Archive for August, 2009

ICA regional meeting

Posted: Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 at 5:13 am

New products and services will be the focus at the Iowa Cattlemens Associations regional meeting next Thursday (9/2). ICA Communications Manager Trent Wellman says the organizations executive vice president will be on hand to provide an ICA update, and a DNR representative will speak to the group about watershed programs for cow and calf operations. Wellman says the group will also hold an election for the Southeast Regional Vice President position. If you are interested in attending, call 1-800-888-1730.

Semi annual manure application traning

Posted: Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 at 5:13 am

The Washington County Extension Office is reminding confinement operators and commercial manure applicators that they are required to undergo regular training. Iowa law mandates two hours of continuing education annually, and or take and pass an exam once every three years. The continuing education and the test are available at local DNR offices. For more information contact the Washington County Extension.

SE Iowans bring home big rabbit prizes

Posted: Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 at 5:10 am

Two southeast Iowans won big at the State Fair this past week with a little help from some unusually large rabbits. Marge Westercamp of Batavia won top honors in the Largest Rabbit contest on Friday with Fawny, her 20 lb. 4 oz. pet. Westercamps rabbit easily stood above the next largest one by more than four pounts. Brightons Jennifer Wharton placed second with 16 lb. 2 oz. rabbit Jack.

Slain couple’s estate sells for $1 million

Posted: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 4:51 am

The estate of a southeast Iowa couple killed by their son has been auctioned off to seven buyers for nearly one million dollars. Sandra and Michael Bentler, and their three daughters we’re killed in 2006 at their home in rural Bonaparte. Their son Shawn was convicted of the slayings in 2007. The 445 acre estate was divided into seven tracts of land. One included the Bentler home and 28 acres of surrounding land. State law prohibits those convicted of murder from benefiting from their victims’ deaths.

Redbrick School becomes museum

Posted: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 4:51 am

A new museum to the area’s country schools has been established just outside Washington. Carlton Mangold, with the County Historic Preservation Commission, says the Red Brick School House was one of nearly 150 that once operated in Washington County. Mangold says about eight thousand dollars was donated to renovating the Red Brick School House. He says a great deal of historical items were also given to the effort. There will be an open house the last weekend in September.

Mt. Pleasant woman injured after rollover

Posted: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 4:51 am

A Mt. Pleasant woman was hospitalized last night after a crash on a Henry County road near highway 34. The Iowa State Patrol says 79 year old Sarah Hassenfritz lost control of her SUV near 260th and Nebraska Avenue when she entered the road ditch causing the vehicle to overturn. They say she was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. Hassenfritz was taken to Henry County Hospital, and later transferred to University of Iowa Hospital. The State Patrol says the accident remains under investigation.

Miller House considered for Natl. Historic Places

Posted: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 4:51 am

The Washington City Historic Preservation Commission is lobbying to have a piece of property added to the National Registry of Historic Places. The commission is meeting tomorrow (8/26) at 7:00 at the public library to review nomination papers. Individuals who are curious about the National Register of Historic Places nomination process are encouraged to attend.

Northey to visit SE Iowa

Posted: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 4:50 am

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey will be swinging through the area next week. He’s hosting town meetings at the Farm Bureau Offices in Washington and Sigourney. Northey will also attend an event recognizing Iowa football coach Hayden Fry in Coralville. All of the visits are set for Friday September fourth. He’ll be in Coralville at 10:00 am, Washington at 1:00 pm and Sigourney at 3:00 pm.

AGTRAI this weekend

Posted: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 4:50 am

The annual Ainsworth Antique Tractor Ride is this weekend. Organizer Paul Tobin says the cross-county ride will take participants from Ainsworth, to Columbus City, and back again through the country. He says while the ride is the main event, its also an opportunity for Ainsworth residents to celebrate their community.

CJ Woman named to Natl. Auxilary post

Posted: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 4:50 am

A Columbus Junction woman recently participated in a national VFW conference in Arizona. Kathy Schreiber of the Riverside Auxiliary 6414 traveled to Phoenix where she began her role as National Veterans and Family Support Director. The Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW nationally raised over $2.5-million to fight cancer and support research. The convention was held earlier this month.