Today's Local News

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.

Washington man hospitalized after plane crash

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

A 78 year old Washington man was hospitalized last night (8/16) after a plane crash northeast of town. The communications center says Edward Jarrard was taken by private vehicle to Washington County Hospital after landing his Piper Warrior in a farm field near 240th and Palm Avenue. They say the extent of his injuries was unknown last night. Personnel from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration was also contacted.

Prairie Walk

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Marr Parks Prairie Walk will be held next week. Naturalist Pam Holz says this program will offer participants the chance to enjoy the beauty of Iowas natural prairie. She says the program will not only give residents a chance to enjoy nature, but will also educate them on Iowas natural diversity, landscape, and the history of the prairie. The Prairie Walk will be next Saturday beginning at 10:00 am.

SIDS Walk

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:52 am

The Iowa SIDS Foundation Walk for the Future is this weekend in Washington’s Sunset Park. Tricia Lipski is one of the event organizers. Her son Jacob fell victim to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 2005. Lipski says money raised by this weekend’s 5-K walk will go towards SIDS research. Registration for the walk is at 8:00 Saturday (8/22) in the big pavilion in Sunset Park. The walk itself starts at 9:00.

Governor launches long term care campaign

Posted: Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Governor Chet Culver has launched an educational campaign centered around long term care insurance. Mary Weinand is a Family Resource Field Specialist for the ISU Extension Service. She says about 65 percent of seniors will require some type of long term care. She says it’s also beneficial for younger people to look into as well.