Today's Local News

Unemployment numbers fall in April

Posted: Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 5:15 am

Unemployment rates fell by more than half a percentage point last month in Washington County. Statistics gathered by the Iowa Workforce Development Board show Washingtons unemployment rate for March was 4.5%, and 3.9% in April. Statewide jobless claims dropped a tenth of a percent to 5.1%. last month. IWD Director Elisabeth Buck says the numbers suggest Iowas economy may be in the early stages of a turn. She cautions that the market is still very week and any recovery is expected to be modest and prolonged.

Healthy Kids Act

Posted: Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 5:14 am

The Healthy Kids Act goes into effect fall of next year. It removes junk food from schools and mandates exercise time. Washington County Hospital Dietitian Anne Sposato says the effort needs to be matched by parents in order to reduce childhood obesity. She says as more families have both parents working, kids are eating more fast food and unhealthy snacks while at home. 

BOS makes final adjustments of fiscal year

Posted: Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 5:14 am

Washington County Supervisors have shuffled money around for the last time this fiscal year. At this week's meeting, they approved around $910,000 in additional expenditures, and about $452,000 in extra revenue. County Auditor Bill Fredrick says the money being spent comes mostly from house keeping items. He says the majority of the revenue is grant money the county is receiving. 

Before you turn on the A/C…

Posted: Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 5:13 am

Air conditioning season is upon us, and there are a few things that can be done to save energy and money. J & S Heating and Air Conditioning owner Scott Wiles says units should be cleaned and inspected. He says that includes replacing filters and removing any debris. Wiles also says it's best to keep air conditioners running during hot humid stretches rather than turning them on and off. 

Schools out, but policy still applies

Posted: Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 5:13 am

While students are enjoying their time outside the classroom this summer, they may still be expected to follow school policies. Mid Prairie Superintendent Mark Schneider says his districts policy runs through summer vacation and if a student breaks the rules, they'll be penalized once school begins. He says that includes missing out on all extra-curricular activities.

Kalona 1st Responders Grant

Posted: Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 5:11 am

The Washington County Riverboat foundation gave out just over $700,000 to area agencies as part of their spring grants. The Kalona First responders will receive $30,000 to finish their classroom addition to help improve the training and readiness The Kalona First responders have been trying to finish the classroom addition for several years.

Loebsack tours WCHC

Posted: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 4:32 am

U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack is gearing up for the debate on health care. Loebsack is touring medical facilities in Southeast Iowa. The Mount Vernon Democrat says health care needs to be a careful blend of private and public efforts. Loebsack says the federal S-CHIP program, or HAWK-I as it's known in Iowa is one sign of progress. He made his comments yesterday (5/26) while touring Washington County Hospital.

Washington Co renews fuel contract

Posted: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 4:31 am

Agri-Land Farm Service will continue to provide fuel for Washington County's road department. Supervisors approved a new contract with the Winterset based cooperative at yesterday's (5/26) meeting. County Engineer David Patterson says Agri-Land will provide ethanol blended gasoline, two types of standard diesel fuel and bio-diesel. The only other bid for the contract came from Brighton based Cobb Oil. Their's was higher by $2,000.

Grassley on health care

Posted: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 4:31 am

Senator Chuck Grassley says there are problems with the states current healthcare policies. One of his biggest concerns is the fact that many lower-income families are unable to afford insurance coverage which results in poorer health conditions. Grassley says people with preexisting medical conditions are often disqualified from coverage. He says even if they are allowed to join a plan, they often can't afford. The New Hartford Republican says his goals for health care reform would include making insurance "affordable and accessible."

Ending Polio

Posted: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 4:30 am

Washington County residents are being invited to Bike to End Polio. Myron Graber from the Washington Rotary Club says the event has a ride for everyone, ranging from short rides to even a 56 mile trek along county roads. Graber says 100 percent of the 25 dollar entry fee goes to polio fighting efforts, and the entry cost covers both snacks and a t-shirt. The Biking to End Polio Now event will begin with registration at 6:30 am on June 6. For information contact Myron Graber at 653-1674.