Archive for July, 2009

Local Fireworks

Posted: Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 6:37 am

Fireworks are a staple of any 4th of July celebration, and there are many displays in the area this weekend. The city of Washington’s will be at Dusk tomorrow (7/4) at the county fairgrounds. Wellman’s will be at 9:35 in the downtown area. Wayland’s are at dusk at the football field. Richland’s are at 9:30 at Alumni Park. Sigourney’s are at dusk at the expo. There will also be fireworks in association with races as the Columbus Junction Speedway this evening (7/3). Shiloh Church near Kalona will also have a display tonight. The gates close at 8:45 and the cost is five dollars per car.

Fireworks Safety

Posted: Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 6:37 am

Most types of fireworks are illegal in Iowa, unless part of an organized display with properly trained personnel present. Assistant State Fire Marshal Jeff Quigle says things like sparklers and snakes are legal, but can still pose a safety hazard. He recommends keeping a coffee can, or a can of water nearby so remnants can be disposed of and extinguished properly.

IFB on Cap and Trade

Posted: Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 6:37 am

The Iowa Farm Bureau says the current cap and trade bill moving through Congress could have a devastating impact on Agriculture. IFB national policy advisor Marty Schwager says higher energy prices, would lead to increased production costs. Schwager says the Farm Bureau estimates that if the cap and trade bill passes, U-S farmers will see production costs go up by five-billion dollars by the year 2020. He says they would favor a voluntary, market based way to reduce greenhouse gases.

Walmart Hiring for New Facility

Posted: Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 6:37 am

Washington’s Walmart is relocating to it’s new facility on the east side of town soon, and looking to make some hires. According to the company’s website, both full and part time positions will be available. There will be openings for cashiers, as well as in the grocery and photo lab departments. The store is also in need of overnight associates temporary setup crews. Those interested can apply at Walmart’s current location, or online at www.walmart.com

Smoking Ban 1 year later

Posted: Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 6:36 am

A year after the passing of the Smokefree Air Act, reports from Louisa County say businesses are enjoying the clean air. Kaitlyn Wintermeyer with the county extension says while less than two percent of businesses have violated the law, they are still open to changing policies in order to comply. Since the law applies to outdoor public areas as well, Wintermeyer says shes interested in seeing how Louisa County residents act during the summer festivals in public parks. She says her department has had no trouble in responding to further violations from businesses.

RR Xings closed in Washington

Posted: Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 6:36 am

Railroad crossings on Avenue B and 12 Avenue will be under construction beginning Monday most likely causing road closures. Rob McDonald, Washington City Engineer, says motorists should expect to run into road closures on Avenue B, as work will be done there first, followed by 12th Avenue later in the week. He says the work may not be fully completed until the following week.

Crop Duster Crashes Near Ainsworth

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 am

A Mt. Pleasant man was hospitalized yesterday (7/1) after a crop duster he was piloting went down north of Ainsworth. 39 year old John Koehn Newton was taken to University Hospital in Iowa City by Washington County Ambulance personnel. 911 supervisor Cara Sorrells says officials from the Sheriff’s Office, Ainsworth Fire Department and the Ainsworth First Responders were also called to the scene. Sorrells also says the fuel was reported to be leaking from the plane, and a hazardous materials crew was called to assist.

Alliant: Cap and Trade Means Higher Energy Costs in Midwest

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 am

Alliant Energy says the current cap and trade bill moving through Congress could mean double digit bill increases for their customers. Company spokesman Scott Drzycimski says Midwesterners are very dependent on coal, which means companies like Alliant won’t receive as many carbon credits. He says this will force them to purchase these credits from other utilities, ultimately driving energy prices up.

County Engages IC Law Firm

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 am

The stage has been set for a legal showdown between Washington County and the city of Riverside. Supervisors this week formally engaged Iowa City based Meardon, Sueppel and Downer as their representative in the revenue sharing dispute. The conflict stems from an arrangement forged when the Riverside Casino was built. Attorney’s for the city have said the contract is void under state law, because it creates constitutional debt. County Attorney Barb Edmondson has said she feels the agreement is legal and enforceable. The deadline for Riverside to make an annual payment was yesterday (7/1).

911 Commission Moves Forward With Building Study

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 am

Washington County’s 911 Board is moving forward with a study that will explore a new location for the communications center. Their splitting the cost with the Communications Commission. Minnesota based engineer Leonard Kohnen (cane-inn) will conduct the study. The communications center is currently located in the old jail. Center Supervisor Cara Sorrells says one potential hang up is the radio tower. She says if they move too far away from it, they’d have to build a new one.