Cheryl Allen

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

LONE TREEThe pandemic years did a number on education. Students nationwide experienced learning disruptions that negatively affected test scores, especially in math, and the Nation’s Report Card published in January showed Iowa students are still scoring lower than those tested before the pandemic, although recovery is evident. What’s interesting about Lone Tree Elementary is that students were earning low scores in math and English-Language Arts even before COVID crashed the system.

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

WELLMANArea municipalities typically approve yearly contracts with the Washington County Sherrif’s Office earlier than mid-May for the next fiscal year, but “we did have a union contract that took a little bit longer to get done,” County Sheriff Jared Schneider said Monday night at the Wellman City Council meeting, and thus cities are approving contracts now. The Wellman council approved a $158,187 law enforcement contract that will begin July 1.

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

SHARON CENTERTo be recognized as a Gold Star Family is an honor no one desires. To receive such recognition, one must be an immediate family member of a fallen service member who died while serving in a time of conflict.

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

KALONA“We’ve worked hard on this over the last few years to try to get a little more balanced and to get up to those staffing thresholds that the communities and Sheriff Schneider agreed to, and we’re there,” City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh told the Kalona City Council Monday night at their regular meeting, the $336,451 law enforcement contract with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office before them.

2 weeks ago | thenews-ia.com | Cheryl Allen

KALONAWhen you next visit Gambles Hardware looking for a hammer or a paintbrush, you’ll find things are just a little bit different, starting with the name: as of May 1, the downtown staple will continue as Providence Co., a reflection of new owner Anthony Bower’s mission “to be a store of provision, having exactly what you need.”The local entrepreneur purchased the store, which has operated at the same Kalona location for over 60 years, from Craig and Ryan Gingerich.