Washington Evening Journal

The blizzard that was predicted for Washington County Tuesday night lived up to expectations. Roughly 10 inches of snowfall was recorded Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, to go along with wind gusts as high as 50 mph. The inclement weather forced the closure of several area schools and prevented the Washington minibus from operating at all. A tow ban was also issued for Wednesday because ... Full Story »

The draft county zoning ordinance will be discussed during the Washington County Board of Supervisors next regular session on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Board Chairman Jim Miksch directed County Auditor Bill Fredrick to put the draft on next week’s agenda during the board meeting Tuesday morning. Full Story »

During a blizzard such as the one that’s been hitting the area for about the last 18 hours, law enforcement personnel have one piece of advice for people who want to drive somewhere — don’t. When people have to, law enforcement advises extreme caution. Full Story »

Washington Schools Superintendent David Sextro announced this morning that the regular school board meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. this evening has been postponed until 7 p.m. next Wednesday, Dec. 16. Full Story »

The Christmas season is a time for family members to come together and enjoy each other’s company. That is, unless you’re stuck in the Black Forest of Germany trying to dodge bullets and survive the frigid cold. That was what Christmas time was in 1944 for World War II veteran George Grove, now a resident of the United Presbyterian Home in Washington. Full Story »

Washington Schools Superintendent David Sextro said today that there could be no “sacred cows” when the school district board determines which budget cuts to make in order to offset the state’s 10 percent across-the-board budget cuts. Full Story »

KALONA — On Monday, the Kalona City Council learned that $53,500 has been raised locally to support the proposed downtown revitalization project, much of it through the purchase of quilt block patterns that will be installed on new downtown sidewalks. However, there are some additional funds for benches and other amenities, including two kiosks. Full Story »

As the Washington area prepares for the blizzard that is scheduled to begin Tuesday evening and last through Wednesday, local authorities are advising residents to stay indoors if at all possible. Approximately seven inches of snow is predicted to fall Tuesday night, accompanied by 30 to 40 mph wind gusts. Larry Smith, the Washington County emergency management coordinator, said that a ... Full Story »

All schools in the Washington Evening Journal have reported being cancelled today due to predicted heavy snow fall. Schools that are closed include: Washington School District; WACO Schools District; Mid-Prairie Schools District; Highland School District; Mt. Pleasant School District; St. James School; Iowa Mennonite School; Keota School District; and all preschools Full Story »

For the first time this year, area residents have had to get out their shovels to clear the streets and sidewalks of snow. Washington received a little over an inch of snow Monday morning, prompting city officials to plow and salt the streets. Parks Commissioner Tim Widmer used a lawnmower outfitted with a blade to move snow off the sidewalks in the downtown area. Full Story »

The National Weather Service is predicting blowing snow in Washington County beginning Tuesday night and continuing through Wednesday. Roughly 3 inches of snow are in the forecast for Tuesday alone, with a chance of precipitation of 90 percent. City and county officials are doing what they can to prepare for the blizzard. Full Story »

The Washington Police Department reported today that two persons of interest who were being sought in connection with a homicide investigation have been located and are cooperating with police. No further information was released. Full Story »

The Iowa Department of Public Safety reported today that the death of a rural Mt. Pleasant man has been ruled a suicide. Full Story »

A two vehicle head-on collision occurred in the 1600 block of 120th Street outside Wellman Monday morning. One subject was transported to the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City by the Washington County Ambulance. Officers reported that the accident toke place when Randy Dwayne Williams, of Harper, was traveling eastbound on 120th Street on the wrong side of the road and struck a westbound ... Full Story »

BURLINGTON – A Columbus Junction man was injured Sunday morning after his shotgun discharged while hunting near Wapello. Full Story »

When Connie Shelangoski was injured at work two years ago, she had no idea her health would continue to deteriorate from that time on. The Brighton woman has had several surgeries and illnesses since then. She just felt sicker and sicker as the months rolled on. Full Story »

DES MOINES — Kerry Koonce, a spokesperson for Iowa Workforce Development, confirmed today that the group’s office in Washington would continue its part-time hours in a new location. Full Story »

The E911 Services Board and Communications Commission are exploring the possibility of building a new communications center adjacent to the county jail at Orchard Hill. That was the matter that was discussed at the two boards’ joint meeting Thursday night in Washington. Full Story »

The service organizations in Washington are doing their part to make Christmas a joyful time of year for those in need. Several groups in the city have programs to assist low-income families who struggle to get by during the holiday season. Full Story »

The Washington Police Department hasn’t released many details regarding a death that occurred early Nov. 22, but now have confirmed there is a homicide investigation going on and asked for the community’s help in locating two suspects. Full Story »

Many people set up Christmas trees this time of year, but for Bess Edwards setting up her tree means sharing happiness and her creative gift with other residents at Halcyon House. Full Story »

The Washington City Council voted to table action on upgrading the traffic signal at the intersection of Main Street and Second Avenue at its regular meeting Wednesday night. City officials presented a report of the cost of rewiring the traffic signal to the street committee on Nov. 18, which they estimated to be $32,000. Full Story »

The Wayland Fire Department has reached an agreement with the ambulance and emergency medical departments of Henry County Health Center to limit Wayland’s obligation to provide first responder service to Olds. Full Story »

The Washington Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are seeking the assistance of the public to obtain information about the identity of two subjects who were in Washington on Nov. 22 and are persons of interest in a homicide investigation. Both subjects may be from Michigan and are possibly involved in the consruction industry. Full Story »

The Washington Choral Society is putting on their Christmas concert titled “Joy,” which will be 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening in the United Presbyterian Church. The choral society will be joined by a group of singers known as the “Sound of Washington.” The Sound of Washington is a group of 26 special-needs adults that was formed in the spring when the group performed its first concert at Hamakua ... Full Story »