Archive for July, 2009

Washington business owners invited to hear consultant

Posted: Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 at 4:34 am

Washington business owners are invited for a brown bag lunch with a little advice tomorrow (7/16). Business consultant Margie Johnson is will address a number of issues including sales and marketing, customer retention and team building. Johnson is being brought in through Main Street Washington’s downtown revitalization effort. She’ll be speaking at the Presbyterian Church from noon to 1:00. It’s free and open to the public.

Crop update

Posted: Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 at 4:34 am

It’s been a very cool wet July which is exactly what Iowa farmers don’t need. The USDA says producers continue to struggle with bailing hay and draining excess water from low lying cropland. In southeast Iowa, 43% topsoil is listed as having surplus moisture, while 42% of subsoil moisture is in the excessive range. The federal agency says crop conditions are still in decent shape. Locally 19% of corn has tasseled, compared with 14% statewide. 23% of southeast Iowa soybeans are blooming, compared with 32% statewide.

Policy changes at WACO

Posted: Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 at 4:33 am

The WACO School Board will have their hands full with a number of policy changes at next weeks meeting on Monday (7/20) at 7:00 in the high school library. The board will consider a grand total of four policy changes that will cover topics from home school assistance programs to even the schools policies on bomb threats. The public is invited to attend, however those wishing to speak must submit their request in writing to the superintendent no later than noon on Monday.

Summer travel not hindered by economy

Posted: Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 at 4:32 am

Despite a tough economy, it seems people still want to get out and see the world. Barb Arnold with Paradise Travel in Washington says while families are trying to budget their vacations, she has still seen interest in places like Italy, Mexico, and Hawaii. Arnold says even with internet travel booking popular, people still turn to travel agents to find the best overall deal when it comes to flights and hotels. She says summer is also a popular time for business travel and honeymoons.

Washington poll reached more women, elderly

Posted: Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 4:46 am

A public opinion poll indicates Washington residents are, for the most part, satisfied with their community. The numbers a preliminary at this point, and pollsters from the Mikva Challenge say they could be misleading. Nearly 67% of the more than 600 people surveyed were women, while more than half were over the age of 65. They say that compares with US Census numbers that indicate a median age of 42, with 30% of the population over the age of 65. The data is being processed by the University of Iowa, and will be adjusted to make it more representative.

County updating ordinances with state law

Posted: Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 4:46 am

Washington County is in the process of reviewing it’s code of ordinances. Auditor Bill Fredrick says they’ve hired a company to review the ordinances, and make sure there is no conflict with state law. The board of supervisors will have a public hearing on adopting the new ordinances at next week’s meeting. Fredrick says ordinances are usually only implemented for situations unique to Washington County.

Land shift leads to more cash rentals

Posted: Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 4:46 am

A recent study indicates a majority of Iowa’s farmland is owned by people close to retirement. ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist Jim Jensen says this is leading to a decrease in share crop leasing, and more cash rentals. Jensen says as farmland values decline, more producers see leasing as a viable option. He says they’re are some things to keep in mind when considering leasing. Jensen will be having a series of seminars across eastern Iowa this month. Contact the Johnson County Extension Office for more information and to register.

Brighton Visioning

Posted: Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 4:46 am

Officials in Brighton are asking for the publics opinion on what changes should be made in the city. City Clerk Linda Burger says there are surveys now available for residents to complete and turn in by July 31 which will give planning committees an idea of where some areas of concern are. Burger says the Horizons project is in its third stage and has already worked on city beautification and child safety projects as well as a city resource guide. Surveys can be found at Brighton City Hall.

4-Hers receive grants

Posted: Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 4:45 am

Four Washington County youth were recently honored with $2,000 scholarships from Hills Bank. Seneca Cuddeback of Brighton, Ryan Gent of Wellman, Lauren Moeller and Shelby Sieren of Keota were awarded the scholarships as part of the Hills Bank 4-H Leadership Grant program. ISU Extension Education Director Gene Mohling says the four recipients will receive $500 for each semester for two years. He says they can be used at any of Iowas accredited universities and colleges.

14 vie for Fair Queen title

Posted: Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 4:45 am

Fourteen young women from around the area will compete in this year’s Washington County Fair Queen Contest. Coordinator Shirley Greiner says in addition to the competition, there be other entertainment. Greiner says this year’s contest will be emceed by Anne Michael Langguth, who was Miss Iowa 2008. She says one of this year’s judges is last year’s fair queen, Natalie Friese. The contest starts at 7:00 this Sunday (7/19) at the Washington Community Center.