Archive for June, 2009

Wellman City Council

Posted: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 am

Council members, as well interested members of the general public, met for the Wellman City Council meeting yesterday (6/1). One of the highlights of the meeting was a proposition to enter into a contract agreement for law enforcement with Washington County for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Other topics included the sheriffs report, approval of the agenda, Aprils financial statement, and an approval to close a city road. The meeting was held yesterday at the Wellman Municipal Building.

Washington Park Board

Posted: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 am

Washington Park Board members will be discussing a new sound system for the Central Park Bandstand at tonight's (6/2) meeting. They'll also continue talks on whether the city's aquatic center should be renamed after former YMCA swim coach Milo Steele. Also on the docket is a progress report on construction at Water Tower Park. The meeting starts 6:30 this evening in Washington City Hall.

Riverside could get new trails

Posted: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 at 4:49 am

The city of Riverside may be getting some brand new trails. At their Community Visioning meeting last week, representatives from various development organizations discussed the possibility of adding a trail that connects Riverside with Vine Avenue north of Highway 22. This trail would also link up with the Riverside Casino just east of town. Enthusiasm for the proposal was high from the various attending organizations, which included such groups as Trees Forever, the Iowa DOT, and city representatives.

How to avoid Ticks

Posted: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 at 4:48 am

As the weather warms up, and schools let out, more people are enjoying the great outdoors. Outdoor activities do pose certain risks, one of which is ticks. Don Pfeiffer with the southeast Iowa district DNR says it's important to check for ticks after venturing into the woods. Pfeiffer says it's best to use insect repellents that contain DEET in order to ward of ticks and other bugs. He also says vanilla extract, Absorbine Junior and Avon Skin So Soft work to deter the pests.

WJH report cards

Posted: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 at 4:48 am

Report cards for Washington Junior High Students are available. The school's Cathy Kleese says they can be picked up during regular office hours from 8-noon and 1-4 until June 19. Questions can be answered by calling the junior high office at 653-5414.

Cheese maker to establish milk transfer station in Washington

Posted: Monday, June 1st, 2009 at 11:18 am

Washington's Industrial Park is getting a new business. The Washington Economic Development Group says Wisconsin based Montchevre produces goat cheese and is establishing a transfer station for milk in Washington. Montchevre President Arnaud Solandt says Washington is a good location because it's in the middle of their milk routes. Solandt says they hope to one day make a full scale production facility in Washington. Construction on the 2.75 acre site is expected to start this summer. To learn more about the company visit: http://www.montchevre.com/

Washington Pork

Posted: Monday, June 1st, 2009 at 4:17 am

The H1N1 virus and a slumping economy haven’t been kind to the pork industry. However some Washington County hog farmers seem to be growing. Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Miksch says they’ve seen a lot of expansion requests lately. Supervisors this week are slated to sign off on such an expansion. The meeting starts tomorrow (6/2) morning at 9:30 in the Washington County Courthouse.

Kewash Enhancement

Posted: Monday, June 1st, 2009 at 4:17 am

An enhancement project is being proposed for the Kewash Trailhead. The plan would revamp the landscape of a two block section of trail at north Avenue D and west to north F. It would remove some or all of the second growth trees and replace them with a preferred. The effort could take place over the next year or two.

School’s out safety

Posted: Monday, June 1st, 2009 at 4:17 am

Area schools will be out for the summer soon and that means more kids out during the day. Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman is reminding residents to use extra caution as there will be increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Goodman says it’s easy to get distracted by cell phones and car stereos. He urges drivers to focus on driving while behind the wheel.

Washington Co. Historical Society launches website

Posted: Monday, June 1st, 2009 at 4:16 am

Washington County’s Historical Society is launching a website. Board member Terry Oneill says they decided to put some of their content online so tourists can plan a trip through Washington County’s historical landmarks. Oneill says there’s no real centralized archive of historical information about Washington County. He’s hoping this website will change that. The site can be visited at www.washingtoncountyhistoricalsociety-Iowa.org