Heavy rains last week caused flooding throughout the area, impacting communities including Kalona, Riverside, Wellman, Lone Tree, Washington and surrounding areas. Kalona and many of its residents experienced flooding, with most of it caused by rainwater. According to Kalona City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh, about 26 residents reported flooding in their homes. Although most Kalona residents who experienced flooding dealt with rainwater, some reported sewage issues. One resident reported having about 18 inches of water in their basement... more

At their meeting on Tuesday, the Washington County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the county in a State of Emergency in response to the storms on September 19 and 20. The board also approved a subdivision plat and discussed using tax increment financing, or TIF, for county projects... more

On an overcast Thursday morning, I sat down with Kalona Blacksmith & Welding owner Bob Yoder at his shop. Between answering calls about his upcoming open house, he pulled up a chair and talked about his career as a welder, why he is considering selling the shop and its tools, and his work as a Washington County supervisor. All around us were the tools he has collected over the years. If you offered the right price, Yoder might sell you one... more

With the November election approaching, the Washington Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The forum will be held on the second floor of the Washington Library in the Nicola Stoufer Room and the Washington State Bank Room... more

Road construction has closed a stretch of Kiwi Avenue near Kalona until further notice. Kiwi Avenue southwest of Kalona, just west of Highway 1, closed on Wednesday, Sept. 23, for repairs to a culvert in the road... more

During Tuesday`s meeting, the Washington County Board of Supervisors approved transitions for its IT staff. Kyle Evans will transition into the director position, and Dustin Flake will become the systems administrator... more

A Brighton man was arrested Thursday after allegedly threatening Washington County Hospital staff members over the phone. According to authorities, he said, “lots of people were going to get hurt” and that a particular hospital employee should be out front wearing a vest... more

Over the weekend, heavy rain caused flooding in many areas, including Kalona, Wellman, Washington and Lone Tree. According to reports, Kalona and surrounding communities such as Wellman, Riverside and Washington received about 2 to 5 inches of rain. Other parts of the county were affected as well. The National Weather Service reported approximately 4.91 inches of rain in Ainsworth... more

Washington   With the Nov. 3 general election approaching, voters will soon have the option to cast their ballots early. In-person absentee voting begins Oct. 14. County auditors began … more

The major item for the Washington County Board of supervisors at its Tuesday meeting was the increasing cost of health care. The board approved a 7% increase in medical insurance costs... more

“Probably 90 percent of where we get our jobs from is just word of mouth,” Matthew Roder says as we stand outside a house where he’s about to finish one job, cross the street, and begin … more

Wellman man Larry Smith has pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Smith, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of a controlled substance violation, both Class C felonies; one count of dominion or control of a firearm by a felon, a Class D felony; and three counts of possession of a controlled substance, all aggravated misdemeanors. The remaining charges were dismissed... more

If you own a house or mobile home, you may have already paid the first installment of your real estate or mobile home taxes. The taxes became due Tuesday, September 1, and must be paid by Wednesday, September 30, to avoid a penalty... more

The Knupp family was honored with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award for its commitment to agriculture and the community. The award recognizes Iowa livestock and poultry farmers who demonstrate excellence in environmental stewardship, animal care and community leadership... more

With Election Day approaching, the Washington County Republicans held their second Lincoln Dinner of the year over the weekend at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort. Those attending included Johnson County supervisor candidate Jennie Wunderlich, District 92 state Rep. Heather Hora, state Sen. Dawn Driscoll, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Americans for Prosperity Director of Grassroots Operations Dustin Rush, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and Republican gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn. U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson was scheduled to attend but was unable to be there. Each candidate and elected official had an opportunity to address the crowd... more

In their regular meeting Tuesday, September 8, the Washington County supervisors unanimously approved a funding request from Celebrate Recovery Brighton but tabled a similar one from Celebrate Recovery Washington for further review... more

During a visit to Washington in February for the Fields and Friends Party, Naig discussed efforts to secure nationwide, year-round access to E15. Although the legislation has not passed, Naig remains hopeful that it will advance later this year... more

A Kalona family is working to help people affected by the recent flooding in Nepal, which began on August 26. Westside Petro owner Dawa Sherpa, who is originally from Nepal, hopes to raise awareness of the disaster and encourage community members to support the families affected by it... more

Wellman man Willie Garrett was recently sentenced to six years in prison on charges of felony domestic abuse and possession of a controlled substance. Garrett, 48, pleaded guilty on July 10 and was sentenced during an August 28 court appearance... more

The second annual K9 Cornhole Fundraiser, hosted by the Washington County Sheriff's office, took place last Saturday in SouthTown, Kalona. The event raises money to support the Washington County Sheriff's office K9 unit. Before the tournament began, the weather was less than ideal, and it appeared that many participants might have to play in the rain. However, the rain stopped and the sun came out shortly before the tournament started, allowing everyone to enjoy the event... more