Today's Local News

Fair starts Sunday

Posted: Friday, July 17th, 2009 at 4:44 am

The Washington County Fair kicks off this weekend (7/19). The festivities start Sunday afternoon at 4:00 with the 4-H and FFA Dog Obedience Show, followed by the garden tractor pull at 6:00. At 7:00 the Washington County Fair Queen contest starts. The fair continues all next week with 4-H and FFA events throughout the day, and grandstand entertainment in the evening. Weeklong passes are $15, a one day pass is $6 For more on the fair tune in to todays Washington page at 7:30 during the morning magazine. Well be talking with fair board member Don Lewis. Or, check later today on the Radio Plus section of this website to hear the interview on demand.

Fillmore speed limit

Posted: Friday, July 17th, 2009 at 4:44 am

The Speed Limit on Washington’s Fillmore street has been adjusted slightly. Councilors voted this week to reduce the limit from 35 to 25 miles per hour near south 12th. City Administrator Dave Plyman says its not uncommon for municipalities to adjust speed limits according to residential areas. Plyman the streets committee decided to pursue the limit adjustment because of development in the area.

Leadership Washington seeks past member information

Posted: Friday, July 17th, 2009 at 4:43 am

Leadership Washington is looking for information from its alumni. The group’s Denise Erpelding says they lost a good portion of their records during the fire at the chamber of commerce building. Erpelding says you don’t have to donate the items. She says they just want to borrow them, and scan them onto their computers. To find out more contact the Washington Chamber of Commerce.

Washington teen drowns in Iowa River

Posted: Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 4:57 am

A Washington teen is dead after drowning in the Iowa River near Columbus Junction yesterday. According to a press release from the Louisa County Sheriffs Office, 15 year old Clinton Fankhauser was swimming with friends in the river when he went missing underwater. Fankhauser was later found by Wapello and Columbus Junction Fire Departments. There will be grief counseling available to students at Washington Junior High today from 1-3 pm.

Methodist Church to serve Iowa favorites

Posted: Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 4:56 am

Two Iowa favorites are on the menu tonight (7/16) at the Methodist Church in Washington. Pork sandwiches, and a buffet of sweetcorn are being served from 4-7. Organizers say there will also be chips, bar desserts and drinks. Tickets are six dollars in advance or seven dollars at the door. For more information or to get advanced tickets call 653-5466.

Thursday Night Live

Posted: Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 4:56 am

Tonight’s (7/16) Thursday Night Live activities in Downtown Washington will have a double feature. “Second Hand Toes” is described by the chamber of commerce as a group of “mature” ladies who love to tap dance. They’ll tell the story of their dreams and goals. They’ll be tapping to some old favorites. Gary McCurdy, also known as “The Tubador” will also be entertaining with his 100 year old tuba. The festivities kick off tonight with the farmer’s market at 5:00 in Washington’s Central Park. Entertainment begins at 6:30, with the municipal band on stage at 8:00.

Tall corn monument

Posted: Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 4:56 am

A monument to the world’s tallest corn stalk will be erected at the Washington County Fairgrounds this morning (7/16). In 1946 local farmer Don Radda captured the record at just over 31 feet. His daughter, Julie will be joined by a number of community supporters at the fairgrounds at 10:00 to set up a metallic replica of the monster corn stalk.

Council approves non union pay hikes

Posted: Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 4:56 am

The city of Washington’s non-union employees are getting a pay raise. Councilors voted 3-2 last night in favor of the hike. Mayor Sandra Johnson says it would be difficult not to offer some kind of increase. Non union employees making less than $40,000 per year will see a two percent increase, those making more than $40,000 will get a one percent raise.

Earwigs, don’t actually attack ears

Posted: Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 4:55 am

Contrary to popular belief and the urban legend, one summer pest is more interested in your plants than your ears. ISU Extension insect clinician Laura Jesse says earwigs have begun their feast of southeast Iowas plants. Jesse says while there is probably no way to completely rid a yard of earwigs, there are still some methods of containing the bugs. She recommends placing boards or newspapers on the ground and daily collecting the earwigs that gather underneath. Jesse says insecticides should only be a last resort and advises avoiding flowers so as not to harm the helpful pollinating insects.

Meditation seminar

Posted: Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 4:55 am

If youve ever been interested in different treatments for stress-related illnesses, you may be a perfect candidate for transcendental meditation, or TM. Dr. Serena Grosswald, an expert on TM and ADHD will be in Washington today (7/16) to tell residents about the benefits of this effortless and highly beneficial treatment. She says meditation helps clear the mind and relax the patient. Grosswald says there has been nearly 27-million dollars in research of TM and the treatment is also highly beneficial for things like ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder. The meeting will be at the library at 7:00 pm tonight.