Archive for August, 2009

Barn quilt unveiling tomorrow

Posted: Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 6:54 am

The Washington County Barn Quilt Committee is unveiling its latest addition this week. Julie Mangold is committee co chair. She says it will symbolize the beginning of a new barn quilt trail. The Washington Chamber of Commerce is holding an Alive After Five at Steve Greiner’s, just west of the city on 250th Street in conjunction with the unveiling. It runs from 5 to 6:30 Tuesday (8/11) night.

Severe WX in Washington Co.

Posted: Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 6:53 am

A line of severe thunderstorms rolled across eastern Iowa last night bringing heavy rain, high winds and lightning. Washington County avoided the brunt of the storm, but damage was reported in counties to the north and south. KCII’s Severe Weather Action Team went on the air at about 7:40 and finished the broadcast at 8:30.

Washington School Board to continue facility discussions

Posted: Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 6:53 am

Washington School board members will go over a summary of the district’s facilities plans, funding projections and legal opinions at tonight’s meeting. Duane Van Hemert and Sam Harding of the Iowa Construction Advocate team will be on hand. School board members will also hear from representatives of Piper Jaffray and Company, which is an investment bank. A representative of Ahlers and Cooney, which is a Des Moines based law firm, will also be present. The meeting starts at 6:30 tonight in the school administration building.

M-P School Board

Posted: Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 6:53 am

The Mid Prairie School Board will hold its regular meeting tonight at 7:00 in the high school media center. The board will take a look at their yearly progress report and will also consider transferring SILO funds to debt service. They will also be looking ahead to a special board governance convention to be held in Mt. Pleasant in October.

Library project slightly behind

Posted: Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 6:53 am

Construction on the new Library in Washington is a little behind schedule. City Administrator Dave Plymann says it will still be completed this month. Plymann says they’re still planning to have the library and downtown enhancement projects down at roughly the same time.

"Beachboy" in Fairfield

Posted: Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 6:52 am

Fairfield will be host to a musician from the Beach Boys this Saturday. Singer and songwriter Mike Love will be in town to promote the bands upcoming concert in September. Love says he is a frequent visitor to the Maharishi University of Management and enjoys the time he spends in Fairfield. He says the upcoming concert on September 7 will be one of the first green concerts.

SE Iowans cash in on lottery

Posted: Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 6:52 am

Two southeast Iowans were big winners in the Iowa Lotterys fiscal year 2009. Peggy Clark of Wayland won $25,000 in the Lotterys 7s Bingo scratch game she purchased in Washington. Scott Buckner of North English bought his Powerball ticket at a Caseys in Wellman which won him $20,000. The Iowa Lottery reported winners from every county in Iowa during its last fiscal year.

Highway Crash

Posted: Saturday, August 8th, 2009 at 6:32 am

Two people were transported to University of Iowa Hospital after a collision at the Highway 92 and US 218 intersection on Thursday. According to the Iowa State Patrol, James Butner of OFallon, Missouri failed to stop when exiting the southbound lane of 218 when he struck Bruce Heckhart of Ottumwa heading east on Highway 92. Two other individuals in Heckharts vehicle were uninjured.

Rescue Drill

Posted: Saturday, August 8th, 2009 at 6:32 am

Emergency personnel will be sweeping an area near Washington today on a search and rescue mission. The STAR-1 team is conducting a simulation to test their skills and qualify new members. Washington Police Officer and STAR-1 member Brett Sorrells says they can’t specifically disclose where it will take place. STAR-1 is an Iowa based search and rescue training operation. They hold exercises such as this one to train their members and other emergency officials on how to handle a missing person situation.

Heat Wave Health

Posted: Saturday, August 8th, 2009 at 6:32 am

With weekend temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s, residents are advised to take precautions when going outside. Washington County Public Health Administrator Edie Nebel says high temperatures combined with low hydration can result in some serious health problems. Nebel says the two most frequent problems encountered are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. She says exhaustion is characterized by a rapid pulse and stomach or headaches, while stroke can even result in death if ignored. Nebel says its important to get inside and cool off and drink liquids if you begin to feel too hot.