Today's Local News

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.

…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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kalona Council to adjust sewer project

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:53 am

A change of plan may be in store for a sewer project in Kalona. The City Council will consider approving a budget increase of $4,800 for the sewer adjustment on 10 Street and J Avenue. The project is part of the larger paving work being done on those streets. The council will also consider a lease agreement with Mid Prairie School District for use of their preschool in the Kalona Community Center. The meeting will be tonight at 7:30 in the public library.

Supervisors consider architects

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:53 am

Washington county supervisors could be hiring an architect at this week’s meeting. The board is considering moving the health department to a new location, and is expected to hire a the architect to conduct a feasibility study. Supervisors are also slated to be present at a public hearing on county zoning. The zoning meeting is tonight (8/17) at 5:30 at the Marr Park Conservation Center. Their regular meeting is tomorrow (8/18) morning at 9:30 in the Washington County Courthouse.