Today's Local News

Fire destroys barn in rural Ainsworth

Posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 4:54 am

A barn was lost, but no injuries were reported after a fire in rural Ainsworth. The Washington County Safety Center says they received a report Sunday night indicating the barn at 3270 185th street was “fully engulfed” in flames. Personnel from Ainsworth and Riverside Fire Departments as well as the Washington County Ambulance Service, Rural Electric Cooperative and the Sheriff’s Department all responded to the blaze. The safety center says the value of the structure is unknown.

Supervisor concerned with minibus during winter

Posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 4:52 am

A Washington County supervisor is concerned with how reliable the county minibus is during the winter months. Jim Rosien says a great deal of people rely on the service to get them to and from work, and it creates a hardship when the service stops during inclement weather. Rosien says they’re fortunate to have Washington County Developmental Center to serve as a back up for area residents with disabilities.

Fireworks permits down this year

Posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 4:52 am

With the Fourth of July this weekend, the auditors office has been busy issuing permits for private fireworks displays. County Auditor Bill Frederick says his office this year has issued 18 permits to residents, as opposed to 25 issued last year. Despite this drop, he says there are some issued after the holiday for special celebrations, such as weddings or reunions. Frederick says the process to receive a permit is long, and at this point it is impossible to get one in time for the holiday.

Weather favorable for corn, soybeans

Posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Warm, dry weather is in the forecast this week, and that’s coming as welcome news to southeast Iowa farmers. Washington County Extension Education Director Gene Mohling says much of the region saw excessive amounts of rainfall in the past few weeks, making weed control difficult. Mohling says the wet weather has also hampered hay harvests. He says in some spots the first cutting was completely lost. High temperatures are expected in the low eighties this week with little or no chance of rainfall.

Washington School Board to talk petition language

Posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 4:52 am

The Washington School Board is discussing bond petition language at a special meeting tonight (6/30). Last week members approved a $36-million facilities plan that was developed by representatives from the state association of school boards. In order to come up with the money for the plan, voters will have to approve issuing bonds. Before that can happen, a petition with enough signatures has to be submitted to election officials. Tonight’s meeting starts at 6:30 in the school administration.

57 hoof it in 5-H run/walk

Posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Some residents of Washington County got a sneak peak of the upcoming Washington County Fair this past weekend at the 4-H sponsored 5k run/walk. Originally slated for June 19, rain and severe weather postponed the first annual event until this past Friday. Kati Peiffer, 4-H Youth Coordinator says 57 people participated in the inaugural run, and were able to catch a glimpse of fair preparations as animals were already being assembled for the July 19-24 county fair.

Washington Library gearing up for move

Posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 4:51 am

The Washington Public Library is gearing up for it’s move to the new building. Director Patrick Finney says one of the biggest challenges will be keeping things organized during the transition. He says it won’t be a fun process, but will be worth it once their settled in. Construction at the new library is expected to be complete by August. Finney says they hope to set a grand opening date in the near future.

Washington man pleads guilty to stealing guns from flooded homes

Posted: Monday, June 29th, 2009 at 4:17 am

(AP) – A Washington man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for stealing guns from homes that had been evacuated during last year’s floods. 21 year old Benjamin Willett pleaded guilty in U-S District Court in Davenport for unlawful possession of firearms. The U-S attorney’s office says Willett, and two other men broke in to at least four Coralville homes that had been evacuated and stole at least 25 guns. Police searched the men’s apartments and found 16 stolen guns, after an undercover officer bought one of them from the men.

Schmitz expects more budget cutsSchmitz expects more budget cuts

Posted: Monday, June 29th, 2009 at 4:16 am

A southeast Iowa state lawmaker says the legislature is looking at more “belt tightening” in the next fiscal year. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz hopes they can get by without a special session, but says it might be necessary. Schmitz expects the sting of the economic downturn to be felt into next year. She anticipates the state’s needs will outlast the federal stimulus money.

BOS’s asked to support overturn of SC ruling allowing same sex marriage

Posted: Monday, June 29th, 2009 at 4:16 am

Conservative groups are urging county boards of supervisors to pass resolutions supporting a constitutional amendment that would overturn Iowa’s Supreme Court Decision allowing gay marriage. Washington County Board Chair Jim Miksch says it is not something they’re looking in to. Miksch doesn’t see much of a future for Washington supervisors to be involved in such an issue. A Handful of boards in other parts of the state have passed the non-binding resolution.