Archive for July, 2009

Breadeaux closes after two decades in Washington

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:52 am

After more than two decades, Washington’s Breadeaux Pizza has served its last slice. The restaurant officially closed its door’s last night. Bobbie Schiebel, who’s run the business since 1993, says she’s made a lot of good memories and friends through Breadeaux. Schiebel says they’ll auction off their equipment and make way for the next business. Breadeaux was forced to leave when the downtown building they occupied was sold. Schiebel says she wouldn’t be surprised if someone else decided to open a Breadeaux in Washington.

IA DNR investigating fish kill in SE IA

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:52 am

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fish kill in Southeast Iowa. The state agency responded to a report of dead crayfish in Flint Creek near New London Tuesday. Wednesday Morning the DNR found numerous dead fish. They took water samples to identify possible pollutants responsible for the fish kill. A spokesperson says theyll conduct a fish count and try to identify the source of the kill.

IA ranks 4th in doing business

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:52 am

A recent survey of 12 factors ranks Iowa as the fourth best state to do business in. It evaluated things like access to capital, cost of living and transportation. Washington Economic Development Group Director Ed Raber says the rating should be a good tool for them. Raber says Washington County is in a good location to access markets in neighboring states. He says infrastructure improvements such as the Avenue of the Saints have added to the transportation network that allows for easy movement of people and goods through the area.

Schmitz touts entrepreneur website

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:52 am

A lawmaker from southeast Iowa is touting a new website for business startups. Fairfield Democrat Becky Schmitz says the Iowa Entrepreneur Network will serve as a one stop shop for people looking for resources in the Hawkeye State. The new website www .iowaentrepreneur.com includes links to investment resources, organizations that assist entrepreneurs and self-teaching aids.

Johnson Co. mock election

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:51 am

As the Johnson County Fair rolls on this week, participants are making their voices heard by participating in the county auditors mock election. Auditor Tom Slockett says as of 11:00 am yesterday (7/30) a total of 346 people have participated and spoken about a number of important topics facing the nation. Slockett says 127 voters support increasing troops in Afghanistan while 175 oppose it. In health care, 160 voters support reform with a public option.

Louisa RFL tomorrow

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:51 am

The Louisa County Relay for Life is tomorrow (8/1) and committee members are putting the focus on survivors. Committee member Karen Varnum says the Relay is an opportunity to see all the hard work that has gone into fighting cancer and to celebrate those who have won the fight. Varnum says much of the money raised by Relay for Life goes directly to the University of Iowa. She says the event will kick off tomorrow at 12:00 pm in the L&M school gym.

Homes of the stars

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:51 am

The Washington City Preservation Commission is hosting a “Homes of the Stars” tour this Sunday. Commission member Mike Kramee says they’ll take a mini-bus to historic homes, where an actor will portray a historic figure from the Washington area. Kramee says that includes people like Alex Miller, Stacie Powelson and Percival Pollard The tour will depart from the Blair house at 2:00 and 2:30 Sunday. Contact the Washington city clerk’s office to reserve a seat on the mini-bus.

Hunter safety

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:50 am

For southeast Iowas hunters, time is running out to take Washington County Conservations hunter safety course. Naturalist Pam Holz says three class sessions will be held and attendance at all three are required to obtain a license. Holz says anyone born after January 1, 1961 is required to take a safety course before hunting and anyone at least 11 years old is eligible. The first class begins next Tuesday (8/4). If you would like to register, call the Kirkwood Washington Center at 653-4655.

Ag banker expects good net revenue for corn crop

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:31 am

The Iowa Farm Bureau says the state could be heading for a record corn crop this year. Nick Beinhart is the ag representative at Farmer’s Savings Bank of Keota. He says a higher yield generally means lower prices. Beinhart still expects a good net revenue despite an increase in input costs over the last few years. The USDA estimates Iowa corn yields could be between 175 and 185 bushels per acre. The record is 180.

Cross country runner talks to Great Places Washington

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:30 am

A woman on a quest to run across the country made a stop in Washington yesterday (7/29). 23 year old Katie Visco started her journey in Boston, and plans to end it in San Diego. Visco talked to Great Places Washington at Cafe Dodicci before she and her father made got back on the road. Her dad, Jim Visco, serves as the support team. He drives a van creates pit stops for her to rest at. To learn more, visit www.paveyourlane.com