikely that revenues will turn around by the time the Legislature reconvenes in January, and its unlikely that federal stimulus dollars will be so plentiful next year. Schmitz says the legislature needs to start planning for cuts now. She says theyre creating a a new State Government Reorganization Committee to find ways to improve state services, share costs across departments, increase efficiencies, and save money. 

Halcyon House Celebrates 50 years

Posted: Sunday, June 7th, 2009 at 7:04 am

The Halcyon House in Washington is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year. The senior living center has expanded its programming and facility since was established in 1959. Executive Director Chris Marshal in the future they hope to allow more people to stay in their homes longer. Marshal says they'll recognize the facility's 50th year, they'll have a ceremony on June 19 in the front lawn. She says the public is invited to hear a reflection on the past, and what the future holds for the Halcyon House. 

Cancer Survivors Day

Posted: Sunday, June 7th, 2009 at 7:04 am

The American Cancer Society today honors the nearly 11 million cancer survivors today with National Cancer Survivors Day. The nationally-recognized commemoration honors cancer survivors across the country as well as the 110,000 survivors in Iowa. The American Cancer Society is a 3-million member grassroots organization that works to support patients and their families. The organization has fought to pass smoke-free laws, improve healthcare access, and raise money for cancer research. 

Summer Reading

Posted: Sunday, June 7th, 2009 at 7:04 am

With so many activities taking place this summer, the Kalona Public Library reminds you that one of the best activities is simply reading a book. Their Summer Reading program will be starting up tomorrow and the theme this year is Be Creative. Marissa Tartaglia with the library says the program will also incorporate music and art activities. She says the program has events and activities for all ages from kindergarten to teens. Information on the Be Creative Summer Reading Program can be found at 319-656-3501.

Emerald Ash Borer in Iowa

Posted: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:09 am

The first evidence of the tree killing Emerald Ash Borer has been discovered in Iowa, and the ISU Extension Service is letting people know what can be done to protect ash trees. They say treatments are available but need to be utilized only if an infestation is confirmed. The Extension says only ash trees are susceptible to EAB. They also say treatment methods only work if ash trees are healthy and growing. Insecticide should not be used unless you live within a 15 mile radius of a confirmed EAB infestation. For more information on the destructive beetle, visit the Extension's website. 

Ridiculous Days

Posted: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:08 am

One of Iowa's Oldest Ridiculous Days celebrations is today in downtown Washington. The festivities kick off with "Bags of Bargains" which runs from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Silly fun is from 10am to noon with registration at 9:30. That includes a cutie contest, pigtail contest Oreo stacking and more. There is also an open invitation for residents to "share their silly side" with the community during the parade. Registration begins at 11:00 am at the high school parking lot.