FOOD & DRINK

A retired junior high teacher from Washington, Iowa just set a very merry record. If you grew up celebrating Christmas like I did, then one of the iconic parts of holiday decorating included setting up a Nativity scene in your home. Over the years, my dad has slowly started to expand that Yuletide tradition by adding VERY LARGE inflatable versions of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in our front yard.

In the latest Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, water levels were too low in the Iowa and Skunk rivers for ample information, however anglers still have opportunities to test the bite in southeast Iowa. Water temperatures in Washington County’s Lake Darling were hovering between 75 and...

Interested in adopting a pet — or just looking at some adorable pets near you up for adoption? There are dozens of endearing pets up for adoption at animal shelters in and around Washington.

Join the Washington Chamber of Commerce & Main Street Washington for family fun activities in Central Park on Saturday, October 7th in Central Park from 4-7:30 pm. Enjoy pony rides, food trucks & more leading up to the Movie on Main at dusk. Grab a blanket and finish the night with the family-friendly movie Hocus Pocus, brought to you by Movies on Main Street.

The Red Cedar Chamber Music group presents Retracted Retirement. Brahms took himself out of retirement to write this piece. The great composer Johannes Brahms briefly retired from composition in 1890 at the age of 57. However, after hearing clarinetist Richard Muhlfeld perform, he came out of retirement to write some of his greatest works, including his Clarinet Quintet, Clarinet Trio and two Sonatas for Clarinet and Piano. The Quintet, an imposing four-movement work, is considered a masterpiece of composition and is central to the clarinet repertory. Join the Red Cedar Chamber Group as they perform at the Washington Public Library beginning at 6:30pm.

WASHINGTON, Iowa (KCRG) - Jessica Blauvelt of Washington describes her youngest, Ezekial, as a fun-loving little boy. But his epilepsy has changed his life quite a bit. His doose syndrome epilepsy is rare among children his age. It can cause multiple seizures a day, every day, as well as various developmental delays that result in behavioral disorders.

Victorian View Venue at 320 W 2nd Street is having an open house with a silent auction on September 23rd from 1-3. Join them on Saturday afternoon to support local animal shelter PAWS & More. KCII spoke with Victorian View owner Sandy Bacon about the event: “We’re just basically having more of a picnic, and that type of thing outside on the grounds. I think PAWS & More are going to be bringing a few of the animals that they have at the shelter. So we are having a silent auction for that too, and that money is just going directly to PAWS & More.” You can find silent auction items on Victorian Views Facebook page. Stop by both Victorian View from 1-3 pm on Sept 23 to support our local animal shelter, PAWS & More.

Unc & Nephs Bar and Grill in Washington will be donating 10% of food sales tonight to 4 Paws For Ability Service Dog for Zeke Blauvelt this evening. KCII was able to speak with Jessica Blauvelt, Zeke’s mom, about what these fundraisers mean for their family, “Zeke’s hope is that by that time he’s ten we have this service dog. So, it’s a two-and-a-half-year process once we raise the twenty thousand dollars.” The fundraiser will be running from 5 to 9 pm.

Save the date for the PAWS & More Animal Shelter of Washington’s Gala on October 21st at Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. Get ready to indulge in delicious food and sip on refreshing drinks. They will have a live auction with Dwight Duwa, introduce some special guests, and share some of their favorite animal stories. This event is dedicated to raising funds for the shelter pets in need. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate PAWS & More Animal Shelter’s past, present, and future. You can find a link to reserve your seat for this gala with the link with this news story at KCIIradio.com. Reservations must be made by October 3rd for this event.

Join the Washington Public Library for their next Indie Film Screening tomorrow. The film that will be showing is Sandra Day O’Connor: The First. A Republican, she served two terms in the Arizona state senate, then became a judge on the state court of appeals. During her 25 years on the Supreme Court, O’Connor was the critical swing vote on cases involving some of the 20th century’s most controversial issues, including race, gender, and reproductive rights — and she was the tiebreaker on Bush v. Gore. Forty years after her confirmation, this biography recounts the life of a pioneering woman who both reflected and shaped an era. The film will begin at 12 pm and you must register with the Library to attend this event. You can find a link to register with this news story at KCIIradio.com.

On today’s program, we’re speaking with Nancy Roth, Managing Director for the Kalona Historical Society, about the 2023 Kalona Fall Festival.

Join the Washington Public Library on Monday evening for the What are you reading book club? This book chat is to share what you are currently reading, or just finished reading. This month the focus will be on banned books. The club will meet in the main level reading lounge at 6pm. This program is geared toward adults, and questions can be directed to the Washington Public Library at 319-653-2726.

The 2023 Junkin Sisters Fall Shop Hop is this weekend. Support small businesses, makers, and vintage markets on this self-guided shopping adventure through several communities. This two-day shopping event includes Washington, Kalona, Columbus Junction, Mt. Pleasant, and Fairfield communities, with some shops between them as well. Find a detailed map of all of the participating stops on the Junkin Sisters Shop Hop Facebook Page.

Washington County 4-H’ers are reminded that 4-H record books need to be turned into 4-H club leaders soon. Members should be in touch with club leaders for specific club deadlines during the month of September. Leaders will evaluate and nominate all record book award winners to the Extension Office by October 1. All members are eligible to apply for the CBI Bank and Trust 4-H Participation Awards and intermediates and seniors are eligible for up to three project awards. The special award applications for leadership and citizenship are also due to the Washington County Extension Office by October 1. For more information about 4-H, record keeping, or to obtain forms, contact the Washington County Extension Office.

Join the Washington Public Library for a Classic Cinema showing of the film Shadow of a Doubt tomorrow beginning at 5 pm. The thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock was released in 1943 and was nominated for best story. The film will be shown in the Nicola-Stoufer meeting room. You are welcome to bring a light snack, a covered beverage, and a folding lawn chair to sit in. To register for this Classic Cinema showing, contact the Washington Public Library at 319-653-2726.

Black and gold flooded the town of Wellman Wednesday night, as the Mid-Prairie Community School District continued its Homecoming celebration. New to the festivities this year was the first annual Homecoming Parade, featuring the Mid-Prairie Marching Band, fall athletes, and the homecoming court. The fun continued onto the high school football field, where Golden Hawk freshman through seniors participated in powderpuff and kick ball. Powderpuff football champions were the sophomores, and the victor in kickball was the senior class.