Archive for August, 2009

SEMCO takes wood waste

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

The head of the Southeast Iowa Multi County Solid Waste Agency says their organization is offering a new service. Bill Sloop says the can now accept wood waste such as lumber and brush and convert it into wood chips. He says people can use these chips for mulching, weed control, and keeping moisture around newly planted trees. Sloop says people can also save money by bringing yard waste and lumber to SEMCO for a lower cost than it would be if they just threw it away. He says this method can also help save space in landfills which will help drive down waste costs in the future.

Supervisors to hear quarterly reports

Posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 6:07 am

Quarterly reports are on the docket for Washington County Supervisors this week. They’ll hear from general assistance, veterans affairs, the recorder and treasurer at the Tuesday meeting. They’re also slated to review the investment report and adopt an updated code of ordinances. The meeting starts at 9:30 Tuesday morning in the Washington County Courthouse.

Kalona Council

Posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 6:07 am

The Kalona City Council will be focusing facelifts for some parts of the city during Mondays meeting at 7:30 pm. The council will be considering implementation of handicap parking spaces for some streets and discussing their downtown revitalization effort. The council will also consider replacing a pump in the citys well supply. The public will have the opportunity to voice their opinions with a five minute time limit.

Washington Park Board

Posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 6:07 am

The Washington Park Board is talking maintenance at tomorrow’s meeting. Their slated to discuss painting at the skate park. They’ll also review reports on drainage issues at Pizza Hut and a report on maintenance at the tennis court. The park board is also expected to consider allowing ninth grade football practice at Green Field. The meeting starts at 7:30 tomorrow night in Washington City Hall.

Leadership Washington

Posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 5:53 am

Leadership Washington is giving residents the chance to get up to date on all the issues facing the city. Assistant Chamber of Commerce Director Ann Moore says the 2009-2010 Leadership Washington program will celebrate its 20th anniversary. She says the program was put in place to educate residents about the problems and issues that face the community. Moore says if anyone would like to apply for this program, the deadline is August 15. Contact the Chamber for more details

Celebrate Your Senses

Posted: Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at 6:58 am

The first ever Celebrate your Senses street festival is today in downtown Washington. Craig Swift is president of the Main Street Washington Board. He says it’s an homage to a multi day art festival that used to be held in Washington. Kids activities start at 10 this morning Battle of the Bands gets underway at 5:30. The street dance featuring Bob Dorr and the Blue Band runs from 9 to midnight. There will also be a variety of vendors providing food.

Lt. Governor in Kalona

Posted: Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at 6:58 am

Lt. Governor Patty Judge will be visiting many towns in southeast Iowa and one of which will be Kalona. The Lt. Governor will be stopping by the Kalona Historical Village on Tuesday to encourage Iowans to stay close to home this vacation season. Judge says touring local attractions will give a boost to local economies and keep business running. Judge will be visiting ten cities in all over a two-day period, and will also be stopping in Mt. Pleasant.

Childhood Education

Posted: Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at 6:57 am

A state lawmaker wants to see a greater emphasis on early childhood development. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says through her own experiences as a school social worker she has seen the benefits of early childhood development. She says things like the volunteer pre-school program is a perfect example of the ways in which Iowa is working on childhood education. She says this program creates a good relationship between the states K-12 program and local pre-school systems. Schmitz says in this way, the two institutions work together to help educate youth and prepare them for later years.

I-SMILE

Posted: Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at 6:57 am

A new state law requires incoming freshmen and kindergarteners to have a dental screening before school starts this year. Shelia Temple is the I-SMILE Coordinator for the Washington County Health Department. She says kids need to have their first dentist visit by the time they turn one. She also says children usually lack the dexterity to adequately clean their teeth until about age eight, so parents need to check and make sure kids are brushing properly. For more information contact the Washington County Health Department.

Back to School

Posted: Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at 6:57 am

August is here and that means schools will be starting up soon. Columbus Schools lead the pack in this area. They start classes August 15. Iowa Mennonite begins on the 17th. Lone Tree, WACO and Winfield Mount Union start on the 24th. Classes start at Highland on August 25th. Washington, Mid Prairie and Saint James all start the 26th, and Sigourney and Keota begin on the 27th. For a complete listing of school start dates head to KCII Radio Dot Com.