Today's Local News

Downtown nearing completion

Posted: Friday, August 7th, 2009 at 4:53 am

Washington’s downtown is getting closer to being completed. City Administrator Dave Plyman says portions of Washington Street on the south side of the square are now open. Plyman says the project is on schedule from a contractual perspective. He says it’s still expected to be completed this month.

Schmitz hopeful transportation spending will spur economy

Posted: Friday, August 7th, 2009 at 4:53 am

A state senator from southeast Iowa says an increase in transportation funding should help boost the state’s slumping economy. Fairfield Democrat Becky Schmitz says she hopes the program will improve infrastructure, put people to work and cycle more money through her district. Opponents of the plan says it’s unwise to spend more money when revenues are down.

Brighton residents invited to visioning meeting

Posted: Friday, August 7th, 2009 at 4:53 am

Brighton residents will meet Monday (8/10) to discuss what needs improvement in town. Nancy Adrian with the Washington County Extension says these visioning meetings have been held since last August and residents have already come up with some ideas. She says some of these have been establishing health clinics in town, carpooling, and local housing renovations. She says the meetings are an informal session where participants vote on which three areas they feel need the most attention.

Apologetix in Washington

Posted: Friday, August 7th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Popular music meets a Christian message tomorrow (8/8) in Washington. The Apologetix is a parody band that takes rock music, and changes the lyrics to a spiritual message. They’re playing tomorrow night at (8/8) at Hamakua Place in Washington. Their songs include titles like Born Again Child which is a parody of Born to Be Wild.

Lt. Governor swings through Kalona

Posted: Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 4:49 am

After swinging through Kalona Historical Village Tuesday, Lt. Governor Patty Judge says everyone should stop by for a visit. Judge has been touring eastern Iowa towns in an effort to promote local tourism and the heritage of Iowa. She says the Historical Village is a great glimpse of the areas Mennonite heritage and life 100 years ago. Judge says she only wishes she had more time to spend in the village and she advises all visitors to give themselves ample time for enjoyment.

WCHC CEO: health coverage shouldn’t be a problem

Posted: Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 4:48 am

Just over two-thousand Washington County residents under the age of 65 are without health insurance according to the U-S Census Bureau. Washington County Hospital CEO Don Patterson says there are a wide array of options for the uninsured. He says that includes HAWK-I for kids, MEDICARE for seniors and a charity care program at the hospital for those in between. he Census Bureau report indicates nearly 11 percent of Iowans are without coverage.

Farmer protests land acquisition

Posted: Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 4:48 am

A local farmer involved in a legal dispute with the city of Washington says he wants to sit down with councilors and settle things outside of a courtroom. The city is trying to obtain about 60 acres of land from John Berdo to relocate the municipal airport’s runway. City attorney Craig Arbuckle says there is a legal process they must follow.

Harking pushes medical device safety

Posted: Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 4:47 am

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin is pushing legislation that would allow people injured by medical devices to seek damages against their manufacturer. Harkin says Last year, in Riegel v. Medtronic, Inc., the Supreme Court held that FDA approval of these medical devices essentially immunizes manufacturers from liability under state tort causes of action. He’s advocating SR512, or the Medical Device Safety Act.

WPD getting new radar devices

Posted: Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 4:47 am

The Washington Police Department is getting some new radar devices for their marked patrol cars. Chief Greg Goodman says the old ones are in dire need of replacement. He also says the new ones are much more advanced. Goodman says the radars are being purchased with money from a federal stimulus grant. He says they are also getting new tactical and duty vests. In all, the department got a little more than $25,000.

VA Commissioner urges vets to sign up for benefits

Posted: Thursday, August 6th, 2009 at 4:47 am

Washington County’s Veteran’s Assistance Office is urging local men and women who’ve served in the armed forces to register for benefits. VA Commissioner Terry Phillips says even if you don’t feel you need the benefits, it’s still important to get your information in the system. Phillips says a lot of the paperwork involved in registering can be rather cumbersome. He says VA Director Sue Rich is well versed and can help veteran’s fill it out. He’s especially encouraging younger veterans to sign up.