Today's Local News

Speaker highlights diversity in Iowa

Posted: Monday, April 13th, 2009 at 7:40 am

According to the U-S Census Bureau, Hispanics and Latino's are the fastest growing demographic in the country. How do they adjust to the U-S? how is the U-S adjusting to them? Himar Hernandez is a community development specialist with the ISU Extension in Ottumwa. He says one aspect of American culture he struggled with, was some of the unwritten rules. Hernandez says the U-S has become less like the "great melting pot" it was once labeled, and has allowed immigrants of all cultures to maintain their heritage, while still participating in the American way of life. Hernandez will be in Washington for a Learn at Lunch Monday April 20 at the ISU Extension Building. Contact the Washington Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Washington Mental Health to hold WRAP sessions

Posted: Monday, April 13th, 2009 at 7:39 am

The Washington Mental Health Center is holding a free Wellness Recovery Action Planning sessions, or WRAP. The six week seminar is designed for anyone who is searching for direction, balance and personal empowerment. Sessions will be held every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30. To find out more or get registered, contact Connie at the Washington Mental Health Center 653-6161. The first of six WRAP sessions will be tomorrow evening.

Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt

Posted: Monday, April 13th, 2009 at 7:38 am

Between three and four hundred local children went on the prowl for candy during the A-M Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt on Saturday. Organization member Don Wells says it was one of their better turnouts. He attributes part of that to the nice weather. Wells says they hid more than 100 pounds of sweets throughout Washington's Sunset Park. He also says the children were divided into three age groups: preschoolers and kindergarten, first and second grade, and then third through sixth grade.

Mid Prairie prom this weekend

Posted: Monday, April 13th, 2009 at 7:38 am

Its that time of year again: prom season. The Mid Prairie prom is this Saturday, April 18th. School Secretary Carmela Ulin says the theme of the Prom this year is a Touch of Class and the colors are purple, black and silver. She says the post prom party will be at Colonial Lanes in Iowa City from midnight until 3am. She says there will be bowling, putt putt, billiards and different games to play. Both the Prom and after party are considered lock in events, once the students enter they may not leave and then return again. Post prom at Colonial Lanes will shut there doors and will not allow entry after 1am to make sure that all students are safe and to promote sobriety.

Learn at Lunch

Posted: Sunday, April 12th, 2009 at 4:18 am

According to the U-S Census Bureau, Hispanics and Latino’s are the fastest growing demographic in the country. How do they adjust to the U-S? how is the U-S adjusting to them? Himar Hernandez is a community development specialist with the ISU Extension in Ottumwa. He says one aspect of American culture he struggled with, was some of the unwritten rules. Hernandez says the U-S has become less like the “great melting pot” it was once labeled, and has allowed immigrants of all cultures to maintain their heritage, while still participating in the American way of life. Hernandez will be in Washington for a Learn at Lunch Monday April 20 at the ISU Extension Building. Contact the Washington Chamber of Commerce for more information.

WHS NHS

Posted: Sunday, April 12th, 2009 at 4:18 am

The Washington High School National Honor Society recently announced their newest inductees. Seniors Sarah Emry, Lauren Linge, Brad Sievers and Madelyn Walsh were chosen for the organization. Fourteen juniors were also elected to membership. Those chosen, had a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. They were also considered for membership on the basis of character, leadership and service. New members will be inducted into the National Honor Society at a ceremony May 12th at 7:30 PM at the Washington Presbyterian Church.

Quilt Cake

Posted: Sunday, April 12th, 2009 at 4:17 am

The Kalona Chamber of Commerce as part of the annual Kalona Days Celebration, June 19 and 20 is attempting to construct the largest quilt cake of its kind. Dave Finley, co-chairperson with Kalona days says Participants will enter a 9×13 sheet cake decorated with their family, business or organizations design. These individual cakes will be assembled into a single large cake resembling a quilt. For applications and information contact the Kalona Days Headquarters at the Kalona General Store (319) 656-3535 or email info@kalonageneralstore.com.

Tax Deadline

Posted: Sunday, April 12th, 2009 at 4:17 am

To some the most hated day of the year is April 15th, Tax day. Dan Bontrager with Bontrager tax in Kalona says to make sure that you get everything you need done before the due date because the penalties can be high. He says most people know about getting a penalty for filing late, but he says most people dont know that there is a second penalty for paying late as well. Bontrager says an extension to file doesnt always mean an extension to pay. He says if you think you might be late it is better to be safe than sorry and file for an extension, and if you question anything to contact a professional, he says it could save you more money than you think.

Washington Spring Preview Show

Posted: Saturday, April 11th, 2009 at 4:16 am

The first ever Washington County Spring Preview Cattle Show will be a week from today (4/18) at the fairgrounds. It’s expected to bring about 400 people from all over Iowa to compete. Tim Messenger is a 4-Her who was on the committee that helped bring the show to Washington. He says it’s a good way to get ready for other events. In conjunction with the show, 4-H groups are having a pancake and more breakfast from 7:00 am to 10:30 in the basement of the fairgrounds building. Adults are $6-dollars and kids under 12 are $4-dollars. Proceeds will go towards Washington County Fair improvements. The cattle show will begin at 11:30 am April 18.

Kalona Theft

Posted: Saturday, April 11th, 2009 at 4:16 am

On Thursday, at approximately 3:56 PM, the Washington County 911 Dispatch received a report of theft in the Kalona area. A black male subject entered CJs Gas Station in Kalona and removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash register. No weapon was displayed. The subject fled in a white vehicle westbound from Kalona. This case is under investigation by the Washington County Sheriffs Office.