Archive for July, 2009

Crop update

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Iowa’s farming season started out too wet, but now some producers are asking for rain. The USDA says cool temperatures have kept most crops healthy. In southeast Iowa, 85 percent of topsoil moisture is in the adequate range, while 91 percent of subsoil moisture is adequate. 55 percent of local corn has silked, that’s about 20 percent behind average. 20 percent of southeast Iowa soybeans are setting pods, that’s nearly 26 percent behind normal.

Lobesack: more flood recovery needed

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Congressman Dave Loebsack wants to see more money go towards disaster relief in Iowa. Loebsack says the current system presents too many problems and hurdles for individuals looking for relief and flood recovery. He says confusing regulations, slow response times, and inadequate help are making it hard for individuals to receive proper funds. Loebsack says while many Iowans have done well in restoring many neighborhoods, there is always room for more help.

U of I rated high on green list

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:51 am

The University of Iowa is getting high marks for being environmentally minded. The Environmental Protection Agency recently honored the Big Ten school as being one of the top 20 organizations which runs on its own green power. The Universitys Liz Christiansen says they strive to integrate renewable energy and sustainability with education. One hallmark of the Universitys green program is the use of oat-based hulls in its boilers. The oat hulls reduce the amount of CO2 emissions and remove the need to use coal.

Main Street needs crayons

Posted: Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Main Street Washington’s Celebrate your Senses event is coming up this weekend, and they’re looking for some crayons. Executive Director Amy Vetter says they’ll use them for children’s activities in Central Park Saturday. She says donations need to be dropped off at the chamber building by 4:30 Friday afternoon. Celebrate your Senses is a day long street festival featuring art displays and live music.

Agronomist to speak on hail damage

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:38 am

Eastern Iowa farmers whose crops have sustained hail damage are being encouraged to attend the Crop Technology Tour this evening (7/28). Iowa State University agronomist Jim Fawcett will be on hand to answer questions about hail damage loses. There will also be information on bean aphids, soybean rust and nitrogen and manure management. The event starts at 6:00 tonight (7/28) at the Jeff Bermel farm, just outside Keota. For more information contact the Keokuk County Extension.

Headliner for "Celebrate your Senses" chats with KCII

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:38 am

The headlining act for this “Celebrate your Senses” says he’s excited to perform in Washington. Bob Dorr of Bob Dorr and the Blue Band will play in downtown Washington this weekend. Dorr says their music covers a wide array of genres. Dorr says the band includes horns, harmonica and four vocalists. The “Blue Band” will be accompanied by the winner of this weekend’s battle of the bands. For more information, contact Main Street Washington. Tune in to the KCII Morning Magazine on Wednesday (7/29) for the Washington Page which includes the full interview with Dorr, and a song off one of his CDs.

"Common Ground" committee chair: it’s time

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:38 am

A co-chair for a citizens committee advocating an update of Washington School facilities says the overhaul is long over due. Joe Mcconnell is with the “Common Ground for Washington Schools” group. Mcconnell says in addition to being important for educational reasons, having quality school facilities is also important to economic development. The organization is having an informational meeting tonight (7/28) at 7:00 in the high school auditorium.

Supervisors talk tax suspensions

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:37 am

Washington County Supervisors will be looking at two property tax suspensions at today’s meeting. County Treasurer Jeff Garret says one deals with a property owner who receives government aide, while the other is trying to show a financial hardship. Garret Iowa law allows for suspension in either situation. He says it doesn’t lessen the amount of taxes due, but is a sort of forebearance on payment. The meeting starts at 9:30 this morning (7/28) at the Washington County Courthouse.

Acreage report deadline pushed back

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:37 am

With July nearly over, the Iowa Farm Service Agency wants to remind all farmers that the deadline to report acreage for this year is fast approaching. FSA Executive Director Dennis Olson says due to extreme weather conditions this year, the deadline has been pushed back to August 14. Olson says this deadline applies to producers who wish to report failed acreage as well. For more information contact your local county FSA office or visit fsa.usda.gov.

Louisa Co. Fair this week

Posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 5:36 am

The Louisa County Fair is being held this week and like all Midwest fairs, livestock is the main attraction. Louisa County Extension Director Kathy Vance says the livestock showings are as much for non-agriculturists as they are for enthusiasts. Vance says the Louisa Fair is almost a smaller version of the Iowa State Fair . She says its a good way to have fun with the entire family without spending too much money.. The fair will run all this week at the county fairgrounds in Columbus Junction.