Today's Local News

Cancer Survivors Day

Posted: Sunday, June 7th, 2009 at 7:04 am

The American Cancer Society today honors the nearly 11 million cancer survivors today with National Cancer Survivors Day. The nationally-recognized commemoration honors cancer survivors across the country as well as the 110,000 survivors in Iowa. The American Cancer Society is a 3-million member grassroots organization that works to support patients and their families. The organization has fought to pass smoke-free laws, improve healthcare access, and raise money for cancer research. 

Halcyon House Celebrates 50 years

Posted: Sunday, June 7th, 2009 at 7:04 am

The Halcyon House in Washington is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year. The senior living center has expanded its programming and facility since was established in 1959. Executive Director Chris Marshal in the future they hope to allow more people to stay in their homes longer. Marshal says they'll recognize the facility's 50th year, they'll have a ceremony on June 19 in the front lawn. She says the public is invited to hear a reflection on the past, and what the future holds for the Halcyon House. 

Emerald Ash Borer in Iowa

Posted: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:09 am

The first evidence of the tree killing Emerald Ash Borer has been discovered in Iowa, and the ISU Extension Service is letting people know what can be done to protect ash trees. They say treatments are available but need to be utilized only if an infestation is confirmed. The Extension says only ash trees are susceptible to EAB. They also say treatment methods only work if ash trees are healthy and growing. Insecticide should not be used unless you live within a 15 mile radius of a confirmed EAB infestation. For more information on the destructive beetle, visit the Extension's website. 

Grassley Pork Market

Posted: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:08 am

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he doesn't expect a ban on U.S. pork products in several foreign countries to have a chilling effect on trade relations. Grassley says safety scares have happened in the past and the market always rebounds. He says other countries might be using the ban as a way to boost their local pork industries. The New Hartford Republican says domestically, the department of agriculture can buy up U.S. pork to stabilize the price. 

Ridiculous Book Sale

Posted: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:08 am

As part of today's Ridiculous Days celebration, the Washington Public Library is selling reduced price books as well as audio and videotapes. They say as they prepare to move into their new facility this summer, they have to decide what items will travel with them. Proceeds from this sale will go towards teen summer reading club prizes and teen programming. The sale begins this morning at 9:00 in the Helen Wilson Gallery at the Library, and runs until 1:00 this afternoon. 

Ridiculous Days

Posted: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:08 am

One of Iowa's Oldest Ridiculous Days celebrations is today in downtown Washington. The festivities kick off with "Bags of Bargains" which runs from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Silly fun is from 10am to noon with registration at 9:30. That includes a cutie contest, pigtail contest Oreo stacking and more. There is also an open invitation for residents to "share their silly side" with the community during the parade. Registration begins at 11:00 am at the high school parking lot.

Fireworks Safety

Posted: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:07 am

While everyone knows that firework displays are fun to watch, many dont know the risks that are involved. Kalona Fire Chief Steve Yotty says when mishandled or used without proper training, fireworks can cause serious injury including hearing loss, physical loss of limbs, and worse. He says fire departments know the proper way to handle them and set them off. Fireworks are illegal in Iowa, and Yotty says when unqualified users try to set them off they can also start fires as well as explosions due to the hot and dry summer weather. 

Flight Breakfast

Posted: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 5:07 am

The Flight Breakfast at Washington's municipal airport is tomorrow morning from 7-11. It's being hosted by the American Legion. Organization member Terry Philips says this is the first year theyre hosting the annual event. Philips says in addition to pancakes and sausage, the Flight Breakfast also features a variety of aircraft that can be seen landing and taking off. He says youngsters will also have an opportunity to go on a free plane ride through the Young Eagles Cedar Rapids chapter. 

Downtown construction to begin

Posted: Friday, June 5th, 2009 at 4:36 am

Construction crews are expected to start milling this morning (6/5) as part of Washington's downtown enhancement project. City Administrator Dave Plyman says work will be done on Washington Street, between Marion and Second Avenue. Plyman says in addition to a new street surface, the project also includes new brick work on the sidewalks, and new curbs and gutters. The city engineer's office says they will not allow crews to block any of the parade routes for tomorrow's Ridiculous Days celebration.

Washington Council votes down liquor request

Posted: Friday, June 5th, 2009 at 4:36 am

A downtown Washington restaurant will not be able to serve alcohol in an "outdoor cafe" setting. Washington Council members voted to deny the request from Cafe Dodici at this week's meeting. At large councilor Merle Hagie was the only yes vote. He says the matter at least deserved further research.