The Washington County Fair continues today (7/21). 4-H and FFA Live Stock shows start at 8:00 am with Sheep. At 9:00 there’s the Horse and Pony Show, as well as the Rabbit Show. At 2:00 the 4-H Clover Kids have their Sheep Show. At 4:00 it’s the Breeding Beef Show and at 6:30 it’s the Dairy Cattle Show. Other events include the round hay bale decorating contest at noon, the Clover Kids Style Revue at 6:00 pm and Mutton Bustin’ and Rodeo starting at 7:00. For a complete listing of events head to KCII-Radio-Dot-Com, and stay tuned to KCII all week for live updates from the Big Red Radio.
Washington’s Park Board is working on a capital development plan. Parks Superintendent Tim Widmer says it’s contingent upon whether or not voters favor a proposed hotel-motel tax. City councilors in May voted to send the hotel-motel tax proposal to the ballot. It’s been a polarizing issue between hotel owners who say it will hurt their business, and economic development proponents who say it would be a good opportunity for extra revenue.
Washington County Supervisors will take public comment on a revised code of ordinances at this morning’s meeting. They hired a company to review the code, and make sure there were no conflicts with state law. The meeting starts at 9:30 morning in the Washington County Courthouse.
The Iowa River is on a long list of waterways that will be studied as part of the federal Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. Congressman Dave Loebsack says the money will help identify measures to minimize flood risks and preserve water quality. He says reports will be completed to determine the need for additional projects to restore and enhance wetlands, buffer zones around streams and rivers and stream habitat conditions. In all, $23-million in federal money is being dedicated to Iowa waterways.
One of Louisa Countys many recreation areas will be getting an extreme makeover soon. Louisa County Conservation Director Julie Ohde says volunteers from across the county will gather this September to give Flaming Prairie Recreation Area a facelift. Ohde says the volunteer group will repaint the shelters and restrooms and will plant some new trees as well. She says the reason they use volunteers is because it gives the community a sense of pride in the area and people tend to care more for the parks appearance and well-being.
A 111-year old church in Keokuk County is getting some much-needed help from some historic-minded residents. County Supervisor Michael Berg says the Clear Creek Township Church has been important to residents not only for religious reasons, but for sentimental ones as well. Berg says their organization bought the church from the diocese in Davenport and is currently raising money to save it from demolition. He says their group will fight as far as it takes to save the church, and is currently seeking grants from the historical society and Vision Iowa. Berg says hes very confident in their progress and feels they will be successful in their efforts.
A recent study by Congressional Quarterly Press indicates quality of life in Iowa is one of the nations best. The annual release indicates Iowas life standards are second highest in the country. Fairfield State Senator Becky Schmitz says Iowas commitment to quality education and safe neighborhoods are two major factors for Iowas high rating. Schmitz also says the states natural resources and many recreational opportunities make Iowa a leader in family and outdoor activities.
Shelby Sieren has been named as the 2009 Washington County Fair Queen. She was selected from 13 other young women from throughout the area last night. The event at the Washington Community Center and was emceed by last year’s Miss Iowa, while last year’s Washington County Fair Queen Served as one of the Judges. KCII will be catching up with Sieren at the fair later today during our live coverage.
The Washington County Fair Continues today. Livestock weigh in for 4-H and FFA members starts at 8:00. Today’s shows are pet, poultry and dog agility. At 1:00 this afternoon there’s the livestock judging contest, the scavenger hunt runs from 2-3, at 5:00 there’s the 4-H working exhibits, and the silliest decorated cake contest. At 5:30 the 4-H Clover Kids “Great Gardeners Fest” starts. Tonight’s grandstand entertainment is sanctioned tractor and truck pull. It starts at 7:00.
The Washington-Louisa Narcotics Enforcement Team is getting a little more than 96-thousand dollars from the Federal Byrne Justice Administration Grant. Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar says this allows them to continue to fund an officer that focuses on drug enforcement. This officer is shared between the cities of Washington and Columbus Junction, as well as Louisa and Washington Counties. Dunbar says they are seeking additional funds through the JAG program for overtime expenses.
The legislature is considering banning undercover photography at livestock operations. Is this a good idea?
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