Jennifer Wilkerson

The Washington Chamber of Commerce has announced that nominations are now open for their Citizen of the Year award. The ceremony will take place at the 2025 Washington Greater Business Partnership Annual Dinner on March 10th. This is an opportunity to honor a member of the community who deserves recognition. The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes an individual that has gone the extra mile to get involved in programs and activities that benefit Washington. The recipient should display leadership, initiative, creativity, and dedication toward their cause and the overall betterment of the community. Last year's recipient was Karisa Mellinger. The public can submit nominations online by clicking the

Stomach bug, 24-hour flu, or viral gastroenteritis are some of the names given to norovirus and it has been on the rise in Iowa over the past month. There are ways that you can protect yourself and Washington Public Health Administrator Jenifer Roberts shares how, “So, we want to make sure that we are washing our hands with soap and water, hand sanitizer does not cover it. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, which I know is difficult for me, so I'm sure a lot of other people as well. Make sure you are cooking your food to a thorough correct temperature. Stay home if you are sick.”

The Hawkeye Area Community Action Mobile Food pantry schedule for February in Washington County has been released. The mobile pantry will be in the Brighton Gym at Main and Mechanic Street from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 6th.

The Sigourney School District will not be having classes Thursday, January 30th, in light of the passing of Kyle Burk, a junior in the district, and funeral services being held. Visitation will be held this evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at Langkamp Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Church in Oskaloosa on Thursday. After-school activities will still be held Thursday, with regular school hours resuming on Friday. The district has additional counseling and support staff available on campus during this time for students and staff.

On today's program, we are talking with Washington County Environmental Health Director Jason Taylor, about Radon Awareness for Radon Action Month.

4-H'ers involved in the swine project area have several important events coming soon. On February 18th at 6 p.m. will be the annual “Know Your Swine” Workshop and Exhibitor Meeting for new and beginning swine showmen at the Extension Office. This is an introductory meeting to the swine project and current swine industry topics. ISU Swine Specialist Matt Romoser, 4-H swine superintendents and mentor families, and 4-H staff will discuss many project areas. This meeting is required if you plan to show swine at the 2025 county fair and have not attended a 4-H swine meeting since the ractopamine rule started in 2020. All swine exhibitors must attend one of these ractopamine-free project meetings with a parent/guardian to exhibit at the Washington County Fair. Questions regarding how to get involved with the swine project area as an exhibitor or community partner may be directed to the Washington County Extension Office.

Washington County Hospital and Clinics (WCHC) has announced the opening of a new primary care clinic in Mediapolis scheduled for May 5, 2025. According to WCHC officials, this initiative responds directly to strong requests from residents for increased access to healthcare services in their community. The Mediapolis Clinic will provide a range of services, including wellness visits, preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute care for all ages.

Local crop producers are invited to attend an informational meeting on grain marketing, crop insurance and farm bill on Monday, February 3rd. The event will feature Iowa State University Economist Dr. Chad Hart. It will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in the basement of Dallmeyer Hall beginning at 5 p.m. Hart will share his thoughts about the commodity market direction, crop insurance updates will also be provided, as well as information on the farm bill. The meeting is sponsored by Washington County Extension and Fulton Crop Insurance Solutions. There is no charge to attend the meeting. Interested participants should RSVP by calling 319-461-6260.

If you have been looking for a clay class to participate in at the Washington Public Library MakeIT Place, you have an opportunity this Tuesday. Kitty Kat Klass with Krista will let participants hand build their own clay cat. The price is $5, and covers the cost of clay, wax resist, glaze and two firings due the day before your class. Registration is required with only six spaces available. Librarian Jenisa Harris shares the impact that clay workshops can have on participants, “It's just such a healthy outlet, really good for if you have anxiety, or just need to slow your day down and just relax. It's very calming, the clay just feels really great. It's a nice environment downstairs so please let us be your little oasis in town.” This class has a second part for glazing which will be another day and time, the sign-up for glazing will be available the day of class. This class is for adults, and after this class, participants are certified to handbuild in the Pottery MakeIT Place. You can find a link to register for this class with the

On today's program, I am talking with Kirkwood Washington County Regional Center Director Tera Pickens about their College Credit in High School information night and changes to next years class schedule.