Today's Local News

Raising Columbus Junction’s levy has become a team effort. Federal, state and local officials have been enlisted to asses the project and its costs. Columbus Junction city council member Harold Prior says they hope to lessen the roughly $600,000 price tag by using local soil. One snag in the process is the impact it might have on local wildlife. The Army Corp of Engineers requires a wetland charting, which could take several weeks. A review of the charting by the Corp of Engineers might not be completed until late this summer.

Nearly 400 people came to the Washington County 4-H’s pancake breakfast fundraiser over the weekend. Youth Coordinator Katie Peiffer says money raised from the event will help improve the Washington County Fairgrounds. She says that includes new non livestock project displays and a livestock barn with a small show ring included.

April is Financial Literacy Month, and you don’t have to be a Wall Street Banker to participate. Anne Black with Iowa AARP says there a simple things you can do to review your finances, and make better decisions. Black says there are a whole host of resources to help consumers spend smarter. She says that includes the AARP, ISU Extensions and local banks. To find out more visit the AARP’s website.

The Washington Community School District is receiving more than 180-thousand dollars in federal economic stimulus money. That’s according to an estimate released yesterday by the Iowa Department of Education. The money is intended to create and retain jobs, improve student achievement and ensure transparency. IDE Director Judy Jeffery says. The success of the education portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will depend on the shared commitment of school officials, parents and students. She says during this time of great opportunity, they must be responsible, in their actions, wise in their decisions and clear in their intentions.

In celebration of the 36th annual National Volunteer Week, the American Cancer Society recognizes and celebrates the efforts of its more than three million volunteers nationwide who are making a difference for people facing cancer every day. Kierstan Peck with the American Cancer Society, says in Louisa County more than 30 volunteers give their time and talent to fight back against the disease. She also says as we recognize this special week, she wants to thank each of the volunteers in Louisa County for dedicating their time and energy to their cancer-fighting mission. She says volunteers impact the community in ways that could not be done without their personal commitment.

The Washington County Public Health Immunization Clinic scheduled for today has been changed. Brenda Slabaugh, Office Manager & Immunization Clerk with the Washington County Public Health & Home Care says it is normally held at the Kalona Community Center. She says the clinic will instead be held in the basement community room of the Freedom Security Bank, 402 B Avenue, Kalona, from 10 to 11 a.m. She says if there are any question to call 319-653-7758

A recent study by Iowa State University shows eight-and-a-half percent of kids surveyed are addicted to video games. The researcher used the same model for evaluating gambling addictions. Steve Stine, with MECA in Iowa City says what someone is addicted to isn’t as important as why. Stine says addiction is a way people deal with other emotional issues. He says to truly treat the addiction, you have to uproot their underlying problems. Stine says he’s heard of an instance where a young man played video games for 27 hours straight without eating or sleeping. He says that’s similar to what some drug addicts go through.

Mid Prairie ranks high in advanced placement. High School principal Gerry Beeler told the M-P School Board that the High School ranked 7th in the state in Advance Placement program. Beeler said this is the third straight year that Mid Prairie has ranked in the top 10 in AP rankings. Superintendent Mark Schneider said the next board meeting will be on May 11 at 7 p.m. at the Alternative Learning Center in the Wellman Community Building. Reports will include at risk program and the math program. The board will also act on a 28E agreement concerning sharing the business manager with Keota. Schneider said he hopes to have an assistant business manager in place by July 2 to work with Doug Slaubaugh who plans to retire at end of this year.

The first ever Miss Latina Washington will be this weekend. Planning committee member Carlos Rich says it will be similar to a Miss USA event. He hopes Miss Latina Washington will serve as an bridge building opportunity. Rich says Miss Latina contestants are high school students from Washington, and will be judged in a variety of categories. The event is this Saturday (4/25) evening at eight in the Knights of Columbus Hall and Event Center. The public is invited. There is an admission charge.

A 48 year old Winfield man was hospitalized briefly Tuesday after a traffic accident in Ainsworth. According to a report from the Iowa State Patrol, Kenneth Hunt was transported by ambulance to Washington County Hospital and Clinics after his vehicle collided with another car at the four corners interchange. Police say Hunt was treated at the hospital and released. The driver of the other vehicle, 72 year old Kenneth McNeill of New London, was cited for failure to yield.