Jennifer Wilkerson

The Washington Public Library MakeIT Place is open, but there are steps patrons need to take to be able to utilize the equipment. For most of the equipment, there is a certification process needed or an introductory class. For other pieces of equipment, you just need to make an appointment for a quick demonstration. Once you're certified to use the equipment, you just have to make a reservation, sign in at the desk and Library staff will get you set up. The Library is offering many open houses during July, so if you're not sure where to start, come to an open house or drop in on Tech Thursdays from 10 am to noon. You can find a

The Washington County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday. On the agenda was a personnel change request from Washington County Public Health. Fiscal Administrator of Public Health Peggy Wood gives more information, “So in the read file you have a personnel change request that was approved by the Board of Health on Thursday of last week. That personnel change request appoints Jenifer Roberts as the new Administrator for Public Health, and changes her from an hourly wage to a salary wage. And that was made effective on June 27th.” The Supervisors approved the hiring of Jenifer Roberts as the new Administrator. Roberts had previously been a staff nurse with Public Health.

The KCII Big Red Radio will be broadcasting live from the City of Wellman as part of the Big Red Radio Summer Town Tour while they host their annual Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4th. Activities include a kiddie parade and main parade, heritage museum, kids pedal pull, food on the grill, pony rides, food and drink vendors, and live music with the Old Man Band, followed by fireworks at dusk. KCII will be broadcasting from 8 am into the afternoon. The one to take you where the action is, AM and FM KCII.

The Washington Municipal Band will be performing a special Independence Day Concert tomorrow evening beginning at 7:45 pm.

Patriotic music can be heard on KCII all the way through the 4th of July. To help celebrate the holiday, KCII Radio is playing patriotic music every hour. On Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th, from 7-11 p.m., KCII will air non-stop patriotic music with our special edition Patriotic Music Magazines to coincide with local fireworks displays.

On Monday, June 24th, the Washington City Council held a special meeting. According to the meeting minutes, they were in a closed session for twelve minutes. After coming back from a closed session, council member Elaine Moore made a motion to terminate the employment of City Clerk Amanda Waugh. Waugh began her role as City Clerk on November 27th of this year. KCII reached out to City Officials and received no comment, we will bring you more information as it becomes official.

The Washington County Board of Supervisors discussed a proposed memorandum of understanding regarding the reimbursement from the Mental Health Agency of Southeast Iowa for County employers, occupancy, and equipment. Supervisor Jack Seward Jr. gives more information on the proposition, “This is a continuation of something that came to be about three years ago when the state took over Mental Health and Disability Services. So what the memorandum of understanding is is that Washington County does provide office space that we provide the space for mental health business and the state will pay for it.” The Supervisors approved the agreement between the County and the Mental Health Agency of Southeast Iowa.

As Iowans and all Americans celebrate Independence Day today, they are reminded to be safe should those celebrations involve fireworks. While many area towns like Washington and Kalona have ordinances in place prohibiting fireworks within city limits, their increased availability this time of year has led to thousands of injuries and even some deaths in the past. While sparklers may seem like a harmless alternative, they burn at approximately 2,000 degrees and can quickly ignite clothing. For children under five years of age, sparklers account for nearly half of the total estimated injuries. Additionally, fireworks start more than 19,000 fires every year. Anyone lighting their own fireworks today is reminded to never let children play with or ignite them, keep a bucket of water or garden hose readily available, and never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited. For more firework safety tips, visit cpsc.gov/fireworks.

The City of Washington is inviting you to join them at the Washington County Fairgrounds tonight to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks. Those who attend should bring a lawn chair for the show at dusk. The KCII Big Red Radio will be playing patriotic music at the county fairgrounds. The KCII Patriotic Music Magazines air from 7-11 p.m. Thursday, July 4th, and Friday, July 5th, to serve as the soundtrack for local celebrations.

Washington County Hospital and Clinics (WCHC) has announced the installation of a new, advanced Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) machine, along with a comprehensive upgrade to its imaging room. This enhancement to the facility was made possible through contributions from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation and the Washington County Hospital Foundation. DEXA scans are critical for accurately measuring bone mineral density, body composition, and fat content, which are essential for diagnosing conditions such as osteoporosis and assessing patients' risk for fractures. The advanced technology of the new DEXA machine ensures faster, more precise results, thereby enhancing the quality of care for patients. The new DEXA machine and upgraded imaging room are now fully operational and ready to serve the community. A provider referral is required for DEXA scans. For more information or