Today's Local News

Alliant: Cap and Trade Means Higher Energy Costs in Midwest

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 am

Alliant Energy says the current cap and trade bill moving through Congress could mean double digit bill increases for their customers. Company spokesman Scott Drzycimski says Midwesterners are very dependent on coal, which means companies like Alliant won’t receive as many carbon credits. He says this will force them to purchase these credits from other utilities, ultimately driving energy prices up.

Crop Duster Crashes Near Ainsworth

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 am

A Mt. Pleasant man was hospitalized yesterday (7/1) after a crop duster he was piloting went down north of Ainsworth. 39 year old John Koehn Newton was taken to University Hospital in Iowa City by Washington County Ambulance personnel. 911 supervisor Cara Sorrells says officials from the Sheriff’s Office, Ainsworth Fire Department and the Ainsworth First Responders were also called to the scene. Sorrells also says the fuel was reported to be leaking from the plane, and a hazardous materials crew was called to assist.

911 Commission Moves Forward With Building Study

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 am

Washington County’s 911 Board is moving forward with a study that will explore a new location for the communications center. Their splitting the cost with the Communications Commission. Minnesota based engineer Leonard Kohnen (cane-inn) will conduct the study. The communications center is currently located in the old jail. Center Supervisor Cara Sorrells says one potential hang up is the radio tower. She says if they move too far away from it, they’d have to build a new one.

4th of July Closures

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 am

The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year, but many government offices will be closed tomorrow (7/3) in observance of the holiday. Most Post Offices will close at noon, and the Washington County Mini Bus will not be running. The 4th of July has been celebrated since 1776. It commemorates the first Continental Congress adopting the Declaration of Independence. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S.

Harkin Touts Student Loan Measure

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 am

Iowa students and college graduates will be getting some much-needed help in repaying student loans. Senator Tom Harkin announced as of yesterday (7/1) the income-based repayment option will become available. Students who chose to pay their loans using this method will make smaller payments if their income is less, and larger payments when their income increases. Harkins says this option will be very helpful for students struggling to find employment after graduation.

Washington Council Approves 2 Downtown Events

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 am

The Washington City Council has approved two downtown events for next year. Relay for Life, and The Corn Country Cruisers are again making the square their home. Mayor Sandra Johnson says it’s important to maintain activity in the city’s heart. Johnson encourages any organization planning a special event to put together a proposal and visit with the council about it. Johnson says when the new library and the downtown enhancement project are completed, it should make the area even more attractive for such events.

Lake Belva Deer Expecting Large Crowds For 4th of July

Posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 4:41 am

The Fourth of July weekend has always been a popular weekend for fishing, boating, and swimming. Dave Long with the Keokuk County Conservation Board says this year is no exception. He says Belva Deer Recreation Area outside Sigourney has seen a high number of visitors due to the nice weather and upcoming holiday. Long says the lake always hosts a great deal of visitors around this time, and even heavy road construction was not enough to deter patrons this year.

Wind Farm Could Bring $5-million annually to Washington Co.

Posted: Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 4:55 am

A proposed wind farm could eventually bring $5 million in property tax revenue to Washington County per year. Assessor Lil Perry told supervisors this week that would be the case if they adopted a special valuation ordinance that increases the tax rate annually by 5%. Perry recommends supervisors look into the special ordinance, as it would help keep the revenue local. They appointed a special committee this week to do just that. This year the Iowa legislature approved allowing wind farms to enjoy both the special valuation and a state tax credit.

Crop Update

Posted: Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 4:54 am

Crops in southeast Iowa are doing well after last week’s heat wave, but some areas still need to dry out. USDA statistics show 37% of area topsoil moisture at a surplus, with 41% of subsoil moisture in the excessive range. The corn stand is at 90% with an average height of 36 inches, while 90% of soybeans have emerged. Southeast Iowa’s alfalfa crop has been hard hit by heavy rains and high humidity. The first cutting is more than 25% behind the statewide average.

Marek: More Cuts Likely

Posted: Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 4:52 am

An Iowa lawmaker from Washington County expects more state cuts this fiscal year. Representative Larry Marek says all arms of government are exploring ways to save money. He says the legislature is trying to keep next year’s session as short as possible, while the judicial branch is looking at more furlough days. Iowa’s new fiscal year started today (7/1).