Archive for June, 2009

Kathy Ebert elected to the State Extension Board

Posted: Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at 6:19 am

Washington County's ISU Extension has a friend in high places. Kathy Ebert is the local Extension Board president. She was recently elected to the State Extension Board. Ebert says she's also serving as treasurer for the state board. She's one of 15 members who serve across the state. That could change as the Extension undergoes a restructuring. Ebert says the new system will create 20 regions, which might merit additional representatives.

Board of Supervisors Preview

Posted: Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at 6:18 am

Fourth of July is just a few weeks away, and it's evident by the Washington County Board of Supervisors' agenda. They'll consider eight fireworks permit requests at next week's meeting. They're also slated to renew agreements with Lending Hands, and the County Mini Bus. The supervisors are also expected to make additional appointments to the eminent domain commission and and sign off on architectural services for potential renovation of a building at Orchard Hill. The meeting starts Tuesday at 9:30.

West Nile Virus

Posted: Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at 6:18 am

Hot weather accompanied by rainfall can create a virtual mosquito paradise. Aside from the itchy bites, the insects can also leave the West Nile Virus with their victims. Iowa Department of Public Health Veterinarian Anne Garvey says that's why it's important to use insect repellent.Garvey says another way to avoid mosquitoes is to stay indoors during dusk and dawn. She says that's when they're most active. She also says mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, which is why it's important to change water in things like bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools every three days.

Riverside Memorial

Posted: Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at 6:17 am

Armed forces veterans who call Riverside home will be honored in a brand new memorial to be constructed in American Legion Park. The Riverside Veterans Memorial Park Committee co-chairperson Michelle Reuss says the monument will pay tribute to both past and present members of the armed forces. She says for the size of the town, Riverside boasts a large number of veterans and it is important for future generations to know the sacrifice and courage of its citizens.

Severe Weather

Posted: Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 5:25 pm

A round of severe thunderstorms tore through Washington County and much of southeast Iowa earlier this evening bringing strong winds, intense lightning and heavy rainfall. KCII received numerous reports of downed power lines and trees as well as damage to vehicles and buildings. WeatherEye reports winds in excess of 70 miles per hour, while we recorded nearly in inch of rainfall in a little more than an hour’s time at our downtown Washington Studio. The KCII Severe Weather Action Team went on the air at about four-thirty and concluded coverage at about 5:40.

More Information Click for pictures of after the storm

Severe weather possible today, tonight

Posted: Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 4:35 am

The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms are likely to occur in Southeast Iowa today, and this evening. They say the atmosphere is very unstable and well organized thunderstorms will be capable of producing strong straight line winds and intense rainfall. Minor flooding and flash flooding could happen in certain areas. In case of severe weather stay tuned to KCII for Severe Weather Action Team Coverage.

Fairfield man killed in motorcycle crash

Posted: Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 4:35 am

The Iowa State Patrol is investigating a Jefferson County crash that resulted in the death of a Fairfield Man. Police say 50 year old Robert Daley II was killed when his motorcycle slammed into a pickup truck driven by 17 year old Jordan Bradfield, also of Fairfield. They say Bradfield was turning into a private drive off Libertyville Road, when Daley, who was traveling in the opposite direction, struck the passenger side of the truck. No other information was immediately available.

Kalona halts Rec Center project

Posted: Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 4:35 am

The roofing and siding touchups on the Kalona Rec Center will be put on hold for a while. Kalona City Council members recently received a petition arguing that the city did not follow state law during the bidding process for contractors. According to Iowa Code, if a public improvement project bid exceeds 100-thousand dollars, the city government cannot divide it into two parts. The filer of the petition says they are not seeking any damages from the city, but only wants the city to follow the proper channels and follow the law.

Teens arrested for burglary

Posted: Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 4:35 am

Three area youth have been charged for a burglary at the Kalona BP convenience store that occurred early yesterday morning (6/18). The Washington County Sheriffs Office reported that cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of money was taken from the store. Aaron Bender, Miles Coppes, and Katelyn Davis were all charged with possession of tobacco under age. Bender and Coppes were also charged with burglary and theft. The stolen items have since been recovered.

WEDG says more industrial space needed

Posted: Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 4:34 am

The director of the Washington Economic Development Group says the city is in need of more industrial land. Ed Raber told councilors this week most most of the industrial park is spoken for. Raber says Washington does own additional land that's zoned for industry, but isn't obligated or part of an industrial park. He says in the long term he'd like to see WEDG and the city partner to create a new designated industrial area.