Archive for August, 2009

Coldest July on record

Posted: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 4:43 am

Preliminary findings from the National Weather Service indicates parts of Iowa saw the coldest July on record this year. State Climatologist Harry Hillaker says an unusual jet stream is one reason for the cooler weather. Hillaker says this has been good news for corn and soybean crops. He says the best yields come during cooler weather. The lowest July average temperature in Iowa was in 1891 at 68.3 degrees. This July the average has been 68.1 degrees. But Hillaker says more temperature reports could alter that number.

Loebsacks town hall meetings

Posted: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 4:42 am

Congressman Dave Loebsack is swinging through eastern Iowa this month to hold a series of town hall style meetings on healthcare reform and stimulus money. He’ll be in Columbus Junction on August 22nd, and Washington on the 29th. Loebsack is visiting 16 area communities between August 15 and September 12th.

Second Nature

Posted: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 4:42 am

Alliant Energy is encouraging its industrial customers to purchase energy from renewable sources through the “Second Nature” program. Alliant’s Eileen Parker says the voluntary contribution helps support a variety of “green” power sources including wind and solar. Parker says money paid to the “Second Nature” program will allow the utility to buy more energy from such sources. For more information or to enroll, contact Alliant Energy.

Back to School

Posted: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 4:42 am

Summer is winding down it will soon be time to for schools to start. Mid Prairie and Keota Superintendent Mark Schneider says although vacation is ending, being optimistic about the school year will make the transition much easier. Schneider is juggling two districts. He says he wants to make himself visible at both schools so students and parents wont see him as a stranger. He expects this time of year to be a very busy. Mid Prairies school year starts the 26 and Keota starts the 27.

Davison to be inducted to 4-H Hall of Fame

Posted: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 4:42 am

A Washington County man is being inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Donald Davison will be inducted during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits at the Iowa State Fair later this month. Davison has served as a 4-H leader and fair board member for two decades. 90 counties in Iowa have selected inductees for outstanding service and dedication. The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was created in 2002 to commemorate the program’s 100th anniversary.

Riverside 4-Her gets scholarship

Posted: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 4:41 am

A 4-Her from Riverside is getting a 500 dollar scholarship from Pioneer Hi-Bred international. The ISU Extension Service says Cody Schneider is a nine year member of 4-H. He’s the son of Dan Schneider and Stephanie Leur. His projects include market beef, swine and photography. Schneider recently graduated from Highland High School. He plans to attend Kirkwood Community College and study agricultural business.

Software Co expanding

Posted: Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 4:40 am

A Fairfield-based software technology company has been awarded $200,000 to help increase its workforce over the next 36 months. Lets Order Online Inc. founder Michael Blitz says their company provides customer service and ordering software to restaurants across the country with over 3,000 hours of market research. Blitz says this grant will allow them to create more jobs for the local community while providing a service that can be used around the world.

Artists use recycled materials

Posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 6:08 am

Two artists at this weekend’s “Celebrate your Senses” event in Washington work in rather unconventional mediums. There was Lisa VanGilst of Oskaloosa. She runs a sort of salvage yard for purses. She says this guarantees a unique purse. Another artist at the street festival takes things most of us throw away, and makes sculptures. Don Hutchings runs Black Crow Forge in Conesville, where he makes scrap metal into statues. Hutchings work might utilize a washer for a bird’s eye, or a hog feeder pan for it’s body.

National Farmer’s Market Week

Posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 6:08 am

This is National Farmer’s Market Week. Bob Shepherd is market master in Washington. He says in addition to providing a source for locally grown produce, it’s also a good place for socializing. Shepherd says a five year old study indicates as much as $35-million gets spent at Iowa farmer’s markets annually. Shepherd says they are planning another economic impact study. To hear more from Shepherd tune in to the KCII Morning Magazine at 7:30 when he’ll be our guest on the Washington Page.

Cash for Clunkers still operating

Posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 6:08 am

A Washington car dealer says the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program has been very popular. John Gretter owns Gretter Autoland. He estimates around 300 people came to his dealership last week to inquire about the program. He says it’s good for car dealers and related industries. The U-S Department of Transportation says the “Cash for Clunkers” program is still operating. It gives a discount to consumers who trade in cars and trucks for more fuel efficient models. For more information visit. www.cars.gov.