Today's Local News

The Southeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging is warning about con artists posing as state employees. The organization's Brenda Sayre says the scammers tell people they work for the state treasurer's office, and that they have unclaimed money for the victim. Sayre says you never have to pay in order to claim money or research the state's "unclaimed funds." She says if you come across anything suspicious the best course of action is to notify law enforcement agencies immediately. For more information and assistance with financial scams, older Iowans may contact SMP at 1-800-423-2449.

Much of eastern Iowa is under a flash flood watch today. The National Weather Service says scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue across the watch area this morning, producing rainfall amounts greater than one inch in some locations. More storms are expected to redevelop along a cold front dropping into the region from the northwest. NWS says total rainfall amounts of more than two inches are possible. In case of severe weather, stay tuned to KCII for Severe Weather Action Team coverage.

Washington County's Iowa State Extension director says his agency's restructuring will make it more issue focused. Gene Mohling says it will streamline how and where resources are utilized by identifying areas that share common interests. Mohling says as the extension service shifts from individual counties, to a regional focus, they'll be able to work together more effectively. 

Many Midwestern communities have signature events like Kalona Days, Keota Fun Days, and Riverside's Trek Fest. Amy Vetter, with Main Street, says plans are in the works for such an event in Washington. Vetter says they are also working on Ridiculous Days which will be June 6 in Washington's downtown. She says it's a sort of bazar of local businesses. Vetter says this is one of, if not the oldest Ridiculous Days events in Iowa. 

The Washington Farmer's Market kicked off their 2009 season in the city's Central Park last night. Market Master Bob Shepherd says it provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to get a start, and Washington to showcase what it has to offer. Farmer's market's continue every Thursday night this summer on Washington's down town square. 

The Louisa County 4-H and Conservation Service are teaming up to offer a Fish 'n Fun day nest month. Katie Hammond, with Lousia County Conservation, says the day will start with a casting competition, followed by training session and a fishing derby. She says there will be prizes for the biggest fish, most fish and smallest fish. She says rods, reels and tackle boxes are a few of the prizes up for grabs. Hammond says participants should bring their own fishing equipment and bait. Fish N' Fun is June 13. For more information contact the Louisa County Extension office.

Mid Prairie Schools dismiss early on May 21st, and the Kalona Public Library wants to give students something to do. Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia says they'll be offering on art program in the Velma Skola Program Room. She says kids and teens are invited to participate in a variety of art activities. She says registration is not required, and the program is free of charge. For more information call the library at 319-656-3501.

The Washington County Master Gardeners are having a plant sale tomorrow (5/16). Master Gardener Barb Mottet says the sale will run from 8-11 am at the Washington County Fairgrounds, in the old school house. Mottet says there will be a variety of perennials for sale as well as garden related items. 

A nursing supervisor at Washington County Hospital and Clinics says her facility is not experiencing a nursing shortage like some areas of the country. Pat Huber says the nationwide deficiency is two prong. She says skilled nurses are being lost to retirements, and the demand for nurses climbs as the Baby Boomers enter their golden years.

The CEO at Washington County Hospital and Clinics says President Obama's goal to reform health care isn't going to be an easy task. Don Patterson says changes in the industry will have to be done little by little, because of it's complex nature. Patterson admits that not everyone in the U-S has adequate access to health care. He says Iowa, and Washington County in particular are probably above average.