AnnaMarie Kruse

A winter storm that dropped up to 10 inches of snow across Washington County kept police and sheriff’s deputies busy throughout the weekend, as officers issued more than three dozen snow-ban citations and responded to a steady stream of vehicles sliding off roadways.

Washington County supervisors took a step toward replacing a key rural bridge Tuesday, Nov. 25, voting to approve a federal-aid agreement that commits up to $10 million in Highway Bridge Program funding for a new structure on County Highway W21 over the Skunk River.

Highland Community School District received a $43,657 grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation’s Fall 2025 cycle, advancing the district’s ongoing effort to modernize learning spaces and expand hands-on opportunities for students.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office added a new K9 team to its ranks this fall, welcoming K9 Rino and his handler, Deputy Ethan Hansen, after the pair completed an intensive certification program at Tree Town Kennels in Forest City.

As Fairfield and surrounding counties prepare for the holiday, Wanderer’s Haul is not alone in offering a place at the table. Community groups, churches and volunteers across the region are preparing their own gatherings, making sure people have access to food, fellowship and the comfort of eating alongside others.

Check out numerous holiday events throughout Washington County this holiday season.

There is not rest for farmers, even in the coldest months.

When Officer Morgan Light joined the Washington Police Department this week, she brought experience and a history of hands-on youth engagement that matches the department’s ongoing efforts to connect with students and families across the community.

Washington County Hospital and Clinics began seeing patients this week in a newly renovated behavioral health space inside the McCreedy Medical Clinic, a move leaders say strengthens access to mental-health services as demand continues to rise across the region.

Downtown Washington will turn pink this Friday, Nov. 21, as local shops, restaurants and boutiques celebrate Pink Friday, a nationwide initiative encouraging shoppers to support small businesses ahead of the holiday season.

A 4-year-old girl suffered serious injuries Saturday evening after a driver hit her in an alley off Jefferson Street, according to first responders and an Iowa State Patrol report.

Those driving through Washington should watch for changes this week. Despite delays to Washington’s long-planned reconfiguration of Iowa Highway 92 (East Washington Street), the new traffic signals at the intersection of East Washington Street and South 12th Avenue will switch on Thursday, Nov. 20.

At Highland High School this past weekend, pink wasn’t just a color — it was a celebration. The school’s Fine Arts department transformed the school gym into North Shore High as students performed

Washington Police Department officers assisted in the arrest of a local man for allegedly violating a no-contact order related to a Linn County case in which he faced multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

Washington County’s city elections on Tuesday produced a blend of steady leadership and fresh perspectives, with uncontested incumbents cruising and a handful of competitive races reshaping several councils.