Archive for August, 2009

Loebsack shuffles schedule

Posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:49 am

Congressman Loebsack has changed the locations of some of his town hall meetings in southeast Iowa this weekend. The Democrat will now hold his Columbus Junction town hall meeting Saturday (8/22) in the Columbus Community High School gym. The congressman will also be visiting the Washington Public Library next Saturday morning (8/29) from 9:30-10:30. Loebsack says he changed the locations of some meetings so more people would have the opportunity to attend.

IMS starts

Posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:32 am

Iowa Mennonite School began its school year this week kicking off southeast Iowas back to school lineup. Principal Tony Miller began the year with an assembly in Celebration Hall where he welcomed 127 students including 20 freshman and 27 faculty and staff. IMS welcomes international students from Kazakhstan, South Korea, Albania, Georgia, and Serbia. Other area schools will begin their years in the upcoming weeks. Check our homepage for a complete list of start dates.

Tree removed for safety reasons

Posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 4:48 am

A large tree had to be removed on the east side of the Washington High School yesterday. Superintendent Dave Sextro says a large limb came down Saturday, and the whole tree is rotting, and will have to be taken out for safety reasons. Sextro says they’re not sure if winds from weekend storms knocked the limb down, or if it simply fell victim to rotting.

Sieren named 1st runner up in State Fair Queen Contest

Posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 4:47 am

Washington County Fair Queen Shelby Sieren has been named first runner up in the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest. Sieren is a recent graduate of Keota High School, and has been involved in 4-H since she was in fourth grade. Sieren is the daughter of Scott and Renee Sieren. As the first runner up for the State Fair Queen Contest, she’ll receive a $1,000 scholarship and a $300 U-S Savings Bond.

WACO geothermal on schedule

Posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 4:47 am

WACO High School is looking to become greener this school year. Superintendent Greg Ray says the high school is currently working on installing a geothermal heating and cooling system. Ray says this project has been in progress since this time last year, but equipment failure and a chilly winter delayed work until recently. He says despite these setbacks, the project is back on schedule and expected to be completed by the time students return next Monday.

5 from Washington Co. advance in Bill Riley Talent Contest

Posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 4:47 am

Five young women from Washington County have advanced to the semifinal round of the Bill Riley Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Erin Sheets of Keota, Kelsey and Tara Gent of Wellman, Nikole Moeller and Courtney Kleese both of Washington, will perform again Friday.

…also at the fair

Posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 4:47 am

Local residents are winning big at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Ryan Schneider of Riverside placed second in the animals, insects, and wildlife category of photography, while Karen Schafer of Brighton received first place in both the frosted chocolate layer cake and coffee cupcakes category. KCII will be bringing you updates on all local State Fair news this week.

Washington School Board to screen architects

Posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 4:46 am

Washington School District Advisory Committee on School Facilities will be screening architects at a meeting tonight (8/18). They’re looking for someone to help design a new high school, and spearhead renovation projects at other buildings. The plan is contingent upon whether voters approve issuing roughly $11-million in bonds during next month’s elections. The meeting starts tonight at 6:30 in the school administration building.

Park Board to review memorial plaque proposal

Posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 4:46 am

Washington Park Board members will review designs for a memorial plaque to be located at the skate park at tonight’s meeting. Parks Superintendent Tim Widmer says the plaque will honor Clinton Fankhauser, who drown last month in the Iowa River, and was an avid skateboarder. Park board members will also consider a rate increase for school groups who come to the aquatic center, and progress on the bandstand project. The meeting starts tonight at 6:30 in Washington City Hall.

Drug free grants

Posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 4:44 am

Congressman Dave Loebsack recently awarded organizations in Washington and Henry County $100,000 grants to help fund drug free programs. Loebsack says the Drug Free Communities Support program works on a local level in order to prevent youth access to drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. He says funds will go to Washington County organizations and Henry County Agricultural Extension District in Mt. Pleasant.