Today's Local News

Supervisors consider relocating health dept.

Posted: Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 4:52 am

The Washington County Health Department could be moving. Supervisors have approved seeking an engineer to study a building at the Orchard Hill Complex as a potential new location. Many on the board say it makes financial sense to have a county agency in a county owned building. However, some residents say it's easier for people with disabilities to access a building in the city of Washington's downtown. The health department currently rents space in the Federation Bank Building.

Crop update

Posted: Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Hot, summer like weather is coming as welcome news to Iowa farmers, however heavy rainfall and damaging winds and hail are not. USDA statistics show some parts of southeast Iowa are struggling with flooding, which is hampering hay harvest weed control efforts. While there were scattered reports of crop damage from severe weather, the start of summer brought more than favorable conditions for corn and soybean growers. Corn in the southeast part of the state should have no trouble reaching the knee high by the 4th of July benchmark. Its average height is at 18 inches, while the average tallest height is 32 inches.

Support group at Lending Hands

Posted: Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 4:51 am

Lending Hands Adult Day Care in Washington will be holding a support group this week. Bonnie Boshart with Lending Hands,Boshart says this months session will focus on Alzheimers and what kinds of things can be done to prevent the disease.

WCPH’s tips on beating the heat

Posted: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 4:09 am

A heat wave is hitting Iowa this week, and the director of Washington County's Public Health Department says it's important to avoid heat exhaustion and stroke. Edie Nebel says heat exhaustion is when the body can't cool down fast enough, while heat stroke is when the body's cooling system stops working all together. She says it's important to stop outdoor activities if you feel fatigued. She also says keeping hydrated is essential to beating the heat.

City collecting downed limbs

Posted: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 4:08 am

Weekend storms brought high winds, which downed many trees and tree limbs around Washington. The city's maintenance department is collecting tree material this week. They'll begin pickup today (6/23) on the northeast side of town and move in a counter clockwise direction. Residents are asked to bundle or box as much material as they can to aid in an efficient clean up. The city plans on finishing collections by this Friday (6/25). Questions can be directed to the maintenance and construction office at 653-2947.

WCRF announces 2nd quarter grants

Posted: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 4:08 am

The Washington County Riverboat Foundation is allocating nearly $239,000 for the second quarter of this year through it's municipal grant program. WCRF distributes 25% of it's revenues directly to cities in Washington County, based on population. This quarter the city of Washington is getting almost $126,000. City Administrator Dave Plyman says all of the money is going towards the library project. He says the building is still on schedule to be completed by this August.

Extension restructuring could be advantageous for Washington County

Posted: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 4:08 am

The chair of Washington County's Extension Board says a statewide restructuring of the extension service could be benefical. Kathy Ebert says the plan will allow Washington, and several neighboring counties to pool their resources, which could increase access to field specialists. Ebert says Washington County's office staff, as well as the 4-H program will not be effected by the restructuring. A regional director is expected to be announced Friday. This person will oversee Washington, Johnson, Iowa and Keokuk Counties.

Washington Schools continue mail in registration

Posted: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 4:07 am

The Washington School District is continuing mail in registration this year. Families with students currently enrolled will be mailed a registration packet next month. Parents can also access additional forms at the district's website. Packets can be dropped off at the school administration building or returned by mail. All registration packets need to be received by the end of July. Any families that are new to the district will have a chance to tour facilities, speak with guidance counselors and get registered on August 18 during registration day.

Harkin announces transportation money

Posted: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 4:07 am

Senator Tom Harkin recently announced a $4.1 million grant to improve Iowas roadways and other transportation systems. Two southeast Iowa towns will benefit from these funds. Muscatine will receive $450,000 to conduct an environmental study and enhance U.S. Highway 61. Ft. Madison will receive nearly $900,000 to build a new intersection on a county road and a main highway bypass. Harkin says improvements to Iowas transportation infrastructure will provide a much needed boost to the states economy and improve quality of life.

Summer Reading

Posted: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 am

Kalona kids will get the chance to show their artistic side this week with the Kalona Public Librarys Summer Reading Program. Marissa Tartaglia is in charge of the program this year and she says there are a number of different arts and crafts activities planned. Tartaglia says all are welcome to participate in these activities, whether they registered or not. She says the program focuses on encouraging kids to read during the summer. The program will run all this week at the Kalona Public Library.