Today's Local News

Johnson Co. mock election

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:51 am

As the Johnson County Fair rolls on this week, participants are making their voices heard by participating in the county auditors mock election. Auditor Tom Slockett says as of 11:00 am yesterday (7/30) a total of 346 people have participated and spoken about a number of important topics facing the nation. Slockett says 127 voters support increasing troops in Afghanistan while 175 oppose it. In health care, 160 voters support reform with a public option.

Hunter safety

Posted: Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 4:50 am

For southeast Iowas hunters, time is running out to take Washington County Conservations hunter safety course. Naturalist Pam Holz says three class sessions will be held and attendance at all three are required to obtain a license. Holz says anyone born after January 1, 1961 is required to take a safety course before hunting and anyone at least 11 years old is eligible. The first class begins next Tuesday (8/4). If you would like to register, call the Kirkwood Washington Center at 653-4655.

Ag banker expects good net revenue for corn crop

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:31 am

The Iowa Farm Bureau says the state could be heading for a record corn crop this year. Nick Beinhart is the ag representative at Farmer’s Savings Bank of Keota. He says a higher yield generally means lower prices. Beinhart still expects a good net revenue despite an increase in input costs over the last few years. The USDA estimates Iowa corn yields could be between 175 and 185 bushels per acre. The record is 180.

FSA Starts wetlands program

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:30 am

The Iowa Farm Service Agency has announced a program to help protect clean water sources. State FSA Executive Director John Whitaker says the Farmable Wetlands Program is a volunteer program that will work to restore wetlands, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitats. Whitaker says there are added incentives for producers to take part in the program, including a 100-dollar bonus per acre and a 120 percent rental rate. Interested producers should contact their local FSA office.

Three SE IA counties cut waste

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:30 am

Washington, Jefferson and Keokuk Counties have been able to cut waste by 25-percent since 1988. Bill Sloop is manager of the Southeast Iowa Multi County Solid Waste Agency. He says the reduction is in line with goals set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Sloop credits increased recycling as one of the main reasons for the reduction. He encourages residents in the three counties to continue follow the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto.

Cross country runner talks to Great Places Washington

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:30 am

A woman on a quest to run across the country made a stop in Washington yesterday (7/29). 23 year old Katie Visco started her journey in Boston, and plans to end it in San Diego. Visco talked to Great Places Washington at Cafe Dodicci before she and her father made got back on the road. Her dad, Jim Visco, serves as the support team. He drives a van creates pit stops for her to rest at. To learn more, visit www.paveyourlane.com

Louisa Co. to host Lewis and Clark program

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:29 am

Louisa County was recently selected by Humanities Iowa to host Lewis and Clarks Perilous 1804 Journey in the countys historical center. Museum Manager Connie Street says the program will give residents the opportunity to experience and learn about the pairs trek west. She says this program will also focus on some often overlooked chapters in their journey. Street says the event will be held this Sunday at the Heritage Center and admission is free.

One act play for Celebrate your Senses

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:29 am

Celebrate Your Senses this year will feature some old fashioned comedy for a modern day audience. The 30-minute comedy Box and Cox will be performed in the State Theater in downtown Washington at 12:15 pm, and director Lynn Loula says the historic building will add a great atmosphere for the play, which takes place in the 1840s. Loula says the play centers on a woman who rents an apartment to two men who work at different times, one in the day and one at night, who ultimately discover her plot. She says the older style of comedy adds to the humor and novelty of the show, which will make it even funnier to a modern audience.

Special two hour TNL

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:29 am

A special two hour Thursday Night Live is being held this evening (7/30) in downtown Washington. Entertainment includes “Talent Education of Washington.” and “Ola Babckock Miller” portrayed by Rosemary Harris. Miller was born and raised in Washington County. She was Iowas first female Secretary of State and without money, authorization or the blessing of the legislature started what became the Iowa Highway Patrol. Harris will have photos and memorabilia to share. There will also be a current state trooper and car on hand to demonstrate how the agency has changed. Thursday night live starts at 5:00 with the Farmer’s Market. Entertainment will start at 5:30, the Municipal Band takes the stage at 8:00

Door prizes needed for ladies fun day

Posted: Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:28 am

The Washington Chamber of Commerce is looking for donated items for door prizes at the upcoming Ladies Fun Day. They can be dropped of at the chamber building, or be picked up. Ladies Fun Day is August 4th at the Washington Golf Course and Country Club. It’s a nine hole best ball tournament. Tee times are available from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Carts need to be reserved by Friday (7/31). Contact the chamber of commerce for more information.