Today's Local News

Wind energy in Washington Co.

Posted: Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 4:27 am

A southeast Iowa lawmaker says Washington County could be come the wind energy capital of the state. Representative Larry Marek says he and other local government officials have been working with Kansas based Trade Wind Energy to develop a plan. Marek says the wind farm would likely be located in the northern part of Washington County. He says it would stretch from Riverside to the Keokuk County line, and could well be the largest wind farm in Iowa.

Wellman could hire public works director tonight

Posted: Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 4:27 am

The city of Wellman has been looking for a public works director for a few weeks now. City Administrator Dave Ross says they have interviewed many people. Ross says he would like the public works director to start working as soon as possible. He says the Director will be in charge of many different operations in Wellman including water, sewer and parks. Ross says they will know by this evening if the applicant has passed all background checks and then the city council can appoint that person into the new public works director position.

Washington BOS talks roads

Posted: Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 4:26 am

Washington County Supervisors are talking roads at this week's meeting. They're slated to approve an agreement to provide inspection services for the state department of transportation. They'll also discuss purchasing right of way easements for highways. The supervisors are also expected to give a credit card to the county engineer's office. The meeting begins at 9:30 tomorrow morning in the lower level of the Washington County Courthouse.

Story time at Kalona Public Library

Posted: Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 4:24 am

The Kalona Public Library is having story times for kids each Wednesday in May. Youth Services Librarian Marissa Tartaglia says story times help build early childhood literacy skills, through listening, finger plays, rhymes and songs. Themes include jungle animals, Cadecott winners, transportation and aliens. For more information contact Tartaglia at 319-656-3501.

Volunteers needed for Kalona Days Fun Run

Posted: Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 4:24 am

Volunteers for the are needed to help the annual Kalona Days Fun Run. Kalona Days Director Dave Finley says they need people to coordinate publicity, mailings and advanced registration. Finley says they are also looking for help with the many activities during the evening of the run. He says without such volunteers, the fun run wouldn't be possible. The 1 or 5-k run is scheduled for June 19. For more information contact Finley at 319-656-3535.

Open meetings laws

Posted: Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 4:23 am

Open government meetings and transparency in policy making are considered crucial to democracy. Yet Iowa's open meeting laws are sometimes unclear, especially in the face of changing technology. Kathleen Richardson is the executive secretary of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. She says whether or not things like email, online social networking or even phone calls are covered by the law is a murky area. KCII's news team recently participated in an open meetings webinar conducted by Richardson.

Combination Art Show and Piano Recital

Posted: Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 am

IMS senior Abbie Miller, daughter of Tony and Diane Miller, will present a combination art show and piano recital in Celebration Hall Saturday evening, May 9th at 7 p.m. The program will feature several two piano works as well as a trio consisting of piano, violin and cello. A special arrangement of the old hymn, Softly and Tenderly, written for strings, tin whistle, piano and vocalist will also be performed. Miller will be assisted by her classmates, friends, and family. The public is invited to this event, art gallery, and the reception which follows.

WSB Financial Fair

Posted: Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 am

Washington State Bank is having their fourth annual financial fair this week. WSB Vice President Sue Basten. She’ll be discussing strategies for a volatile market and how the banking industry has changed. Basten will also discuss the Federal Deposit Insurance Company’s transaction guarantee program. To find out more, or register for the seminar visit Washington State Bank’s website. The financial fair is this Tuesday from 2 to 5 pm at the bank.

Zoning commission to discuss comp plan

Posted: Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 am

The city of Washington’s Planning and Zoning Commission is reviewing the current comprehensive plan at this week’s meeting. They’ll also be taking a look at some recommended changes to ordinances that deal with district maps and annexation. In addition, commissioners will hear a rezoning petition by Wal-Mart. The meeting is this Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the Washington Public Library. Building and Zoning Administrator Jason Geyer says any interested parties and all citizens may appear and be heard.

Kalona Days Fun Run Seeks Volunteers

Posted: Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 at 4:28 am

The annual Kalona Days Fun 1k, 5k run set for June 19 is seeking individuals to help organize this years event. Dave Finley, Kalona Days Director says volunteers are needed to coordinate publicity, mailings, advance registration as well as those who can help with the many activities the evening of the run. He says without volunteers the Fun Run will not be possible. For information please contact Dave Finley, Kalona Days Director (319)656-3535