Archive for August, 2009

Schmitz on healthcare

Posted: Thursday, August 20th, 2009 at 5:23 am

A local state lawmaker says the federal government needs to take pointers from Iowa when it comes to healthcare reform. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says the Hawk-I program should serve as an example. Schmitz points out that Hawk-I was started by a Republican governor, and supported by two Democratic governors.

…on energy

Posted: Thursday, August 20th, 2009 at 5:22 am

A local lawmaker wants to see more of southeast Iowa become energy independent. Fairfield State Senator Becky Schmitz says the state government has set aside funds for both for-profit and non-profit organizations to make improvements that would help save energy and money. Schmitz says when things like heating and cooling efficiency is improved, more money can be saved on both residential and public utility bills. She says these local grants can range from one thousand to fifty thousand dollars.

New community guide

Posted: Thursday, August 20th, 2009 at 5:22 am

The Washington Chamber of Commerce will soon publish a new community guide. Chamber Executive Director Tim Coffey says 5,000 total copies will be produced and distributed this winter. He says along with the printed guide, an electronic guide will also be produced and available to download from the Chamber website. Coffey says since 1996, the site has received 220-million visitors.

More flood money for E. Iowa

Posted: Thursday, August 20th, 2009 at 5:22 am

Congressman Dave Loebsack recently announced more than $7-million in flood recovery for the city of Coralville. Loebsack says these funds will come directly from the Economic Development Agency in addition to funds already in place. He says much of this money will go to constructing flood walls and elevating the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway Company rail line.

Semi rollover closes roadway

Posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:51 am

A semi rollover at the intersection of G36 and US 218 caused some lanes of traffic to be closed yesterday. The Iowa Department of Transportation says the rollover closed the left turn lane from eastbound traffic on G36 onto southbound 218. No other information is official at this time.

New Wal-Mart opens today

Posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Washington’s new Wal-Mart will officially open for business this morning (8/19). Their will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30, and the public will be invited in after 8:00. The new store is a “super-center.” Wal-Mart officials say it will feature more products, and employ more people. The store is moving from it’s current location on highway 1, to the new building on highway 92, just east of Washington.

Washington judge nominated for appellate court

Posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:50 am

A judge from Washington is in the running to fill a vacancy on the Iowa Court of Appeals. Michael Mullins is one of three who have been nominated. He was appointed to the bench in 2002. He got his law degree from Drake University Law School, and spent 19 years in private practice. Governor Chet Culver has a month to decide between Mullins, Bruce Zager or David Danilson.

BOS hires architect for health dept. move

Posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:50 am

Washington County has hired an architect to study potential new locations for the health department. Board Chair Jim Miksch says Cedar Rapids based Soluman Lang also conducted a space needs study for the health department. Miksch says they’ll be considering current county owned buildings, as well as building new. He says the evaluation should yield some “definite information” before the end of this year.

School board again looking at architect

Posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:50 am

Washington School Facility Committee members will be interviewing architects again tonight (8/19). Last night (8/18) they held screenings for an architect to help with design work on a new high school. Tonight they are are looking for someone for renovations at Stewart and Lincoln. The meeting starts at 6:30 in the school administration meeting.

$850k in local option sales taxes

Posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:50 am

Washington County’s local option sales tax brought in more than $850,000 last fiscal year. Treasurer Jeff Garret says that’s down a little versus the last two years. Garrett says these funds go into the rural services fund, which lessen the amount of property taxes residents pay.